Alabama Republicans respond to Joe Biden’s State of the Union address
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of The Union address to a joint session of Congress. The President touted the achievements of his administration and called for consensus. Alabama Republicans responded to the President’s address with skepticism. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said that the “American people don’t believe” Biden. “While President Biden says the state of our union is strong, it is clear that the American people don’t believe him,” Aderholt wrote. “They don’t believe him when they are paying record prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump. They don’t believe him when the crisis at our southern border continues to escalate, with 4.5 million illegal crossings since he took office. They don’t believe him when their children continue to overdose on fentanyl that’s been trafficked across the border. And they don’t believe him when the Chinese Communist Party goes unchecked, and their spy balloons are not shot down before they traverse our entire country.” “The American people deserve better and the Republican majority in the House of Representatives is committed to delivering solutions,” Aderholt added. “We are taking a common-sense conservative approach to these issues, and we encourage the President to work with us as we lead in the 118th Congress.” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville said, “The divide between President Biden’s big-government view of our country and the conservative vision for our potential has never been wider.” “It’s hard for President Biden to address the weakened State of our Union when he doesn’t seem to be living in the difficult reality he’s created,” Sen. Tuberville stated. “Americans can’t afford their utilities or groceries, don’t feel safe in their communities, and are villainized for their views by a president who promised to unite us. Not only did the president fail to offer solutions tonight, he showed he doesn’t even seem to understand the problems. Instead, he just paid lip service to the same progressive priorities that have failed time and time again.” “The divide between President Biden’s big-government view of our country and the conservative vision for our potential has never been wider,” Tuberville continued. “Republicans believe in a union that protects liberty, creates opportunity, and gets people back on their feet. We have a vision to make our country more free, more secure, and more affordable. As we saw tonight, President Biden doesn’t share that vision. However, because I speak with hardworking people every day who want to help turn our country around, I still believe America’s best days lie ahead of her. Those days will come when we elect a president who actually believes in American greatness and is capable of delivering results.” U.S. Representative Mike Rogers released a statement arguing that President Biden has done nothing but “weaken our country.” “Our nation is less safe under President Biden,” Rep. Rogers said in a statement to reporters. “Time and time again – the misguided policies of the Biden-Harris administration have placed our national security at risk. In his speech, President Biden claimed that ‘if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country.’ Is that why President Biden allowed the Chinese Communist Party to spy on our country and tried to hide it from Congress and the American people? The truth is that President Biden has done nothing but weaken our national security.” U.S. Senator Katie Britt said, “President Biden refused to own the border crisis in tonight’s State of the Union.” “Tonight, I’m disappointed to say that the perspective of Alabama parents and families was missing,” Sen. Britt said in a video statement. “The reality of what moms and dads across our state and nation are facing is a stark difference from what we heard tonight from the President. Parents and families are sitting around the kitchen table, worrying about how they’re going to make ends meet in the face of crushing inflation. They’re worried about the price of groceries, from eggs and milk to flour and chicken. They’re worried about the wave of supply chain shortages that have affected their children recently, that’s everything from baby formula to children’s Tylenol.” “I’ve visited the border twice now in my first month in office,” Britt continued. “I listened and learned, visiting with the brave Border Patrol agents, law enforcement officers, survivors of human trafficking, and military personnel who are confronting this disaster on a daily basis. What I can tell you is now, it’s time for action. This week, I’ll be introducing a package of bills to seal and secure the border and to keep hardworking American families safe. My Senate Republican colleagues and I are fighting every day for faith, family, and freedom. There’s no doubt that this issue should be a bipartisan one – the solutions, certainly, but even acknowledging that there’s a problem. President Biden refused to own the border crisis in tonight’s State of the Union, just as he’s done his entire presidency. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to step up and join us in advancing commonsense solutions to secure the border.” Congressman Gary Palmer expressed concerns about the President’s energy policy and how that has led to high gas prices. “Tomorrow, the American people will wake up, and gas prices will still be too high,” Rep. Palmer said on Twitter. “Groceries and household utilities will still be unaffordable for many Americans, and our border will still not be secure. President Biden said nothing tonight to change that reality.” Congressman Dale Strong said on Twitter, “President Biden says that our economy is strong, but for the past two years, American families and small businesses have felt firsthand the impact out-of-control spending as inflation has skyrocketed— costing American families.” Congressman Jerry Carl said he was “very disappointed” by the President’s address. “I’m very disappointed by President Biden’s State of the Union address tonight,” Rep. Carl said on Facebook. “He passed the blame for his failures and offered zero solutions to our border crisis, our inflation crisis, or our energy crisis. He also flat-out lied by saying Republicans want to cut Social Security or Medicare.
China surpasses the United States in the number of ICBM launchers
The Chinese government has been working for several years to modernize its military and increase the size and potency of its nuclear deterrent. According to a recent letter from the Pentagon’s Strategic Command to Congress, China now has surpassed the United States in intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launchers. Republican Armed Services Committee leaders said this “should serve as a wake-up call for the United States.” Congressman Mike Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Doug Lamborn is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker is the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Sen. Deb Fischer is the Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. The congressional leaders released a joint statement Tuesday in response to the news that China has surpassed the United States in the number of land-based fixed and mobile ICBM launchers. The FY22 NDAA requires that U.S. Strategic Command notify Congress when the number of ICBMs, nuclear warheads, or ICBM launchers in China surpasses the United States. Strategic Command gave that official notification to Congress just 12 days ago. “The head of U.S. Strategic Command has informed us that China has surpassed the U.S. in the number of ICBM launchers – this should serve as a wake-up call for the United States,” Rogers and the other congressional leaders wrote. “It is not an understatement to say that the Chinese nuclear modernization program is advancing faster than most believed possible. We have no time to waste in adjusting our nuclear force posture to deter both Russia and China. This will have to mean higher numbers and new capabilities.” In response to a December 5th letter from the congressional leaders, U.S. Air Force General Anthony Cotton wrote that the Chinese have surpassed the number of fixed and mobile ICBM launchers. The United States, however, still has more nuclear warheads and more ICBMs in the active inventory. A classified letter that provided more detail was also attached to this letter. Alabama Today and other media sources do not have access to that classified information. Rogers wrote on Twitter, “China is rapidly approaching parity with the United States. We cannot allow that to happen. The time for us to adjust our force posture and increase capabilities to meet this threat is now.” Global tensions have risen with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and American support for the Ukrainians. There are growing fears that Russia or the United States, or both, could break out of the new START arms control treaty limiting the number of ICBMs, launchers, and warheads the two nations can have. Tensions between China and the U.S. have risen over trade, concerns over human rights in China, and Chinese threats against Taiwan. A top U.S. Air Force general wrote recently that officers should expect a war with China in 2025. The Chinese balloon that intruded into American airspace and was shot down by a U.S. Air Force F22 on Saturday has only further raised tensions. Rogers represents Alabama’s Third Congressional District. Rogers is in his eleventh term in Congress following previous services in the Alabama House of Representatives and on the Calhoun County Commission. Rogers is an attorney. He and his family reside in Saks. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rogers applauds the shooting down of Chinese balloon
On Saturday, the U.S. Military shot down the Chinese balloon, which many in the government believed to be on an intelligence gathering mission. Congressman Mike Rogers, the Chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, released a statement supportive of the successful mission by the United States military to take down the Chinese balloon. “I applaud our servicemembers for completing a successful mission to neutralize a spy balloon sent by the Chinese Communist Party,” Rogers said. “I remain deeply concerned by the Biden administration’s decision to allow the spy balloon to traverse the United States. The Biden administration reportedly learned of the CCP spy balloon on January 28th – nearly a week before residents in Montana spotted the balloon loitering over their state. It’s clear the Biden administration had hoped to hide this national security failure from Congress and the American people. Now, the White House must provide answers about why they decided to allow a CCP spy balloon to cross the United States and what damage to our national security occurred from this decision. The United States must project strength to deter China – this failure is another example of weakness by the Biden administration.” A U.S. Air Force F-22 shot down the balloon with a single missile on Saturday off of the South Carolina Coast. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had paused flights out of three South Carolina and North Carolina airports to make sure that no civilians were inadvertently put in harm by the mission. The military had considered shooting down the balloon over Montana earlier in the week but elected not to for fear that wreckage could have potentially harmed Americans on the ground. President Joe Biden told reporters, “On Wednesday, when I was briefed on the balloon, I ordered the Pentagon to shoot it down, on Wednesday, as soon as possible. They decided — without doing damage to anyone on — on the ground. They decided that the best time to do that was as it got over water, outside — within our — within the 12-mile limit. They successfully took it down. And I want to compliment our aviators who did it. And we’ll have more to report on this a little later.” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled a scheduled trip to China to protest the intrusion of the balloon over American air space. Blinken’s visit would have been the highest-ranking visit to China by an American official in six years. The Chinese government acknowledged that it was their balloon but claimed it was not an intelligence balloon. They, instead, claim it was a weather balloon that had gone astray and was not on an intelligence-gathering mission. The U.S. Coast Guard is attempting to retrieve as much of the wreckage of the balloon as possible. Of particular interest was a basket of equipment on the underside of the balloon. A second Chinese balloon was confirmed traveling over South America on Friday. Mike Rogers is in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rogers and Adam Smith announce subcommittee rosters on House Armed Services Committee
On Wednesday, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith announced the following Chairmen, Ranking Members, and subcommittee rosters for the 118th Congress selected by Chairman Rogers and the Democratic Committee Caucus. “We must ensure that our military focuses on lethality and capability,” Chairman Rogers said. “Over the next two years, the House Armed Services Committee will provide our warfighters with the resources and weapons they need to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary anywhere in the world.” Chairman Rogers named Rob Wittman as Vice Chairman, and Ranking Member Smith named Pat Ryan as Vice Ranking Member. Alabama Congress members Terri Sewell and Dale Strong also serve on the Armed Services Committee. “The State of Alabama has long played a central role in advancing U.S. defense capabilities, and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am excited to do my part to support the brave men and women working to keep our nation safe and secure,” said Rep. Sewell. “We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are proud to be home to Maxwell Air Force Base, the 187th Fighter Wing, the 117th Air Refueling Wing, and countless men and women in uniform that profoundly serve our country. I look forward to leveraging my position on the Armed Services Committee to advocate for their needs in this new Congress.” “When I was sworn in as your Representative, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution,” said Rep. Strong. “My first responsibility is to provide for a strong national defense. Serving on the Armed Services Committee will allow me to directly advocate for the commonsense policies that strengthen our national security and best serve America’s men and women in uniform.” The House Armed Services subcommittee Chairmen, Ranking Members, and rosters, with members listed in order of subcommittee seniority, are as follows: Cyber, Information Technology, and Innovation: Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) – Chairman Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) Lisa McClain (R-Michigan) Pat Fallon (R-Texas) Dale Strong (R-AL05) Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) Nick LaLota (R-NY) Rich McCormick (R-Texas) Ro Khanna (D-California) – Ranking Member Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) Jared Golden (D-Maine) Pat Ryan (D-New York) Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania) Intelligence and Special Operations: Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) – Chairman Austin Scott (R-Georgia) Elise Stefanik (R-New York) Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) Cory Mills (R-Florida) Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) – Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-Massachusetts) Jason Crow (D-Colorado) Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) Sara Jacobs (D-California) Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) Jimmy Panetta (D-California) Military Personnel: Jim Banks (R-Indiana) – Chairman Elise Stefanik (R-New York) Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) Michael Waltz (R-Florida) Brad Finstad (R-Minnesota) James Moylan (R-Guam) Mark Alford (R-Missouri) Cory Mills (R-Florida) Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) – Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) Don Davis (D-North Carolina) Terri Sewell (D-AL07) Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) Readiness: Michael Waltz (R-Florida) – Chairman Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) Austin Scott (R-Georgia) Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) Brad Finstad (R-Minnesota) Dale Strong (R-AL05) Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) James Moylan (R-Guam) John Garamendi (D-California) – Ranking Member Jason Crow (D-California) Mikie Sherrill (D-New Jersey) Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) Gabriel Vasquez (D-New Mexico) Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) Don Davis (D-North Carolina) Seapower and Projection Forces: Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) – Chairman Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) Jack Bergman (R-Michigan) Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina) Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) Mark Alford (R-Missouri) Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) – Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-California) Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) Jared Golden (D-Maine) Sara Jacobs (D-California) Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania) Jimmy Panetta (D-California) Strategic Forces: Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) – Chairman Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) Mike Turner (R-Ohio) Elise Stefanik (R-New York) Scott DesJarlais (R-Tennessee) Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) Jim Banks (R-Indiana) Michael Waltz (R-Florida) Dale Strong (R-AL05) Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) – Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-California) Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) Salud Carbajal (D-California) Ro Khanna (D-California) Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) Gabriel Vasquez (D-New Mexico) Tactical Air and Land Forces: Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) – Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) Sam Graves (R-Missouri) Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) Lisa McClain (R-Michigan) Pat Fallon (R-Texas) Carlos Gimenez (R-Florida) Nick LaLota (R-New York) Rich McCormick (R-Georgia) Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) – Ranking Member Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) Salud Carbajal (D-California) Mikie Sherrill (D-New Jersey) Pat Ryan (D-New York) Jeff Jackson (D-North Carolina) Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) Rogers was elected to his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. Before his congressional service, Rogers represented Calhoun County in the Alabama State Legislature. Rogers also served on the Calhoun County Commission. He is an attorney. He and his family live in Saks. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Mike Rogers seeks answers about racially disparaging remarks by DODEA official
Congressman Mike Rogers, the Chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, and Jim Banks, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, are demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on racially disparaging comments made by Kelisa Wing, the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). In a letter to Austin, Rogers and Banks wrote: “Our society values the virtues of merit, hard work, and equality of opportunity which distinguishes our nation from others. It is outrageous that a DOD official whose job it is to oversee “worldwide K-12 education programs for the children of DOD personnel,” has engaged in racially disparaging comments with clear inflammatory language on her social media and in other writings. Her comments do not represent the American ideal to treat everyone with respect. In fact, they call into question the current Administration’s commitment to ensuring that an involuntary trait of birth, like skin color, is an irrelevant factor in one’s ability to access opportunity and advancement. Leftist woke politics have no place in our military’s mission to protect all Americans.” Kelisa Wing has served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist since October 2021. Prior to that appointment, Wing served at DoDEA HQ as a Professional Development Specialist as well as an Elementary School Assistant Principal at West Point, New York, and 8th-grade Language Arts and Reading teacher at Faith Middle School in Fort Benning, Georgia. Wing is an Army veteran. Wing has been involved with diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for students and schools over many years and has authored several books on the topic. She was selected as a 2021 Equity Labs Nexus Fellow. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Secondary Education, and an Educational Specialist degree with a concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. In June, Wing publicly denounced White teachers on Twitter. “I’m exhausted with these white folx in these [professional development] sessions,” Wing said. “[T]his lady actually had the CAUdacity to say that black people can be racist too … I had to stop the session and give Karen the BUSINESS … [W]e are not the majority, we don’t have power.” According to dictionary.com, “caucacity” is a slang term used to make fun of behaviors perceived to be stereotypically white or to call out what’s seen to be a particularly bold instance of white privilege or racism. Wing self-identified as a “woke administrator,” decrying “white nonsense” on Twitter. “Where can I get a break from white nonsense for a while?” Wing wrote. “A number of our colleagues, including members of the House Armed Services Committee, have joined us in demanding answers to this straightforward inquiry,” the letter continued. “To date, no meaningful answers have been forthcoming. This is unacceptable.” DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education programs for school-age children of Department of Defense personnel who would otherwise not have access to high-quality public education. DoDEA schools are located in Europe, the Pacific, Western Asia, the Middle East, Cuba, the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Educational Agencies throughout the United States that serve children of military families. Rogers was made the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee last month. He recently won his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell appointed to the House Armed Services Committee
On Tuesday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced that she has been appointed to serve on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in the 118th Congress. This is in addition to her previous appointments to the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Administration Committee. “The State of Alabama has long played a central role in advancing U.S. defense capabilities, and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am excited to do my part to support the brave men and women working to keep our nation safe and secure,” said Rep. Sewell. “We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are proud to be home to Maxwell Air Force Base, the 187th Fighter Wing, the 117th Air Refueling Wing, and countless men and women in uniform that profoundly serve our country. I look forward to leveraging my position on the Armed Services Committee to advocate for their needs in this new Congress.” On Twitter, Sewell wrote, “Alabama has long played a central role in advancing U.S. defense capabilities, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I’m excited to do my part to support the brave service members working to keep our nation safe and secure!” The Armed Services Committee was created by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, which merged the jurisdictions of the Committee on Military Affairs and the Committee on Naval Affairs. The Committee’s jurisdiction includes defense policy, ongoing military operations, the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, counter-drug programs, acquisition and industrial base policy, technology transfer and export controls, joint interoperability, the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, Department of Energy nonproliferation programs, and detainee affairs and policy. Congressman Mike Rogers chairs the HASC committee. New Congressman Dale Strong also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Adam Smith is the Ranking Democrat on the Committee – Smith chaired the Committee in the 117th Congress when Democrats were in control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Sewell was an attorney for the City of Birmingham prior to her election to represent Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District in 2010. She is a native of Selma and lives in Hoover. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rogers concerned Russia may have violated START treaty
Congressman Mike Rogers released a letter raising concerns that Russia may be in violation of the new START Treaty. Rogers is the Chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee. The letter was made jointly with Rep. Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Mike Turner, the Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The three chairmen addressed the letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. They expressed their concerns that Russia has failed to uphold key tenets of the New START Treaty. “Russia’s unilateral cancellation of the BCC and refusal to restart New START inspections, another key tenet of the treaty, coupled with other statements by its government officials, at a minimum, raise serious compliance concerns regarding the Federation’s adherence to the New START Treaty,” Rogers and the other Republican Chairmen wrote. “This would occur during a uniquely dangerous time when both Russia and China are expanding and modernizing their arsenals, Iran, a state sponsor of terror, continues to expand its nuclear program, and North Korea rattles its nuclear saber.” “We are writing to you today to express our concerns regarding the Russian Federation’s compliance with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) and the danger its potential non-compliance poses to the future of arms control,” the members wrote. “President Biden gifted Vladimir Putin a clean, five-year extension to New START at the beginning of his administration despite concerns about the treaty, including the weakness of its verification regime and its failure to address Russia’s overwhelming advantage in nonstrategic nuclear weapons. Subsequently ignoring noncompliance, specifically in the context of Russia’s history of violating arms control commitments, would further undermine its own credibility in arms control.” The Congressmen requested that the administration provide a special out-of-cycle determination on compliance by the Russian Federation to the terms of New START that addresses the following: “• Whether Russia’s unilateral cancelation of the BCC, refusal to restart treaty-mandated inspections, or any other issue has resulted in Russian non-compliance or material breach of the Treaty. • Whether Russia has at any point since 2020 exceeded any New START caps and if those violations create a strategic imbalance endangering U.S. national security. • Whether Russia has, over the course of the treaty, used technical compliance as a pretense to violate the spirit of the treaty. • An assessment of the efficacy New START verification regime, to include the BCC and onsite inspections, given Russia’s recent statements and actions.” The START Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) limits the number of weapons of mass destruction that the United States and the Russian Federation can deploy. The new START Treaty limits the United States to just 659 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and deployed heavy bombers (the B52, B1, B2, and the new B21). Russia is limited to just 540. Since each launch system is able to launch multiple warheads on their deployed ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers, START also limits the number of nuclear warheads the superpowers can have. START limits the U.S. to just 1420 warheads, while Russia can have 1549. The treaty also strictly limits the number of missile launchers, ballistic missile submarines, and heavy bombers the two nations can have – both deployed and non-deployed. The U.S. is limited to only 800, while Russia is limited to only 759 total. If the two nations break out of the new START Treaty, that could potentially lead to a renewed arms race. There is already an arms race between the U.S., Russia, and China over who can be the first to develop and deploy hypersonic missiles. Hypersonics travel much faster than ICBMs or SLBMs, much fast than any nation’s known existing anti-missile or surface-to-air missile defense systems can operate at, and do not need to have a nuclear warhead to do devastating damage to a military, industrial, or population center target. On Thursday, the United States reversed its policy and agreed to supply Ukraine with new M1 Abrams tanks for its war with Russia. Ukraine has thanked the U.S. for the main battle tanks and is now asking for F16 fighter bombers. Mike Rogers was made Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee earlier this month. He is in his eleventh term representing the people of Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Reps. Mike Rogers and Michael McCaul urge more weapons for Ukraine
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul released a joint statement Thursday urging the administration and our allies to transfer critical weapon systems, including tanks, to Ukraine in their war with Russia. “The current handwringing and hesitation by the Biden administration and some of our European allies in providing critical weapon systems to Ukraine stinks of the weak policies of 2021, such as not sanctioning Nord Stream 2 or providing U.S.-origin Stingers before the full-scale invasion,” Chairmen Rogers and McCaul wrote. “While those policies failed to deter this conflict, the current indecision and self-deterrence will prolong it – costing Ukrainian lives. Now is the time for the Biden and Scholz governments to follow the lead of our U.K. and Eastern European allies – Leopard 2 tanks, ATACMS, and other long-range precision munitions should be approved without delay.” Western leaders remain divided on how much aid should go to Ukraine. On Friday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with defense leaders from 50 countries at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. “What we’re really focused on is making sure that Ukraine has the capability that it needs to be successful right now,” Austin said after the defense leaders failed to reach an agreement on sending tanks and long-range missile systems to Ukraine. The U.S. announced a new $2.5 billion package of weapons and equipment Thursday for Ukraine, including Stryker armored vehicles, for the first time. The U.S. stopped short of supplying Ukraine with M1 Abrams main battle tanks. The U.S. has supplied Ukraine with tracked Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and powerful HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the U.S. and other nations for the weapons but insisted that Ukraine needs western tanks. “I can thank you hundreds of times,” Zelensky told the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, “but hundreds of thankyous are not hundreds of tanks.” Ukraine has upgraded the armor and technology of its leftover USSR tanks from the 1970s and 1980s. Many leaders insist that Ukraine needs modern Western tanks with more firepower. After a five-hour meeting on the Ukraine situation, there was no agreement on sending tanks to aid the Ukrainians. The U.S. has not provided Abrams tanks, and Germany has refused to supply Leopard 2 main battle tanks, despite pressure from allies who say that the tanks are needed on the frontlines. U.S. officials insist that the Ukrainians would be better served with Leopards because they are easier to operate and are powered by less expensive diesel fuel versus the jet fuel that the fuel-guzzling Abrams engines require. Germany, to this point, has refused to give Ukraine Leopards and has refused to permit other countries who have received the Leopards to transfer them to Ukraine. Poland has pledged to provide Ukraine with 14 Leopards but can’t without German permission under the defense agreement between the two nations. Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak was optimistic that there was progress on this issue in Friday’s meeting. Russia is believed to be planning a major new offensive deeper into Ukraine either late this winter or early in the spring. Russia invaded Ukraine almost a year ago. A major effort to take or encircle the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, ended in disaster for the Russians. Russia made deep inroads into eastern Ukraine, but a Ukrainian counteroffensive in August reclaimed much of the territory that Russia had taken. Russia still holds a large amount of Ukrainian territory in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. “We have no doubt that the current masters of Russia will throw everything they have left and everyone they can muster to try to turn the tide of the war and at least postpone their defeat,” President Zelensky said recently. In December, Ukrainian Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, told The Economist that Russia is amassing some 200,000 troops for “another go at Kyiv.” Western military analysts consider that unlikely, given the spectacular disaster that the last Kyiv campaign was for Moscow. They instead believe that a more limited assault in eastern Ukraine to take Ukrainian positions around Donetsk and the rest of the Donbas region is a more likely scenario. There is still a threat that Belarus could invade Ukraine, forcing Ukraine to fight a two-front war in both the north and the east. Russian President Vladimir Putin did travel to Minsk in December to meet with Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko. “Russians are setting up for a decisive effort in Luhansk,” Russia researcher George Barros told The Hill. But that it “could mean a Russian offensive or it could also mean a Russian defensive effort designed to defeat a Ukrainian counteroffensive.” Ukraine still holds some territory in Donetsk, including the city of Bakhmut. Russia has just taken the town of Soledar, which might indicate a Russian effort to encircle the Ukrainian defenders at Bakhmut. Luhansk and Donetsk are two of the four Ukrainian regions that Russia illegally annexed. Many defense analysts question if Russia is even capable of reversing its losses, including the cities of Kharkiv in the east and Kherson in the south to Ukrainian counteroffensives in August and last fall. Russian tanks have proven vulnerable to American-built Lancer missiles, and the Russian Air Force has taken heavy losses to western surface-to-air missiles. Ukraine has even sunk the powerful Russian cruiser Moskva. There is also speculation that Ukraine could be preparing its own major counteroffensive to retake more of the Donbas. Rogers was chosen to be the Chairman of the powerful Armed Services Committee last week after Kevin McCarthy won the Speaker of the House position for the 118th Congress. Rogers is serving in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rogers named Chairman of House Armed Services Committee
Congressman Mike Rogers was named Chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Rogers will be the first Congressman from Alabama to serve as Chairman of the committee in history. “I am honored to have been selected by my House Republican colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee,” Rogers said in a statement. “Our nation faces unprecedented threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. In order to deter these threats and remain the most feared force in the world — we must ensure that our military focuses on lethality and capability. Over the next two years, the House Armed Services Committee will provide our warfighters with the resources and weapons they need to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary anywhere in the world.” “The committee will also hold the Biden administration accountable for misguided policies that distract from the core mission of the Department of Defense,” Rogers continued. “Initiatives that service a social agenda but don’t advance our national security will be scrutinized. Those in charge of these initiatives will come before the committee to explain how they will protect our national security. We will leave no stone unturned in holding the Biden administration accountable.” “Alabama has always played a critical role in supporting our national security,” Rogers concluded. “As the first Congressman from Alabama to serve as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to continuing that legacy.” “Congratulations to my friend and colleague @RepMikeRogersAL on being named Chairman of @HASCRepublicans!” Congressman Jerry Carl wrote on Twitter. “I’ve enjoyed serving on Armed Services with Mike and seeing all he’s accomplished for Alabama, and I know he is the leader our nation needs on the committee.” Rogers served as the Ranking Republican member of the Committee during the 117 Congress under then Chairman Adam Smith. Under the rules of Congress, the party that controls the House of Representatives picks the Chairs of virtually all committees. Smith chaired then because Democrats controlled the House. Republicans won control of the House in the 118th Congress, so Rogers moved from being the Ranking member of the minority party to the Chairman’s role on the Committee. On Tuesday, the Pentagon released an order ending the divisive COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the armed forces. On Wednesday, Chairman Rogers released a statement applauding the end of the forced COVID-19 shots for military members. “Because of the hard work of House Republicans — the Department of Defense has finally rescinded the harmful COVID-19 vaccine mandate for servicemembers,” Rogers said. “I am proud to have fought for the inclusion of language in the Fiscal Year 2023 James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act that directed the Department of Defense to end this mandate.” “Our work is not done,” Rogers added. “We will be looking into the impacts the COVID-19 vaccine mandate had on our readiness — especially its impact on the recruitment and retention of servicemembers. The House Armed Services Committee will continue to fight for our servicemembers and hold the Biden administration accountable for their harmful and misguided policies.” Rogers and other Republican members of Congress insisted on language being included in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), overturning Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s shot mandate. Rogers is serving in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. Rogers is an attorney. He previously served as a State Representative and county commissioner. He and his family live in Saks in Calhoun County. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert Aderholt votes in favor of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation requiring that abortion doctors provide emergency care to infants that are born alive during an abortion. Congressman Robert Aderholt voted in favor of the bill and applauded its passage. “I was proud to speak on the House floor today in support of H.R. 26, which would require that babies born during an abortion be given the same medical care and treatment that any other baby born at that stage of development would be given,” Aderholt said in a statement on Facebook. “This bill has passed in the House before and previously received bipartisan support.” The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nationwide federation of right-to-life organizations, supports the legislation – the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. “National Right to Life believes that it is time for Congress to act decisively to put the entire abortion industry on notice that when they treat a born-alive human person as medical waste or as a non-entity who may be subjected to lethal violence with impunity, they will do so at legal peril,” the group said in a statement. “H.R. 26 would enact an explicit requirement that a baby born alive during an abortion must be afforded “the same degree” of care that would apply “to any other child born alive at the same gestational age,” including transportation to a hospital.” The bill requires that babies born alive during abortions are treated in the same manner as those who are spontaneously born prematurely. The bill also applies the existing penalties of the federal murder statute to anyone who performs “an overt act that kills a child born alive.” It also provides a civil cause of action to women who are harmed by violations of the act. The House of Representatives also adopted Rep. Mike Johnson’s concurrent resolution that would condemn attacks on pro-life organizations. H.R. 26 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner. “I have championed this issue for decades, and I have been blessed and honored to lead this legislation since 2019,” Wagner said. “Thanks to our efforts, after dozens of unanimous consent requests, two discharge petitions, and countless hours of advocacy work, the House has finally taken action to ensure that every single baby born in the United States receives lifesaving medical care at their most vulnerable moment. We must remember today that children are not the only victims of born-alive abortions. Women, fathers, and whole families all suffer deeply from the loss of their child. Our communities are weaker because these bright young ones did not grow up to share their wisdom, laughter, and ingenuity with us.” “Every single newborn, regardless the circumstances of their birth, deserves to share the miracle of life and have lifesaving medical care,” Wagner continued. “We must act with compassion to protect these little ones and give women a strong support system as they navigate the miracles and challenges of motherhood. This bill will save real lives, and it will give survivors a precious chance to build a future. Our world is blessed now that we all know the Republican majority is here to fight on behalf of the precious, innocent lives of those who cannot fight for themselves.” Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy said that the House Republicans had promised to pass this legislation if they were given control of the House of Representatives. “House Republicans have been committed to advancing legislation that protects the lives of the unborn and their mothers,” McCarthy said in a statement. “In the very first week, we kept that commitment because strong families are the essence of American life. And in the face of a growing movement to devalue the miracle of life, we must also protect every American fighting for life – including those at pro-life pregnancy centers and churches from violence and threats. We will continue to prioritize the defense of life and all individuals from violence and intimidation.” The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220 to 210 in favor of passing H.R. 26. In addition to Aderholt, Congressmen Dale Strong, Barry Moore, Jerry Carl, Mike Rogers, and Gary Palmer voted in favor. Congresswoman Terri Sewell voted against it. Only one Democrat in the House voted in favor. No Republicans voted against the legislation. “We commend the House of Representatives for passing legislation to protect innocent children from infanticide and urge the Senate to follow suit,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities. “Babies who are born alive during the process of an abortion deserve compassionate care and medical attention – just the same as any other newborn baby.” The legislation now goes to the Senate for its consideration. Aderholt is the dean of the Alabama Congressional delegation. He is serving in his fourteenth term representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert L. McCollum considers challenging Rep. Mike Rogers
On Monday, Robert McCollum announced that he is considering running in the Alabama Republican primary for Congress. McCollum told Alabama Today that he is forming an exploratory committee to look at challenging long-time incumbent Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03). McCollum said that he had been considering a run anyway but was motivated to move up his timeline for the 2024 race after the Friday night incident where Rogers had to be restrained by Rep. Richard Hudson on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Friday night from coming after Rep. Matt Gaetz. Rogers was angered by Gaetz’s refusal to change his vote from present to in favor of Rep. Kevin McCarthy for Speaker of the House. “After the disaster on the house floor, it became clear to me that the people of the 3rd congressional district deserve better than that. That was the most childish thing I had ever seen,” McCollum said. “What have we become? What happened to respect for our colleagues? What happened to spirited debates and not playground brawls?” Rogers has apologized for losing his temper with Gaetz. “.@RepMattGaetz and I have a long and productive working relationship, that I am sure will continue. I regret that I briefly lost my temper on the House Floor Friday evening and appreciate Matt’s kind understanding,” Rogers wrote on Twitter Sunday. Gaetz has accepted the apology and said he and Rogers have a strong working relationship. McCollum claimed that he found the incident “embarrassing” for the state and the district but had already been considering challenging Rogers because he was dissatisfied with how Rogers was representing the district. “The people of the 3rd district deserve someone that is going to represent them and not the Washington establishment!” McCollum said. “Someone that will work tirelessly with his colleagues to get the best for the American people!” Rogers, who is the Ranking Member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee in the 117th Congress, is expected to Chair the committee in the 118th Congress. McCollum said that under the circumstances, Rogers should not be chairing any committee. “Congressman Rogers should step down from any committee or chairmanship,” McCollum said. “That kind of behavior should not be rewarded nor tolerated.” Rogers was accused of being intoxicated at the time of the incident by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tennessee). “Congressional leaders should not be allowed to drink on the house floor!” McCollum said. “Our leaders should have more respect for our capital and the meaning of it!” Rogers released a statement following McCarthy’s election as Speaker of the House on the 15th ballot. “I am excited to see Kevin McCarthy elected Speaker of the House,” Rogers said. “Now it is time for the House to do the work the American people sent us here to do.” McCollum appealed to voters for their support. “I’m not going to sit here and promise that I will be 100% perfect – no one but God is! But what I can promise you is honest representation, conservative representation, sober representation, and strong conservative representation of Alabama’s 3rd congressional district!” McCollum said in a statement. “That is why today I’m announcing I will be forming an exploratory committee for Alabama’s 3rd congressional district currently held by Mike Rogers; we deserve better!” Robert Lane McCollum is a native of Tallapoosa County. He is a graduate of Horseshoe Bend High School. He has been a small business owner. McCollum was defeated by Public Service Commissioner Chip Beeker in the 2022 Republican primary runoff. Rogers has represented the Third Congressional District since 2003. He previously represented Calhoun County in the Alabama House of Representatives and on the County Commission. The 2024 Alabama Republican Primary is tentatively scheduled for March 5, 2024. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kevin McCarthy fails to win House Speakership after 11 votes
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to choose its next Speaker of the House. Ninety percent of House Republicans, including all of the Congressional Republicans from Alabama, voted to make longtime House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy the Speaker, but that was still far short of the 218 votes needed to elect McCarthy Speaker. The 11:00 am CST Speaker of the House vote was followed by four more votes before the House adjourned until Friday. The four failed Speaker votes on Thursday, followed three votes on Wednesday and three on Tuesday, for a total of 11 failed Speaker elections to this point. The small group of ultra-conservative Republicans in the House that oppose McCarthy are led by Reps. Andy Biggs, Matt Gaetz, and Bob Good. They insist that they can hold out indefinitely and will not be swayed by critics to soften their stand against McCarthy, whom they view as too moderate. Democrats, on the other hand, have voted unanimously for their new leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Congresswoman Terri Sewell has voted for Jeffries. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has told reporters that House Democrats will not help elect McCarthy. Alabama’s Republican Congressmen Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong, and Gary Palmer have all steadfastly supported McCarthy throughout this process. “I am supporting Kevin McCarthy in the House the entire time,” said Barry Moore in a video statement on Facebook. “We have been working on trying to get a consensus on who the Speaker will be.” “I have been with Kevin because I said I would be with Kevin,” Moore said. “I have told Kevin that he has my support.” The House cannot conduct business until it has a Speaker in place, so essentially, the first, second, and third days of the 118th Congress accomplished nothing. House committee staff may not get paid if the House does not pass rules for the 118th Congress – something that it can’t do until after the House has a Speaker. According to a memo released Thursday, the deadline for passing the rules package is next Friday. “Committees need to be aware that should a House Rules package not be adopted by end of business on January 13, no committee will be able to process payroll since the committee’s authority for the new Congress is not yet confirmed,” the memo said. Without a Speaker of the House, House Republicans’ expansive agenda can’t move forward. New members, including Alabama’s Dale Strong, have been unable to even be sworn in. The incoming chairs for the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs committees are blocked from attending classified national security briefings until the rules are adopted for the 118th Congress, and committee chairs are formally appointed by the Speaker. McCarthy’s inability to even get a vote of support from the squabbling members of his own caucus has called into question whether or not he will be able to effectively lead the majority party moving forward – even if he is chosen as the next Speaker of the House. McCarthy and his allies have shown no sign of bringing forward a new candidate. McCarthy was previously passed over for Speaker in 2015 after ultraconservatives objected. Congressman Paul Ryan was chosen as Speaker then. This is the first time since 1923 that the Speaker of the House was not chosen on the first vote. There has not been this many failed votes on the Speaker since the Civil War. The House of Representatives will convene on Friday at 11:00 am CST to vote for a twelfth time. “I guarantee this much – it will be better than Nancy Pelosi,” Moore said, acknowledging that he was not sure who would ultimately get the Speakership. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
