Tommy Tuberville dismisses reports Katie Britt influenced drop on military holds, likens U.S. Senate to a ‘cartel’
Appearing on the Dixon and Vining Show on Birmingham’s Talk 99.5 FM this morning with Richard Dixon and guest host Apryl Marie Fogel, Tommy Tuberville talked about a wide range of topics, focusing on what he described as the upcoming change in rules that resulted in his drop on military holds. Tuberville told Dixon and Fogel that while he cannot claim a victory on his eleven-month-long effort to stop the Department of Defense from expanding access to abortions on U.S. military bases, he intends to continue the fight in the future. He explained the timing of his actions this week, which resulted in 425 nominations being confirmed, saying, “They changed the rules on me in the last couple of months.” He claimed to have had the votes with bipartisan support to leave it in the military budget that he anticipates passing next week to change the policy back to where it was before the DOD’s post-Supreme Court updates. Expressing his frustration, he said, “This is not a government. This is a cartel. This is run by the Democrats.” Before going on to say, “I don’t understand some of my Republican colleagues,” describing the process where they agreed with Chuck Schumer to change the 200-year-old rule to lift his hold before the budget came to a vote. As reported by Politico in early November, several Republican members of the Senate took to the floor to force Tuberville’s hand on confirming 60 nominees. That effort was led by Senator Dan Sullivan, who was joined by Joni Ernst of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Todd Young of Indiana, and Mitt Romney of Utah. Tuberville stressed, “We fought hard. I’m not done. We’re going to continue to fight; looks like we’re gonna have to get President [Donald] Trump back in office, then we’ll get it changed back.” He is continuing his hold of 4-star generals. The interview continued with Fogel asking about a Punchbowl News story that has gained national attention saying that Alabama’s junior senator Katie Britt acted as an intermediary in the final negotiations that led to his release of the holds. Tuberville demurred, saying they had had a “couple of conversations.” He then pivoted quickly to credit his colleagues Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, and Rick Scott for supporting his efforts over the last eleven months. He said if he got a call from anyone else, it was, “Hey, we need to get this done. You know it could hurt the election next year; could hurt our possibilities of getting a senator or two.” Tuberville emphasized that elections weren’t his priority, saying, “That wasn’t my concern.” Tuberville wrapped up his response to the report that Britt had a pivotal role in negotiations to end his hold. He said, “I don’t know where that other information came from.”
Tommy Tuberville urges China travel ban to prevent spread of a new mystery illness
On Friday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the President to restrict travel between the U.S. and China until U.S. health experts have more information regarding the mysterious respiratory disease that is rapidly spreading throughout China. “[W]e should not wait for the WHO to take action given its track record of slavish deference to the [Chinese Communist Party],” the senators wrote. “We must take the necessary steps to protect the health of Americans and our economy. That means we should immediately restrict travel between the United States and the [People’s Republic of China] until we know more about the dangers posed by this new illness. A ban on travel now could save our country from death, lockdowns, mandates, and further outbreaks later.” “In light of an unknown respiratory illness spreading throughout the People’s Republic of China (PRC), we call on you to immediately restrict travel between the United States and the PRC,” the Senators wrote. “As you know, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a long history of lying about public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCP’s obfuscation of the truth, and lack of transparency, robbed the United States of vital knowledge about the disease and its origin.” “At this moment, the world faces another unknown pathogen emanating from the PRC that could spread to other countries, including the United States,” the Senators continued. “The PRC has reported an increase in this mystery illness—which it claims to be pneumonia caused by known pathogens—since mid-October. This illness reportedly is a special hazard for children and has overrun hospitals in the north of the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is unclear if the disease is due to an overall increase in respiratory infections or separate events. If history is any indication, we have cause to be concerned.” Joining Sens. Tuberville and Rubio on the letter were Senators J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Mike Braun (R-Indiana). The sudden rise in respiratory illnesses in children has sparked concern from hospitals in northern China. The virus has been called “walking pneumonia.” It is continuing to spread through parts of China and severely affect health services, as cases of “white lung pneumonia” continue to rise. The WHO has asked China to share information on the outbreak. Officials in China insist it is not a new disease but rather a combination of different respiratory illnesses that occur during the winter. China was previously criticized for failing to share information about COVID-19. Tuberville has represented Alabama in the United States Senate since 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville opposes aid for Gaza while it is under Hamas control
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) joined their colleagues in sending a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) urging him to reject President Joe Biden’s request for up to $9 billion in humanitarian assistance to Hamas-controlled Gaza. “We are writing to demand that, during Israel’s existential war against Iran’s terrorist proxies, you reject the billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance requested for Gaza as part of President Biden’s $106 billion aid package,” Tuberville and Blackburn wrote. “As you know, sending aid to the Palestinians in Gaza is akin to funneling aid directly to Hamas. The President’s decision to allocate additional funding, in addition to the $100 million in aid previously announced, will inevitably end up in the hands of a genocidal Palestinian terrorist organization that has evidenced its desire to destroy the Jewish state.” “Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East,” the Senators wrote. “As such, it is perplexing why the President would ask Congress to enable the United States to inadvertently fund Hamas’ terror campaign against Israel. As we’ve seen in the past, this so-called “humanitarian aid” will likely be channeled through international organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This is not speculation — just last week, we saw reports that Hamas stole fuel and medical equipment from UNRWA, which the organization initially admitted but then subsequently denied. UNICEF medical kits were even found on the bodies of Hamas terrorists from the horrific October 7th attack. For over a decade, Hamas has stolen aid from UNRWA intended for the Palestinian people, and the organization has a well-documented history of antisemitism. For example, UNRWA distributes educational materials that teach Palestinian children to hate Jews and which glorify acts of terrorism.” “Sending aid to the Palestinians would be a gift to Hamas, the same group that slaughtered over 1,400 Israelis and abducted over 200 hostages, including Americans,” the Senators wrote. “We implore you to ensure the U.S. does not send aid that will only strengthen Hamas’ ability to murder more Jews. This is the time to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our closest ally in the Middle East as they fight for their very existence.” The letter was also signed by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Mike Braun (R-Indiana). Tuberville has announced his support for Israel in their war against Hamas. Last week, Coach Tuberville joined legislation to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel. “Hamas needs to be totally wiped out,” Tuberville said recently on a television appearance on Fox Business Channel’s Larry Kudlow program. Tuberville and the other Senators argue that while Hamas occupies and rules Gaza, any aid to Gaza will be used by Hamas to feed its fighters and equip them for their war effort against Israel. There are 2.3 million Palestinians in the 140 square mile Gaza Strip, and their entire economy is based on receiving foreign aid from the outside world. Thousands of Gaza residents have already been killed in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. A refugee camp was bombed on Tuesday, killing Hamas fighters but also civilians who are casualties of the war between Israel and Hamas. In October, the White House said in a press release, “Civilians are not to blame and should not suffer for Hamas’s horrific terrorism. Civilian lives must be protected, and assistance must urgently reach those in need. We will continue to work closely with partners in the region to stress the importance of upholding the law of war, supporting those who are trying to get to safety or provide assistance, and facilitating access to food, water, medical care, and shelter.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the U.S. can track the aid. “The overwhelming majority of assistance so far is getting to people who need it, and we need more,” he said. “The needs are desperate.” Tuberville has represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate since his election in 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Florida has brought nearly 700 Americans home from Israel
By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor Florida so far has brought home nearly 700 Americans who were stranded in Israel. Florida law enforcement officers also are arresting antisemitic agitators after the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas attacked Israel and killed more than 1,400 people, including over 30 Americans. Hamas, the acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), was designated by the U.S. State Department as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997. “It is the largest and most capable militant group in the Palestinian territories and one of the territories’ two major political parties,” the National Counterterrorism Center says. On Oct. 12, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Florida and directed the Division of Emergency Management to execute a “Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and other response, recovery, and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency, including any logistical, rescue, or evacuation operations” to bring Americans home who were stranded in Israel. “Unlike the governments of other countries, the Biden Administration has failed to launch any form of rescue or evacuation operations for Americans, including Floridians, who are stranded in the region, and has failed to provide information requested by the State of Florida about any plans for such operations,” he said. Within three days of making the announcement, Florida brought home nearly 300 Americans. Since then, nearly 700 Americans have been flown to Florida on four flights to Tampa and Orlando international airports. By Oct. 20, the Florida legislature called a special session to expand state sanctions on Iran, among other issues. Florida has also beefed up security efforts to protect its Jewish residents. Since Oct. 8, Florida Highway Patrol Quick Reaction Force troopers and nearly 100 FDLE agents and crime intelligence analysts have been focused on safeguarding Florida synagogues, Jewish Day Schools, and Jewish residents by monitoring of events and investigating suspicious activity reports, the governor’s office said. As a result, several arrests have been made, including of an individual outside of the Capitol Complex in Tallahassee. The individual was known to law enforcement for engaging in “domestic disturbances and altercations, leaving harassing messages with local seated public officials and acting suspiciously outside of synagogues” as well as “being dressed in a tactical vest and acting suspiciously” outside of a synagogue. One notable arrest was in Miami Beach on Oct. 17, when an individual told a security guard he was a member of Hamas and “was attempting to bomb a Jewish school in Miami Beach.” He was charged with “harassment, assault, disturbing school/religious assemblies, and threatening to discharge a bomb,” according to the governor’s office. Other notable arrests in the Miami area include an individual who allegedly resisted an officer without violence at the “Protest for Palestine” event at Miami Bayfront Park and a Miami man who threatened to kill hundreds of people “in a building or at a concert” if he didn’t receive federal protection “from Jewish people.” He was arrested by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the city of Miami Police Department “for making threats and extortion.” Miami-Dade Police also arrested three people at the “Protest for Palestine” demonstration at the Florida Atlantic University-Boca Raton Campus. One student was arrested on a felony battery charge after she allegedly elbowed a pro-Israeli woman; the others were arrested for battery, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. Four individuals were also arrested at a “Stop the Genocide Against the People of Gaza” event held outside of the Coral Gables office of Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. A homeless individual was also arrested by Jupiter Police officers and charged with criminal mischief for scratching swastikas in the sidewalks along Indiantown Road and Military Trail in Abacoa. Attorney General Ashley Moody sent a memo to 21 college and university police chiefs statewide highlighting the statutes that prohibit and assign penalties for antisemitic hate crimes. She did so in the wake of Jewish students reporting feeling threatened by pro-Hamas groups on college campuses. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Tommy Tuberville objects to combining aid to Israel in spending package with aid for Ukraine
On Monday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) in writing a letter to Senate Leadership requesting that any federal assistance to Israel not be leveraged for more Ukraine funding. President Joe Biden recently requested $61.4 billion more for Ukraine paired with $14.3 billion for Israel. Sen. Tuberville said that he stands unequivocally with Israel but does not support one more dime in assistance for Ukraine. “We write today in the wake of over 1,400 Israeli civilians and at least 30 American citizens having been killed over the last week after brutal Hamas terrorists invaded Israel,” the Senators wrote. “In response to these developments, it is critical we give prompt consideration to any request for financial aid or other material support requested by Israel. Based on the breadth of responses from members of Congress, there is a shared urgency to consider such a request.” “That being said, we know there will no doubt be efforts to attach any funding to Israel to more aid to Ukraine, in excess of the already $113 billion Congress has provided to Ukraine,” the Senators continued. “These are two separate and unrelated conflicts, and it would be wrong to leverage support of aid to Israel in attempt to get additional aid for Ukraine across the finish line.” “Furthermore, it would be irresponsible, and we should not risk a government shutdown by bundling these priorities together and thus complicating the process and lessening the likelihood of a funding package,” the Senators wrote. “We urge you to keep separate attempts to provide military aid to Israel from additional funds to Ukraine or other matters.” The letter was also signed by Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Because neither House of Congress has passed a budget, the federal government is operating on a continuing resolution (CR) to give the parties time to finish their work and negotiate a bipartisan budget that can pass both Houses. Little work has been accomplished on that, though, and the current CR will run out on November 14 at midnight. The Hamas attack on Israel, a longtime American ally, has created a need not anticipated in the CR or any budget package. The Ukrainian offensive has broken through some Russian lines, but at significant cost to the Ukrainians, both in men and material costs. Tuberville has long urged a negotiated settlement of the Ukraine war and has not supported past Ukraine aid packages. “The war in Ukraine is a disaster for the United States,” Tuberville told Alabama Today in April. “We jumped in all four feet, knowing that we didn’t have enough munitions to help Ukraine. We don’t want to put boots on the ground. I am all for Ukraine, but you have got to have an opportunity to win, and we don’t have one person that has any insight in terms of diplomacy from this White House or this administration. Secretary [Antony] Blinken has done zero.” In his address to the nation on Thursday, the President tied the two emergency appropriation requests together. “American leadership is what holds the world together,” Biden said. “American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with. To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it’s just not worth it. That’s why, tomorrow, I’m going to send to Congress an urgent budget request to fund America’s national security needs, to support our critical partners, including Israel and Ukraine. It’s a smart investment that’s going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm’s way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren.” U.S. arms stockpiles are low due to 32 months of supplying the Ukrainian army with weapons and munitions. Arms manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the demand. Hamas has started a war with Israel – a U.S. ally- so they will be buying arms and munitions. Iran appears to be behind the Hamas and Hezbollah attacks and appears to be promoting a wider Middle East war – which could potentially lead to U.S. involvement, and the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan means that the U.S. lacks that foothold on the Iran border to threaten Tehran. Meanwhile, Taiwan – which the U.S. has promised to defend – is trying to build up its armed forces due to a heightened risk of a Chinese invasion. A Russian attack on any NATO border, whether that be Romania, Poland, Finland, or the Baltic States, would require an American troop response. Meanwhile, the U.S. is struggling to keep up with the Russians and Chinese in hypersonic missile and anti-satellite warfare technology, China has surpassed the U.S. in naval ships and intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and the all-volunteer force is not meeting its recruiting goals. And with $33 trillion in debt, the U.S. is not fiscally in a place where it could fight a prolonged war without severe changes to the economy and U.S. entitlement programs. Tuberville is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Senators Katie Britt, Marco Rubio, and colleagues demand answers on Iran’s nuclear program violations following attacks on Israel
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and 13 colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting an update on U.S. action to hold Iran accountable for multiple violations of nuclear program restrictions. The letter comes after this weekend’s multi-pronged attacks on the people of Israel by Hamas fighters that killed over 1300 Israelis and wounded 3,200 more. According to Secretary Blinken, at least 25 Americans are among the dead. Hamas has taken well over 100 hostages, and the White House believes that Americans are among the hostages. Republicans believe that the government of Iran financed and likely helped plan those attacks. “We respectfully request that the U.S. Department of State provide information regarding the status of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) investigation into Iran following the recent IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting,” the Senators wrote. “The Iranian regime is intent on fomenting terror across the region, as evidenced by its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah’s, brutal attacks this weekend on our ally, Israel. Now more than ever, you must ensure that you hold the regime accountable for its failure to comply with obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Further, we were disappointed that the administration did not call for a formal censure of Tehran given its continued non-compliance with the IAEA.” “The Biden Administration has failed to press for concrete action against Iran in Vienna,” the Senators continued. “We are especially disturbed by reports that the United States led efforts to oppose a censure of Iran. As Iran violates its commitments and refuses to comply with the IAEA, your business-as-usual approach to resolving the situation is tantamount to an endorsement of the Iranian regime’s activities.” “It is regrettable that the September 11-15, 2023, IAEA Board of Governors meeting achieved no progress in resolving key questions related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear program,” the Senators wrote. “Once again, Iran was able to escape any shred of accountability. As you know, since 2018, the IAEA has been investigating Iran’s undeclared nuclear material and activities related to a secret 2003 effort to produce atomic weapons called the Amad Plan. Despite the IAEA’s repeated requests to access several Iranian sites, it has not been able to determine whether Tehran retains covert nuclear weapons activities, nor has it investigated all sites, personnel, and documentation related to the Amad Plan and its successor entities, such as Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).” Joining Senators Britt and Rubio in signing the letter were Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), and Susan Collins (R-Maine). In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed by the Obama Administration. Iran and other countries agreed to place restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. One condition included the JCPOA tasking the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure the regime in Tehran adheres to nuclear restrictions. The Senators claim that even with the signed agreement, Iran has remained non-compliant and continues its nuclear programs. Senator Britt has been an outspoken critic of the Biden Administration’s controversial decision to free up $6 billion of seized illicit oil sales revenue to Iran to facilitate a prisoner exchange with Iran. The five Iranian-Americans appear to have been wrongfully jailed solely because they were American citizens. Britt warned at the time that the ransom payments would only result in more Americans being taken hostage. When the Administration formally notified Congress of the deal on September 11th, Britt warned, “This irresponsible, weak appeasement sends a terrible message across the globe and only incentivizes further hostage taking in the future.” Today, countless Israeli hostages have been taken into Gaza by Hamas. Senator Britt this week joined a letter led by Senator Blackburn (R-Tennessee) calling on the Biden Administration to re-freeze the $6 billion. Sen. Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and Pete Ricketts want Senate to remain in session until all appropriations bills are passed
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she has joined Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) and 15 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) to keep the U.S. Senate in session until all 12 of the appropriations bills have been debated on the floor and passed. To this point, Schumer has resisted bringing the appropriations bills to the floor even though they have all passed out of the Appropriations Committee. The federal government narrowly averted a shutdown at the end of the fiscal year last weekend with a 45-day continuing resolution (CR) that will run through November 17. “We urge you to modify the Senate calendar so that we remain in session Monday through Friday every week until all 12 fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills are passed in the Senate and House and signed into law by President Biden,” the Senators wrote. “The House of Representatives has already taken the step to forgo their October recess, and the Senate must follow suit. While valuable work is done while Senators are back in their home states, it is imperative that we remain in D.C. until our appropriations work can be completed. That is what the American people expect and deserve of us.” “The continuing resolution extended government funding until November 17,” the Senators continued. “That allows seven weeks for the Senate to consider the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. The past nine weeks make it clear that we cannot afford to take a weekday off, much less a weeklong recess, with so much work to be completed in such a condensed time.” “My colleagues and I have worked hard this year to advance all 12 individual appropriations bills out of committee through regular order,” the Senators continued. “However, in order to enact judicious, strategic, transparent, and accountable spending measures that benefit the American people, it’s incumbent on Senator Schumer to utilize a novel concept – actually making the Senate work,” said Senator Britt. “Alabamians know this is simply common sense, but that is unfortunately uncommon in Washington, D.C.” Joining Senators Britt and Ricketts in sending the letter were Senators Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi). The 2023 fiscal year ended on September 30, and Congress still has not passed the 2024 budget. If the current 45-day CR runs out without Congress having passed a budget or another CR, then the federal government will have to shut down non-essential services. Majority Leader Schumer has scheduled the Senate to be in recess until October 16. The Senate was also not in session the entire month of August, even though budgets had not been passed. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Tommy Tuberville praised by Republicans for standing up to Chuck Schumer
It has been seven months, and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) is still refusing to give unanimous consent on almost 300 military promotions. On Wednesday, Sen. Tuberville personally tackled the growing logjam of military leaders holding positions they have been nominated to as interims by attempting to bring up the nomination for Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) responded to Tuberville’s maneuver by bringing Smith and two other generals to the floor for Senate confirmation. In February, Sen. Tuberville imposed a hold on all senior military promotions after the Pentagon implemented a taxpayer-funded abortion-related travel policy that is ostensibly illegal. Coach Tuberville’s position has not changed: either the Pentagon can reverse its controversial and likely illegal policy, or Chuck Schumer can bring these nominations to the floor individually. For the past seven months, Schumer has refused to bring the nominations to the floor despite constantly complaining about “military readiness.” Former President Donald Trump said on Truth Social, “BIG WIN FOR TOMMY. Unlike McConnell and his group of automatic Democrat YES VOTES, Tommy T is willing to take on the Radical Left Fascists & Thugs that are destroying our Country. What a difference!!” Republican Presidential candidate Sen. Tim Scott said, “Listen, he was right to do what he said. The Hyde Amendment is clear. You cannot use a penny of federal dollars in support of abortion. Period. Transportation, any other way. I think it was seven or eight years ago, Hugh, I held promotions as well, because there was a move to take the Guantanamo Bay prisoners and bring them into Charleston, South Carolina. You have to be willing to take a stand. The Senate can, at some point, override you, and that’s what’s happened recently, but the truth is you only have certain weapons in your arsenal, and I must concede. Under President Biden, holding up promotions is not necessarily a bad thing. What we’ve seen in the top brass in today’s military is too much focus on ESG and DEI and gender issues, vaccine mandates as opposed to war fighting, lethality, and making sure that the resources and the equipment and the training that we need, that’s where the focus of this military should be.” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said, “Senator Schumer just proved he could have moved these military promotions months ago. He held our servicemembers hostage for purely political reasons.” Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said on X, “As I’ve said previously, Senator Schumer has the power to schedule votes on each of these nominees. Today’s move only confirms this has been true all along.” Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said, “Senator Schumer could have broken this logjam months ago by filing cloture like he did today on the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.” Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) said, “The military cannot be an arm of either admin’s social policy. There’s a law that says abortions will not be publicly funded and the Biden administration is circumventing that in a way that destroys credibility in the military.” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) said, “Senator Tuberville did the right thing and showed today that this was all politics by the Democrats. And they don’t care that they’re violating the law.” Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said on social media, “@SecDef brought this on himself and @DeptofDefense by adopting a policy designed only to flout 10 USC 1093. […] If confirmation delays really are imperiling national security, then @SecDef should immediately suspend his abortion-travel policy, which is what it will take to get the confirmation process expedited. He can’t blame @SecDefwithout implicating himself. […] Since when is funding for abortion travel—which @DeptofDefense never funded until six months ago—essential to American national security?” Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) said, “Schumer could have approved every military nominee by scheduling votes over the last several months, but he cared more about funding abortion travel than military readiness. Major win for Sen Tuberville!” Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) said, “Senator Tuberville has bravely and steadfastly held the line in the Senate by placing a hold on all DoD senior leader nominations until the DoD complies with federal law and ceases its abortion policies. DoD has complained this will harm national security, but DoD has the ability to stop this immediately. All they have to do is rescind this illegal policy.” Tuberville said he might bring future nominees to the floor through regular order in the Senate. Critics of Tuberville’s actions say this process is too time-consuming to be used repeatedly. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt cosponsors bipartisan bill to permanently end budget brinkmanship
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined a bipartisan group of 11 colleagues as a co-sponsor of Senator James Lankford’s (R-Oklahoma) Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2023. This legislation would permanently end the practice of shutting down the federal government and disrupting critical services if Congress fails to enact spending bills by the start of the next fiscal year. Under the bill’s provisions, if Congress does not enact all 12 appropriations on time, an automatic 14-day Continuing Resolution (CR) would be triggered and keep funding at the previous fiscal year’s levels. If there is no resolution at the end of two weeks, automatic 14-day CRs would go into effect on a rolling basis until either all appropriations bills are enacted or a long-term CR is enacted. “The American people are tired of seeing critical government services being held hostage while Congress irresponsibly pushes to pass massive spending bills at the last minute,” said Sen. Britt. “Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to keep paying the price for this budgetary political brinksmanship. This commonsense bill would ensure we have a fail-safe mechanism in place that will take these drastic options off the table, so members of the Senate and the House have time to draft the best bills possible in a transparent, accountable, and judicious manner.” While the federal government is operating under the automatic CRs, the legislation would require Congress to meet every day, including weekends, and members of Congress could not use any official funds for travel. They also could not consider any other measures other than appropriations bills. The travel restrictions would also apply to congressional staff and officials from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Lankford said that restraint is needed to balance the budget. Lankford said, “To put this in context, with the record revenue that’s coming in this year at about $4.8 trillion, if we were spending the same this year as we did in 2018, a short five years ago. If we were spending the same this year as we were in 2018 prior to COVID, we would have a $700 billion surplus this year rather than an almost $2 trillion deficit—this year—because the record amount of revenue coming in this year compared to what our spending was five years ago, we would have been in surplus this year. But we’re not, and it’s at $1.5 trillion over that. We have a very serious issue. We should have very hard conversations about our revenue, about our spending, about the direction that we’re actually heading, and about how do we get out of a $33 trillion debt.” In addition to Senator Britt, co-sponsors of Senator Lankford’s bill include Senators Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Angus King (I-Maine), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming). Senator Britt is also a co-sponsor of Senator Braun’s No Budget, No Pay Act. That legislation would bar members of Congress from getting paid until they passed a budget. President Joe Biden has not submitted a balanced budget since entering the White House. Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. She serves on the Appropriations Committee tasked with passing each of the 12 appropriations bills. CRs go around the committee by a handful of powerful Senators who craft the CR with the White House to keep the government funded. Often, those CR writers are able to insert earmarks and other language into a CR or omnibus spending bill that is never vetted by committee. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt condemns Biden Administration decision to allow Iranian President to visit the U.S.
On Monday, the Biden Administration announced that it will allow Iranian President Ebrahim Raisa to enter the United States for the United Nations General Assembly meeting. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) released a statement critical of the decision. “This disgraceful decision is the latest in a long line of dangerous appeasement by the Biden Administration,” Sen. Britt said. “Just two days ago, Iran reportedly expelled several senior International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from the country. Now, President [Joe] Biden is sending a clear message to the world that the United States of America tolerates terrorism. On the very same day that the Biden Administration hands $6 billion to the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, the President chooses to allow the unapologetic leader of this ruthless regime into our country. This weakness endangers our national security, insults the Americans and allies struck by Iranian-backed terrorism across the globe, and abandons oppressed people in Iran who hunger for liberty, peace, and safety. We achieve peace through strength, not placation. The safety and security of all Americans is gravely imperiled by President Biden’s continued blunders on the global stage,” said Senator Britt. Five Americans who were freed by Iran as part of a prisoner exchange deal arrived in Qatar on Monday. The five American dual citizens were falsely convicted and imprisoned in Iran. They are now on their way home. The deal cost $6 billion in seized oil sales and the release of five Iranians convicted of nonviolent crimes. Sen. Britt opposed that deal on the grounds that paying out funds for hostages simply encourages bad actors to take more hostages. Britt said that the deals with Iran are appeasement. Last week, Senator Britt joined a group of four Republican colleagues in sending a letter reproaching President Raisi’s visit last month to the home of Asadollah Assadi. Assadi was sentenced to twenty years in prison by Belgium for his role in a bomb plot. The letter expressed concern over President Raisi’s record of publicly tolerating terrorism and continued threats against American officials and urged the Biden Administration to deny visas to President Raisi and his staff at UNGA. Joining Senator Britt in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Ted Budd (R-North Carolina). To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville joins Republicans urging Defense Department to halt sales of border wall materials
On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and all the Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in a letter to the Department of Defense to halt the sale of border wall construction materials. The letter, addressed to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, was in response to reports that the Defense Department was moving quickly to dispose of the unused border wall materials before the provisions of Wicker’s FINISH It Act could be implemented. “We are deeply disappointed to learn that rather than using construction materials that were purchased to secure the southwest border for that purpose, the Department of Defense has begun auctioning these materials off for other purposes,” the senators wrote. “These auctions represent a brazen attempt to circumvent the FINISH IT Act, which was included in both the House and Senate FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act.” As ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, Wicker worked with Republicans to insert the legislation, which would force the administration to allow the materials to be used to complete sections of the southern border wall, in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the Senate with a broad bipartisan majority and the provisions of the FINISH It Act were also included in the House-passed version of the NDAA. However, Congress has not passed the final conference committee version of the NDAA. The Senators believe Austin and the Defense Department are taking the opportunity to auction all the unused border wall materials for scrap metal while Congress is still on its August recess. The Senators are calling to halt further auctions of border wall materials and requesting detailed information on the current sales. The letter calls for the administration to direct the Department of Defense Inspector General to investigate Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs Melissa Dalton for her failure to provide Congress with accurate and timely information about the use of these border wall construction materials. The Senate Armed Services Committee Republicans have pledged to never consent to a confirmation hearing for the nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy until the senators’ concerns are addressed. The DOD’s combat support branch, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), confirmed to reporters with Power Corridor last week that the Pentagon is now moving ahead with the sale of the leftover materials, many of which have been sitting for years in piles on government and private land out West. The items up for auction this week are “excess border wall materials that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers turned over to the DLA for disposition and are now for sale,” a DLA spokesperson said. Leading the liquidation is Gov Planet, an online auction marketplace run by publicly traded Canadian company Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. This week, Gov Planet began posting photos on its website and social media of large sections of the unbuilt wall, understood to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Sens. Tuberville and Wicker were joined by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri). Tuberville stated that he supports common-sense policies that strengthen our border and national security, like building the wall and reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the Remain in Mexico policy. Senator Tuberville has spoken about his concerns on the floor of the U.S. Senate and called on the Biden administration to act. Tuberville has made multiple visits to the southern border to bring attention to the border situation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt, Rick Scott and colleagues urge Biden Administration to address passport delays
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she has joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) and 12 of their colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to take immediate action to resolve the backlog of passport applications. “Given the sheer number of Alabamians who have recently requested help with a passport issue, I’m concerned that action has not been taken sooner to address this concern, which clearly affects a great number of Alabamians,” said Sen. Britt. “As record levels of Americans continue to book flights across the globe, we request this matter be dealt with immediately and transparently to prevent further backlog.” More Americans are seeking passports, and there are growing delays in obtaining or renewing a passport. According to a recent report, it can take 17 weeks to get a passport renewed. This turnaround time has grown several weeks just since February. In the letter, the Senators note countless reports from Americans in their respective states regarding issues and concerns with delayed wait times, lack of available in-person appointments, and an inability to communicate with passport agencies. The Senators charge that this is an unacceptable failure from a federal government that should be focused on serving American taxpayers and their needs. Joining Senators Britt and Scott were U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska). “As summer begins and families across the nation are finalizing their travel plans, we have heard countless reports from constituents in our states about the massive backlogs in processing passport applications,” the Senators wrote to Sec. Blinken. “While we appreciate the hard work of Passport Agency employees across the nation, this backlog and the unresponsiveness to many passport inquiries is unacceptable.” “Since January 2023, our offices have observed a massive increase in passport-related inquiries from our constituents,” the Senators continued. “We understand that the Department of State is experiencing an unprecedented number of passport applications and renewals, but the strategies put in place to address this unprecedented demand appear to need additional attention.” “These backlogs have resulted in many American families being forced to cancel their travel plans because of increased wait times, a lack of available in-person appointments, and an inability to communicate with passport agencies,” wrote the Sens. “Furthermore, the delay many Americans are experiencing in receiving their passport could potentially be detrimental to their livelihood. The Department of State must address these issues promptly to remedy the situation. As our offices continue to work each and every day to assist constituents with their passport needs.” Many countries require a passport to be valid six months after your trip ends. These include India, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Turks and Caicos, and Zimbabwe. All 27 European Union member countries require passports to be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure. Some countries are more visitor-friendly and only require your passport to be valid. These include Argentina, Australia, Dominican Republic, Japan, and the United Kingdom. For travel to Hong Kong, the requirement is one month beyond the trip. Since renewing a passport can take four months, plan accordingly if you have plans to travel or work in a field where foreign travel may be required at some point. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022 after a career as a lobbyist, attorney, and Sen. Richard Shelby’s chief of staff. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
