Alabama lawmakers praise Donald Trump’s actions on immigration
With the stroke of a pen, President Donald Trump set into motion his plans to overhaul America’s immigration enforcement including efforts to build a wall on the Mexican border, increase the number of federal deportation agents, as well as cut funding for sanctuary cities “A nation without borders is not a nation,” Trump said Wednesday in an address at the Office of Homeland Security. “Beginning today, the United States of America gets back control of its borders. Trump continued, “We are going to get the bad ones out, the criminals, and the drug dealers and gangs and gang members and cartel leaders. The day is over when they can stay in our country and wreck havoc. We’re going to get them out, and we’re going to get them out fast.” Alabama Republicans in Congress applauded President Trump for signing the series of immigration executive actions Wednesday. Here’s what they’re saying: Alabama U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Sanctuary cities blatantly ignore our nation’s immigration laws, which is why I have long advocated restricting their access to the Department of Justice’s state and local grant funding. I am pleased that President Trump recognizes that we must not allow municipalities to obstruct policies to remove illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Today’s executive action is a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to ensure that action is taken against local governments who refuse to follow our immigration laws. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: It is exciting to have a President who is actually focused on securing our border and addressing the widespread issue of illegal immigration. I have said repeatedly that the immigration issue is critical because it deals directly with the safety and security of the American people. With the actions taken today, I think we are taking important steps in the right direction. More work will be needed, and I am committed to doing what I can in Congress to secure the border and stop illegal immigration. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: President Trump’s executive orders today represent a positive first step toward getting control of our illegal immigration problem through enhancing border security and cutting off the magnet of sanctuary cities. We need to have immigration policies that put American’s interests first and discourage people from entering the country illegally. For too long, we’ve had the opposite. I look forward to advancing policies that will help secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and prevent human trafficking through my work on the Judiciary and Appropriations Committees. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: I’m glad President Trump is quickly taking action to enforce our immigration laws, deport illegal aliens, and withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities. America is a nation of laws, first and foremost, and the President’s actions are a strong step toward restoring our country’s borders and broken immigration system.
Alabama delegation reacts to inauguration of President Donald Trump
Donald Trump was sworn in Friday as the 45th president of the United States and following the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, Alabama’s congressional delegation responded by releasing congratulatory statements. Here’s what they had to say: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: The Inauguration is an extraordinary moment for our nation, and it was my great honor to attend the swearing-in of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. While Americans gather to celebrate the peaceful transfer of power that occurs in our democratic government, it is important to pause and reflect on the rich history of our great country. As our 45th President takes office today, I look forward to working with him and all of my colleagues to provide leadership for our nation. There are many challenges ahead, and it is time to get to work on behalf of the American people. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Today marks the start of a new era for our country. President Trump outlined a clear vision for our country with a focus on supporting American workers and rebuilding the American dream. We face many serious challenges, but also exciting opportunities. I stand ready to work alongside President Trump and Vice President Pence to turn our country around. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: I was excited to attend the 58th Presidential Inauguration. President Trump’s inauguration was a truly historic event. With President Trump in office, the Congress has a unique opportunity to cut spending, repeal Obamacare, protect the rights of the unborn, and rebuild our military. The Inauguration was made especially great by the presence of Talladega’s own Talladega College Great Tornado band in the parade. I am looking forward to the president’s cabinet, including Alabama’s own Senator Sessions, being confirmed so we can get to work making America great again. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Today is symbolic of America at its finest. Today is an historic day where the power of the presidency was peacefully transferred from one person to another, their radically different views notwithstanding. President Trump gave a great speech. As President Trump noted, ‘The time for empty talk in over. Now arrives the hour of action.’ I eagerly look forward to helping President Trump fulfill his campaign and inauguration speech promises by voting on legislation to repeal ObamaCare, make Mexico pay for an impenetrable border security wall, and restore America’s military and international reputation to greatness. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: I offer my congratulations and prayers to our 45th President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, and Vice President, Mike Pence, as they serve the American people. This Administration has the opportunity to lead our country with dignity and to uphold the Constitution as our Founding Fathers intended almost 230 years ago. I look forward to working closely with President Trump and his Administration as we Make America Great Again.
Richard Shelby introduces fellow Alabamian Jeff Sessions in AG confirmation hearing
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby introduced fellow Alabamian, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday morning. Sessions has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as America’s next United States Attorney General. Read the Senator’s full remarks before the Committee below: Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this historic hearing. Although my friend and colleague Jeff Sessions is well-known to the members of this committee, it is my distinct privilege to introduce him as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as our next United States Attorney General. Before joining the Senate, Jeff began his distinguished career as a practicing attorney, Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, and United States Attorney for Alabama’s Southern District before ultimately becoming the Attorney General of Alabama. During the past twenty years that I have served with Jeff in the Senate, I have had the opportunity to know him well – not just as a skilled attorney with an accomplished record as a prosecutor and legislator, but as a man of extraordinary character. I have the highest regard not only for his intellect, but for his integrity. Unfortunately, since the announcement of his nomination, Jeff’s political opponents have attacked his character with baseless and tired allegations. But, in reality, Jeff’s extensive record of treating all Americans equally under the law is clear and well-documented. Throughout his decades of public service, including his impressive tenure on this committee, Jeff’s commitment to upholding the rule of law is unparalleled. The integrity, humility, and gravity with which Jeff will approach the office of Attorney General is unquestionable. I have no doubt that he will apply the law with the impartiality required of the job. I am confident that this committee will report favorably and expeditiously Jeff Sessions’ nomination to be the next United States Attorney General.
Alabama politics in review: 2016 more interesting than expected
This past year in Alabama politics was surprisingly more interesting than was expected. The judicial inquiry commission removed Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore from the bench for telling the probate judges in the state to not perform marriage ceremonies for gay people. He said marriage should be between a man and a woman, as do most people in Alabama. This removal by this vague panel of former lawyers and judges has caused legislators to call for an investigation of who this panel is and how they have this much power. More importantly, Judge Moore’s views and martyrdom has catapulted him into an early frontrunner position for the governorship of Alabama in next year’s upcoming election. He is prohibited from running for the Court again because he is 72 and Alabama law does not allow someone to run for judgeships after age 70. Therefore, it was expected that he was going to run for governor. However, his expulsion has propelled his polling numbers to strategic levels. Our good ole Dr. Gov. Robert Bentley’s saga played out over the year. It is titillating and fun to follow. However, it has pretty much rendered him somewhat irrelevant as governor. Donald J. Trump’s victory for the presidency is, of course, the biggest political story of 2016. It overshadows our shenanigans in Alabama. Trump is very popular in Alabama. His victories in our GOP primary and in the November General Election were record setting vote tallies for the Heart of Dixie. As we enter 2017, the beginning of the Trump presidency will be the news. His administration will and has already affected Alabama politics significantly. His Attorney General will be our own Senator Jeff Sessions. Our Senior Senator Richard Shelby has had one seat for 30 years and Sessions has been in the other seat for 20 years. Therefore, this open seat is a rarity and will be coveted. By law, the Governor appoints the holder of the vacant seat, which will be for an interim time. The election for the seat will probably occur at the same time as the governor’s race, which will be 17 months from now in the GOP primary in June 2018. The most qualified person to take the seat would be someone from our state congressional delegation, especially someone who has served in Congress from Alabama for a decade or more. The two who fit that bill and who are the most imminently qualified are Congressman Robert Aderholt and former Congressman Jo Bonner. Aderholt, who hails from Haleyville, has represented the 4th Congressional District for 20 years. That district runs from the Mississippi line to the Georgia line across north central Alabama and includes Jasper, Cullman, Gadsden and Tuscaloosa. Aderholt got to Washington at the amazingly young age of 31. Therefore, he is only 51 years old and is our most senior and thus most powerful congressman. He is a ranking member of the powerful Appropriations Committee and is in line to be chairman soon. He would be risking a lot and probably has the same power as a freshman U.S. Senator. He is on course to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Tom Bevill, who was referred to as Alabama’s third senator. Jo Bonner represented Baldwin and Mobile in the 1st District for over a decade. He left a couple of years ago to accept an Economic Development position at the University of Alabama. He is very well-liked and respected in Washington and was positioned for a leadership post in the GOP Congress. His erudite and sincere demeanor would make him an effective Senator immediately, he also served in the House with a third of the Senators. The most likely to win the seat in the 2018 Election is Attorney General Luther Strange. He has run statewide three times successfully and has over a three-million-dollar head start name identification-wise. None of these three men have or will seek Bentley’s appointment. They all realize how unpopular Bentley is and know the history of appointments in Alabama politics. Bentley could redeem some respect and relevance if he went hat in hand to President Donald Trump and offered Trump his appointment. In that case, the governor’s choice would be Trump’s choice. The best choice to bridge the gap may be Perry Hooper Jr., who trumped for Trump in Alabama. See you next week. ___ Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state Legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Richard Shelby places friendly wager on Peach Bowl
In advance of Saturday’s Peach Bowl College Football Playoff Semi-final game between the #1-ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the #4-ranked University of Washington Huskies, two Senators have made a friendly playoff bet, with the wager being hometown eats. Alabama’s senior U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby and Washington’s Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell announced a the friendly bet — should the Huskies win, Shelby will provide two racks of ribs from Dreamland BBQ in Tuscaloosa, Ala. for Cantwell’s office. Should the Crimson Tide win, Cantwell has promised to deliver salmon to Shelby’s office. Shelby is confident in a Crimson Tide victory, accrediting the team’s assumed preparation to famed football coach Nick Saban. “These two teams should be extremely proud of their accomplishments so far in the season,” said Shelby. “I have no doubt that Coach Saban will have our team prepared and that they will represent our state well during this match-up. I’m pleased to enter into this friendly wager with my colleague, and I’m confident that the Crimson Tide will prevail and take us into another national championship game.” Cantwell hopes Shelby’s wrong. “This will be one of the best games of the year,” said Senator Cantwell. “There’s no doubt that Alabama has a powerhouse program, but I’ll be cheering the Dawgs on to victory.” The Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, will take place on Saturday, December 31, at 3:00 p.m. ET in Atlanta, Ga.
21st Century Cures Act heads to Barack Obama’s desk
Congress has approved the first major mental health legislation in nearly a decade Wednesday. The 21st Century Cures Act, which overhauls the development of medical treatments and cures, is likely to be one of the final pieces of legislation President Barack Obama will sign into law before he leaves office next month. The Senate voted 94-5 on Wednesday to approve the bill, following the House’s passage (344-77) just last week. The 21st Century Cures Act improves: Discovery: by providing the NIH with fully offset funding to advance the Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variations of disease; speed up cancer research; and invest in the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Development: by turning 21st Century scientific advancement and research into FDA-approved treatments and cures through modernizing clinical trials; putting patients at the center of the regulatory review process; streamlining regulations to foster innovation in health care software and mobile medical apps; incentivizing pediatric drug development and empowering the FDA to be more flexible in reviewing medical devices and technologies; and providing the FDA with $500 million for regulatory modernization and enable the agency to recruit the best scientists, doctors, and engineers. Delivery: by ensuring new drugs and devices are given to the right patients at the right time through ensuring that electronic health record systems seamlessly operate for best patient care; facilitating seniors’ access to the latest medical technology; and improving education for health care providers. Mental Health Care: by coordinating mental health programs across the federal government; establishing the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Lab to drive evidence-based grants to help states combat addiction and abuse; clarifying HIPAA communication rules among providers, families, and patients to improve treatment; and strengthening our nation’s mental health workforce. Here’s how the Alabama delegation voted and what they had to say about the bill: Sen. Richard Shelby: America has long been the world’s leader in medical innovation and it is important that we modernize, personalize, and streamline our health care delivery system to ensure that it meets the demands of today. For the millions of Americans suffering from a serious illness such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, cutting-edge research is the beginning of hope for them and their loved ones. I have always been a strong proponent of ensuring that we appropriately support first-rate medical innovation and research initiatives for the next generation of treatments and cures. The 21st Century Cures Act will not only foster needed changes in our health care infrastructure, but it also takes critical steps to fight our nation’s growing opioid epidemic and strengthen our mental health programs. It is great news for the American people that both the House and Senate have passed this bipartisan legislation. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I think the 21st Century Cures Act may end up being the most important bill passed by Congress over the last few years. In addition to helping boost medical research, the bill also dedicates resources to mental health reform and fighting our nation’s opioid crisis. I outline why I supported this bold legislation in my column this week. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The 21st Century Cures Act fosters innovation in medical technology and research, eliminates regulations that hinder competition, provides resources to combat the growing opioid epidemic, ensures critical support for those struggling with mental health issues, and rightfully reforms Medicare and Medicaid to reduce overpayments and provide reimbursements. The bill improves medical treatment discovery, development, and delivery for those who need it most. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: No comment given at this time. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: No comment given at this time. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: No comment given at this time. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: No comment given at this time. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: From the biomedical research community in Birmingham to my constituents who live with rare diseases and hospitals who serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients, all Alabamians will benefit from implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act. I am particularly pleased that the bill includes critical support for rural health care, regulatory relief for Long-Term Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals, and increased funding for cutting-edge biomedical research. In addition, the bill provides substantial relief from readmission penalties to Alabama’s hospitals, the majority of which serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients.
With friends like these: Richard Shelby ran 1986 ad suggesting Jeff Sessions called KKK ‘good ole boys’
Thirty years ago, a campaign ad suggested Jeff Sessions saw the Ku Klux Klan as a bunch of “good ole boys.” But, as John Sharp of AL.com notes, the attacks against the then-U.S. Attorney seeking a spot on the federal bench, wasn’t from Democrats like Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy who was fighting his nomination. The 1986 ad came from Congressman Richard Shelby – who would later become one of Sessions’ colleagues and a longtime friend in the Senate. William Stewart, professor emeritus of political sciences at the University of Alabama, says the relationship between Shelby and Sessions “definitely changed.” Shelby, who narrowly won that 1986 election for his first term in the U.S. Senate, will likely support Sessions as he faces the Senate Judiciary Committee for a confirmation hearing on his nomination as Donald Trump‘s Attorney General – the same committee that denied Sessions’ appointment as a federal judge 30 years ago. In a statement, Shelby called Sessions “a dear friend” of more than 20 years and “a man of great integrity.” “I was an enthusiastic supporter of Jeff in his bid to join me in the U.S. Senate,” Shelby said. “We have been rock-solid partners in Congress ever since.” Much has changed over the past three decades. Sharp writes: “The linkage of Sessions to the Klan by Shelby occurred days before the Nov. 3, 1986, election. Shelby, then a Democrat, won his first Senate term that year by defeating Republican Sen. Jeremiah Denton by a razor-thin margin of 50.3 percent to 49.7 percent. “Denton, at the time, had backed Sessions’ nomination to the federal judiciary. The Judiciary Committee hearings proved to be a disaster at the time that battered Sessions’ reputation after his nomination was rejected amid allegations that he once called a black staffer “a boy,” that he considered the NAACP as ‘un-American’ and used criminal prosecutions to thwart voting rights for blacks. “In addition, a colleague testified that Sessions once joked that he felt the Ku Klux Klan was okay until he learned they smoked marijuana.” A Tuscaloosa Democrat at the time, Shelby used the comments to blast Denton in a campaign ad, angering Sessions, who told the Mobile Register the claims were “slanderous” and “absolutely false.” “I expect the false ad to be withdrawn at once,” Sessions said in a Nov. 3, 1986, article. He demanded an apology from Shelby. Shelby – a Republican since 1994 – now takes a decidedly different view of his one-time opponent: “Jeff Sessions’ record of standing up for all Americans and his high moral character indisputably prove that the 30-year-old claims of the past are nothing more than baseless political accusations.”
Alabama officials react after judge blocks Barack Obama overtime rule
A federal judge in Texas issued a nationwide temporary injunction on Tuesday against an Barack Obama administration rule to extend mandatory overtime pay to more than 4.2 million salaried workers Scheduled to take effect on Dec. 1., the regulation would raise the salary limit below which workers automatically qualified for overtime pay to $47,476 from $23,660. If implemented, the new rule would have more than doubled the minimum salary threshold to pay overtime for public and private workers, without Congressional authorization — marking the first significant change in four decades. The judge, Amos L. Mazzant III of the Eastern District of Texas, agreed with 21 states, including Alabama, that the rule is unlawful and the Obama administration had exceeded its authority by raising the overtime salary limit so significantly. In his decision, Mazzant argued the rule was imposed “without statutory authority”. Here’s what Alabama officials think of Mazzant’s decision: Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: Another unlawful Obama administration expansion of authority has been met by a federal court roadblock,” said Attorney General Luther Strange. “The granting of a nationwide preliminary injunction of the new federal overtime rule, just days before its implementation, ensures that cash-strapped state and local governments will not be forced to lay off employees or cut vital services to the public in order to meet this costly federal mandate. I am pleased the federal court granted the motion by Alabama and 20 other states to block the new Obama administration overtime rule and protect many public and private sector jobs. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby: I have heard from Alabamians all across the state about the harmful impacts that the Obama Administration’s overtime rule would have on small businesses, non-profits, universities, and employees alike. Americans spoke loud and clear about their frustration with these types of unilateral executive regulations that stifle economic growth and opportunity. Yesterday’s ruling is a victory for the American people, and I look forward to working with President-elect Trump and my Republican colleagues to reverse this and other job-destroying rules in the coming months. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: This rule was never what the Obama Administration wanted people to believe it was. Instead, the rule would have hurt American workers by moving them from salaried to hourly employees and greatly reducing opportunities for advancement. The rule would have been especially damaging for schools and non-profits, who couldn’t just increase costs to offset the added expenses. I appreciate Judge Mazzant’s decision and look forward to working with the Trump Administration to pursue policies that actually benefit American workers. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: This decision is a conservative victory for the 21 states and dozens of business groups who challenged that this new rule handed down by President Obama’s Department of Labor would increase government costs while costing private employers millions of dollars. We all want incomes to rise, but top-down government mandates that ultimately cost workers are not the way to make it happen. We need 21st century workforce policies that offer workers choices and flexibility, and we need to enact them properly through Congress. I’m pleased that the courts have once again rejected the Obama Administration’s attempt to circumvent Congress and legislate by executive fiat. This decision and others like it will help return our country to constitutional order. The law was set to take effect Dec. 1. Alabama and 20 other states joined the suit, saying the law would significantly increase employment costs.
Alabama leaders react to Jeff Sessions Trump-Administration appointment
Alabama’s junior senator, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions has been offered the attorney general job by Donald Trump. A member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sessions was an early supporter and endorser of Trump, and over the past several months has become a close and trusted adviser. In a statement released Thursday, the Trump transition team hinted at Sessions’ appointment: “[T]he President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama’s Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.” Sessions served as the Alabama AG from from 1995 – 1997, when he entered the United States Senate. Here’s what Alabama leaders have to say about his appointment: Gov. Robert Bentley: I wish to congratulate Senator Sessions on his appointment as United States Attorney General. I look forward to having conservative leadership in our Justice Department. Alabama enjoys strong representation in Congress and I want to ensure that continues upon the confirmation of Senator Sessions. He has served our state and our people with dignity and has been a bright example for conservative values. Sen. Richard Shelby: President-elect Trump has made an outstanding decision in selecting my friend and colleague Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as our next U.S. Attorney General. Jeff is a man of integrity who has been a trusted and valued partner of mine in the Senate as well as an unwavering voice for Alabamians in Congress. With decades of experience in the legal field and an impressive tenure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jeff will bring expertise to President-elect Trump’s cabinet and the Department of Justice. I am confident that Jeff will continue to stand up for the American people, our Constitution, and the rule of law in this new role. My wife Annette and I wish him, his wife Mary, and his family the very best during this exciting time. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I have known Jeff Sessions for almost 40 years, and he has always been a person of the highest level of integrity. As a U.S. Attorney in Mobile, Senator Sessions led the charge to clean up corruption in our local government. He earned respect from everyone in our community by always conducting himself in a professional and fair way. In the Senate, Senator Sessions has a clear track record of defending the law and advocating for a smaller, less invasive federal government. Just as important, he has always been willing to partner with other members of our Congressional delegation to support Alabama projects and priorities. The people of Alabama will miss the service and leadership of Jeff Sessions, but I have no doubt he will be an excellent Attorney General for the United States. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: There is no one more capable and qualified to serve our country as Attorney General than Senator Jeff Sessions. President-elect Trump has selected a leader with remarkable depth of knowledge and experience who cares about Americans and will fight for what’s right. I am very proud for Senator Sessions on this achievement. He has been a kind mentor to me, and I have valued his guidance and leadership over the last six years. Although I hate to see him leave the Legislative Branch, I am confident this new role will enhance Senator Sessions’ ability to change our nation’s course for the better. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Jeff Sessions is a man of the greatest integrity and character. He will do an outstanding job as the Attorney General of the United States. He has served Alabama with the utmost distinction, boundless vigor and endless determination. He will bring those same qualities and more to the Department of Justice to enforce the law. Alabama has every right to be extremely proud. I also want to congratulate President-elect Trump on this exceptional choice. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Today President-elect Trump made an excellent choice for United States Attorney General by nominating Senator Jeff Sessions to serve our nation in his Administration. As a former U.S. Attorney in Mobile and Alabama’s Attorney General, as well as a United States Senator, Senator Sessions defended the Constitution and held firm to our founding principles. Over the past 20 years, Senator Sessions has proven himself to be an intelligent, trustworthy conservative in the Senate becoming a voice for millions of Americans who felt ignored by Washington. His track record of success and sound decisions make him the best possible candidate for the job. I truly believe that Senator Sessions is the right man to restore the public’s confidence in our justice system. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: Today I want to congratulate Jeff Sessions on his nomination to be our nation’s Attorney General. Senator Sessions is a credit to our state and to our nation, and I know that he will make us all proud in his new role where he will be a champion for the rule of law. From the day Jeff Sessions stepped foot on the floor of the United States Senate, he has never forgotten where he came from or who he represents. He has worked tirelessly for the people of Alabama, fighting to bring home jobs and economic development, to secure our borders, and to ensure that our military men and women receive all the support they need to succeed—whether on the battlefield, in a veterans’ hospital, or in their civilian lives. He leaves very big shoes to fill. There will be a time to decide who will try to fill those shoes, but that is for another day. Today is about Jeff Sessions, the legacy he leaves behind, and the good work for our country we know he is yet to achieve. In his new role, I join all Alabamians in wishing him good luck and Godspeed. Senator Sessions, you make us proud.
Boeing announces 400 jobs coming to Huntsville, investing $70 million in Rocket City
Boeing announced on Tuesday that 400 jobs will be coming to Huntsville as the company looks to improve its efficiency. Boeing will make an expected capital investment of $70 million in the state by 2020. “Boeing has been a tremendous corporate partner, and we are thrilled to play an important role in the company’s ability to create greater efficiencies,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. “It is Huntsville’s talent that will help Boeing meet the needs of the warfighter and, in turn, help secure our nation and that of our allies.” These 400 jobs will add to the current Boeing positions already in the Yellowhammer State and take Boeing’s footprint to just over 3,100 jobs in Alabama. “This only furthers their commitment to our region and once again shows that Madison County is perfectly positioned in every aspect related to missile defense, space and national security,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong in a statement. By the end of 2020 Boeing will reduce facilities space by approximately 4.5 million square feet. Along with that, many positions in Huntington Beach will move to El Segundo, Long Beach, and Seal Beach in Southern California, with others moving to St. Louis and Huntsville, Ala. “In order to push ourselves farther and win more business, we need to make the most of our resources and talent,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Defense, Space & Security. “These steps will help us be a stronger partner for our customers worldwide.” U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby said Boeing’s announcement is “a true testament to Alabama’s world class workforce.” “The company’s commitment to Alabama has not only made a lasting impact on our nation’s aerospace and defense capabilities, but also on our state’s economy,” said Shelby. “I look forward to the progress that will come from the additional jobs and investment in our state, and I am confident that Boeing will continue to build on its history of success in Alabama.”
Alabama politicians react to Donald Trump’s stunning victory
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump scored a shocking and historic upset victory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump maintained an Electoral College count lead over Clinton throughout the early evening, and as the votes were counted overnight, Trump’s lead widened until he secured the necessary 270-plus electoral votes around 2:45 a.m. ET. Here’s what Alabama politicians have to say about Trump’s victory: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (via statement): Last night the American people roundly rejected the failed Obama-Clinton policies that aren’t working for our country. We now have the opportunity to come together to champion conservative causes and reverse the damage that has been done from big government policies like Obamacare and Dodd-Frank. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump and my conservative colleagues in Congress on commonsense solutions that will ensure a brighter future for all Americans. Alabama 1st District Rep. Bradley Byrne (via Facebook): Congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump and his entire team on tonight’s historic victory! It is time for new leadership in Washington. Now is the time for unity, and I look forward to seeing the positive change that will come from a unified Republican government. Alabama 2nd District Rep. Martha Roby (via statement): I offer my sincere congratulations to Donald Trump upon his impressive and decisive victory. There is much to do to get this country back on track, and I’m eager to get to work. As someone who has spent the last six years in Congress playing defense against the Obama Administration, I am eager to play offense to advance conservative priorities and to protect Alabama’s interests. No matter what, I will continue to fight on behalf of the people I represent and focus on the issues that matter to them. Alabama 3rd District Rep. Mike Rogers (via statement): As I have said before, Donald Trump was the only option for Americans to vote for as president. The people have spoken for real change and I congratulate Mr. Trump on his tremendous victory. For Republicans in Congress, we will now have a champion in the White House for our conservative agenda, to repeal and replace Obamacare, rebuild our national defense, and restore Constitutional rule. I look forward to working with the new Trump Administration to make America great again. Let’s get to work. Alabama 6th District Rep. Gary Palmer (via Twitter): Congratulations @realDonaldTrump – I look forward to working with you. This article will updated as additional comments are available.
Richard Shelby wins re-election, 6th term in US Senate
Alabama U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby won re-election to the U.S. Senate on Tuesday night, besting Democratic challenger Ron Crumpton in what turned out to be a decisive victory for the incumbent Republican. Crumpton, a Democrat from Shelby County with a history of political activism, is best known in the Yellowhammer State as an advocate for legalizing medicinal marijuana. “I want to thank the people of Alabama for once again placing their trust in me to serve as their U.S. senator,” said Shelby following the results. “This responsibility is one that I do not take lightly and I am honored by the support I received tonight. “As we work together to advance conservative principles, my focus will be on policies that prioritize Alabamians and all Americans — not Washington. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to stand up on behalf of our great state and work towards a prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.” Shelby, 82, will begin his sixth term in U.S. Senate in January 2017.
