Richard Shelby: Senate approves funding for critical national priorities
On Monday, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved a $145 billion spending bill for critical national priorities — including funding for Energy and Water Development, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch for the next budget year — which Senators hope marks the end to a pattern of partisan funding battles. Alabama U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, called the passage of H.R. 5895 the result of strong bipartisan work. “Following months of strong bipartisan work in the Senate, we have approved a package of three appropriations bills through regular order,” said Shelby. “Through an open and fair amendment process, the Senate has displayed its ability to stay the course and move funding bills in a manner that benefits the American people.” The funding measure, which is the first FY2019 appropriations legislation passed by the Senate, was approved vote of 86-5. The package provides a total of $145.64 billion in discretionary funding, with the majority of this funding supporting our national defense and veterans. Shelby continued, “I am pleased that the Senate has passed this important legislation, marking the first set of funding bills that represent our renewed framework for success. These responsible, targeted investments will help advance American energy security, support our nation’s water infrastructure, and ensure maximum readiness and warfighting capability for our troops. The measure also takes steps to increase the safety of those working in and visiting our Capitol complex. Further, the legislation includes record-level discretionary funding for the VA to provide essential health care and benefits for our servicemembers and veterans.” Prior to the vote for passage Shelby spoke on the Senate floor regarding his support for the legislation. Watch his remarks below:
Richard Shelby sits down with legendary rock star Bono from U2
You’re not seeing things… Alabama’s senior U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby really did find himself in the company of rock star legend Bono, of the famed band U2 this week. Thank you to Bono for stopping by the office yesterday! Enjoyed discussing various issues and hearing about all of the good work he is doing around the world. @U2 pic.twitter.com/WcPWC0vsZV — Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) June 20, 2018 On Wednesday Shelby tweeted a photo of himself and the U2 frontman in his office. According to the Associated Press, Bono was visiting Capitol Hill Tuesday — after playing two sold-out shows over the weekend in the nation’s capital — “to thank Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Congress for funding international development programs. He’s the co-founder of The One Campaign, which advocates for ending extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.” Shelby didn’t disclose what the two discussed during the sit down, tweeting only, “Enjoyed discussing various issues and hearing about all the good work he is doing around the world.” Yes, you can file this one under “things that could only happen in the bizarre world of politics.”
Here’s how the proposed FY19 CJS appropriations bill will affect Alabama
The Senate Appropriations Committee, on Thursday announced the full committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2019 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill contains $62.995 billion in funding for the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Justice, and independent agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other agencies. Committee Chairman Alabama-Republican Sen. Richard Shelby said passage of the bill is a “vital step forward.” “This bill is the result of bipartisan efforts by the Committee to achieve a careful balance between competing priorities of law enforcement, national security, economic development, scientific research, and space exploration,” said Shelby. “Passage of the measure is a vital step forward in providing critical funding for core programs that impact Alabama, as well as the entire nation. I look forward to consideration of this bill before the full Senate.” The measure, which is $3.4 billion above the FY2018 enacted level, provides support for federal law enforcement agencies, state and local law enforcement grants, space exploration, basic science research, economic development programs, trade enforcement, and ocean observations and weather forecasting. The legislation includes the following provisions impacting Alabama: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) $21.3 billion for NASA, $587 million above the FY2018 enacted level and $1.43 billion above the budget request. $2.15 billion for the Space Launch System (SLS). $35 million for additive manufacturing. $75 million for a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion demonstration no later than 2024. Language encouraging NASA to work with government, academic, and industry partners to establish a Virtual Institute for Aerospace Systems Engineering, with the goal of improving mission success and affordability. National Science Foundation (NSF) $8.1 billion for NSF, $301 million above the FY2018 enacted level and $597 million above the request. Funding is provided for basic research across scientific disciplines to support the development of effective STEM programs. The bill provides $222 million above the FY2018 level for research and $13 million above FY2018 level for education activities. These funds will allow NSF to provide more grants to highly competitive research projects and help provide opportunities to prepare the next generation of STEM leaders. $177 million is provided for EPSCoR, an increase of $6 million above the FY2018 enacted level. $89.2 million is provided for the design and construction of three Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV), with $60.5 million dedicated to the start of the third ship. By having three regional ships, the Gulf of Mexico and the East and West coasts will be able to have a dedicated RCRV to maximize research time in each of these regions. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) FBI’s Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC): Provides no less than the FY2018 level for TEDAC operations and allows for funding of additional staff as new phases of operations continue to come online. FBI’s Hazardous Devices School (HDS): Maintains full operational funding for the Hazardous Devices School. Funding also fully supports the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate (WMDD) explosives-related training operations. FBI Construction at Redstone: Provides critical funding for support of growing FBI presence at Redstone Arsenal. Law Enforcement Grant Programs $2.87 billion for state and local law enforcement and crime prevention grant programs, which includes grants for state and local law enforcement, the Office on Violence Against Women, and juvenile justice programs. Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG): Provides $445 million for this comprehensive law enforcement grant program that assists police chiefs, district attorneys, and sheriffs. Anti-Opioid Initiative: Provides $360 million for programs that focus on prevention and education efforts, effective responses to those affected by substance abuse, and services for treatment and recovery from addiction. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) $5 million within NOAA for VORTEX-SE in collaboration with NSF to continue work on tornado formation studies in the southeast. $3 million for NOAA to implement the Seafood Import Monitoring Program. $40 million, a $4 million increase above the FY2018 enacted funding level, for the Northern Gulf Institute. National Water Center (NWC) Provides, at a minimum, $19.25 million for activities at the NWC, and mandates NOAA to accelerate staffing at the center to achieve full operating capability. Economic Development Administration (EDA) $305.5 million for EDA, including $117.5 million for its Public Works program, which supports brick-and-mortar projects in distressed communities across the nation. Funding for EDA also includes $25 million for the Regional Innovation Program, an increase of $4 million above the FY2018 level. International Trade Administration (ITA) $499 million for ITA, which includes a $4 million increase above the FY2018 level for ITA’s Enforcement and Compliance business unit to self-initiate investigations of foreign actors suspected of violating trade laws. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
U.S. DOT awards University of Alabama $6M infrastructure grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the University of Alabama with $6.025 million grant for the construction of a vehicle and pedestrian overpass over the railroad crossing of Second Avenue, correcting a transportation in Tuscaloosa, Ala. From the $6,025,657 Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant, $22,608,175 will assist in the overpass construction. “I am proud to announce that the University of Alabama will receive a $6 million INFRA grant for a vital transportation project in the Tuscaloosa area,” said U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. “With ongoing growth and development throughout the state, Alabama’s transportation needs are rapidly changing, and it is imperative that we find the appropriate solutions. I look forward to working closely with my Senate colleagues and this Administration as we continue to address our nation’s critical infrastructure needs.” The $6,025,657 INFRA grant will provide funding for the construction of a bridge over an existing rail line, which will decrease traffic delays and improve safety for residents in Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas. Additionally, it will provide an alternative route for approximately 80,000 vehicles per day, reducing conflicts with the train and other vehicle-pedestrian traffic for those traveling on and off campus. The INFRA grants program was established by DOT in June 2017 to advance the Administration’s principles and help rebuild our nation’s infrastructure. Additionally, INFRA aims to increase the total investment by state, local, and private partners.
Annemarie Axon confirmed as U.S. District Judge
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby released at statement on Wednesday celebrating the confirmation vote for U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, Annemarie Carney Axon. Axon, who nominated for the position by President Donald Trump in 2017, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the consideration of her nomination this week. “It is critically important for a judge to be fair, open-minded, courteous, and respectful to the attorneys and parties in each case,” Axon told the committee; promising to “conduct [herself] and [her] courtroom in a manner that strives to leave people with the conviction that they were treated fairly, respectfully, and that [she] followed the law, regardless of the outcome.” She then ended her hearing with a statement, saying that “our democracy demands an independent judiciary whose decisions are based exclusively on the law, as it is written.” Shelby congratulated Axon in a news release, saying “Annemarie Axon is exceptionally qualified to be a U.S. district judge. Her strong, respectful temperament and commitment to impartiality make her well-suited for this esteemed position. Alabama’s district judges must be confirmed as swiftly as possible to ensure the efficiency of our judicial system. These judges serve as the backbone of the United States Judicial Branch, and I am honored to have played a part in Axon’s confirmation today.” Axon was one of seven Alabama judicial nominees awaiting confirmation from the Judiciary Committee. The other nominees include: Terry F. Moorer Jeffrey Beaverstock Emily Coody Marks Liles Burke Andrew Brasher Corey Maze Axon is currently a member of the Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff, & Brandt, LLC, legal team in Birmingham, where she focuses on fiduciary and probate litigation. Her legal career began in 2000 at the Edwards & Angell, LLP, firm in Rhode Island. She is still a member of both the Alabama and Rhode Island State Bar Associations. “We are extremely proud of Annemarie and congratulate her on her confirmation. Selfishly we hate to lose Annemarie as a valuable and integral member of our firm, but we know her temperament and sound judgment will make her a great federal judge,” said Jay Clark, managing member at Wallace Jordan. She also serves as the President of the YWCA Junior Board, a member of the Girls on the Run Board of Directors, and a member of the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation Board.
Richard Shelby praises $5.4 million award for Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Decatur, Ala.’s Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was awarded a $5.443 million grant as part of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Fiscal Year 2018 construction projects operating plan, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby announced Tuesday. “Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge plays a key role in helping to protect, manage, and restore lands and waters throughout North Alabama,” said Shelby, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. “I am proud that this refuge will receive over $5 million for improvements, addressing public access and management needs. I look forward to continuing to work with Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge and other facilities across the state to ensure that future generations can benefit from the unique environment Alabama has to offer.” Established July 7, 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels, and 26 species of freshwater snails. The 35,000 acre refuge also manages and protects habitat for 12 federally listed endangered or threatened species. The award, which is one of the largest funding awards in the FWS’ announcement, will increase access at the Wheeler Refuge. Additionally, the funding will provide the refuge in Decatur with the ability to improve the experience for people visiting from all over Alabama.
Recreational red snapper season opens Friday, June 1
At long last, the days of federal mismanagement of red snapper fishing will soon be over. Starting next Friday, June 1, the 2018 red snapper season in Alabama will begin under the management of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The state-managed season was made possible through language authored by U.S. Senator Richard Shelby in the FY2017 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill that directed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service to develop the fishery management pilot program allowing states to direct reef fish management activities. It will run through September 3, with Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays open to fishing. The entire week of the Fourth of July (June 30 through July 8) will also be open for red snapper fishing. Red snapper landings will also be allowed July 2-5 and Labor Day. The bag limit will remain two per person with a 16-inch minimum length. Under the pilot program, private recreational anglers will each be responsible for monitoring landings so they do not exceed their portion. Alabama will use Snapper Check to monitor its landings and determine if: the season will close as anticipated; the season will close earlier than anticipated due to daily landings exceeding forecasted totals; or the original season length should be increased if daily landings do not meet anticipated levels (i.e. due to smaller fish size or inclement weather).
Alabama delegation votes to pass major VA overhaul; Trump expected to sign into law
With the support of the entire Alabama delegation, S. 2372: the VA MISSION Act of 2018 has passed both chambers and is now heading to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature. The legislation – which puts the needs of veterans first by giving them the option of seeking care when and where it makes the most sense for their needs – combines provisions from fifteen different Senate-introduced bills, building upon the success of the Veterans Choice Act. The bill combines the VA’s multiple community care programs into one streamlined program, improves incentives to recruit, hire, and retain qualified medical professionals, and expands the VA’s Post-9/11 Caregiver Program to all eras. Dozens of veterans and military service organizations across the country endorsed the bill. Here’s what the Alabama delegation had to say about their votes and the legislation: Sen. Richard Shelby I am honored to support this milestone legislation that prioritizes brave veterans in Alabama and across the nation. This bicameral, bipartisan bill provides veterans with necessary access to efficient, timely, and quality health care services. As Members of Congress, it is our job to ensure the proper care of those who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Another major piece of legislation is headed to President Trump’s desk for his signature. The VA MISSION Act consolidates the VA’s Community Care Program, opens the VA Caregivers Program to serve all veterans, and provides $5.2 billion to fund the VA Choice Program. Simply put, this bill increases access to care at the VA, including walk-in clinics that may be more convenient and immediate in addressing the needs of our veterans. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: By passing the VA MISSION Act, the House has taken another important step toward improving access to care for our nation’s veterans. This legislation addresses a number of important pieces of the large VA puzzle, including extending funding for the Choice Program that countless veterans depend on to receive care. I believe this bill will reduce the bureaucracy associated with veterans seeking private sector health care and improve the lives of those who have served our great country. I’ve heard from countless veterans in Alabama’s Second District about the continued need for VA changes to ensure they get the best care available. I hope we will soon see this legislation signed into law.
Richard Shelby votes in favor of improved Senate nominations procedure
Senate Republicans on Wednesday voted in favor a resolution that would shorten debate time on most presidential nominees in hopes of allowing a more effective confirmation process for certain judicial and executive nominations. Members of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration voted 10-9 to a advance the resolution proposed by Oklahoma-Republican Sen. James Lankford. Under the proposed rule, Cabinet-level nominees, Supreme Court nominees, and Court of Appeals nominees could still be debated post-cloture for a maximum of 30 hours. Meanwhile, post-cloture debate for most executive branch nominees would be reduced from 30 hours to eight hours, with the exception of District Court nominees who would be capped at two hours. Alabama-Republican U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, voted in favor of the resolution. “I am proud to see that we are making progress toward improving the Senate nominations process,” said Shelby. “Despite stalling tactics from the Democrats, the Republican-led Senate is one step closer to expeditiously confirming President Trump’s judicial nominees. Once confirmed, these nominees will not only help impact courts in Alabama and other individual states, but they will also have the ability to influence the entire nation for generations to come.” In December 2017, Senator Shelby held a hearing as chairman of the Rules Committee to review Senator Lankford’s resolution. The measure now awaits consideration by the full Senate. In 2017, the Senate confirmed 261 of President Donald Trump’s nominations, compared to 418 nominations in President Barack Obama’s first year and 483 nominations in President George W. Bush’s first year. Additionally, Trump’s nominees have faced 88 cloture votes in the first year, versus a total of 24 cloture votes for the previous six presidents. The state of Alabama currently has five District Court nominees awaiting consideration before the full Senate.
Gerald Dial: Alabama Space Authority working to ID location for new space port
Lineville-Republican State Senator Gerald Dial sent a letter to U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby informing him the Alabama Space Authority — formed by the State Legislature in 2017 to promote the research and development of the aerospace and aviation industries in Alabama — is beginning work to identify the location for a space port in Alabama, in an effort to position the state as a leader in the burgeoning space flight industry. A space port is a site for launching and receiving space craft; between 1996 and 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensed ten space ports in seven states. In the letter to Shelby, Dial, the chairman of the Space Authority, cites the existence of the Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and the Maxwell Air Force Base as reasons why Alabama can be a leader in the commercial and military space flight industry. “Senator Shelby has been a tremendous ally and friend of Alabama’s aerospace industry, and this letter is meant to update him and his office on our efforts to first identify a prime location for the space port, and then to move forward with construction plans,” Dial said. “Senator Shelby was just named chairman of the U.S. Senate’s appropriations committee, and that position certainly increases his opportunities to represent Alabama’s interests, including our push to become a leader in the commercial and military space flight industry.” The Space Authority held its inaugural meeting on March 16 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, and heard from Glenn Rizner, chief of staff for the FAA’s Commercial Space Transportation Office, on the FAA’s application process for space launch site licenses. Read Dial’s letter to Shelby below:
Richard Shelby selected to chair powerful Senate spending panel
Republicans on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee selected Alabama’s senior Sen. Richard Shelby as their new chairman Monday. On Tuesday, the full Senate confirmed the selection to serve as chairman for the remainder of the 115th Congress. “My colleagues have placed their trust in me to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee, and I am honored to serve our nation in this new capacity,” said Shelby. “This is a remarkable opportunity. I look forward to working with Vice Chairman Leahy and the entire committee as we continue the practice of writing and approving bills that responsibly allocate funding for the activities and duties of the federal government.” Shelby continued, “It is a privilege to continue serving the people of the great state of Alabama and the entire nation in this new position of leadership.” In addition to serving as chairman of the full Committee on Appropriations, Senator Shelby will also assume the chairmanship of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. It is the responsibility of the Senate Appropriations Committee to write funding bills and oversee the implementation of the legislation by the executive branch. The Subcommittee on Defense specifically focuses on national security priorities, providing the necessary funding to support our military and other defense operations. “I am proud to take on a larger role, helping to secure funding to strengthen our military,” Shelby added. “With heightened global instability, as well as diverse and complex threats currently facing the United States, national security is of the utmost importance.” Shortly after the confirmation, Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne extended his congratulations to Shelby. “Congratulations to Senator Shelby on being selected as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee,” Bryne said in a statement. “Over the years, Senator Shelby has been a steadfast champion for Alabama’s priorities, and I have no doubt his efforts will continue in this prestigious position.” Senator Shelby previously served as vice chairman of the committee for the 113th Congress. Shelby has also served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Senate Banking Committee, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
Donald Trump nominates Ala. Solicitor General Andrew Brasher to District Judge
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his intent to nominate a twelfth wave of judicial nominees — 20 judges, including one from Montgomery, Ala. Alabama Solicitor General Andrew Brasher has been nominated to be District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. Brasher is being nominated as a replacement to Brett Talley who had to withdraw his nomination last year after it was revealed he failed to disclose to the Judiciary Committee his wife worked for the White House counsel’s office. He was also rated “not qualified” by the American Bar Assn.’s screening committee having never tried a case. As Solicitor General, Brasher has argued in the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Alabama Supreme Court, tried cases in Federal and State courts, and won two “Best Brief Awards” from the National Association of Attorneys General. Prior to his appointment as Solicitor General in 2014, he served for several years as the Deputy Solicitor General. Before joining the Alabama Attorney General’s office, Brasher practiced in the litigation and white collar criminal defense practice groups in the Birmingham office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. Upon graduation from law school, Brasher served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Brasher earned his B.A., with honors and summa cum laude, from Samford University, where he presently serves on the Board of Overseers, and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was a member of the Harvard Law Review and winner of the Victor Brudney Prize. Sen. Richard Shelby described the appointment as “great news” in a Facebook post. Great news from the White House today! Andrew Brasher of Montgomery has been nominated to be District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. His experience in the courtroom will be valuable in this new role as he continues to serve Alabama. Mark Sloke of Mobile has also been nominated by the President to serve as the US Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama. I look forward to seeing him continue to enforce the law and protect our citizens in his new role.
