Yeas and Nays – How the Alabama delegation voted this week: 10/30/15
Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation voted on major issues this week in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate: House votes H.R. 597: the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act. The bill reauthorizes the official export credit agency of the United States for four years; sets new, lower, lending caps; aims to increase accountability and transparency at the bank; and directs the president to initiate negotiations to reduce and eventually eliminate government export subsidies worldwide. Passed the House 313 – 118 Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) H.R. 1090: the Retail Investor Protection Act. The bill prohibits the Labor Department from implementing a final rule on fiduciary standards for retirement investment advisers until after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) conducts a study and issues a final rule setting standards of conduct for broker-dealers. Passed the House 245 – 186 Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) H.R. 1314: Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015: The bill would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017. Would also raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. Passed the House 266 -167 Yea: Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) H.R. 3762: the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. Pertaining to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), this bill repeals the individual mandate, the employer mandate, the Cadillac tax, the medical device tax, ends auto-enrollment, and ends the public health slush fund. Passed the House 240 – 189 Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Election of Paul Ryan. The House elected Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-1), a Wisconsin Republican, as its speaker, replacing Ohio Republican Rep. John Boehner (OH-8), who resigned from Congress. Elected with 236 votes For: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Against: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) who instead voted for Rep. Nancy Pelosi Senate votes Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015: The bill would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017. Would also raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. Passed the Senate 64 -35 Yea: N/A Nay: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Confirmation of U.S. District Judge. This vote confirms the nomination of Lawrence Joseph Vilardo to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of New York. Passed the Senate 88 – 0 Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A
Alabama lawmakers welcome Paul Ryan as House speaker
Alabama lawmakers welcomed the newly elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as he took over the post from outgoing speaker Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) Thursday morning. Ryan won his Party’s nomination Wednesday afternoon before being elected speaker by the full House chamber Thursday morning. Here’s what the Alabama delegation has to say about speaker Ryan: U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): Paul Ryan is a leading conservative thought leader who can unite the Republican Party and allow us to focus on advancing conservative solutions. With today’s leadership change, it is my hope the House will return to regular order and allow all Members to have a role in the legislative process. Pleased to hear @SpeakerRyan commit to regular order and a focus on empowering all Members of Congress. That’s how the House should operate. — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) October 29, 2015 U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): I’m pleased House Republicans have come together to support Paul Ryan for Speaker. I’m a conservative, so I want a bold leader who can unite Republicans and advance a conservative agenda. Paul Ryan is uniquely qualified to do that, so he has my support, and I hope he will be able to lay out a path to success despite a tough political environment. New leadership is a good thing sometimes, but it doesn’t mean everyone is going to start agreeing on every issue, every time. What’s important is to have a Speaker who will listen, be fair to all the Members, and follow through with commitments. No matter who is Speaker, my job is to look out for the interests of those I represent and to fight on their behalf in Washington. Well said, @SpeakerRyan. Congratulations! https://t.co/46yZH75Gs2 — Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) October 29, 2015 U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): I believe that Paul Ryan is the right leader to become Speaker of the House. I thank him for putting the future of our country ahead of his own ambitions, and believe now is the time for conservatives in Congress to unite together in opposition to President Obama’s reckless policies like Obamacare and Planned Parenthood. Prior to the nomination by House Republicans, U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) sent Ryan a letter asking him to agree to terms on immigration before it cast his vote. Upon Ryan’s agreement, Brooks said: Based on Paul Ryan’s representations and my trust that Paul Ryan is a man of his word, I will vote for Paul Ryan for House Speaker on the House Floor if he is the Republican nominee. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06): Speaker Ryan has been granted the opportunity by a majority of his colleagues to lead the House. I believe he is capable. This has never been about the person or personality, but about process, about restoring regular order and having the House function as the Founders designed it to and as it should. We can restore constitutional governance, representative government, which is what we have all been elected to do. After hearing Speaker Ryan’s speech, I believe we have taken a major step forward. I look forward to working with Speaker Ryan and all of my colleagues as we pursue this goal.
Alabama Congressional delegation splits on budget deal vote
The Alabama Congressional delegation split votes Wednesday as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a two-year bipartisan budget agreement. It was not your typical split however, as Republican Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) joined Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) in supporting the bill, making him one of only 79 Republicans to support the measure along with 187 Democrats. The rest of the delegation — Reps. Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Martha Roby (AL-02), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Mo Brooks (AL-05) and Gary Palmer (AL-06) — were among 167 representatives, all Republicans, who voted against. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017, after the next President assumes office. The bill also would raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. “Our national debt currently exceeds $18 trillion and this budget deal would guarantee it increases,” said Palmer who voted against the bill. “It continues the too familiar trend of spending money now with hopes of finding ways to pay for it in the future. For instance, $35 billion of the pay for’s occur in 2025, which is simply unacceptable. Instead of passing this bill, which pushes us in the wrong direction by increasing spending and raising the debt limit, we should have answered the call of the American people to reduce the national debt and balance our budget.” Rep. Sewell sees things differently. “While this bill is not a perfect one, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 breaks the sequester stronghold that has stifled our domestic and defense spending priorities,” Sewell began. “Alabama was hit hard when the sequester was implemented, and this bill loosens the arbitrary spending caps that hampered critical investments in domestic programs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the direct effect of the budget agreement will create 340,000 additional new jobs in 2016, and a total of 500,000 jobs by 2017. These jobs are critically important to hardworking Americans who continue to struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.” The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to be taken up quickly. Once there, Alabama Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby have indicated they both would reject the agreement.
3 dozen Alabama mayors endorse Martha Roby for re-election
Three dozen of Alabama mayor’s have endorsed U.S. Rep. Martha Roby‘s re-election bid. Roby’s campaign announced Tuesday morning that the Montgomery Republican secured endorsements from mayors representing 25 municipalities in all of the 15 counties in the 2nd Congressional District. “I’m grateful for such an inspiring show of support from across the district,” Roby said in a written statement. “I’ve always believed my first job is to listen to those I represent and work on their behalf in Congress. I’m proud to partner with mayors and local leaders throughout the district in helping to promote their communities.” Among those endorsing Roby were: Jim Giganti, Mayor of Abbeville (Henry County) Earl Johnson, Mayor of Andalusia (Covington County) Chris Caldwell, Mayor of Babbie, (Covington County) Bernie Sullivan, Mayor of Brantley (Crenshaw County) Jimmy Ramage, Mayor of Brundidge (Pike County) Jimmy Garner, Mayor of Carolina (Covington County) Rebecca Beasley, Mayor of Clayton (Barbour County) David Grice, Mayor of Clio (Barbour County) Mike Schmitz, Mayor of Dothan (Houston County) Mickey Murdock, Mayor of Elba (Coffee County) Jack Tibbs, Mayor of Eufaula (Barbour County) Margaret White, Mayor of Elmore (Elmore County) Robert Williamson, Mayor of Florala (Covington County) Philip Carter, Mayor of Geneva (Geneva County) Jerome Antone, Mayor of Georgiana (Butler County) Dan Jackson, Mayor of Glenwood (Crenshaw County) Dexter McClendon, Mayor of Greenville (Butler County) Jeff Sorrells, Mayor of Hartford (Geneva County) Ray Marler, Mayor of Headland (Henry County) Judy Baker, Mayor of Heath (Covington County) Eugene Birge, Mayor of Lockhart, (Covington County) Jimmy Grant, Mayor of Louisville, (Barbour County) Joe Sport, Mayor of Luverne (Crenshaw County) John Bartholomew, Mayor of Opp (Covington County) Billy Blackwell, Mayor of Ozark (Dale County) Lester Odom, Mayor of McKenzie (Butler and Conechuh Counties) Mildred Whittington, Mayor of Midway (Bullock County) Todd Strange, Mayor of Montgomery (Montgomery County) Bill Gillespie, Mayor of Prattville (Autauga and Elmore Counties) Terri Carter, Mayor of Repton (Conechuh County) Willie Hendrix, Mayor of Red Level (Barbour County) Patricia Gunter, Mayor of River Falls (Covington County) Chris Thomasson, Mayor of Sanford (Covington County) Rob Hinson, Mayor of Slocomb (Geneva County) Bobby Payne, Mayor of Tallassee (Elmore County) Jason Reeves, Mayor of Troy (Pike County) Citing her support of their local communities and close by military installations like Fort Rucker and Maxwell Air Force Base, the mayors offered their “support, encouragement, and full endorsement” for Rep. Roby’s reelection campaign. Roby faces Wetumpka Tea Party Founder Becky Gerritson in the Republican primary on March 1, 2016. The winner of the primary faces goes on to the General Election in November. No Democratic candidates have formally declared that they are running yet. If elected, this would be Roby’s fourth term in office. Below is the full letter of their support: Dear Representative Roby: As mayors of 25 municipalities throughout Alabama’s Second Congressional District, we are pleased to offer our support, encouragement, and full endorsement of your 2016 primary reelection campaign. We appreciate your deep commitment to our local communities. Since your first election to Congress, you have demonstrated a willingness to effectively engage with federal agencies on our behalf to promote our local interests and advance our constituents’ best interests. Your steadfast advocacy for the critical military installations in our area, and of our many constituents who serve in uniform at home and abroad, promotes our district’s proud role in the nation’s defense. Additionally, we value federal, state, and local partnerships, and we appreciate your support of infrastructure improvement and economic development efforts across Central and Southeast Alabama. Most importantly, we know that you and your team are available to hear our concerns and eager to help your constituents. We recognize that working in the halls of Congress is not easy, but we are proud of your positive representation of our area, your responsible leadership, and your continued fight for traditional Alabama values. We offer our full endorsement of your campaign and we wish you the best.
Martha Roby: A revealing email; an evasive explanation
As you know, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday appeared the Select Committee on Benghazi to answer questions about what happened before, during and after the September 11, 2012 attack on a diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya. It was a long hearing with hours of back-and-forth testimony, and I wanted to share a few quick takeaways from one of my own exchanges with Mrs. Clinton. In my first question, I asked Clinton about an email between State Department employees regarding Clinton’s awareness of the American presence and security situation in Benghazi, Libya months before attack. In an email dated February 9, 2012, Alyce N. Abdalla said the following to State Department colleague Evyenia Sidereas: Also, the Secretary asked last week if we still have a presence in Benghazi – I think she would be upset to hear that yes we do but because we don’t have enough security they are on lockdown. I asked Clinton how this email squared with her claims to have been closely involved in the Libya strategy. “How could this be,” I asked, “that two of your staffers are emailing about whether or not you even knew that we had a presence in Benghazi in 2012 with all your interest in Libya in 2011?” Clinton said she “couldn’t comment on what has been reported,” about the emails and insisted “of course I knew we had a presence in Benghazi.” I then asked Clinton why dedicated State Department employees would fabricate a substantive conversation with the Secretary of State about a country she had made such a priority. In the long explanation that followed, Clinton again insisted she was aware of the situation in Benghazi and implied that the Ms. Abdalla was a low-level employee disconnected from her inner circle. Actually, Abdalla was the Libya Desk Officer, making her directly responsible for awareness of the situation in Libya. When Clinton told me she had “no recollection” of the conversation, I twice asked her to look at the email in the binder in front of her to refresh her memory. Twice, Secretary Clinton refused to look at the binder. This was only my first of multiple exchanges with Secretary Clinton, but it is emblematic of the evasive nature of some of her answers. As Secretary of State at the time of the attacks on our diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Clinton should have been more straightforward in answering questions, particularly when they relate to her awareness of the political and security situation leading up to the attack. Mrs. Clinton is an important witness in our investigation about the Benghazi attacks, but certainly not the only one. More witnesses remain, and our Committee will press forward in gathering the facts needed to form a conclusive report. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is currently serving her third term.
Congressional Republicans upset over Obama’s veto of defense spending bill
President Barack Obama issued the fifth veto of his presidency Thursday when he vetoed the annual defense authorization bill. The $612 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) funds the country’s military and national defense. In an peculiar Oval Office ceremony, Obama praised the bill for making sure the military is funded and making improvements in cybersecurity and military retirements. Yet he accused Republicans of resorting to “gimmicks” and prohibiting other changes necessary to address modern security threats. “Unfortunately, it falls woefully short,” Obama said. “I’m going to be sending it back to Congress, and my message to them is very simple: Let’s do this right.” The Alabama delegation criticized the President’s move calling it politically motivated. “Today, America’s Commander-in-Chief put politics above country by holding America’s military hostage in a sordid effort to coerce Congress into spending more money on programs unrelated to national defense,” said Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05). “President Obama’s veto weakens an already bludgeoned Defense Department that is hamstrung by sequestration and laying off tens of thousands of American military personnel. It is outrageous that President Obama and the White House so willingly play politics with America’s national security.” Rep. Mike Rogers, who served as a Conferee for this year’s NDAA and sits on the House Armed Services committee, shared in Brook’s sentiments, “I am deeply disappointed, but not surprised that President Obama vetoed this bipartisan and critical piece of legislation, not for what was in it, but for what was not in it.” National security was also a chief concern to many in the Alabama delegation. “The NDAA funds our troops and our national security, and the president should be ashamed of himself for playing political games with our brave men and women in uniform and our country’s safety,” continued Rogers. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) agrees. “With his veto, the President is not only placing our national security at risk by failing to authorize funding for our military, but is undermining our national security by demanding more domestic spending that further increases our national debt,” Palmer said. “As the Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen said, ‘The most significant threat to our national security is our debt.’” “President Obama’s decision to veto the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act is a slap in the face to all those who serve in our nation’s military,” said Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01). “From Iraq to China to Russia to Iran to Afghanistan to Syria, our nation has never faced a wider range of threats, and it is reprehensible for our Commander-in-Chief to veto this critical defense bill over matters that have absolutely nothing to do with defense.” Byrne continued, “If the President wants to have a debate about increasing spending on non-defense programs, then I welcome that debate. But we shouldn’t hold our military and their families hostage in the process.” The President’s veto will face a House Republican-led override attempt Nov. 5, though it is unknown whether the GOP can garner the support necessary to overcome Democratic opposition. “I don’t know if the votes exist to overturn this veto, but we will start right away working to earn them,”said Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02). President Obama should be ashamed for placing his personal political agenda over the needs of our military.” Earlier this month, the NDAA passed the House by a vote of 270 to 156, with 37 Democrats voting in support. The NDAA passed in the Senate by a veto-proof vote of 70 to 27, with 21 Democrats voting in favor of the bill.
Email Insights: Rick Barber shifts support from Martha Roby to Becky Gerritson
Former Congressional candidate and Tea Party favorite Rick Barber has announced his support for Rep. Martha Roby‘s challenger Becky Gerritson. Barber had previously support Roby’s congressional bid against then-incumbent Bobby Bright back in 2010. Gerritson and Roby will face off Mar. 1, 2016 in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional primary, where the winner will go on to vie for the seat in the General Election in November. Below is the email Rick Barber sent to Gerritson’s supporters: Dear Patriots, Conservatives across this nation have fought hard since 2010 to change the culture in Washington and elect conservative, principle based leaders that will uphold the Constitution and fight to reduce the size and scope of government in our lives. Since 2010 conservatives have been successful in shifting the power in the Senate and House of Representatives away from the Democrats and clearly given Republicans marching orders to put a stop to Obama’s agenda. Campaign promises were made and elections won. However, our hard fought fight has only resulted in more of the same; more bloated government, continued increases in government spending, increases in our national debt and not even a speed bump in Obama’s agenda. In 2010, I rallied beside Martha Roby and asked those of you that supported me to help in ensuring Bobby Bright’s defeat. Because of your efforts, we squeezed by a victory for her by a less than 1% margin! However, since being elected we have seen everything but Conservatism from Martha. Almost six years later, her voting record is more liberal than her Democratic predecessor as she has consistently sided with the GOP leadership who has accomplished nothing but allowing Obama’s agenda to continue. This election cycle, however, you have another and better option than Martha Roby. You have a true principled conservative with a track record of defending the Constitution, standing up to the IRS and traveling the country fighting for freedom. She was the inspiration to my campaign in 2010 and continues to be an inspiration today; which is why I am proud to announce my full support and endorsement of Becky Gerritson as your next U.S. Congressional Representative. I know Becky will take our fight to Washington. She will not remain silent, waiver, hide behind show votes or align with the career politicians. Becky is the model of the leadership we need in Washington and her record of performance and accomplishment over the last six years clearly shows it. As an endorser and supporter of Becky’s campaign I will contribute money, volunteer, make calls, travel and speak in support of her and I boldly ask that you do the same. Winning will not be easy. Becky will be an unwelcome outsider and Martha has nestled in closely with the establishment GOP. Martha will have the full resources and support of those in Washington that don’t want a principled conservative like Becky holding them accountable. Together, we can elect a true conservative fighter. I look forward to supporting Becky’s campaign and doing all that I can to ensure she wins in 2016. I pray you will join me. You can start by going to her website to contribute and sign up to volunteer today! www.BeckyForCongress.com Sincerely, Rick Barber Former Congressional Candidate
Martha Roby questions Hillary Clinton on “troubling” Benghazi security exchange
During Thursday’s contentious meeting of the House Select Committee on Benghazi, Alabama U.S. Rep. Martha Roby questioned former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on an email between two state department staffers which Roby said were “troubling.” An email exchange between Libya Desk Officer Alyce N. Abdalla and Deputy Director of the Office of Maghreb Affairs Evyenia Sidereas, Abdalla told Sideras: “[T]he Secretary asked last week if we still have a presence in Benghazi – I think she would be upset to hear that yes we do but because we don’t have enough security they are on lockdown.” Roby said on Thursday that was a sign that, contrary to Clinton’s testimony she was “actively involved” in security at the Libyan outpost, then-Secretary Clinton had taken a someone laissez-faire approach to the department’s presence in Benghazi. “How could this be that two of your staffers are emailing about whether or not you even knew that we had a presence in Benghazi in 2012 with all your interest in Libya in 2011?” Roby asked Clinton. Clinton responded she “couldn’t comment on what has been reported,” about the emails, though she insisted “of course I knew we had a presence in Benghazi.” Clinton then spoke at length about the State Department’s presence there, saying “I was doing a lot” as it pertained to Benghazi, but that didn’t satisfy Roby. “Sure, but this was your staff and it has to make me wonder if they had this conversation with you, why they would make it up,” said Roby. Roby tried twice to refer Clinton to the email exchange, which she said she was not aware of, but Clinton declined both times. Roby, a Republican first elected in 2010, represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District based in the Wiregrass region of southeastern portion of the state. See the full exchange between Roby and Clinton below.
U.S. House of Representatives: Oct. 19 – Oct. 23
It’s another chaotic week in the U.S. House of Representatives as there are three major developments to follow: After months of anticipation, Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton will testify before the House Select Committee on Benghazi that is investigating the 2012 terrorist attacks in Benghazi, Libya on Thursday. The Republican caucus continues to struggle to fill the vacancy being left by Rep. John Boehner for the next Speaker of the House. Many Republicans hope Rep. Paul Ryan — the House Ways and Means Committee Chairman and the GOP’s 2012 vice presidential nominee — will step up and seek the gavel, but thus far he has not expressed interest in the position. The contentious debt ceiling debate continues as only 10 working days remain for lawmakers to come up with a plan to raise the limit by November 3 or risk America’s first-ever default, which could have catastrophic, global consequences. The House returns to session Tuesday and will consider several bills under suspension of the rules. A full list of bills can be found here. The remainder of the week the House will consider: H.R. 692, the Default Prevention Act. The bill allows protects the full faith and credit of the United States by guaranteeing that the Treasury department will continue paying off debt in the event the debt ceiling is reached. Alabama co-sponsors: Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02), Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05), Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) H.R. 10, the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Reauthorization Act. The bill is a legacy piece of legislation for outgoing Speaker John Boehner (R-OH). It reauthorizes the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship (voucher) Program for an additional five years, through FY 2021, under which federal funding is provided to eligible students in Washington, D.C., to allow them to attend private schools. It also updates the program to provide for greater student participation and to mandate greater accountability by the private schools that participate in the program. H.R. 1937, the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act. The bill classifies domestic mining operations for strategic and critical minerals on federal lands as “infrastructure projects” in order to take advantage of a 2012 presidential order to federal agencies that eases the permitting process for infrastructure projects. H.R. 3762, Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. The bill is a consolidated bill from provisions reported by three different House committees that repeals several elements of Obamacare including the individual mandate, the employer mandates, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), the medical device tax, and the “Cadillac” tax. The bill also blocks federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year. Because the legislation was developed under reconciliation instructions included in the FY 2016 budget resolution, it will be protected from filibuster in the Senate and can be passed there by a simple majority.
Campaign finance reports offer indication of easy path to reelection for Alabama delegation
If the latest round of campaign finance reports are any indication, the incumbent Alabama delegation will be smooth sailing toward victory next November. While most of the races in the Yellowhammer remain unchallenged, a federal reporting deadline Thursday night shows Alabama politicians’ campaign coffers are filling up and they’re faring well on the fundraising front in their reelection efforts. Officially filed with the Federal Election Commission the reports disclose funds raised during third fundraising quarter, which ran from July 1 through September 30. Here’s how the Alabama delegation stacks up: U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions: won re-election in 2014. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: not yet filed at the time this was published. Challenger: Ron Crumpton (D) Cash on hand: $39 U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01) cash on hand: $449,621. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02) cash on hand: $733,545. Challenger: Becky Gerritson (R) Challenger: Robert E. John, Jr (I) U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) cash on hand: $466,022. U.S. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): not yet filed at the time this was published. Challenger: Phillip Norris (R) Cash on hand: $95 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) cash on hand: $976,718. Challenger: Willie Boyd, Jr. (D) Cash on hand: $819 U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) cash on hand: $711,196. Challenger: David Putnam (D) Cash on hand: $4,753 Debt: $5,325 U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) cash on hand: $476,588
Groups, lawmakers come together to urge court to rule on Clean Power Plan
Tuesday, Lance Brown, the Executive Director of the Partnership for Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) released a video calling for the court to rule on the controversial Clean Power Plan — the Obama administration’s flagship policy for cutting carbon dioxide emissions at power plants. Finalized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in August, the plan aims to cut power plant emissions by 32 percent in 2030 compared to 2012. While the plan sets individual targets for each state, it leaves many of the details for reaching those targets to each state legislature. “The EPA’s so-called Clean Power Plan won’t change global temperatures, but it will change power bills,” said Brown in the video. “That’s why the courts need to rule on this bad policy before we spend billions to comply with it.” Brown’s opinion is echoed by a chorus of other groups and lawmakers in the video. Senator Gerald Allen of Alabama calls the rule “a power grab by the Obama administration that will have zero impact on the global climate.” The plan is “an unprecedented attempt by EPA to set energy policy for the entire country,” said Regional Business Coalition of Greater Atlanta. National Black Chamber of Commerce says the plan will “lead to lost jobs, lower incomes, and higher poverty rates for the 128 million blacks and hispanics living in America.” Seniors advocate 60 Plus calls the rule “absolutely devastating for seniors.” These opinions should come as little surprise to those following the Clean Power Plan. Only hours after the president introduced the final version, attorney generals from 15 states across the country announced that they planned to sue the EPA over the rule, and lawmakers in over 35 states, like Alabama’s own Rep. Martha Roby stand in opposition to plan. Back in August, Roby wrote, “It’s no surprise that the EPA is once again going beyond its authority, pushing for overly burdensome regulations that have the potential to significantly affect our economy, discourage investment and stifle job creation. This agency is one of the most egregious offenders of ‘backdoor legislating’ by frequently attempting to circumvent Congress to set policy.” Roby continued, “Through the appropriations process thus far, we have used the ‘power of the purse’ to prevent the EPA from implementing harmful regulations like the ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule, which will cost Alabamians greatly. Also included in our Fiscal Year 2016 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill are provisions to prohibit implementation of the Clean Power Plan.” That’s exactly the kind of action Manufacture Alabama‘s Director of External Affairs, Molly Cagle is hoping for. In the video Cagle explained “the EPA’s Clean Power Plan is a step backwards for manufacturers.” “The President and federal lawmakers need to reverse this plan before it’s too late,” Cagle concluded. You can watch the full video here:
Alabama reacts to courts’ stay of controversial EPA water regulation
A U.S. federal appeals court temporarily halted the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday from implementing the “Waters of the United States,” a controversial regulation of the Clean Water Act that critics considered yet another federal power grab over state’s waters. Eighteen states including Alabama, sued the federal government earlier this year contesting that the rule goes too far and could be costly to landowners, as it expands the definition of bodies of water subject to federal pollution controls and development. Issued on a 2-1 vote from the Cincinnati-based U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit, the order was a preliminary victory for the for a group states, and put the regulations on hold nationwide until the court decides whether it has jurisdiction to consider lawsuits against said regulations. “A stay temporarily silences the whirlwind of confusion that springs from uncertainty about the requirements of the new Rule and whether they will survive legal testing,” said the court’s order signed by Judges David McKeague and Richard Griffin. Here’s what Alabama officials have to say about the court’s ruling: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01) on Facebook: Many of you have probably heard me talk about the EPA’s “Waters of the US” rule and the negative impact it would have on Alabama’s farmers. Well today we got some good news when a federal judge delayed the law from taking effect. This is a major victory over the heavy hand of government. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02) in an email: This is good news for Alabama farmers, foresters and really property rights in general. I’ve heard from countless individuals in Alabama who are under threat of being aggressively and unnecessarily penalized by federal water regulators. Though temporary, the Court’s ruling is a relief for them and a win for our Constitutional separation of powers. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) on Facebook: This is great news for farmers across the 4th District and Alabama. This was another example of executive overreach. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) on Facebook: Today’s ruling to halt the EPA’s misguided #WOTUS rule is a win for America’s farmers and landowners. I have been an outspoken critic of this extreme federal overreach while serving on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and am pleased to see the courts recognizing the havoc this regulation would inflict across the nation. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) in a press release: I am pleased that the Sixth Circuit has placed a stay on this onerous rule,” Palmer said. “It is well beyond the authority that Congress delegated to the EPA. This rule would allow the EPA to regulate almost any body of water, even ditches and isolated bodies on private land. This rule faces strong legal challenges. A nationwide stay ensures this rule is not implemented while litigation is ongoing, which will protect the American economy from EPA’s overreach. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: I am gratified that the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has granted the request of Alabama and 17 other states for a nationwide stay of the EPA’s flawed WOTUS rule pending the new environmental rule’s review in federal court,” said Attorney General Strange. The WOTUS rule is an unprecedented power grab by the EPA that practically extends to every landowner’s property and is so far-reaching and overly broad that even the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has expressed serious concerns about its ability to be enforced. Alabama and the rest of the country are now given protection from the controversial new rule while it is being fought by our coalition of states in federal court
