Jonathan McConnell accuses Richard Shelby of endangering national security
News broke last month U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) was considering adding language to a must-pass spending bill to slow the Pentagon’s phase-out of Russian-made rocket engines used to launch military satellites into space. Shelby, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has since been able to add said language to the Omnibus — a catchall spending bill that would fund the federal government until after the presidential election next November — that was released Wednesday morning. In the midst of the 2,000-page bill, Shelby’s efforts have resulted in a lone paragraph that would allow United Launch Alliance (ULA) to continue buying RD-180 engines from Moscow until a domestic alternative is available, which Shelby has already worked to secure more than $300 million in funding for domestic development. However, his office tells Alabama Today it could be another four to five years at best before an American alternative is available. In Congress, Shelby’s most vocal opponent is former Republican presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who argues on behalf of the phase-out, which could negatively impact more than 800 jobs at the ULA outfit in Decatur located near Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. Outside of Washington, Shelby’s primary opponent former Marine Captain Jonathan McConnell is none too pleased with the Senator’s latest legislative accomplishment and is sounding the bullhorn against him accusing him of endangering national security in return for a few votes. “Richard Shelby’s willingness to give President Obama’s liberal agenda a blank check in return for a few votes reveals just how out of touch he has become with the values and priorities of Alabamians in his 37 years in Washington, D.C.,” said McConnell. “This Omnibus bill does nothing to defund Planned Parenthood or Obamacare, allows Obama’s executive amnesty to continue, and does nothing to ensure the refugees soon arriving from the Middle East are being sufficiently vetted.” He continued, “In the stroke of a pen today Shelby proved two things: He no longer has a grasp on the precarious nature of our foreign policy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has shown a growing inclination to give aide to the terrorist state of Iran, and he is willing to rubber stamp over $1 trillion in federal spending, including all of President Obama’s liberal pet projects, over a few sentences he hopes will buy him some votes.” But Shelby, who plans to oppose the Omnibus as a whole, contends he is actually working to protect national security in supporting the RD-180. “I’m the first one to argue that we should not depend on any foreign power for access to space — especially in the national security arena,” Shelby explained. “However, I agree with our nation’s top military leaders who say that restricting the use of the RD-180 will undermine our national security for years to come.” Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, among other officials and top military officers have also joined Shelby in expressing concern over the RD-180 ban. “Anyone who supports banning the RD-180 is arguing that it is acceptable for our troops under fire around the world to be left blind on the battlefield,” Shelby continued. “This is a reckless and irresponsible approach that needlessly endangers our national security.”
Richard Shelby lands coveted endorsement from National Rifle Association
Incumbent Richard Shelby has gained the coveted endorsement of the influential National Rifle Association (NRA) in his re-election campaign to the U.S. Senate in the March 1 Republican primary. Composed of over 5 million members, the NRA is the largest association of gun rights advocates in the country. “Based on your leadership on Second Amendment issues in the U.S. Senate, you have earned the highest attainable rating, an ‘A+’, from the NRA in the March 1st Republican Primary,” reads the NRA’s endorsement. “And ‘A+’ is reserved for ‘legislator with not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.” The organization also made note that Shelby has championed National Concealed Carry Reciprocity legislation, has been a strong leader in opposing the unconstitutional United Nations Arm Trade Treaty, cosponsored and voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and has fought President Barack Obama‘s Supreme Court nominees. “It has been an honor and privilege to work with our country’s oldest and largest defender of Second Amendment rights throughout my tenure in the Senate,” Shelby said in response to the endorsement. “Earning and maintaining the trust of the NRA and its members is critical to my ability to serve the people of Alabama. Receiving recognition for my staunch support of the right to keep and bear arms by their board at the annual meeting this year was among one of the proudest moments that I have had as a public servant.” Shelby said, “Not all of the battles that I’ve engaged in Congress with the NRA at my side are high-profile. We’ve done so much work over the years to override regulations and prevent rogue administrations like this one from using bureaucracy to create registries of gun owners and harass firearms manufacturers, sportsmen, and gun enthusiasts alike. These efforts don’t always grab headlines, but keep the Second Amendment as strong in practice as it is on parchment. “The events of recent weeks demonstrate that the President, his Attorney General, Hillary Clinton, and other politicians would rather push their gun control agenda aimed at disarming law-abiding Americans rather than fight or acknowledge the real security issues facing this nation. We need the National Rifle Association and its members now more than ever, and I’m proud to be their partner. As a sportsman, gun owner, and citizen, I’m honored by their endorsement and support.”
U.S. Senate candidate Jonathan McConnell releases first statewide radio ad
Republican candidate and conservative businessman Jonathan McConnell released his first statewide radio ad Thursday as he makes a run to represent Alabama in the U.S. Senate. In the 1-minute, six-second ad is being emailed and shared with supporters and donors across the state. In it, the former Captain in the United States Marine Corps vows to “keep [America] safe from ISIS terrorists” and will “say no to unchecked Syrian immigrants on American soil.” McConnell is challenging incumbent Richard Shelby (R-AL) for the GOP nomination in next November’s general election for the Senate seat, claiming Shelby has “abused [his] power for profit, and Alabama has paid the price.” Listen to the McConnell ad below: Ad transcript: ANNOUNCER: Small businessman, Marine, outsider, that’s conservative Republican Jonathan McConnell. Captain Jonathan McConnell led over a hundred Marines in Iraq. Later he founded a security company that protects American ships from pirates and terrorists. JONATHAN MCCONNELL: Hi, I’m Jonathan McConnell. For over 40 years Senator Shelby and career politicians like him have abused their power for profit, and Alabama has paid the price. While our debt skyrockets politicians continue to put their interests ahead of ours. Enough is enough. America’s in crisis, but Washington’s career politicians only know how to protect themselves. As your senator, I’ll focus on protecting you and your family. I’ll work to eliminate the debt, and illegal immigration, repeal Obamacare, and keep us safe from ISIS terrorists and I’ll say no to unchecked Syrian immigrants on American soil. I’m Jonathan McConnell. I approve this message because we need leaders who will fight for the people of Alabama, not themselves. ANNOUNCER: Captain Jonathan McConnell, the tough tested conservative Christian Republican for U.S. Senate. Paid for by Friends of Jonathan McConnell.
Farmers Federation endorses Richard Shelby in 2016 Senate re-election bid
The Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s leading agricultural industry interest group, came out in support of Republican Sen. Richard Shelby‘s bid to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate on Thursday. Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised Shelby for taking Alabama’s deeply conservative attitudes many on issues with him to Washington, D.C. “The Alabama Farmers Federation is proud to endorse Richard Shelby for the U.S. Senate,” ALFA President Jimmy Parnell stated. “As our state’s senior senator, he shares the same conservative values that the farmers and rural Alabamians hold so dear.” Shelby, first elected to the Senate in 1986, responded in kind to Parnell’s warm words. “I am proud to have the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation. I will always defend our shared values and way of life,” said Shelby. Shelby chairs the Senate’s Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee, as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Shelby is facing a long-shot primary challenge from former state Sen. Shadrack McGill.
Martha Roby, Richard Shelby take opposing views on education reform bill
Last week, with Rep. Martha Roby‘s (AL-02) support, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to scale back the federal government’s role in American education by passing the Every Student Succeeds Act. The bill, approved 359-64, replaces the 2002 No Child Left Behind law and hands over much of the decision-making power back to states and school districts across the country, while simultaneously ending federal efforts to encourage academic standards such as Common Core guidelines. The legislation would however retain the testing requirements, which many parents, teachers and school districts detest. Though it reforms the process and now grants the states the decision-making power over how to use the test results in assessing teachers and schools. “This is a big win for parents, teachers, administrators and anyone who has been frustrated by the federal intrusion in education policy,” explained Roby. “It isn’t just important for the current issues we know about. It’s also important for the next pet policy the Secretary of Education favors. Maybe that’s next year or five years from now, but I want to take away their ability to improperly coerce states once and for all, and that’s what my language does.” But not all Alabama lawmakers share Roby’s positive thoughts of the legislation. While U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) took a stand against the legislation prior to the U.S. Senate‘s Wednesday vote. “While this bill may be well-intentioned and makes some improvements to our current policy, it is a missed opportunity to truly put an end to unnecessary federal intervention into education,” said Richard Shelby. “I have always believed that education decisions should be made at a local level and that Congress should empower parents and teachers – not Washington bureaucrats. Instead, this bill extends some of the same failed policies that could provide a path for top-down federal mandates like Common Core.” Shelby isn’t the only one who disapproves of the pending legislation. Roby’s primary challenger, Wetumpka Tea Party President Becky Gerritson calls Roby’s support of the bill a “headscratcher.” “[Roby’s] vote yesterday is yet another example of her support for Common Core, for top-down one-size-fits-all standards, for psychological profiling of our young students, and for the federal government dictating what goes on in our classroom,” Gerritson said in an email to her supporters. “I don’t know if Martha Roby agreed with every portion of this bill or if she was just doing what she was told by fellow members of the Establishment. What I do know is that this is yet another example of Martha leaving the values of the Second District at home. When Martha Roby goes to DC, her every action supports making government bigger, more unconstitutional, and more intrusive.” But not everyone in the 2nd Congressional District shares Gerritson’s concerns. Roby put out a press release Wednesday citing the support and approval of several district educators, including Dothan City Schools Superintendent Chuck Ledbetter, Ed. D. “While it isn’t perfect, it is does return more of the education policy making role to the states and local school boards,” assures Ledbetter. “It continues to emphasize education equity for all students while giving back control of how equity and excellence are achieved to those closer to the students who can make better, individualized decisions to help students learn. We appreciate Rep. Roby’s help in curtailing federal overreach and her willingness to support this important education bill.” The Senate approved the legislation Wednesday, 85-12 with the support of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), and it is now on its way to President Barack Obama‘s desk to be signed into law.
Email Insights: Richard Shelby defends second amendment rights
Thursday Senator Richard Shelby took to the Senate floor to honor those who were killed in the tragic shooting that took place on Wednesday and to praise first responders for their efforts and sacrifices. In the speech, Shelby decried President Barack Obama‘s calls for further gun restrictions as well as echoed sentiments he recently made about an executive order that resulted in fewer resources for local law enforcement officers. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today spoke on the Senate floor to defend the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. The text of Senator Shelby’s remarks, as prepared, is below. “Madame President, the tragic murders that occurred in California yesterday are unthinkable and horrific. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims, their families, and the entire community. I would also like to take a moment to thank the brave first responders who selflessly and honorably risked their own lives in order to protect the lives of others. “Following the tragic events of yesterday, President Obama – unsurprisingly – called to limit the Second Amendment rights of the American people through stricter gun control. This is yet another example of the President using tragic events to push his political agenda. “Madame President, infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms is not the answer to curbing violent crime in America. Restrictive gun control measures only prevent law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves because criminals, by definition, refuse to follow the law. “In addition to President Obama’s misguided calls for gun control, he recently issued an executive order to remove unarmed military surplus vehicles obtained through the Section 1033 program from local law enforcement. “These vehicles have been valuable to local law enforcement in my home state of Alabama, specifically in Calhoun County. They were also used by the local law enforcement seeking to protect those in harm’s way yesterday in California. I have called on the President to reverse this dangerous decision in which he abuses the authority of his office by making unilateral decisions through executive fiat. “Madame President, during this time of increased uncertainty at home and abroad, the American people are looking to us for certainty that we will do everything in our power to keep them safe. Unfortunately, President Obama has once again chosen to attack and weaken local law enforcement and law-abiding citizens instead of focusing on fighting against criminals and radical Islamic terrorists. “Let me be clear: the President’s calls to increase gun control and remove equipment that local law enforcement uses to keep us safe only undermines the safety and security of American citizens. Madame President, we simply cannot – and must not – continue to let this Administration infringe upon our constitutional rights and put law-abiding Americans in harm’s way.”
Richard Shelby slams Barack Obama over “misguided and dangerous” executive order
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby Tuesday called on President Barack Obama to reverse an executive order he claims is “misguided and dangerous” and has resulted in two unarmed, tracked armored vehicles being taken from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office last week. For over 20 years, under the federal government’s 10-33 program, the Department of Defense has distributed surplus military equipment and vehicles to local law enforcement across the county, including the Calhoun County sheriff’s department. Last Wednesday, the federal government forced Calhoun County sheriff Larry Amerson to return two 10-33 vehicles. According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, the vehicles were first obtained from the federal government after a mentally ill person shot three Anniston police officers in 2001 and other officers had no protection to remove the injured from the area. “Time and time again, President Obama abuses the authority of his office by making unilateral decisions through executive fiat,” explained Shelby. “From his attempts to grant executive amnesty to illegal immigrants and his plans to allow Syrian refugees to resettle in the United States, to his decision to take away vehicles from local law enforcement in Calhoun County, it is clear that this president is more interested in scoring political points than ensuring the safety of our citizens.” “We live in an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world, and we cannot allow President Obama to prioritize protecting those trying to do us harm over those trying to protect us. I will continue to fight against this flawed, irresponsible executive action that expands Washington’s influence in our communities and weakens local law enforcement’s ability to protect us.” Obama made the change to the long-standing policy and issued the executive order following civil unrest in Ferguson, MO after the shooting of teenager Michael Brown when local police deployed a number of military-style vehicles to defend against civilian protesters on the city streets. “We’ve seen how militarized gear can sometimes give people the feeling like there’s an occupying force,” President Obama explained. “As opposed to a force that’s part of the community that’s protecting them and serving them.” Obama believe that type of equipment “can alienate and intimidate residents and make them feel scared.”
Shadarack McGill to challenge Richard Shelby in 2016 Senate primary
Former Montgomery lawmaker Shadarack McGill will reportedly announce a Republican primary challenge to long-serving U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby on Tuesday. McGill, who served in a state Senate from 2010 until 2014, when he decided to forego a reelection campaign. The former legislator is one of four Republicans who are likely to mount a challenge to the 81-year-old Shelby, who reaffirmed he will again seek the office by filing with the state elections chief ahead of a November 6 deadline. Shelby, first elected by statewide in 1986, is pursuing a sixth term in the Senate. He says his experience and seniority are assets for Alabamians. “I am running for the United States Senate because I’m not done fighting for Alabama,” Shelby said in a recent statement. “My unmatched record of proven, conservative leadership puts me in the best position to stand up for Alabamians against big government policies in Washington. I have always and will continue to put Alabamians first.” McGill, perhaps best known for claiming he was visited by strippers in the middle of the night during his 2010 campaign for the state Senate, will make his announcement in front of the Jackson County Courthouse.
Yeas and Nays – How the Alabama delegation voted this week: 11/20/15
Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation voted on major issues this week in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate: House votes H.R. 3819: A short-term reauthorization of federal-aid highway and transit programs. House and Senate conferees are currently negotiating a long-term reauthorization but are not expected to reach a final agreement this week. The current authorization expires on Friday, Nov. 20. Passed by voice vote. H.R. 511: the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. The bill adds Native American tribes to the list of entities that are excluded from the definition of “employer” in the National Labor Relations Act and re-instating Congress’ initial intent when it first passed the NLRA in 1935, thereby treating them similarly to state and local governments. Passed the House: 249-177. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) H.R. 1737: the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act. The bill nullifies 2013 guidance issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) denying the public a chance to comment on regulations directly impacting them. Passed the House, 332-96. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) H.R. 1210: the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act. The bill creates a safe harbor from lawsuits for banks that originate non-qualified mortgages that do not comply with ability-to-repay requirements, as long as the bank retains the mortgage in its own portfolio. The bill is meant to unwind certain restrictive Dodd-Frank regulations in order to expand access to mortgages and home ownership. Passed the House, 255-174. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) H.R. 3189: the Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization (FORM) Act. The bill brings greater accountability and transparency to the Federal Reserve. Passed the House, 241-185. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) A motion to go to conference on legislation reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, which under its last reauthorization was known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The House in July passed H.R. 5, the Student Success Act to reauthorize ESEA through 2019 and make fundamental changes to many of its programs, while the Senate later that month passed its own ESEA reauthorization (S. 1177). Passed by voice vote. H.R. 4038: the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act: requires that refugee applicants from Iraq and Syria not be admitted to the United States until and unless the FBI Director, Homeland Security Secretary and Director of National Intelligence all certify that the applicant is not a security threat. Passed the House, 255-174. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Senate S.J.Res.23: a joint resolution that strikes an EPA rule on greenhouse gas emissions Passed the Senate, 52-46. Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A S.J. Res. 24: a joint resolution that strikes an EPA rule on carbon pollution emission guidelines Passed the Senate, 52-46. Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A On the nomination of Peter William Bodde, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to Libya. Passed the Senate, 95-0. Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A On the nomination of LaShann Moutique DeArcy Hall, of New York, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District. Passed the Senate, 93-1. Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A
Richard Shelby to face primary challengers
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby may finally have to tap into his $19 million campaign war chest — he’s being primaried. Filing just before the Friday 5 p.m. deadline, Iraq War veteran and small business owner Jonathan McConnell announced he would challenge the five-term Republican senator in a primary. McConnell, 33, of Homewood, made the announcement at the Alabama Republican Party headquarters. “Washington is broken. But instead of leaders who are focused on solving the problem, our politicians are focused on profiting from the work we send them to do in Washington. That’s why I’m running – because its time to put an end to politicians who profit while we pay,” said McConnell. A graduate of Auburn University, Captain McConnell served in the Marines from 2005 – 2008, where he was stationed on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq in 2006 and was then redeployed to the Syrian Border in 2007 where he commanded the Second Mobile Assault Platoon and was Executive Officer of Weapons Company. Upon returning, he earned his law degree at the University of Alabama. While a law student, McConnell founded Meridian Global Consulting — a global maritime security company which combats the Somali Piracy threat against merchant vessels — where he currently serves as President and CEO. While he’s not been in office himself, McConnell is no stranger to politics. His father, Roger McConnell, was chairman of the Alabama Republican Party in 1993-94. “We need that kind of bold, conservative leadership in Washington. The insiders and politicians are ruining this country, and we need to take it back from them before they do any more damage,” McConnell explained in a statement.. McConnell isn’t Shelby’s only primary opponent. Former state Sen. Shadrack McGill, John Martin and Marcus Bowman will all face-off in the March 1 primary — the winner of which will likely take the Senate seat in November.
Alabama lawmakers react to President Obama’s rejection of Keystone XL pipeline
Alabama lawmakers are reacting to President Barack Obama‘s decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline after a lengthy seven-year State Department review of the controversial project. Obama’s denied the 1,179-mile pipeline that would have carried 800,000 barrels a day of petroleum from the Canadian oil sands to the Gulf Coast Friday afternoon citing concerns about its impact on the climate. “America is now a global leader when it comes to taking serious action to fight climate change, and frankly, approving this project would have undercut that leadership,” Obama explained. The entire Alabama Congressional delegation — including lone Democrat U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) — voted for Keystone. Here’s what the Alabama lawmakers have to say about Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby via Facebook: Unsurprisingly, President Obama rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline today. Keystone would create jobs and decrease energy bills for American families while boosting our nation’s energy independence. The rejection of this job-creating project stands as further proof that this Administration is more concerned with playing partisan politics than improving our economy. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): It is disappointing, but not surprising, that President Obama has decided to put the views of radical environmentalists over what’s in the best interest of the American people. The Keystone Pipeline project would create thousands of jobs, and it is a shame the President won’t allow it to move forward. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): With the rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline, the Obama Administration once again stands in the way of job creation. With instability in the Middle East, North American energy is exactly what this country needs, but instead Obama’s policy agenda includes rejection of both reliable energy and American jobs. I am extremely disappointed, but not surprised, that this Administration is playing politics with our country’s economy.
Yeas and Nays – How the Alabama delegation voted this week: 11/06/15
Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation voted on major issues this week in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate: House votes H.R. 22: the Surface Transportation Reauthorization & Reform Act/aka the Drive Act. The bill represents a combination of the Senate-passed long-term highway bill (the DRIVE Act) with language reported out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This bill reauthorizes federal highway, mass transit and safety programs for six years, through fiscal 2021, mostly at current levels – but it covers Highway Trust Fund shortfalls to provide full program funding for only the first three years. The House considered numerous amendments to the legislation culminating in a final “wrap up” vote to combine the legislation and amendments as well as a vote on a motion to go to conference with the Senate in order to produce a final bill. On the final “wrap up” vote, Passed the House: 363-64. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) On the motion to go to conference, Passed the House: 371-54. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) S. 1356, the revised National Defense Authorization (NDAA) Conference Agreement for FY 2016. The bill authorizes $599 billion for the Pentagon and defense-related programs for FY 2016, $5 billion less than both the president’s overall request and the original conference agreement. The president vetoed the original agreement on Oct. 22, objecting to its $38 billion in base defense funding in the uncapped Overseas Contingency Operations account. Passed the House 370-58. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Senate votes S.1140: Federal Water Quality Protection Act. Clean Water Act Dispute: The Senate voted to invoke cloture to advance the GOP bill that would kill a new Environmental Protection Agency rule giving Clean Water Act protection to waters such as wetlands and tributaries that are upstream of navigable waters. A yes vote was to advance S.1140 to full debate. Failed the Senate, 57-41. Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A Key votes ahead In the week of Nov. 9 – Nov. 13 , the House will be in Veterans Day recess, while the Senate will continue to debate fiscal 2016 military spending.
