Martha Roby: Reflecting upon the State of the Union
Each year, the State of the Union address provides an important opportunity for the President to speak directly to Congress and the American people and offer an update on his priorities and plans to accomplish them. I recently attended President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address with my daughter Margaret. She’s taking civics this year and was required to watch the address for class credit, and so I thought this would be a unique opportunity for her to witness it firsthand. I was glad to hear what the President had to say. In his first State of the Union address, President Trump reflected on the economic successes Americans have already experienced as a result of historic tax reform, and he laid out his vision for our country’s future. Hundreds of companies have already given bonuses to more than 3 million employees just months after the enactment of our tax reform plan, and this is only the beginning. I was particularly encouraged by the President’s remarks about working with Congress to overhaul the crumbling infrastructure in our country. Having reliable roads and bridges is so important to businesses across Alabama and our entire nation. I’m pleased that this was a key topic in the State of the Union address, and I’m eager to learn more about the Administration’s infrastructure plan in the coming weeks. In addition, President Trump spoke about rebuilding our military, properly caring for our veterans, and bolstering our national security. Our district is home to two of our nation’s finest military installations, thousands of active duty and reserve personnel, and nearly 16,000 military retirees. I’m thankful that this Administration has made it clear that they are committed to working with Congress to fight for those who defend our freedoms. Throughout his address, President Trump introduced many of his remarkable guests. I was truly inspired by all of them, including New Mexico Police Officer Ryan Holets and his wife Rebecca who adopted a child from a woman struggling with a substance abuse, Retired Marine Corporal Matthew Bradford who became the first blind double-amputee to re-enlist in the Marines, and 12-year old Preston Sharp who organizes the placement of American flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. All of these individuals represent the strength, bravery, hope, and compassion that is uniquely American. The morning after the President’s address, I joined my fellow House and Senate Republicans at our annual conference retreat. I’m always appreciative of this opportunity for both chambers of Congress to get together to talk about ways we can continue to deliver on our promises to the American people. There were a lot of topics covered, including one that I am greatly interested in: workforce development. Our unified Republican government and the Administration have already rolled back countless rules and regulations and delivered on tax reform, so now we must take the next steps to ensure our economy continues to thrive. It is critical that we train our workforce for the jobs that are being created every day, and I look forward to continuing to support workforce development programs. Many members of the Administration also joined us at the retreat, including President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. I had the exciting opportunity to introduce Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway at our closing breakfast and thank her for the encouragement she gives to so many working moms and families who are navigating the delicate field of work-life balance. I know that many of the issues the President referenced in his State of the Union address and that we discussed at our retreat are critically important to the people I represent. I am eager to continue working with this Administration and my colleagues in Congress to deliver the meaningful conservative results that Americans deserve. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: From government shutdown to district travel
As you are all too aware by now, our federal government shut down for three days recently because Senate Democrats refused to support a reasonable funding bill over their unreasonable immigration demands. We should never be in a position where one party is allowed to hold our military and government hostage over an unrelated policy issue. This government shutdown was completely unnecessary and should not have happened. Before the shutdown occurred, the House had passed all twelve of our government funding bills and voted four times to reauthorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), known as All Kids here in Alabama. All of these bills were blocked repeatedly by Senate Democrats, which led to this pattern of short-term funding resolutions and ultimately the government shutdown. I have serious concerns with short-term funding measures and firmly believe that this is no way to govern. It is irresponsible to run the government for a few weeks or months at a time. Despite this, I supported the short-term bill in the House because I believe it is critical that we support our men and women in uniform and fund CHIP. While short-term funding measures are bad, government shutdowns are much worse – especially as it relates to our military. Fortunately, Senate Democrats decided to end the irresponsible government shutdown, and I was able to get out of Washington to travel throughout the Second District as planned. During this first district travel week of the year, I visited with constituents, local leaders, and business owners. From Autauga County to the Wiregrass and many places in between, it was a busy week! I had the opportunity to speak to the Brundidge and Ozark Rotary Clubs at their weekly meetings. We had productive conversations about some of the things our unified government accomplished in 2017, and I shared with them some of my policy priorities for 2018, including rebuilding our nation’s aging infrastructure and working to craft a farm bill that treats our Alabama commodities fairly. I visited my friends at the International Paper facilities in Dothan and Prattville to tour their sites and learn more about the many details that go into their operations. One day, I stopped by Troy Cable to learn about some of their upcoming projects and discuss recent rural broadband initiatives. I have said several times that one of my top priorities for 2018 is rebuilding our infrastructure, and an important part of that is expanding access to broadband. This month President Donald Trump signed two executive orders to expand broadband access in rural America, demonstrating commitment to building more broadband availability throughout our nation. There’s no doubt that areas in our community will greatly benefit from enhanced broadband capacity and efficiency. Also while in Troy, I had the privilege of speaking to seventh graders at Charles Henderson Middle School about what it’s like to be a member of Congress. I told them how important it is to set goals for yourself but also to keep your eyes wide open and be willing to take opportunities that aren’t necessarily part of your plan. I always enjoy talking to students about our government – the more they know, the stronger our country will be when they are leading it one day. I am so glad that the gridlock in Washington didn’t impact my plans to visit with so many people. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for me to hear directly from you. Hearing firsthand the concerns and issues that are important to those I represent enables me to be a better representative for you in Washington. I really appreciate everyone who took the opportunity to talk with me, and I am looking forward to continuing to fight for issues that are important to the people who live and work in Alabama’s Second District. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: It’s not up for debate
45 years ago this month, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Roe v. Wade to make abortion legal and available nationwide. While many abortion activists celebrate this infamous anniversary, it represents a particularly somber occasion for those of us who advocate for life – at all stages. Every year since this ruling, the pro-life community has gathered in Washington to march in peaceful protest. The 2018 March for Life took place on Friday, January 19th – and wow, the pro-life energy was certainly high in Washington. This year the March for Life theme was “Love Saves Lives.” Leading up to and during the March, the pro-life community participated in a social media campaign to share photos, videos, and thoughts to shed light on why we march – and on the many reasons why life at every stage is worth fighting for. I’d like to extend a very sincere “thank you” to each and every person from our great state who made the long trip to participate in the March. I am truly inspired by the thousands of March for Life participants and their dedication to the pro-life movement. I stand with you. I was especially impressed by a young lady from Montgomery named Agnes Armstrong. She’s a graduate of the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and is currently a sophomore at Auburn University. She was selected to speak to more than 600,000 people at the pre-March rally to offer the perspective of a young female college student. This past summer, Agnes wrote a letter to March for Life President Jeanne Mancini thanking her for the impact the organization has made. Mrs. Mancini was moved by the letter and asked Agnes to be featured as this year’s March for Life “Young Adult” keynote speaker. I am so thankful to have young leaders like Agnes to represent our state in such a remarkable way. It’s because of individuals like her that our pro-life momentum is as strong as it is. I am excited to report that during the March for Life festivities, the House took action to defend the defenseless by taking up and passing H.R. 4712, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. I was proud to cosponsor the legislation, and I also had the unique opportunity to manage debate of the bill while it was being considered on the floor. At this point, I don’t think it’s a secret that I am unapologetically pro-life, and I believe that our laws and policies should assign the utmost importance to life at every stage. I have stood on the House floor many times in defense of the unborn, but this time, we weren’t talking about the unborn. H.R. 4712 seeks to protect those who have already been born. The bill is pretty simple. It states that if a baby is born alive after a failed abortion, he or she must be given the same exact medical care that would be given to any other baby. I know Congress will continue to play politics about when life begins and argue about the point at which the law should step in to protect it – and I understand not everyone agrees with my strong pro-life stance. However, I cannot fathom how any person could be opposed to legislation that protects babies who are so alive that you can look them in the eye. Of course, I supported this measure, but it did feel strange to take a stand in defense of living, breathing children – to even have to make the case that a baby who survives an abortion and is born in this world should be treated just like a baby born any other way. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a choice. There is currently no law mandating that a baby born alive after a failed abortion receives medical treatment instead of being left to die. That’s why this bill is necessary. It would require under federal law, nationwide, that a baby born alive after an abortion attempt receives the same care that any other baby would. I know that as a Member of Congress, part of my job is to debate the issues facing our nation, and while I take this responsibility very seriously, I don’t believe this particular issue is up for debate. I hope the Senate acts swiftly and passes this bill, and I’ll keep you informed as we progress. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Alabama delegation weighs in on government shutdown
Legislation to prevent the government from shutting down failed Friday night in the U.S. Senate ahead of the midnight deadline, causing the much of the federal government to officially shut down early Saturday morning. The shutdown occurred after Senate Democrats blocked consideration of a four-week stopgap spending measure to keep the government operating. Failure to pass H.R. 195, the Continuing Resolution (CR), caused the government to shut down for the first time since 2013. Social Security and most other safety net programs are unaffected by the lapse in federal spending authority as they are covered by mandatory spending. Critical government functions will continue, with uniformed service members, health inspectors and law enforcement officers scheduled to work without pay. If no deal reached before Monday, two million federal employees will be furloughed and given leave of absence. Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying about the shutdown: Sen. Richard Shelby: It is unacceptable that Democrats would vote against a measure to keep our government open to do the work of the American people. I do not believe that shutting down the government is a solution to the problems we face as a country. A shutdown is destructive to the American taxpayer, no matter the circumstances. …Democrats have chosen partisan politics over funding our government, funding our troops, and providing health insurance to low-income children and pregnant women. The American people deserve better. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: This is shameful. Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats have officially shut down the federal government. A majority of House members and a majority of Senate members voted to keep the government open and fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) but arcane Senate rules and Democrat obstruction blocked the bill from moving forward. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: While I continue to have serious concerns with short-term funding measures, I still voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution this week in the House because I believe it is critical that we keep the government open and running, especially as it relates to our military and reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP),” Representative Roby said. “I am deeply disappointed that Senate Democrats chose to let the government shut down over an unrelated immigration issue that does not have an immediate deadline. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: One of the fundamental purposes of our government is to provide for the common defense to protect our liberties. Unfortunately, Democrats chose illegal immigrants over our brave men and women who serve in uniform and forced our government to shut down. Their actions also hurt children across East Alabama and the country that rely on CHIP. Playing politics with those who defend our freedom and the health care of the kids who need it the most is unconscionable to me. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Congress has one job that it must do each and every year and that is to keep the government funded through Appropriations bills. Despite bipartisan support for passage of the House bill to fund the government, Senate Democrats have voted to shutdown the government utilizing an arcane parliamentary rule. It is far past time for the Senate to get out of its own way and to get out of the way of the American people. This article will be updated as additional statements are made.
Martha Roby: Exciting news on the economic front
Regardless of what is dominating the news cycle on any given day, the economy is always an issue on the minds of hardworking Alabamians. The ability to get and keep a job in order to provide for your family is so important. That is why the President, Congress, and local leaders in Alabama have made growing the economy a top priority. There is a lot of exciting news happening on the economic front both nationally and locally. America’s economy is growing faster than even analysts could predict. Alabama is one of thirteen states that have reached a record low unemployment rate, the stock market is at an all-time high, and the U.S. dollar continues to climb. Successful business is the foundation to a healthy economy. A lot of people don’t realize that our effective tax rate for businesses was among the highest in the world before President Trump signed our historic tax reform bill into law. Jobs were being sent overseas and our burdensome tax code was standing in the way of small business growth. We’ve already seen the positive impact of tax reform on our economy and employees. There has been $1.66 billion and counting in new investments made by companies in the U.S. along with more than $1.57 billion in publicly announced employee bonuses to date in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Employers like Waste Management, Regions Bank, and many others have said that tax reform is the driving force behind their reinvestment and employee compensation. Alabama has not been left behind in this economic boom, and Governor Kay Ivey highlighted our growing economy in her State of the State address. The Governor and local leaders announced that Toyota and Mazda, in a joint venture, have chosen to build a new plant right here in Alabama. The $1.6 billion assembly plant will employ up to 4,000 workers. Alabama is already the fifth largest producer of cars and trucks in the U.S. with Hyundai in Montgomery, Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa, and Honda in Lincoln. There’s no doubt that Alabama’s proven success over the past two decades in automobile production made it stand out among the other states in the running. In Alabama’s Second Congressional District, Kimber Gun Manufacturing will be coming to Troy, bringing more than 360 new high-paying jobs to our community. In addition to the new jobs this development will bring, the company will invest more than $38 million into our local economy over the span of five years. This is just one of many businesses that have recognized our district’s potential and are adding to our strong manufacturing presence. As you may remember, last month Wayne Farms announced a large expansion of its Enterprise Fresh Processing Facility that will bring nearly 400 jobs to the area. Additionally, Shaw Industries Group, which employs more than 1,000 Alabamians, announced it is investing $184 million into its Andalusia manufacturing facility. The news that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is coming to Montgomery’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field is also a tremendous boost to our area’s economy. Landing this mission could result in as many as 1,000 jobs and as much as $3 billion in capital investment – and that’s just the beginning. Americans are confident in our economy, and rightfully so. I’m proud of the many steps we have taken in Congress to unleash the private sector and roll back Obama-era rules and regulations that were standing in the way of growth. I will continue to fight for Alabama families and do all that I can to assist local and national efforts to keep this momentum going. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Officials react to Alabama Toyota-Mazda plant announcement
It’s now official — Huntsville, Ala. has been selected by Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation as the site of their new $1.6 billion joint-venture auto manufacturing plant. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon from the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery by Governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and executives from both Toyota and Mazda. The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, as well as leaders from multiple municipalities, joined the event. The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly between two lines for each company to produce a new Mazda crossover model that will be introduced to North American markets and the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create 4,000 jobs and production is expected to begin by 2021. Here’s what Alabama officials had to say of the news: Gov. Kay Ivey: The partnership between Toyota and Mazda will expand innovative automotive manufacturing in Alabama. Their decision to locate this new facility in Huntsville is a testament to the talented workforce in our state. We are proud that this partnership puts Alabama on the forefront of technology in this dynamic global industry. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I am extremely proud that Huntsville was selected by Toyota and Mazda for the joint auto production plant. This facility will create thousands of jobs and strengthen economic growth throughout our state and region. Alabama has a proven track record of creating an environment where world-class manufacturing operations thrive. Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the capabilities and effectiveness of our state’s skilled workforce, highlighting the continued truth that Alabama is open for business. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: The Toyota and Mazda decision to select Huntsville as the new location for their joint auto plant is both a testament to Northern Alabama’s exceptional advanced manufacturing workforce and further proof that choosing common ground over divisiveness will drive business to our state. Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward for Alabama’s growing technology sector and our ability to recruit quality businesses in the future. We must build on this momentum, and continue to focus our efforts on issues that affect hard-working Alabamians like creating good-paying jobs and providing students with the tools to attain them. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The news that Toyota and Mazda have chosen Alabama as this new plant’s home highlights once again that our great state is open for business. The decision by these companies is truly a testament to our impressive, skilled workforce and our state’s business-friendly environment. This exciting investment in North Alabama not only comes with 4,000 new direct jobs, but also an economic impact that will be felt across the state for many years to come. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Toyota and Mazda’s decision to locate in Limestone County is great news for Alabama and the Tennessee Valley! I’m thankful Alabama was selected despite fierce competition from other states vying for this plant. Toyota and Mazda’s decision validates what many of us in Alabama already know. Alabama is not only America’s #1 football state, we are also on a path to be America’s #1 automotive production state. That is a strong testament to the quality of the location, resources, people and government leadership that Alabama offers. The Tennessee Valley did not win the Toyota and Mazda competition overnight. Rather, this victory is the culmination of decades of hard work and leadership offered by local, state and federal officials who have consistently worked together to make the Tennessee Valley a great place to live and work, a place that encourages companies like Polaris, Remington, and now Toyota and Mazda, to rank the Tennessee Valley #1 in America. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Toyota and Mazda made a tremendous decision in choosing Alabama for their new, cutting-edge manufacturing plant. I am pleased this new facility will eventually bring 4,000 new jobs and significant economic growth to our state. The fact that Toyota and Mazda picked Alabama is indicative of the hard work and commitment Alabama has made to become the pacesetter in the automobile manufacturing industry. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I am thrilled to hear that a Toyota-Mazda automobile plant will be finding a home in the great State of Alabama. I’m proud to see Toyota-Mazda investing in our state’s workforce and continued economic development. This joint venture between Toyota and Mazda will eventually produce 300,000 vehicles a year and create as many as 4,000 jobs opportunities for families in our State. Investments in new technologies and facilities like these are imperative to Alabama’s growing economy. As a Member of Congress, I believe we must strive to create a more job-ready workforce to continue to keep Alabama competitive and entice new business development across the State. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: With this announcement, our world changes overnight. Toyota and Mazda, two of the world’s most innovative automakers, have created a legacy project that will provide jobs for decades to come for Huntsville and Alabama. Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk: Because we have been a part of the process from the beginning, our school system has been working diligently behind the scenes to develop a series of plans that will be presented to the school board for consideration. These plans will address contingencies for anticipated growth, and expanded academic offerings for our students and others to prepare to meet the needs of this economic expansion. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong: Today’s monumental announcement by President Akio Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation and President and CEO Masamichi Kogai of the Mazda Corporation is not a new commitment, but a continued commitment with proven world leaders in automotive ingenuity to the State of Alabama and our people. This project once again demonstrates that our regional, advanced manufacturing workforce is perfectly positioned for today and future generations.
Martha Roby challenger Barry Moore releases new campaign video
Enterprise-Republican, State Rep. Barry Moore announced his first campaign video of the new year Saturday morning on his personal Facebook page. “New Campaign Video! Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. Please help me get my message out. I ask for each of my Facebook friends to please like and share my video and to like my campaign page www.facebook.com/barrymooreforcongress,” Moore posted on Facebook. In the video, which the campaign released Friday afternoon, several 2nd District residents who know Moore tell watchers, “Why Barry.” Moore is one of several primary challengers to 2nd District incumbent Rep. Martha Roby. Moore will face Roby, along with Army veteran Tommy Amason, and Roy Moore’s former campaign manager Rich Hobson in the GOP primary June 5.
Martha Roby: Reflecting on 2017 and looking ahead
The new year is upon us, which is an important time to reflect on the work we have done so far this Congress and recommit to delivering even more promises in 2018. Despite what you may see when you turn on cable news, there is a lot for us to be proud of in our country right now. We’ve seen tremendous economic growth and our tax reform overhaul brought some great news to families around the country this holiday season. Countless companies have already rewarded their employees with bonuses and higher wages due to tax reform, and I’m confident this is only the beginning of positive news to come as a result. Americans have rightly been frustrated with gridlock in our government, and I’m often asked “why can’t Congress get anything done?” While there have been many legislative priorities stuck in the Senate, the House responded to Americans’ frustration with action last year. Did you know that we’ve already passed legislation on nearly every major agenda item? In 2017, the House passed legislation to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a system designed to lower costs and increase choices. We passed legislation to overhaul Dodd-Frank and untangle the mess of financial regulations hurting hometown lenders, small businesses, and farmers. To act on our promise to finally secure our nation’s border, the House passed an appropriations package to fund construction of a border wall. We’ve acted on historic VA reforms, increased resources to fight the opioid epidemic, and added tougher penalties for sex traffickers. We’ve cracked down on sanctuary cities that violate our nation’s immigration laws, provided service members with their biggest pay raise in eight years, enhanced Second Amendment protections with concealed carry reciprocity legislation, and we’re not stopping there. I’m proud of the work we were able to accomplish in 2017, and I’m hopeful that the new year will bring new momentum to continue fighting for conservative, pro-growth priorities. President Trump and Congressional leaders have already started conversations this year about how to reinvigorate our nation’s aging infrastructure. Having reliable roads, bridges, ports, and railways is fundamental to our ability to do business, but we haven’t done enough to properly maintain them. I’m eager to work with my colleagues to deliver on an infrastructure plan that could turn what is a serious liability into a major strength for Alabama and our entire country. This new year also presents an opportunity to reshape federal agriculture policy for the better. Soon Congress will begin debating and crafting the farm bill, and I will continue to advocate for policies that treat Alabama commodities like cotton, peanuts, timber, poultry, soybeans, and catfish fairly. I am optimistic that Congress and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue can work together to deliver policies that help Alabama’s farmers do what they do best – produce the food and fiber that our country depends on. Last, but certainly not least, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to end the cycle of short-term government funding resolutions that do not properly fund the Department of Defense. I’m proud to have a seat at the table on the defense subcommittee that delivers funding for military programs that matter to our area, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, and Fort Rucker. Properly funding the military is one of our most basic responsibilities. For far too long, however, our military funding was drastically and unfairly cut under the Obama Administration. I have and will continue to work with my colleagues to build support for strong military funding that properly provides for those who serve and have served in uniform. Our unified Republican government has an incredible opportunity to accomplish more for the American people in this new year, and I will do everything I can to ensure that we capitalize on this historic moment for our country. As the second session of the 115th Congress gears up this month, I look forward to hearing from you and sharing the work that I’m doing on your behalf. It’s an honor to work for you, and I look forward to a productive 2018. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Personnel note: Todd Stacy leaves Martha Roby’s office, start news media company
Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby‘s longtime Communications Director Todd Stacy has moved on to a new business venture. Stacy had worked in Roby’s Washington, D.C. office since Sept. 2012 where he oversaw a wide range of communications activities, including daily interaction with local, state, and national media organizations. His last day was on Friday, Dec. 22, ahead of the Christmas holiday. Rather than moving over to the private sector in D.C., Stacy is heading back home to Alabama where he’s starting a news media company called the Alabama Daily News. “I appreciate all the kind words of support upon the inception of this new venture. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m excited to get started!,” Stacy posted on Facebook of his new enterprise. Before joining Roby’s office, Stacy was the Communicators Director for former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard for nearly two years. Prior to that he served as Press Secretary to former Alabama Governor Bob Riley.
Roy Moore’s campaign manager Rich Hobson challenges Martha Roby for Congress
Roy Moore’s former campaign manager announced on Wednesday he’s launching a primary challenge against Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby. Rich Hobson, 56, made the announcement Wednesday from the steps of the state capitol in Montgomery, Ala. where he outlined his platform which includes issues such as bolstering the military, returning to prayer, and opposing both abortion and LGBT rights. He was also sure to assert his loyalty to President Donald Trump‘s agenda, especially his stance on immigration. Hobson joins State Rep. Barry Moore and Army veteran Tommy Amason who are also challenging Roby in the Republican primary. In 2017, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) identified Roby as their sole target in the Yellowhammer State in their efforts to flip the House after she won her seat by just eight points in 2016. Roby’s Chief of Staff Torrie Matous pointed to the DCCC’s targeting of the seat as a reason why Republicans need a proven candidate like Roby, she commented in response to Hobson’s announcement. “In the 2010 election, Martha Roby beat Democrat Bobby Bright to turn AL-02 red again. With Democrats in Alabama more energized than ever before and Nancy Pelosi targeting our district, it is critical to nominate a responsible conservative who can keep this vital seat in Republicans’ hands,” said Matous. “From her work on behalf of our veterans and the military — including her recent efforts to help bring the F-35 mission to Montgomery — to her support of Alabama’s farmers, Martha Roby is the clear conservative choice for this seat.” The Alabama Republican primary is June 5. The filing deadline is February 9.
Martha Roby: Tax cuts for the New Year
This time around, the new year is offers something extra exciting for the American people. I’m pleased to report that Congress has finally passed our historic, pro-growth tax reform and Americans will soon being experiencing the benefits. After months of work, we have delivered on our promise to cut taxes, bring balance to the tax code, and jumpstart job growth. While the House passed its version of tax reform months ago, differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill had to be worked out in a conference committee. I was proud to support the final product and vote alongside my colleagues to send the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the President’s desk. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers individual tax rates and roughly doubles the standard deduction for individuals and married couples. That means less of your paycheck is subject to taxes beginning this year. The average, median-income American family will see about $2,100 in tax relief – not just one year, but annually. For moms and dads working to make ends meet, having a few thousand extra dollars in the budget can make a big difference. It’s your money to begin with and I believe you know how to spend it better than the federal government does. Another important aspect of our tax reform plan is lowering business taxes. A lot of people don’t realize that our effective tax rate for businesses is among the highest in the world. All that does is send jobs overseas and make it harder for small businesses to be successful. By lowering business taxes to a globally-competitive 21 percent, we can boost our economy and spur job growth here in the United States. While our bill eliminates many unnecessary and burdensome special-interest deductions, it also preserves a lot of the popular tax deductions people count on, including the student loan interest deduction, the deduction for teachers’ expenses, the medical expense deduction, the charitable giving deduction , the adoption tax credit, and the mortgage interest deduction. It doubles the Child Tax Credit to help working families, and it eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate tax penalty. After the bill passed, I joined my colleagues and the President at the White House to celebrate this monumental accomplishment. My children, Margaret and George were on break from school for the holidays, so they were able to be in Washington and attend the event with me. I am so thankful they were able to witness this historic moment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the tax burden on American families and grow our economy – and I’m glad we could deliver on this promise we’ve been making for so many years. A lot of misinformation has been spread by those who oppose this plan, and it’s generated some confusion about what our bill does and does not do. Regardless, I am confident the results will speak for themselves. The American people will know who was telling the truth when they see more money in their pockets and experience a growing economy thanks to our historic tax reform plan. I am proud that we were able to come together and deliver this relief to families and businesses just in time for 2018. Happy New Year! ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
Martha Roby: It’s official! Montgomery lands F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission
It’s official: The F-35 is coming to Alabama! After a multiyear selection process, the Alabama National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery has been chosen for the U.S. Air Force’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson called me to inform me of the decision. I firmly believe Montgomery and the 187th are uniquely qualified to carry out this special mission. This is a historic win for Alabama and the River Region. I could not be prouder of the men and women of the 187th for how they demonstrated their capability to take on such an important mission. The F-35 is the military’s most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 Falcons currently flown by the 187th. Landing this mission is a tremendous boost for the River Region community and the entire state. It could bring as many as 1,000 jobs, $70 million in up-front facility upgrades, and as much as $3 billion in capital investment in Montgomery. It also further enhances Alabama’s already significant military footprint. Over the last few years, I’ve been working with a partnership of unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabama’s congressional delegation to bring the F-35 to Montgomery. A lot of hard work went into this process, and many thanks are in order. I’d like to thank Brig. Gen. Randy Efferson, Col. William Sparrow, Mayor Todd Strange, Governor Kay Ivey, my colleagues in the Alabama congressional delegation, and the F-35 Task Force for their incredible teamwork in showing the Air Force all our area has to offer. There’s no question that our community’s firm support for our military installations and units made a big impression on the key decision makers. We anticipate that the first F-35s will arrive in Montgomery within five years, and we are expecting 18 aircraft. Before this happens, some improvements to Dannelly Field will be made, including the development of a simulator facility and modifications of existing infrastructure. As the legacy unit for the Tuskegee Airmen “Red Tails,” the 187th Fighter Wing has an incredibly proud history. With this announcement, we know this unique unit has a very bright future with the F-35. I’m looking forward to hearing the sound of freedom roaring over the River Region soon. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this fantastic news for our area. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband Riley and their two children.
