Katie Britt and four AL House members sign letter opposing EPA emissions mandates
U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined Representatives Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, Jerry Carl, and Robert Aderholt, joined more than 150 of their colleagues, in a bicameral letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan urging the Biden Administration to overturn its de facto electric mandate on trucks, tractors, buses, and semis. The final rule, “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3,” was published on April 22, 2024. According to the Rule Summary on EPA website, “The new standards will be applicable to HD vocational vehicles (such as delivery trucks, refuse haulers, public utility trucks, transit, shuttle, school buses, etc.) and tractors (such as day cabs and sleeper cabs on tractor-trailer trucks).” Numerous consumer and trade groups oppose the rule. The American Trucking Associations Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer Ed Gilroy said, “The American Trucking Associations opposes EPA’s GHG3 rule in its current form because the post-2030 targets remain entirely unachievable given the current state of zero-emission technology, the lack of charging infrastructure and restrictions on the power grid.” The bicameral letter warned, “This rule will harm our families and businesses, increases our gas prices, and makes us more dependent on foreign supply chains – particularly China.” “Our farmers and agricultural industry will be especially hurt by this new mandate. According to the latest agriculture census by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are 3,161,820 trucks (including pickups) on over 1.4 million farms and 3,784,743 tractors on over 1.5 million farms that would see higher equipment costs and tighter margins due to this misguided rule. These numbers also do not account for the small, independent truckers, trucking companies, and truck dealerships throughout the U.S. that will be impacted. Not only would this rule harm consumers, but it would also exacerbate consolidation by effectively forcing our small trucking companies out of business that cannot afford this hasty transition to electric or hydrogen powered trucks,” the lawmakers wrote. “[W]e urge you to withdraw your final rule that is both unrealistic and burdensome,” the lawmakers continued. “This rule will only further increase costs for American families, businesses, and rural communities while fueling more inflation. We need to give Americans a choice in the cars and trucks that they drive, and affordability and performance for the trucking industry is paramount.” Britt’s office released a statement calling her a “strong proponent of preserving consumers’ freedom to choose gas-powered vehicles.” Earlier this year, Britt joined Senator Tommy Tuberville and another large bicameral group of lawmakers in a letter calling for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Deputy Administrator to rescind the Biden Administration’s proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. This rule sought to phase out gas-powered vehicles and mandate the mass production of electric vehicles. Britt’s statement noted that she has cosponsored several bills addressing the Biden administration’s vehicle mandates including Senator Crapo’s Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to prohibit the EPA from moving forward with its EV mandate for passenger cars and trucks or any similar future rules that would limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine type as well as being a cosponsor of Senator Markwayne Mullin’s the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.
Reps. Mike Rogers and Robert Aderholt applaud passage of NDAA
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-AL03) and Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) released statements applauding the House passage of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “Our nation faces unprecedented threats – the National Defense Authorization Act has never been more vital,” said Rep. Rogers. “With today’s passage of the FY24 NDAA, Congress has sent a strong message to our adversaries. The FY24 NDAA provides our military with the vital authorities, resources, and capabilities that our warfighters need to stay ahead of our adversaries. The FY24 NDAA supports our servicemembers, guts Biden’s woke agenda, deters China, and strengthens our military. I urge President Biden to quickly sign this bill into law.” Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, which is tasked with preparing the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act each year. “Today, I voted in favor of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, the NDAA, authorizing critical funds for our nation’s military,” said Rep. Aderholt. “I am proud to support a 5.2% pay raise for our troops, directing the Department of Defense to help secure our Southern border, and scrutinizing the Biden Administration’s politicized basing decision that would deny the US SPACE COMMAND its rightful and preferred home in Alabama.” Aderholt said that the new NDAA contains a number of key priorities for Alabama. “On top of all of that, we’ve continued our support for hypersonics being built right here in the 4th District in Courtland and given a boost to domestic shipyards like the ones in Mobile,” said Aderholt. This bill also takes significant steps to counter the Chinese Communist Party at home by securing our supply chains and abroad by strengthening our deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.” Aderholt said that the NDAA also strengthens U.S. alliances. “This bill sends a much-needed message of leadership to our friends and allies,” said Aderholt. “I am particularly encouraged by the provisions that will facilitate the AUKUS partnership between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, as well as the timely provisions to assist Israel and Taiwan, respectively. Further, I am reassured by the establishment of additional safeguards for our security assistance to Ukraine in the form of the Special Inspector General dedicated to ensure American taxpayer dollars are not wasted.” An earlier House version of the NDAA contained several partisan Republican provisions that led to a political impasse over the bill with the Senate. Many of those GOP planks were ultimately removed in the final, more bipartisan version of the NDAA, including an amendment overturning President Biden’s controversial military abortion policy. “Despite our many policy wins, the reality of a divided government means that Republicans did not get everything we wanted,” Aderholt stated bluntly. ”I am deeply disappointed that Senate Democrats were able to strip out of a House-passed provision that would overturn President Biden’s unconstitutional policy of reimbursing servicemembers’ abortion travel costs. However, we were able to take an axe to the leftist, woke agenda that Democrats have been forcing on our military. We have put a hiring freeze for social justice warriors in the DoD, prohibited the use of federal funds to promote critical race theory, and undone the injustice done to our servicemembers who were wrongfully punished for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.” The NDAA has already passed the United States Senate. It now goes to the President’s desk for his signature. With the NDAA passed, Congress can now go on its Christmas holiday. They will address the FY2024 budget bills in January. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gary Palmer and Robert Aderholt vote in favor of impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden
On Wednesday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to formally begin an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden (D). U.S. Representatives Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) released statements following their votes to open the impeachment inquiry. “Today’s vote by House Republicans is a step toward government transparency and accountability, specifically with the office of the President,” said Rep. Gary Palmer. “During the entirety of Congress’ investigation into the Biden family, the White House has been obstructing our ability to get the information we need. The American people should wonder why that is the case. Unlike the impeachment of President Trump which was based on false charges and was a political hack job, we have built a case based on solid evidence. Approving an impeachment inquiry is the next step in this process which will provide access to additional documents and other evidence I believe will provide proof President Biden was involved in what can only be described a family criminal cartel.” “Today, I voted to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden,” Rep. Robert Aderholt said. “This resolution is a critically important step to ensure compliance with the law and full transparency of the process. To date, the Biden Administration has impeded the House’s investigation; therefore, the House has voted to reaffirm that the inquiry is authorized and can proceed to its conclusion.” “President Biden has continually lied about his involvement in this growing family enrichment scheme, and, with a formal impeachment inquiry, the House can now lay out the evidence for everyone to see. It is time the President and his family are held accountable,” Palmer concluded. Most of the alleged illicit activities were committed by the President’s son, Hunter Biden, but what Biden knew about his son’s dealings with agents of foreign governments and did he benefit from those activities has been a point of emphasis for the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees who have been conducting the investigations. “While a father should not be punished for the crimes of his son, it appears this President has possibly committed multiple impeachable offenses,” Aderholt continued. “At the top of that list is serving as a possible accomplice (the “Big Guy”) to the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden.” Hunter Biden refused to testify before Congress on Wednesday but did go to the Capitol complex to hold a press conference in which he attacked the members of Congress conducting the investigation. “Just today, Hunter Biden refused to obey a Congressional subpoena,” Aderholt explained. “No one – not even the President’s family – gets to dictate how and which laws apply to them. Hunter Biden is going to learn that while it may be lucrative to trade off of his father’s name, it does not get him special treatment from the law.” “I’m confident that my colleagues on the appropriate committees will get to the bottom of all of this and Congress will hold the Bidens accountable,” Aderholt concluded. The House voted 221 to 212 along party lines to formally authorize the impeachment probe into President Biden. Hunter Biden is the subject of congressional and legal scrutiny regarding his overseas business dealings and alleged tax evasion. Hunter said that he was willing to testify publicly. House leaders said that they would not be dictated to by Hunter Biden and that they would initiate contempt proceedings against him. Democrats say that Republicans lack any evidence of wrongdoing by Biden. Critics suggest that this potential impeachment is in retaliation for the Democrats’ twice impeaching Donald Trump during his presidency. Palmer disagrees. “Unlike the political persecution of President Trump, this impeachment investigation will be based on facts,” Palmer said on X. “The American people deserve to know the truth- And the truth is long overdue.” Even if the House did eventually vote to impeach President Biden there is little chance that the Democratic-controlled Senate would act on a Biden impeachment. In the history of the United States no President has ever been convicted – much less removed by the U.S. Senate. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Reps. Terri Sewell and Robert Aderholt win friendly football wager with Georgia colleagues
On Saturday, the University of Alabama football team bested the University of Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game 27 to 24. The win means Alabama gets to add their 30th conference championship trophy to their trophy case and gets to play in the college football playoffs. Georgia, who had been the number one ranked team in the country going into the game, fell out of the top four and was eliminated from playoff competition. The win also means that Congress members Terri Sewell (D-AL07) and Robert Aderholt (D-AL04) were victorious in their wager on the game with Georgia Congress members Nikema Williams (D-GA) and Buddy Carter (R-GA). Reps. Williams and Carter made good on their friendly wager with Sewell and Aderholt on Wednesday, treating the Alabama Congressmembers to a Chick-fil-A lunch. The Crimson Tide’s victory ended Georgia’s 29-game winning streak and effectively ended Georgia’s effort to win its third college football national championship. Sewell wrote on Facebook, “Thanks to our Georgia colleagues for making good on our wager after Bama’s SEC win!! Congressman Aderholt and I can confirm—Victory really does taste better with a side of chicken!” Rep. Aderholt said on X, “Roll Tide! Congratulations to the Tide. And @RepBuddyCarter @RepNikema I know that @RepTerriSewell and I are looking forward to that Chick-fil-A!” Roll Tide! Congratulations to the Tide. And @RepBuddyCarter @RepNikema I know that @RepTerriSewell and I are looking forward to that Chick-fil-A! pic.twitter.com/M960t1OQT8 — Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) December 3, 2023 Rep. Sewell may not be done with her sports wagers. “After Saturday’s big win, let’s see if we can find any Michigan colleagues brave enough to bet against the Tide,” added Sewell. Alabama, which is 12 and 1, next plays the University of Michigan in the first round of the College Football Playoffs on January 1. Michigan is 13 and 0, the Big 10 conference champion, and is the new number-one ranked team in the country. Alabama jumped from number 8 in the nation to number 4, while Georgia has fallen from number 1 to number 6 in the rankings. Florida State University won the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game Saturday, but the College Football Playoffs Committee dropped the 13 and 0 FSU team from its number 4 spot (and a place in the playoffs) to number 5. FSU will play Georgia in a New Year’s Day bowl game. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Personnel Update: J.J. McGrady to serve as new field representative in Rep. Robert Aderholt’s Jasper Office
On Wednesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) announced hiring J.J. McGrady as his new field representative for the Jasper District Office. “I’m excited to have J.J. onboard, and I know he’s ready to hit the ground running,” said Congressman Aderholt. “J.J. will be working the western portion of the district that was previously covered by Paul Housel. And while I know people really loved working with Paul, I know they will enjoy getting to know J.J. and working with him as well. He has already been out meeting with constituents and elected officials.” McGrady previously worked for the Alabama Trucking Association, where he served as Manager of Special Projects. McGrady is a 2021 graduate of The University of Alabama, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, double majoring in public relations and political science. While a student at Alabama, J.J. interned for the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), and the Alabama Senate, working for Senate Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper). J.J. is pursuing his Master of Public Administration from Troy University. “I am thrilled to be joining Congressman Aderholt’s staff,” said McGrady. “To be able to help and serve the state that I have always called home is extremely special to me.” McGrady will be responsible primarily for covering the western portion of the Fourth District. This includes a large portion of Tuscaloosa County, which McGrady is especially excited about as both he and his wife Amanda are huge University of Alabama fans. Robert Aderholt was first elected to represent Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District in 1996. He is serving in his fourteenth term and is running again in 2024. Aderholt is an attorney and previously served as Chief Counsel for Alabama Governor Fob James (R) To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
U.S. House passes stopgap spending bill in bipartisan vote, in crucial test for new speaker
Jennifer Shutt, Alabama Reflector WASHINGTON — The U.S. House took a broadly bipartisan vote Tuesday to fund the government into the new year, though the measure must pass the Senate by the end of the week if Congress is going to avoid a partial government shutdown. The 336-95 House vote was the first major legislative test for Speaker Mike Johnson, the Louisiana Republican who took on the role after the former speaker was ousted after passing a similar bipartisan short-term funding bill in late September. A total of 93 House Republicans voted against the bill, but enough Democrats supported it to send the measure to the Senate. In the Alabama delegation, U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville; Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, and Dale Strong, R-Madison, voted for the bill. U.S. Reps. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile; Barry Moore, R-Enterprise; Gary Palmer, R-Hoover and Mike Rogers, R-Saks, voted against it. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Tuesday that he and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, both agree the Senate needs to pass the bill quickly to avoid a funding lapse. “If the House should pass it, and I hope they do, Leader McConnell and I will figure out the best way to get this done quickly,” Schumer said. During a press conference prior to the vote, Johnson defended his decision to move the short-term spending bill, saying it would prevent Congress from passing an omnibus spending package in mid-December before the holiday break. Republicans have repeatedly said they oppose such massive packages, which wrap together all 12 government spending bills, often on short notice. He rejected criticism from fellow GOP lawmakers that he was making a mistake and taking the wrong approach to funding the government. “We’re not surrendering, we’re fighting. But you have to be wise about choosing the fights,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to fight fights that you can win, and we’re going to, and you’re going to see this House majority stand together on our principles.” Johnson said he was optimistic that Congress would be able to pass the dozen full-year appropriations bills before the new deadlines next year, avoiding the need for another stopgap spending bill. “Part of the reason I’m confident about this is, I’ve been drinking from Niagara Falls for the last three weeks. This will allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving,” Johnson said. “Everybody can cool off.” During that time, Johnson said he would get a group together to “map out that plan to fight for” conservative principles in the final set of 12 spending bills. The current fiscal year ends on September 30, 2024. “I look forward to rolling that out,” he said. “You’ll see much more of that.” Two deadlines The 32-page short-term spending bill, sometimes called a continuing resolution or CR, would fund part of the federal government through January 19 and the remainder of the annual appropriations bills through February 2. The short-term funding measure is intended to give Congress and the White House more time to negotiate the dozen full-year spending bills. But there are several pitfalls along the way. Former GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his leadership role after moving the short-term government funding bill in late September that will keep the federal government up and running through Friday. The decision by eight House Republicans and Democrats to vote to “vacate the chair” plunged the chamber into gridlock for weeks as GOP lawmakers debated who should lead the party. After nominating three Republicans who couldn’t get the votes on the floor to hold the gavel, the party finally coalesced behind Johnson. But some of the especially conservative members became frustrated this week with his decision to put the stopgap spending bill on the floor. The short-term spending bill would give the House and Senate until January 19 to work out an agreement on the Agriculture-FDA, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD spending bills. The remaining eight spending bills — Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations — would have funding until February 2. The House and Senate would need to reach an agreement well before those deadlines on the total amount of spending for the current fiscal year that began back on October 1. The leaders of the Appropriations committees would then determine how much of the money goes to each of the dozen bills. Democrats have said the total spending level should match what Congress and President Joe Biden agreed to in the debt limit law this summer. But some Republicans have pressed for lawmakers to go below that level. Lawmakers sound off on spending Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, chair of the Interior-Environment spending panel, said that leaders need to clarify the total spending number, though he expects that will ultimately match the debt limit law. “I think it will end up being that, but leadership needs to tell us,” Simpson said. Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., the top Democrat on the Agriculture spending panel, said the total spending level for the final slate of bills that the House and Senate will negotiate in the coming weeks and months needs to adhere to the number in the debt limit law. “Some of them, particularly the MAGA Republicans, pretty much don’t agree with it. They want to cut much more drastically than is beneficial for the American people,” Bishop said. “The moderate, reasonable minds of that side think that we probably should do something that is reasonable.” Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the top Democrat on the Financial Services spending panel, said a key challenge to getting full-year bills agreed to is that “Republicans have been unable for eight or nine months to get their act together on fiscal issues.” “And we’d lost a speaker over that,” Hoyer said. “They were unable to elect speakers for some period of time, and there is still no guarantee that we know what the overall spending levels are.” Ohio Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, ranking member
Robert Aderholt joins letter demanding answers about new gun restrictions
On Tuesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) joined a letter by Congressman Mark Green, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, to the Biden Administration demanding answers on restrictions on civilian firearm exports. Chairman Green’s letter to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), an agency of the Department of Commerce, was signed by 86 other lawmakers. “President Biden has made it clear through his actions that he has no desire to uphold the Second Amendment,” said Rep. Aderholt. “He has previously moved to restrict hunting and archery programs in schools, and now he is he is prohibiting law-abiding businesses from selling their firearms overseas.” “First, President [Joe] Biden tried to strip funding from hunting and archery programs in our schools because of his antipathy for the Second Amendment,” said Rep. Green. “Now, he is prohibiting law-abiding businesses from selling their firearms overseas. This administration must explain itself.” In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “As long as evil persists, there will always be a need for good people to defend themselves and their loved ones. The need for the Second Amendment was not limited to the American Revolution nor the American Republic. Every person has a right to self-defense. Not only does BIS’s pause on firearms export licenses leave people even more vulnerable, but it will also push buyers to look elsewhere to meet their customers’ demands.” “Belligerent actors are becoming more aggressive and emboldened; regimes like Iran and China are posturing toward force and increasing their military capabilities,” the members of Congress continued. “The surprise attacks against Israel should dispel any notion that BIS can justly or accurately assess who needs firearms for defense and who does not.” The lawmakers conclude: “We demand that the Department end this ridiculous hypocrisy and continue the issuance of export licenses for firearms, related components, and ammunition. Continuing this pause will only weaken law-abiding civilians and hand criminal actors a monopoly of force. We also urge that BIS’s final assessment not deprive innocent people of the means for self-defense.” Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-AL03), Barry Moore (R-AL02), and Gary Palmer (R-AL06) were also cosigners. This letter was endorsed by The National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Gun Owners of America (GOA), American Suppressors Association (ASA), the Firearms & Ammunition Import/Export Roundtable, and Heritage Action. Robert Aderholt has represented Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District since 1996. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Reps. Terri Sewell and Robert Aderholt support keeping Birmingham-Southern College open
Birmingham Southern College (BSC) is probably going to close after Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer made the determination that the college is a bad credit risk and, therefore, refused to give the small liberal arts private college a bridge loan to keep its doors open last month. Congressmembers Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) and Terri Sewell (D-AL07) penned a joint editorial with the Alabama Medical Group arguing that keeping the failing liberal arts college open is good for Birmingham. “Although we represent different districts and different political parties in the U.S. House of Representatives, there are times that we agree when it comes to what’s best for Alabama,” Aderholt and Sewell wrote. “This is one of those times.” BSC is in Sewell’s district where the loss of 284 jobs would be keenly felt; while Aderholt is an alum of the school – as is his wife, Caroline. “When it comes to what is best for Alabama, we agree that keeping this 167-year-old college open and helping it achieve financial stability makes the list,” Aderholt and Sewell wrote. “We were glad when the Alabama Legislature passed SB278, which established the Distressed Institutions of Higher Learning Revolving Loan Program. Because Alabama had a once-in-a-generation, $2.8B surplus in the Education Trust Fund, setting aside $30 million for the loan program was accomplished without reduction to state-supported institutions. This was and is a great use of a small fraction of that surplus, giving BSC the operating capital it needs while it raises private funds to restore its endowment to a level that will sustain the College going forward.” “Without BSC, young people who want what BSC offers – a small, residential, nationally ranked college in a big Alabama city – will have to go elsewhere. And once they leave, they may not return,” Aderholt and Sewell wrote. “Alabama residents make up 60 percent of BSC’s student body. Half of BSC’s 17,000 graduates remain in Alabama, where their impact is seen and felt in every walk of life in every one of our 67 counties. We strongly urge Treasurer Boozer to rethink his decision to deny the bridge loan that was designed for this very situation: To help out a college or university in Alabama that brings significant value to its community, has been in business for more than 50 years, has assets sufficient to back the state’s loan, and has a solid plan for paying it back.” On Friday, BSC President Daniel Coleman insisted that the College would have enough money to finish out the academic year meaning that current students do not need to transfer as there will be a spring semester. “On August 15, the Birmingham City Council passed a resolution that charged Mayor Randall Woodfin with creating an economic development plan of up to $5 million to support Birmingham-Southern College,” Coleman wrote. “Since then, we have continued to work with Mayor Woodfin, who will formally present his plan to the Council on November 21. We are grateful to him and to the Council for their consideration of this critically important support.” “These developments give us confidence that, at a minimum, we will complete the academic year, during which we will continue to procure funds that will stabilize the College for the long term,” Coleman insisted. “That includes working with the Alabama Legislature, private donors, and other entities. Students, you should register for spring 2024 classes and continue with your plans for the January E-Term.” Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson dismissed BSC’s lawsuit attempting to compel Boozer to give them the loan. BSC has been in a long decline and today has fewer than 750 students. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Johnson is GOP’s fourth choice to be Speaker of the House
House Republicans have nominated Congressman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) for Speaker of the House on Tuesday night after Tuesday morning’s nominee crashed and burned. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) told Alabama Today on Saturday that he really liked Johnson. Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) announced his support for Johnson on the social media site X. “Since day 1 I have called for our party to unite around a conservative speaker,” Strong said. “I am proud to announce that the conference has selected Mike Johnson from Louisiana and I look forward to supporting him on the floor.” On Tuesday morning, the GOP started with nine candidates, including Alabama’s own Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06). Palmer dropped out of the race, pledging to support whoever became the Speaker of the House. The House Republican Conference then chose House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) after five rounds of voting. The ousted Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy (R-California), endorsed Emmer. Former President Donald Trump was not an Emmer fan and denounced Emmer as a “Globalist RINO” on Truth Social. More than two dozen Republican House members were refusing to support Emmer. Trump’s rebuke made it apparent that the moderate from a blue state had no chance, so he dropped out. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) explained in a post on X, formerly Twitter, why she didn’t back Emmer: his voting record. “Today I voted against Tom Emmer on all rounds of voting including the spoken roll call vote because he has a voting record I can’t support,” Green said. “He voted for Democrat gay marriage bill, voted with Democrats to overturn President Trump’s transgender military ban, voted for every penny of Ukraine funding, at one time supported the Soros national popular vote scheme, and voted to certify Biden’s 2020 election. We need a Republican Speaker that reflects the values of Republican voters that can lead our conference.” Johnson was chosen by Republicans in a conference vote on Tuesday night. He follows Emmer, Jim Jordan, and Steve Scalise as the party’s nominee. Johnson represents Louisiana’s Fourth District. He represents the nearly 760,000 residents of 16 parishes in the northwest and western regions of the state. He was first elected in 2016. In January 2021, Johnson was elected Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference. Johnson also serves as a Deputy Whip for the 118th Congress. Johnson is an attorney with two decades of previous experience in Constitutional law. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and is the chairman of its Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. He also serves on the Select Committee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and the House Armed Services Committee. Johnson is a husband and father of four. In his legal career, he was a leading defender of the right to life, religious liberty, free speech, the Second Amendment, and free market principles. He served in the Louisiana Legislature from February 2015 to January 2017, where he was appointed Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and the Select Committee on Leadership. He is the eldest son of a Shreveport firefighter who was critically burned and disabled in the line of duty. Johnson has also been a college professor, conservative talk radio host and columnist, a media spokesman for America’s largest religious liberty organizations, a constitutional law seminar instructor, and a board member for national organizations and numerous community groups and ministries. Johnson has a law degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. He earned his undergraduate degree from LSU. A vote could occur as soon as Wednesday morning. Johnson needs 217 votes to win. The biggest thing Johnson has going for him is the whole absurdity of this situation. Republican House members realize that this situation does not make them look good, and they have to move on to regular business, including budgets and the President’s request for military aid for Ukraine and Israel. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said on X, “We have got to find consensus on a Speaker. Time is of the essence. Democrats are the only ones who benefit from this impasse.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Reps. Robert Aderholt and Dale Strong endorse Jim Jordan
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) could be the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives as early as Tuesday. A floor event is expected as early as Tuesday afternoon. Jordan is the Republican Party nominee for Speaker of the House, but will 217 Republicans vote for him? All six of Alabama’s Republican Congressmen are supporting Jordan. On Monday, Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) announced his support for the sometimes polarizing Jordan. “From day 1, I’ve called for a conservative Speaker who will prioritize fighting Biden’s failed policies,” Strong said on X. “From cutting spending, to securing our border— the American people want Congress to get to work. Jim Jordan is the right man to lead our conference as Speaker of the House.” Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) also publicly announced he is backing Jordan. “I told @Jim_Jordan on Friday that I fully support him to be the 56th Speaker of the House,” Aderholt announced X. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) made national headlines on Friday when he announced his angry opposition to Jordan’s bid for the Speaker’s gavel. Less than 48 hours later, Rogers flipped his vote from never Jordan to being a supporter. On Monday, former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California) came out and urged Republicans to get behind Jordan to end this chaos in Congress. “It’s one thing to get elected. It’s another thing to govern,” McCarthy said. “It’s time to get the House out of this tailspin, come together, and get America back on the right track. @Jim_Jordan can do it.” The previous nominee, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), failed to cobble together the 217 votes needed to win the seat and withdrew rather than being rejected in a floor vote. McCarthy lost 15 floor votes before being selected in June. McCarthy was ultimately toppled when eight disgruntled Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) voted with Democrats to oust McCarthy as Speaker. While Jordan appears to have united the Republican Conference, it only takes a handful of GOP holdouts to undo his bid, given the GOP’s narrow majority in the House. If he wins, it could take multiple rounds of voting for Jordan to win the Speakership. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02), who has been an outspoken supporter of Jordan, is eager for the House to vote. “I look forward to casting my vote for Jim Jordan as the 56th Speaker of the House tomorrow,” Rep. Moore said on X Monday. “Let’s get this done and get back to work for the American people.” Congressmen Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and Jerry Carl (R-AL01) both are also publicly backing Jordan. Whoever is elected as Speaker will be immediately confronted with enormous problems within a very short period. Congress failed to pass a budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which began on October 1. The federal government is operating on a 45-day continuing resolution (C.R.). Congress has until November 14 to send either a budget or another C.R. to President Joe Biden’s desk that he will sign or face a partial government shutdown in an increasingly shaky economy. This side trip into Washington power politics has also left the armed forces in a lurch. Not only is the military operating without a budget, but both Houses have passed competing versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is stuck in a conference committee while the military faces unprecedented threats from China, Russia, and Iran. In his role as House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Jordan has been focused on investigating Biden’s administration and his son Hunter Biden’s questionable financial dealings. Those investigations and a possible impeachment of the President and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have moved to the background while the Congress has been engulfed in its power struggle. If Jordan is selected as Speaker, his role will change from being the House GOP’s chief prosecutor to its chief negotiator with the Democratic-controlled Senate and President Biden. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert Aderholt qualifies for reelection
On Monday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) qualified with the Alabama Republican Party to seek another term in representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. “Our nation is at a crossroads, and this next election will determine which path we take,” said Rep. in a statement. “If we choose to go down the same path Joe Biden and the Democrats have us on, then this nation will continue to be on a downward spiral.” Aderholt said if America reelects Biden and gives Democrats control of Congress, America’s problems will continue to grow. “Our debilitating national debt will only rise, the tide of illegals pouring over the southern border will become a tsunami, woke culture will replace real education in our schools, the two-tiered justice system will march on unchecked, and America will continue to look weak and feeble to both our friends and our adversaries alike,” Aderholt said. “Since Republicans took control of the House of Representatives last year, we have been pushing back on these liberal, woke policies,” Aderholt said. “And even though the mainstream media doesn’t report it, we have had many legislative wins. Democrats and their allies have tried almost every trick to keep the status quo. Most of them seem unconcerned with open borders, woke culture, and spending money we don’t have. Furthermore, they embrace using the judicial system to punish their political enemies like President [Donald] Trump. “ “I’m confident a Republican can win back the White House next year. And that’s why the House of Representatives needs to stay in Republican control and why we need experienced leadership ready to tackle our nation’s problems on day one,” Aderholt said. “This is not the time for on-the-job training.” Republican qualifying for the 2024 election opened on Monday. “While I will continue to fight for Alabama every day in Washington, one of my priorities will remain helping every person in the 4th District navigate the red tape of the federal bureaucracy,” Aderholt promised. “It’s why I’ve made sure our constituent services are second to none. People know when they call my office with a problem, whether it be VA benefits, Social Security problems, or any other federal issue, my office will move heaven and earth to address their needs.” “It is my honor to serve the people of Alabama’s 4th Congressional District,” Aderholt continued. “In the 2022 election, I was humbled to receive 84% of the vote, the most of any Congressional candidate in Alabama. I thank you for that vote of confidence. But I never take your vote for granted, and I am asking for your vote again. Aderholt is the longest-serving member of the Alabama Congressional Delegation – having represented Congressional District 4 since his first election in 1996. “Together, with my Republican Alabama colleagues and those who will be elected across America, we can fight back and Make America Great Again,” Aderholt concluded. Robert Aderholt is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education. The Fourth Congressional District is the most Republican-leaning district in the entire U.S. House of Representatives. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Robert Aderholt condemns Hamas and cosponsors resolution supporting Israel
On Tuesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) released a statement condemning the terrorist group Hamas and announcing that he has cosponsored a resolution in the House of Representatives to show U.S. support for Israel. “The attacks, kidnappings, and murders carried out over the weekend by Hamas were shocking to people around the world who value humanity, justice, and the rule of law,” Rep. Aderholt said. “The videos and pictures coming out of Israel are gut wrenching. I stand with Israel and her people, and I stand against Hamas and anyone who dares defend their heinous actions.” “Let me be clear – these attacks on Israel were terrorist activities at the hands of Hamas and Hezbollah, aided and abetted by Iran,” Aderholt continued. “Like the Nazis of World War II, their only goal is to kill Jews and anyone who dares support Israel. We will not be stopped in our unwavering support of Israel, no matter who is behind these terrorist actions.” A bipartisan resolution has been introduced in Congress declaring U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas. “Today I have joined with almost 400 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisles, to sponsor a resolution standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric actions launched by Hamas and other terrorists and condemning Hamas’ brutal strikes against Israel,” Aderholt said. “Israel is a sovereign nation. They have a right to exist and to live peacefully, but if terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, or any nation-state decides to attack Israel directly or through proxy groups, then Israel has every right to defend itself completely. We must stand with Israel and continue to pray for all those hurt, taken hostage, and for the families of the dead. We will not quickly forget about this brutal attack.” Over one thousand Israelis have been killed – many of them women and children – in a completely unprovoked attack by the lawless terror organization Hamas, which occupies the 140 square mile Gaza Strip. At least 14 Americans have been killed. There are 2,800 wounded, and over 100 Israelis have been taken hostage, including some Americans, and are being held in various parts of Gaza City. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said on X, ““Babies, their heads cut off. … families completely gunned down in their beds.” The U.S.—and the civilized world—must respond with unequivocal strength to these barbaric, monstrous atrocities. I stand with Israel as they rightfully defend themselves with overwhelming force.” Gaza was an occupied territory from 1967 to 2005. Israel removed its settlers and occupation forces in 2005 in a land-for-peace deal that quickly went wrong for both Israel and ordinary Palestinians. Hamas overthrew the Palestinian Authority government there and has since ruled the two million people of Gaza with an iron fist while periodically firing rockets at the people of neighboring Israel. Despite international efforts to keep arms out of Gaza, Hamas has been able to fire rockets at Israel by the thousands and equip a large ground force for its cross-border raids in force. Israel has declared war on Hamas and is vowing to seek retribution. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that has autonomous authority in southern Lebanon and routinely fires rockets across the border into Israel, including over the past several days. Aderholt is the senior member of the Alabama Congressional delegation, having served the people of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District since 1996. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
