Sen. Tommy Tuberville cosponsors bill to fight executive overreach
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville on Tuesday joined U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and more than two dozen Republican colleagues to reintroduce legislation to increase oversight of the federal rulemaking process. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act would require federal agencies that propose major changes to rules and policies to obtain approval from Congress. “Under the Constitution, Congress is supposed to write our laws,” said Sen. Tuberville. “But the Biden administration keeps trying to run the country out of the White House. I’m not going to stand for that. This legislation would ensure that any regulation with a major impact on our country would go through Congress like the Constitution says.” “For too long, an ever-growing federal bureaucracy has piled regulations and red tape on the backs of the American people without any approval by Americans’ elected representatives,” said Sen. Paul. “By making Congress more accountable for the most costly and intrusive federal rules, the REINS Act would give Kentuckians and citizens throughout the country a greater voice in determining whether these major rules are in America’s best interests.” U.S. Representative Kat Cammack (R-Florida) introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives along with 182 cosponsors. “The regulatory regime has gone unchecked for decades, and it’s time we return power to the American people, not the nameless, faceless bureaucrats in Washington,” said Rep. Cammack. U.S. Senator Katie Britt is also a cosponsor of the REINS Act. The bill defines a “major” rule as one that the Office of Management and Budget determines may result in an economic impact of $100 million or greater each year. Specifically, the bill describes the applicable rules as those that cause “a major increase in costs or prices” for American consumers, government agencies, regions, or industries, or “significant adverse effects” on the economy. Under the REINS Act, once major rules are drafted, they must then be affirmatively approved by both chambers of Congress and then signed by the President, satisfying the bicameralism and presentment requirements of the Constitution. Currently, regulations ultimately take effect unless Congress specifically disapproves. The REINS Act was included in the Republican debt ceiling bill in the House – the Save, Limit, Grow Act. That bill was rejected by the Whitehouse and Congressional Democrats. It was not included in the bipartisan debt ceiling bill that ultimately passed Congress and was signed by the President. The REINS Act will need Democratic support to clear the Senate, given Democratic control of the body. It also would likely need the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. The REINS Act has been introduced in previous Congresses. Under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress can pass laws and write legislation. Congress, however, has ceded much of its constitutional law-making authority to executive branch agencies over the last 100-plus years, isolating themselves from the minutia of government and the blame. At the same time, this delegation of responsibility to the executive branch has made the President more and more powerful. Democrats are unlikely to pass legislation that will limit the power of a Democratic President, and it is similarly unprecedented for a Republican-controlled Congress to pass legislation such as the REINS Act that would in any way curtail the power of a Republican President. Tuberville was elected to the Senate in the 2020 election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt accuses China of helping Iran work around American sanctions
U.S. Senator Katie Britt, during a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs claimed that highlighted how current American sanctions against Iran have failed to stop its commerce with China, which continues to buy Iranian oil and aid the development of Iran’s nuclear missile program. Questioning Biden Administration officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Senator Britt pointed to evidence that clearly shows that despite American sanctions, Iranian oil is being exported to China at record levels, Chinese firms are providing critical assistance in Iran’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons, and Chinese companies are providing surveillance technology as Iran monitors and censors its own people. “These two countries have long worked together, with China purchasing Iranian oil and Iran buying Chinese goods. China is perhaps the biggest partner for Iran in evading sanctions,” Senator Britt said. During her questioning, Senator Britt pointed out that while elevated sanctions are in place, Iran has experienced increased oil exports. Specifically, she asked if sanctions were being levied and enforced against Chinese ports receiving Iranian oil. Biden Administration officials repeatedly avoided answering the question directly. “At a time when China is our greatest geopolitical threat, I believe we must do more to stop them from aiding enemies such as Iran. What we are seeing is Iran circumventing American sanctions in close coordination with China. This is not only incredibly concerning, it is a major national security threat. The Biden Administration should be focused on using the tools available to enforce these sanctions and hold China accountable.” Iranian oil exports have hit new highs despite the U.S. sanctions during the last two months of 2022. Companies that track the flows claim that Iran has higher oil shipments to China and Venezuela. Energy consultant SVB International said Iran’s crude exports in December averaged 1.137 million barrels per day, up 42,000 bpd from November and the highest 2022 figure that SVB. “January exports were so far strong like previous months,” said Sara Vakhshouri of SVB. “Lower Chinese demand and Russia’s supply to China have been a major challenge for them. Most of its oil still goes to the Far East, ultimately China. Iran also helps Venezuela to export its oil.” Kpler is a data intelligence firm. Kpler puts Iranian crude exports at 1.23 million barrels per day in November. This is the highest level recorded since August 2022 and almost on par with April 2019′s rate of 1.27 million barrels per day, although they slipped to just below 1 million bpd in December. Iran, meanwhile, appears to be in the early stage of a growing border war with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Military equipment that Americans abandoned in Afghanistan has been moved toward the Iranian border. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and Senate colleagues introduce a bipartisan bill to cut compensations from failed bank executives
U.S. Senator Katie Britt on Friday joined Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), and a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the Failed Bank Executives Clawback Act. This legislation would enable federal regulators to claw back compensation from bank executives who are responsible for the reckless decisions that resulted in their institution’s failures. “When executives drive financial institutions into failure with reckless business practices, they shouldn’t be allowed to use their golden parachutes to escape responsibility while their customers, their employees, and hardworking American families are left footing the bill for the failure of their bank,” said Sen. Britt. “This commonsense legislation will dissuade risky bank mismanagement and ensure that bad actors are held accountable.” “The executives responsible for running their banks into the ground are sitting on millions of dollars in compensation and bonuses. Meanwhile, the American people are bearing the financial burden for their excessive risk-taking and gross mismanagement,” said Sen. Vance. “This legislation would right that wrong and ensure that failed bank executives are held accountable for the collapse of their institutions – not the American taxpayer.” “Nearly three months after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, a bipartisan group of Senators is demonstrating a serious commitment to pass legislation requiring financial regulators to claw back pay from executives when they implode their bank,” said Sen. Warren. “Congress must answer the President’s call for stronger laws to hold failed bank executives accountable, and I’m determined to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee to deliver change.” The bill would expand the existing authority of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to claw back the compensation of bank executives when they are found to have substantially contributed to the collapse of a financial institution by engaging in reckless business practices. Any funding that is clawed back will be directed to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund. This legislation was introduced in light of the recent collapses of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in California and Signature Bank in New York. Sponsors claim that considering the cost of the institutions’ collapse to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and impact to the broader banking sector, this legislation is needed to deter future bad actors. Sen. Britt questioned former SVB CEO Greg Becker at a recent Banking Committee hearing, demanding answers about his responsibility in the bank’s collapse and his plans to give back the $1.5 million bonus he received. “If the team would have known it was going to be the fastest rate in history, I believe they would have considered different decisions,” Becker testified. “Senator, I was the CEO of Silicon Valley Bank. I take responsibility for what ultimately happened.” Co-sponsors of the bill also include U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri.), and Mike Braun (R-Indiana). To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt votes against debt ceiling bill
U.S. Senator Katie Britt voted against the bipartisan debt ceiling plan, H.R. 3746 – the Fiscal Responsibility Act, on Thursday after efforts to amend the package were blocked. The debt ceiling sets the amount of money the U.S. Department of the Treasury can legally borrow to pay the country’s financial obligations. H.R. 3746 will suspend the debt ceiling with no set monetary limit, among other provisions. The national debt is currently more than $31.8 trillion. The deficit is estimated to grow by as much as $4 trillion over the next 19 months. “The United States currently has a national debt of nearly $32 trillion, and it is rapidly rising with each passing minute,” said Senator Britt. “It’s clear that if we don’t change our dire financial trajectory, it will make the American Dream unattainable for our children and our children’s children. This issue is not only a question of our country’s economic security, but our moral obligations to future generations. Decisive action and tough decisions are needed to finally get control of wasteful government spending and put America’s fiscal house in order. While I appreciate the diligence of Speaker McCarthy in attempting to make the best out of the crisis scenario caused by months of President [Joe] Biden refusing to even have a conversation about this issue, we must do more.” Both Britt and Senator Tommy Tuberville voted no on the debt ceiling deal. Senator Britt joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) and eight Republican colleagues to introduce the Full Faith and Credit Act, legislation that would have ensured that the federal government avoids default and prioritizes meeting America’s obligations to our military, veterans, and seniors after reaching the debt ceiling. During debate of H.R. 3746 on the Senate floor, Senator Britt supported several efforts to improve the legislation in a fiscally responsible manner. However, all of these amendments were defeated by Senate Democrats. On Thursday night, the Senate voted to send a compromise bill to President Biden’s desk that extends the government’s borrowing authority until January 2025 and staves off a potentially disastrous default next week. A large bipartisan majority of the Senate voted 63 to 36 to approve the bill, which passed the House on Wednesday night. 31 of the 49 Senate Republicans voted against the deal, including Senate Republican Conference Committee Chairman John Barrasso (Wyoming). Senate Democrats were not happy about caps on non-defense discretionary spending, tougher work requirements for federal food assistance, and approval of a controversial natural gas pipeline. Forty-five of the Senate Democrats voted for the bill to avoid default. Four Democrats and independent Bernie Sanders voted against the deal. The bill was negotiated between President Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California). “No one gets everything they want in a negotiation, but make no mistake: this bipartisan agreement is a big win for our economy and the American people,” President Biden said in a statement. The federal government collects $4.7 trillion in taxes, including $2.6 trillion in income tax revenues. The federal government spends $6.1 trillion annually, producing a current budget deficit of $1.48 trillion annually. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt, Eric Schmitt, and colleagues introduce legislation to reduce federal regulations
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) in introducing the Expediting Reform and Stopping Excess Regulations Act, or ERASER Act, which sponsors hope will rein in the administrative state. Britt said the legislation is necessary to protect Alabamians and Americans from overbearing federal regulations. “Time and time again, when I meet with Alabamians, one of their top concerns is the sheer number of burdensome regulations that the Biden Administration continues to churn out without congressional approval, all for the sake of increasing governmental control and power,” Britt said. “These needless restrictions are hamstringing hardworking Americans and making their lives harder, not easier, at a time when the nation is facing persistently high inflation and economic uncertainty. It’s clear that Alabamians and Americans know best how to manage our own households, businesses, and properties, and slashing regulatory red tape will ensure that bureaucratic overreach is kept in check so families can thrive and achieve their American Dream.” “The administrative state is comprised of thousands of unelected bureaucrats at alphabet agencies that have immense power over the lives of Missourians and Americans,” explained Sen. Schmitt. “To reduce the burden on Missourians and Americans and to claw that power away from unelected bureaucrats, I introduced the ERASER Act to ensure that burdensome and outdated regulations are repealed before any new regulations are put forward,” stated Senator Eric Schmitt. “This is an important step in reducing the regulatory burden on Missourians and Americans and affecting much-needed structural reform. I will continue to fight to get government off of the backs of Missourians and Americans and ensure that power is returned to where it belongs: the people.” The ERASER Act provides the framework to ensure government bureaucrats think more critically about new rules and regulations. The bill would require administrative agencies that issue a new regulation to repeal three existing regulations before the new regulation takes effect. The sponsors say that this bill will build upon the Trump Administration executive order issued in 2017 (E.O. 13771) that required agencies to remove two regulations when issuing a new one. Through 2019, those efforts saved small businesses $733 million in regulation costs during the Trump administration. One of President Biden’s first actions was to repeal this policy. The ERASER Act prohibits agencies from issuing a major rule unless the agency has repealed three (3) or more rules, and the cost of the new major rule is less than or equal to the cost of the rules repealed, as certified by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Major rules are defined under this legislation as any rules that (a) cost $100 million or more, (b) cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers or individual industries, or (c) have a significant adverse effect on competition, employment, investment, or innovation of U.S. businesses. The ERASER Act provides minimal exceptions for internal governance of an agency and for rules that would make the requirements less burdensome. It also requires the GAO to conduct a study on all rules currently in effect as of the date of the bill’s enactment. Senators Britt and Schmitt were joined in cosponsoring the ERASER Act are Senators Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Sen. Mike Braun (R-Indiana), and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida). The ERASER Act has been endorsed by Heritage Action, Competitive Enterprise Institute, and the Foundation for Government Accountability. With the Democratic Party in control of the Senate, it will take broad bipartisan support for the ERASER Act to even make it to the floor of the Senate. It is doubtful that that legislation will pass the Senate. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues introduce legislation to combat fentanyl and illegal immigration
U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined colleagues to introduce the FEND Off Fentanyl Act and the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act. 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. “The people who are truly profiting from trafficking fentanyl, from the precursor producers in China to the ruthless cartels in Mexico, are well-financed, well-organized, and well-connected,” said Senator Britt. “Giving the Treasury Department the tools to impose meaningful penalties will help ensure that we can curb the deadly flow of fentanyl into our country and work to end the devastation that this poison has brought to our communities, schools, and families.” 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. This bill is led by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). “I hear over and over from Ohioans that we need new, more powerful tools to prevent the flow of these drugs to our communities,” said Brown. “Our bipartisan bill targets these drugs at the source. We are going after the illicit fentanyl supply chain, from China through Mexico, to help stop increasingly dangerous forms of this drug before they ever reach our communities.” The Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act will empower local law enforcement and ensure they can work with federal authorities to enforce existing immigration laws. This bill would also pull taxpayer-funded grants from municipalities that adopt “sanctuary cities” policies which forbid their police departments from cooperating with federal authorities in immigrant enforcement actions. “Ensuring that our citizens can live the American Dream regardless of their zip code starts with public safety,” Sen. Britt stated. “At a time when our nation is facing an unprecedented crisis at our southern border, we can’t have municipalities picking and choosing what laws they want to follow. I’m proud to support Senator Cruz’s effort to stop the dangerous policies of sanctuary cities and put power back into the hands of law enforcement.” The legislation is led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). “So-called ‘sanctuary cities’ refuse to enforce the laws on the books and release violent criminals in our country illegally—including rapists and murders—who go on to prey on both American citizens and the immigrant community,” Sen. Cruz said. “Moreover, many of these sanctuary jurisdictions actively prevent state and local law enforcement from coordinating with their federal counterparts. They release murderers, rapists, and burglars who end up preying on the community. That is wrong. The American people, and Texas communities in particular, are tired of seeing our laws flouted and the crime that often accompanies illegal immigration. These jurisdictions need to be held accountable, and I will do everything I can to enforce our immigration laws.” Sen. Tommy Tuberville is also one of the co-sponsors. Senator Britt has made three visits to the border since being sworn into office in January. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues introduce bill to allow consumers improve their credit ratings
U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) in introducing the Credit Access and Inclusion Act to responsibly expand credit access for millions of Americans with limited or non-existent credit histories. The sponsors said that this bipartisan legislation would permit property owners and utility and telecom providers to report payment data to credit reporting agencies, allowing consumers with an established track record of paying their bills on time the additional opportunity to develop a positive credit history. “Hardworking Alabamians and Americans who have demonstrated financial responsibility deserve a pathway to establish and build their credit,” said Sen. Britt. “This bill takes into consideration the varying circumstances and experiences of individuals who hope to achieve their American Dream. Credit reporting is a crucial component in our nation’s economy to establish financial stability for the individual and the lender – this legislation simply incorporates a complete history of on-time payments, like rent and utilities, to reflect an accurate credit score.” “If you pay your bills on time, your credit score should reflect it,” stated Scott. “Americans shouldn’t be held back from purchasing a home, financing their education, or pursuing their dreams simply because their on-time payments don’t happen to count towards their credit scores. This bill will remove needless barriers and help hardworking Americans gain access to credit.” Sens. Britt and Ranking Member Scott in cosponsoring the bill are Senators Joe Manchin (D- West Virginia), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming). U.S. Congressman French Hill (R-Arkansas) introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, along with Reps. Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota), David Schweikert (R-Arizona), Michelle Steel (R-California), Young Kim (R-California), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida), and Byron Donalds (R-Florida). According to information provided by Sens. Britt and Scott, approximately 26 million Americans are “credit invisible,” meaning they lack credit records or a history of traditional payments, such as student loans, car loans, or mortgage payments. Having no credit or thin credit makes economic mobility difficult and hampers an individual’s ability to purchase a home, take out student loans, buy a car, or even get a job. The Credit Access and Inclusion Act allows credit bureaus to collect payment data for services not traditionally factored into credit reporting, such as rent, internet, phone, electricity, and utility payments. Factoring these payments into credit reporting would expand credit histories and generate credit scores for consumers who were previously “unscorable.” Many Americans who don’t have credit cards, mortgages, car payments, etc., don’t have enough open accounts to generate a credit score. Some people, however, are just starting out in life, while some people with no credit accounts may have significant actual wealth. Katie Britt is a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Report claims Joe Biden will block Space Command’s move to Huntsville
An NBC news report released Monday claimed that President Joe Biden will intervene to keep the Pentagon from moving Space Command from Colorado to Huntsville. The President’s objections to the state of Alabama are reportedly due to the state’s ban on abortion. Many speculate that the real reason could be political in that Colorado voted for Biden in 2020, while Alabama did not. Congresswoman Terri Sewell responded to the report on Twitter, “Both a GAO and Inspector General report confirmed that the Air Force used a merit-based process in its decision to locate U.S. Space Command headquarters in Huntsville. This conclusion was made under two separate administrations. Huntsville is without question the best home for SPACECOM.” “The White House should immediately reconfirm Huntsville as the headquarters of SPACECOM,” the Democratic Congresswoman continued. “To change course would be because of politics and not merit. Surely, the Biden Administration would not allow politics to improperly influence this decision.” U.S. Senator Katie Britt echoed Sewell’s criticism of the report. “President Biden’s plans would irresponsibly yank a military decision out of the Air Force’s hands in the name of partisan politics,” Sen. Britt said on Facebook. “Huntsville finished first in both the Air Force’s Evaluation Phase and Selection Phase, leaving no doubt that the Air Force’s decision to choose Redstone as the preferred basing location was correct purely on the merits. That decision should remain in the Air Force’s purview. Instead, President Biden is now trying to hand the Gold Medal to the fifth-place finisher. The President’s blatant prioritization of partisan political considerations at the expense of our national security, military modernization, and force readiness is a disservice and a dishonor to his oath of office as our nation’s Commander-in-Chief. Locating the permanent Space Command Headquarters on Redstone Arsenal undoubtedly remains in the best national security interest of the United States. President Biden should allow the Air Force to proceed with doing its job. Alabama’s world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future.” Congressman Dale Strong said on Twitter, “I’ve seen all the reviews and reports on the basing process – but don’t remember access to late-term abortions being one of the 21 criteria used to evaluate the sites. President Biden, already the oldest man to ever serve as President of the United States, recently announced his re-election plans. There was very little enthusiasm for the 80-year-old President’s re-election announcement. Nine of the last ten polls on Biden’s job performance show more Americans disapproving of Biden’s performance rather than approving. One recent ABC News/Washington Post poll had President Biden trailing former President Donald Trump by six points in the popular vote. Building a pathway to electoral college victory for Biden without Colorado, which he won in 2020, could be problematic. However, Alabama has not been carried by a Democratic presidential nominee since Jimmy Carter in 1976. There is no plausible scenario where Biden can win Alabama’s electoral college votes in 18 months. The Democratic Party hasn’t contested the state in years. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues introduce the Back the Blue Act
On Monday. U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, and 37 Republican colleagues to introduce the Back the Blue Act. The announcement coincided with the annual observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. This legislation will strengthen existing laws that protect police officers, increase the criminal penalties for individuals who target law enforcement, and expand the tools that police can use to protect themselves. “Today, we honor the courageous law enforcement officers who have valiantly made the ultimate sacrifice,” Sen. Britt said. “Every single day, the brave men and women of law enforcement go above and beyond to serve and protect our communities. It is essential that we not only support our police, but we respect the rule of law in our country. I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn and my colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, and I will always stand with our police officers in Alabama and across the country.” “The Back the Blue Act adds stiff, mandatory penalties and makes it a federal crime to kill – or attempt to kill – a law enforcement officer, a federal judge, or a federally funded public safety officer,” Sen. Cornyn said. “We must make it absolutely clear that violence against them will not be tolerated. In honor of National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who protect us, we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we commit to doing everything in our power to ensure that they have all the resources they need to keep our people safe.” “Today marks the start of National Police Week,” Sen. Tuberville said on Twitter. “America’s brave men and women in blue wake up every day prepared to sacrifice their own safety in service to their fellow Americans. It is more important than ever that we show our support. To all who protect and serve, thank you.” In addition to Senators Britt, Tuberville, and Cornyn, this legislation is cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), and Senators Ted Cruz, Thom Tillis, Rick Scott, Jerry Moran, Mike Braun, Kevin Cramer, Marsha Blackburn, John Boozman, Deb Fischer, Shelley Moore Capito, Mike Crapo, Marco Rubio, Jim Risch, Pete Ricketts, Steve Daines, John Barrasso, James Lankford, Cindy Hyde-Smith, John Kennedy, Tom Cotton, John Thune, John Hoeven, Ted Budd, Josh Hawley, Tim Scott, Bill Hagerty, Roger Marshall, Bill Cassidy, Joni Ernst, Chuck Grassley, Todd Young, Eric Schmitt, Cynthia Lummis, and Roger Wicker. The Back the Blue Act has been introduced in Congress multiple times since 2017. Senator Britt is also a cosponsor of Senator Braun’s Thin Blue Line Act, which expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in capital punishment determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responders. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Today is Peace Officer Memorial Day
Monday is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Public officials and citizens across the country are taking time out of their day to remember the law enforcement officers who have given their lives to protect our communities from crime and violence. This is also National Police Week. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said on Twitter, “Flags are flying at half-staff for Peace Officers Memorial Day — honoring those who gave their lives in the line of duty. Law enforcement risks their own safety to protect us from harm’s way every day. Alabama will always respect those who wear the uniform.” Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said on Twitter, “Alabama has lost far too many officers in the line of duty. On this Peace Officers Memorial Day, I am grateful for their selfless dedication to our communities. Please join me in praying for the families and loved ones of officers lost. #backtheblue.” U.S. Senator Katie Britt said on Facebook, “Today, we honor the courageous law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting and serving their fellow Americans. Let us always remember and be grateful for their valor in the line of duty.” President Joe Biden issued a proclamation honoring law enforcement this week. “For generations, courageous men and women of our Nation’s law enforcement community have dedicated their lives to protecting us in big cities, small towns, and suburban neighborhoods across America,” said Biden. “Each morning, police officers pin on their shield and walk out the door to go to work, hoping they will come home safely. Last year, a record number of law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we express our gratitude for these selfless public servants who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.” “During Police Week, let us demonstrate our appreciation for the unsung heroes who nobly wear the badge and put their lives at risk to protect people each and every day,” President Biden wrote. “Let us honor the brave officers whose bright futures were cut short in the line of duty. Let us come together to help police be the partners and protectors our communities, and our Nation need for a safer, more just America.” Eight Alabama Law Enforcement Officers were killed in the line of duty in 2022. May 15 has been recognized as National Peace Officers Memorial Day since 1962. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Sen. Katie Britt concerned about growing mental health crisis in America
On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt said there is a growing mental health crisis in America. Britt’s comments were made during a recent hearing of the Subcommittee for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. In the hearing, Sen. Britt questioned the top leadership from the National Institute of Health (NIH) about the staggering, rising rates of depression and suicide among America’s teenagers. “When you look at what is happening, it is clear that NIH has also identified this crisis as being one that is plaguing communities across this great nation,” Britt said. “The White House in 2023, the Mental Health Research Priorities, those even showed they speak to digital platforms in terms of their effectiveness to treat mental and behavioral health outcomes. However, there are plenty of NIH studies that show how social media and screen time likely have a negative effect on mental health, particularly youth mental health.” “Now let me tell you something, as a Mama of a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old, this is something that is particularly important to me,” Britt said. “I look at how young people are having to grow up. I know, as someone who went through middle school and high school as a young woman, that it’s tough. I can’t even imagine the additional pressures that they feel, given having a screen at their fingertips all of the time. “ “I think the reports are shocking, and I don’t think the numbers lie,” Britt said. “Last year, 1 in 3 high school girls said that they seriously considered suicide. And actually, one in nine, or almost nine percent – one in ten high school students reported actually attempting suicide in the last twelve months. Folks, I ran for the Senate as a mama on a mission. I said that my children and other people’s children and grandchildren should be able to achieve the American dream. If we do not take hold of what is happening right now with social media and our youth, it is going to be so far gone that we can’t get it back. My question to you is: what is the NIH doing to address the damage of social media and what it is having on our children and our children’s mental health?” Between 2011 and 2019, the rate of depression more than doubled for American teenagers as social media use increased. Dr. Joshua Gordon, M.D., is the Director of the National Institutes of Mental Health. “Not just depression, but suicide deaths have been dramatically increasing in children and children that are younger than those who used to typically die,” said Dr. Gordon. “So, we’re seeing dramatic increases in the rates for pre-teens, which is incredibly disturbing.” On April 26, Sen. Britt introduced the Protecting Kids on Social Media Act alongside Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) to help empower families and protect children from the harmful impacts of social media. “It is bipartisan,” Britt stated. “It prohibits children from under the age of 13 from using social media, which is consistent with what social media companies say that they already do. It requires a parent or guardian’s permission for children ages 13 to 17 to create an account, so very simple, and the last thing is it requires social media companies to verify that quickly. It also does not allow them to utilize algorithms against our children. So between 13 and 17, when they are on social media, they would not be able to be targeted by algorithms to push them into what we know are so many deep, dark holes. I am hopeful that this body will actually do something to put parents back in the driver’s seat and to protect our children. I will tell you they are counting on us.” May is Mental Health Awareness Month. People or families struggling or in crisis can call or text 988 or go to the website 988lifeline.org for help. Katie Britt was elected in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt joins Tammy Baldwin and other bipartisan Senator to crack down on trade cheats
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt announced that she has joined U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin in co-sponsoring the Fighting Trade Cheats Act. This bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis and Sherrod Brown is intended to strengthen U.S. trade law enforcement and allow American manufacturers to take action against bad actors that engage in customs fraud. Sponsors say that the bill takes aim at companies that dump foreign-made goods into the United States and would allow private companies to sue foreign producers that harm American companies. By allowing private companies harmed by trade cheats to use their own resources to fight back, the bill would help address customs fraud and protect American workers and American jobs. “For far too long, the Chinese Communist Party and other bad actors have cheated American communities out of jobs, intellectual property, and opportunity,” said Sen. Britt. “This bipartisan effort holds foreign entities accountable for malicious trade practices that harm Alabama manufacturers – including our iron and steel industry – and the hardworking Alabamians and families that rely on them for their livelihood. I will continue to fight to ensure that the CCP is held accountable, that we onshore good-paying 21st-century jobs back to America, and that we strengthen our domestic supply chains and manufacturing base, especially in critical industries. This will help unlock the American Dream for families nationwide and keep our homeland safe and strong for generations to come.” “American workers and American businesses should be building our clean energy economy, but Chinese companies are working overtime to cheat the rules, our economy, and our workers out of the job,” said Sen. Baldwin. “Climate change is a real and pressing threat, and addressing it is an incredible opportunity to create good paying jobs in our Made in Wisconsin manufacturing economy. Developing our solar manufacturing industry is crucial to combating climate change, but we can’t do it if we don’t enforce the trade laws on the books and hold Chinese companies accountable. I am proud to take a stand for our Made in America manufacturing economy and workers.” “The Chinese Communist Party has a long history of violating trade agreements with the United States, costing North Carolina businesses and workers,” said Sen. Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation to hold the CCP and other bad actors accountable and empower private American companies to take action and fight back against trade cheats.” American businesses supporting this bipartisan legislation include Birmingham-based McWane Incorporated, which manufactures pipes, valves, fire hydrants, and fittings used in the nation’s infrastructure. James Proctor II is the Senior Vice President & General Counsel for McWane. “Trade cheaters cost American jobs, plain and simple. This bill will give Customs and Border Protection and businesses the tools they need to stop lawless foreign importers from evading U.S. laws and destroying American industries and communities,” said VP Proctor II. “We thank Senators Britt and Baldwin for joining Senators Brown and Tillis in standing up for American workers and job creators and helping put a stop to such illegal activity.” Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
