Mike Rogers: CMP could sell vintage firearms
As many of you across east Alabama may have seen or heard in the news: The National Defense Authorization Act recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives with my strong support. This critical piece of legislation outlines how Congress will support our nation’s military. I was relieved to see that Congress increased the overall authorized funding for our nation’s military. Several key provisions important to east Alabama made it into the bill. The first was a commitment to help protect jobs at important military facilities like the Anniston Army Depot, one of the Army’s most productive and efficient facilities. Folks across east Alabama may remember a few years ago when the depot had to furlough some workers because of the Pentagon’s poor budget management. The new provision would protect facilities like the depot that operate under the Working Capital Fund from being forced to furlough workers in order to meet arbitrary budget demands from the Pentagon. Another was my amendment to allow the Army to transfer its surplus vintage firearms to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) which has its southern headquarters in Anniston and will soon have the CMP park open in June in Talladega County. If you’re a gun owner like I am, you may be familiar with the M1911A1. This iconic pistol used to serve as the standard U.S. armed forces sidearm, until it was replaced by the Berretta 9mm pistol. Although a few thousand of these pistols have been sold to foreign countries for a small fee, the remainder are in storage. That costs the taxpayer about $200,000 a year. As a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, I believe this bill is a common-sense approach to not only save the taxpayer money, but to allow gun collectors to add this vintage pistol to their collection. It is my hope that both provisions will stay in the bill as the process moves forward in the Senate. I also hope the administration will ultimately support them. Providing for our national defense is a top priority to keep our country safe and our defenses strong. Mike Rogers represents Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. He’s in his eighth term. You can sign up for his e-Newsletter at www.mikerogers.house.gov.
Know a vet getting the government run around?
Soon our nation will be celebrating Memorial Day. More than a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is time to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s also a time to say thank you to our nation’s many vets and our current service members who are still manning the front lines to protect this great nation. Often times our nation’s veterans and military have issues with the federal government and need help. Did you know that you your Congressman and Senators are often your best resource when you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. For those currently in the military, or their families, experiencing difficulties with the U.S. Department of Defense and/or any of its military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Merchant Marines), TRICARE, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a Congressional office can often intervene and help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. For veterans, a Congressional office can assist efforts to obtain military records and medals, in answering questions they have concerning eligibility for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or those who might be having difficulties with the VA Health Care System or the VA claims and appeals process. Offices are also available to assist with a myriad of other constituent services areas that include, but are not limited to: Citizenship and Immigration Services: dealing with USCIS — relating to the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen, how to renew a Permanent Resident (Green) Card Consumer Complaints: complaints about a product or business General Financial and Emergency Assistance: facing financial difficulties and looking for temporary financial assistance Internal Revenue Service: federal tax-related problems, tax-fraud Medicare: problems with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) or CMS Passports: figuring out where you should submit your application, figuring out which application to use, and deciding when you need to submit application to ensure that you get your Passport prior to your travel date Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: provide information about steps that individuals may take to as a way to proactively protect themselves from identity theft and what can be done to protect your credit information from use in fraudulent ways Small Business Administration: provide information on any available government financing, counseling, and training programs to individuals who are interested in starting or expanding Alabama-based business Social Security Administration: difficulties with the Social Security Administration with obtaining disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), retirement or other Social Security-related benefits, or if you simply need some help in obtaining documents If you’re facing an issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Representative or one the Senators for assistance. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District: Rep. Bradley Byrne Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Martha Roby Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Mike Rogers Alabama’s 4th Congressional District: Rep. Robert Aderholt Alabama’s 5th Congressional District: Rep. Mo Brooks Alabama’s 6th Congressional District: Rep. Gary Palmer Alabama’s 7th Congressional District: Rep. Terri Sewell Statewide: Sen. Jeff Sessions State-wide: Sen. Richard Shelby Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? You can use this easy service to find out.
Alabama delegation gets behind federal National Defense Authorization Act re-approval
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, funding the Pentagon and related military and intelligence operations through the next fiscal year. The bill was a site for a great deal of activity by Alabama lawmakers, who mostly supported the bill. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, for instance, worked to keep a small fleet of littoral combat ships — in-shore frigates the Navy calls “networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats” — growing in the face of recent cuts. Byrne told Alabama Today he is happy with Friday’s result. “I am very proud of our efforts to secure authorization for three more Littoral Combat Ships,” Byrne said Friday, “My colleagues in Congress are continuing to realize what our Navy leaders have said all along: The LCS is a critical piece of our naval fleet. I will continue to work tirelessly to support our nation’s Navy and the hardworking men and women at the Austal shipyard in Mobile.” Another member of the House Republican caucus from the Yellowhammer state, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, also voted “yea” on the measure and largely concurred with Byrne’s findings. “The NDAA is critical in providing for our national defense,” Rogers, a six-term congressman from Alabama’s 3rd District. “I was proud of the provisions included under jurisdiction of the Strategic Forces subcommittee I chair. I was also pleased language was included in the legislation to help protect jobs at facilities funded by the Working Capital Fund, like the Anniston Army Depot.” Rogers also offered an amendment to transfer out-of-date firearms to the federal Civilian Marksmanship Program: “[A]s a gun owner and gun rights supporter, I was thrilled my amendment, which would allow the Army to transfer its surplus vintage firearms to the CMP, was also included. I hope the Senate acts soon on this important piece of legislation.” U.S Rep. Gary Palmer also issued a statement Friday about his support of the measure, which now goes to the Senate for final approval before heading to the desk of President Barack Obama. Specifically he trumpeted his work with U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, who joined him in supporting the bill. “A strong America is vital to our national security, and to that of our allies. The men and women who wear the uniform deserve to be given the equipment and training they need and the pay and benefits they earn. “I am pleased that the Congress passed an amendment I co-sponsored offered by Rep. Mo Brooks. This amendment stripped a provision that would have allowed illegal immigrants granted amnesty under the president’s unconstitutional executive order to join the military. I do not believe Congress should ratify the Administration’s illegal action, nor do I believe that the NDAA is the appropriate place to legislate concerning illegal immigration.” The Senate is expected to take up the bill soon, though no timeline was immediately available at press time. Amid the key provisions of the bill, according to staff analysis, are the following: Reforms the acquisition strategy to make the process less burdensome while maintaining accountability; Lays the foundation for reforming the military compensation system to help recruit and retain the best; Mandates the implementation of the Pentagon’s planned 20 percent reduction in headquarters budgets and personnel; Eliminates more than 460 mandated reports to free up vital manpower; Creates a Job Training and Post-Service Placement Executive Committee to help move members out of military service and into the workforce; Continues oversight and protection of our troops from sexual assault; Reinforces the mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); Provides lethal aid to Ukraine in their fight against Russian-backed separatists; Prohibits the closure of Guantanamo Bay; and Authorizes a 2.3 percent pay raise for troops, compared with the President’s proposed 1 percent pay raise. With full support of the Alabama delegation, the bill passed Friday afternoon by a largely party-line 269-151 vote on the House floor.
5 Alabama delegation members noted for conservative records
The Washington, D.C.-based American Conservative Union, the oldest active conservative lobbying and activism organization in the United States, has released its 44th annual congressional scorecard. It ranks all members of the 114th Congress based on their votes concerning a cross-section of issues important to pro-business, traditionalist influencers. “For 44 years, our ACU Ratings have been considered the gold standard in determining a member of Congress’ courage to stand up to big government liberals and to stand strongly in favor of policy positions important to conservatives,” said ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp, a former aide to the George W. Bush administration and Koch Industries. “Our award-winning senators and congressmen are fighting to protect the rights and freedom of all Americans by honoring President [Ronald] Reagan’s three-legged stool of economic, national security, and cultural conservative issues.” The Alabama delegation scored higher on the ACU’s scale — where 100 is “most conservative” and zero is “most liberal” — than most other states’ by far. Members whose voting records rank in the top 20 percent, a score of 80 and above, were awarded the the ACU Award for Conservative Achievement. Sen. Jeff Sessions was rated the most conservative of all Alabama members with a 96 rating, up from 88 a year ago. Sen. Richard Shelby posted an 88 this year, up from last year’s 76. The House delegation was especially interesting, because it gave a look into the political calculus Alabama members use to legislate while stumping for re-election on a near-constant basis. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne nearly aced the ACU exam on his first try: The freshman scored a delegation-best 88. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers jumped 24 points from last year to achieve an 84, while U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers finished out the top three by holding steady at 84. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, whose district includes parts of centrist-leaning Montgomery, scored 56, down from last year’s 64; U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholdt scored a 61, slightly down from 67; and U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer as a freshman was not scored. All are Republicans. Democrat Terri Sewell, who largely ignores the group’s advocacy, scored an 8, down from last year’s 12.5. Here’s a list of some of the key votes scored by ACU, according to its website: In favor of HR 7 (Roll Call 30) Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. This bill would have permanently prohibited the use of federal funding, facilities or staff to provide abortion coverage and services with exceptions for rape and incest and to save the life of the mother. Opposing HR 3590 (Roll Call 38) Federal Land Use. The DeFazio amendment would have defeated the purpose of a bill to open more federal land for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting by requiring a lengthy environmental review of each area of land affected. In favor of H Con Res 96 (Roll Call 175) Conservative Budget. The Woodall amendment to the budget bill presented a conservative alternative that would have balanced the budget in four years by freezing domestic spending at $60 billion below current levels, reformed entitlement programs, and eliminated wasteful programs. Brooks/Roby/Sewell voted against it. In favor of HR 4435 (Roll Call 231) Defense Spending. The McKinley amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill bars the use of federal funding to conduct climate change assessments and reports. In favor of HR 4745 (Roll Call 290) Housing Programs. The Schock amendment to the Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill to reduce the power of the HUD Secretary to hand out Section 8 vouchers above the authorized limit, in some cases valued at $4,000 a month, while keeping others on a waiting list for any type of affordable housing. In favor of HR 5016 (Roll Call 425) Second Amendment. The Massie amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill that would prohibit the District of Columbia from taking any action to prevent law-abiding citizens from possessing, using or transporting a firearm. Opposing HR 5272 (Roll Call 479) Immigration. This bill reverses President Obama’s executive order deferring action on some illegal immigrants but not others. The full list of scored votes is available here.
Alabama congressional delegation largely supportive of Benghazi Select Committee
In the wake of recent news that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has agreed to testify before a U.S. House Select Committee investigating the 2012 attacks on an American compound in Benghazi, some Republican members of Congress are licking their chops at the prospect of getting a good crack at the 2016 Democratic presidential frontrunner over an issue that remains on the front burner for conservatives. Among them is U.S. Rep. Martha Roby of Alabama’s Wiregrass and Montgomery-based 2nd Congressional District. Roby is one of seven Republican members chosen for the committee. “It doesn’t surprise me that the Clinton lawyers want to limit her testimony,” Roby told Alabama Today on Tuesday, responding to corollary news that Clinton has refused to testify twice as requested by the committee, conceding to only one hotly anticipated appearance. “But, remember, it was her decision, not ours, to set up a secret email system in a calculated attempt to flout government transparency requirements. And there are many legitimate questions that remain unanswered.” She expressed her enthusiasm that South Carolina U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy — who has been vocal in his criticisms of Clinton over Benghazi — may get to oversee a panel devoted to extracting answers from the former New York senator in light of her use of a private email address while serving on President Barack Obama‘s Cabinet. “I know that Chairman Gowdy is taking this offer into consideration and we will see what happens going forward. Chairman Gowdy has been a deliberate, effective leader of this Select Committee and we are behind him 100 percent,” Roby said. U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt and Mo Brooks — Republicans all — each voted “yea” and co-sponsored the federal legislation that created the committee. Democrat Terri Sewell, for her part, voted against it. Rep. Gary Palmer wasn’t yet elected when the House created the Select Committee. He did tell Birmingham talk radio host Matt Murphy in March he thinks “we should subpoena the server and see what’s on it.” Palmer also told the Birmingham Morning News, “I have zero confidence that this Justice Department will do anything under Obama [concerning Clinton’s emails].”
Alabama’s 2015 Congressional Art Competition winners selected
Each spring, high school students from across the state submit their artwork to the annual Congressional Art Competition for a chance to represent their congressional district in the U.S. Capitol with their artistic talents. Sponsored by the Congressional Institute to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district, more than 650,000 high school students have participated since it began in 1982. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District Winner: Siobhan Johnson Piece: “Brotherhood’s Past” High School: St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile, senior “The Congressional Art Competition is a fantastic way to highlight the artistic talents and achievements of our nation’s students,” said U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne. “I am especially proud to sponsor the 1st Congressional District Art Competition, and I am always so impressed by the high quality art that our local students are producing.” Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District Winner: Kaitlyn Tarver Piece: “America” High School: Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery, senior “I’m proud to celebrate the artistic abilities of students throughout Alabama, and in particular Kaitlyn and Ashton,” U.S. Rep. Martha Roby said. “These young women have displayed impressive talent, and it’s an honor to join their families and friends in commemorating this momentous occasion. I want to also express my sincerest gratitude to Kaitlyn’s and Ashton’s art teachers, Emily Thomas at Booker T. Washington and Anna Beasley at Houston Academy. Their commitment to helping their students experience the arts truly makes a difference, and I am grateful for their efforts.” Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District Winner: Heather Caldwell Piece: “Love At First Sight” High School: Handley High School “Every year, I look forward to being a part of the 3rd Congressional District Art Contest,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. “We have some really artistic young men and women in East Alabama, and this event is a great way to showcase their talents. I appreciate all the students who participated and the hard work they put in to creating their artwork.” Alabama’s 4th Congressional District Winner: Cadley Jackson Piece: “Reflections on my Childhood” High School: Guntersville High School, senior “This is a great event where we get to recognize art students in our district for their great accomplishments,” U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said. “Sometimes it is not always well publicized but we hope this brings attention to the great artists who are among us here in our own congressional district.” Alabama’s 5th Congressional District Winner: Julie Davidson Piece: “Waiting for a Cue” High School: James Clemens High School, senior U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks said, “I’m so thankful for the support of our community, particularly the Huntsville Museum of Art, and their work to facilitate the Congressional Art Competition each year. A panel of judges juried the 243 pieces of artwork submitted and selected the winner, Ms. Julie Davidson of James Clemens High School. It was a pleasure to recognize Ms. Davidson’s achievements — I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol throughout the next year representing Alabama’s 5th District. Additionally, I was proud to commend the honorable mentions and thank the art educators who empower these students to succeed. Congratulations to Julie and to all of the honorable mentions, I hope you will continue to excel in your artistic pursuits.” Alabama’s 6th Congressional District Winner: Aaron Squires Piece: “I Am Free Now” High School: Pelham High School, junior “I am proud to support education and the young artists that are participating in this competition,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. “The Birmingham area has a thriving arts community and these young people already are part of it. They will continue to make important contributions in the years to come.” Alabama’s 7th Congressional District Winner: Samantha Bearden Piece: “Discovering Happiness” High School: Minor High School “Each year, this competition reflects the extraordinary talent of the students of the 7th Congressional District and I am proud to support them in exploring their artistic talents,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said.
Lawmakers keep VA failures front and center
As a recent spate of news about neglect and fraud in the federal Department of Veterans Affairs continues to develop, a handful of Alabama Congressional delegates are continuing to keep VA issues on the front burner. “I am outraged that our veterans are still being made to wait for medical care,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell recently told Alabama Today. “Providing high-quality care and benefits to our nation’s veterans is one of our most fundamental obligations, and we must do more to live up to that promise. I proudly sponsored the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, which President Obama signed into law. “This new law has helped VA medical centers across the country hire more physicians and enabled some veterans to seek private care, yet problems still persist at underperforming facilities like the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama. “We heard more than enough excuses. Our nation’s heroes should not be made to wait for quality care, and to ask them to do so violates our core principles. We need a permanent director who is ready – and willing – to do more for our veterans.” Congressman Bradley Byrne has also taken action to rectify much longer than average wait times at the Central Alabama VA. He recently introduced legislation that would create a new clinic in Mobile to ease the long backlogs currently on the books at VA providers, but has also said the problems run deep and deserve a thorough remediation at the administrative level. “Our veterans have waited far too long for a new VA clinic in Mobile, and it is past time the VA moves the process forward,” Byrne said in a prepared statement last week. “The current Mobile clinic is outdated and too small to adequately meet the needs of our area’s veterans. Years ago the VA committed to the construction of a new clinic in Mobile, but bureaucratic obstacles continue to hold the process up.” Sen. Richard Shelby also spoke with Alabama Today on the matter, indicating that VA scrutiny is a concern in the upper chamber of Congress as well. “It is extremely disappointing and unacceptable that long wait times continue to plague the Central Alabama VA,” said Shelby in a statement special to Alabama Today. “Our veterans in Alabama and across the country deserve better, which is why I will continue to press the VA to correct these issues and fight to ensure that our veterans receive timely and effective health care services.” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Calhoun County in Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District is working on the issue from his position on the coveted House Armed Services Committee. He says he is displeased to say the least about the way Alabama vets are receiving short shrift from those whose job is to serve them. “The mistreatment at these VA facilities, including in Alabama, of our men and women who have served our country in uniform is unconscionable to me,” told Alabama Today. “Our Veterans deserve the very best at these facilities and I hope these wrongs will be made right.” Last week we chronicled U.S. Rep. Martha Roby‘s efforts on VA care access. She was one of the first high-ranking Alabama officials to speak with whistleblower Richard Tremaine, who recently testified before Congress about a years-long pattern of cover ups and denial of responsibility on the part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System where he is associate director. “That culture has festered at Central Alabama for years,” Roby said. “It has carried over through multiple directors, and it isn’t going to change until Secretary McDonald gets serious and puts leadership in place that will clean house. “We need a permanent system director who is empowered and willing to change the lousy culture and turn the place around. I’ll take that message back to Washington … where improving care for veterans remains my top priority.”
