Rep. Terri Sewell introduces Disaster Reforestation Act of 2021
U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell and Buddy Carter introduced H.R. 4210, the Disaster Reforestation Act of 2021. This legislation aims to help family and private timber growers recover from the loss of timber destroyed by natural disasters and reforest their lands. Rep. Sewell stated in a press release, “Alabama’s beautiful forests keep our economy, our environment, and our people healthy, but when disaster strikes, our private forest owners are often left devastated and without the ability to quickly recover. By fixing our tax code, the Disaster Reforestation Act offers a helping hand to Alabama’s private forest owners as they work to reforest after natural disasters. I am so proud to introduce this legislation and urge my colleagues to support it.” On Twitter, Sewell stated, “Our beautiful Alabama forests keep our economy, environment, and people healthy. We must ensure that our tax code helps forest landowners recover after devastating natural disasters. My Disaster Reforestation Act would do exactly that!” Our beautiful Alabama forests keep our economy, environment, and people healthy. We must ensure that our tax code helps forest landowners recover after devastating natural disasters.🌳 My Disaster Reforestation Act would do exactly that! Read more here: https://t.co/yZSgcK8OcL pic.twitter.com/vBi1hqg1Oi — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) June 29, 2021 Rep. Carter commented, “Forestry is a vital part of rural economies all across our country. Unfortunately, the current tax code provides no recourse for working forests struck by natural disasters. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Sewell and our partners from across the country to address this issue. The Disaster Reforestation Act will ensure timber farming is a viable way of life, protecting the many jobs and consumer products it supports and its positive impact to our environment.” Alabama’s private forest landowners face immense financial burdens when needing to reforest their lands after a natural disaster, especially families and small timber companies. The Disaster Reforestation Act would reduce this financial burden by providing for the equitable tax treatment of casualty loss of their timber crop when disaster strikes. In doing so, it would foster stability and growth in one of Alabama’s key industries and promote environmental wellness through reforestation. “This legislation is key in helping family forest owners recover after natural disasters and keeping Alabama’s forests as forests,” stated Gray Skipper, Alabama Landowner and VP of Scotch Plywood Company. “This will ensure the forest products consuming mills have trees in the future to maintain local economies. It will also ensure these forests, some of which are the most biologically diverse in the country, can continue sequestering carbon, supporting at-risk species, providing the clean water supply, and recreation for Gulf communities.” Chris Isaacson, President and CEO of Alabama Forestry Association commented, “Alabama’s 23 million acres of healthy forests supply the raw material for the state’s $28 billion forest industry that creates jobs for 123,000 Alabama workers. The investment required by forest landowners over the decades from planting to harvest is at constant risk from natural disasters. Under the current tax code, when disaster strikes landowners lose twice. They lose their timber and they lose the ability to deduct the value of the timber damaged. We are grateful that Congresswoman Sewell recognizes this inequity and applaud her for taking a leadership role in helping landowners and their local communities recover.” “America’s forest landowners have been waiting for this vital fix in the tax code and are appreciative of Representative Sewell and Carter’s efforts to introduce the Disaster Reforestation Act,” said Scott Jones, CEO of the Forest Landowners Association.“The legislation will not only help timber owners recover from natural disasters but will stimulate rural economies and support our nation’s domestic timber supply.” The Disaster Reforestation Act has received support from national forestry stakeholders including: The Forest Landowners Association The Southern Group of State Foresters The American Forest Foundation The National Association of State Foresters The Society of American Foresters F&W Forestry Services The Association of Consulting Foresters The National Alliance of Forest Owners
Kay Ivey participates in groundbreaking ceremony for restoration of Historic Brown Chapel AME Church
Last Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Restoration Project of the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, AL. Built in 1908, Brown Chapel will receive a $1.3 million grant from the National Park Service for the church’s restorations and repairs, including electrical work, roof work, and cupola repairs. The church serves as a historic Civil Rights landmark, originally gaining notoriety for its role in “Bloody Sunday,” which served as a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. A recent press release from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey stated, “In the 1960s, the Brown Chapel AME Church became widely-known during the Voting Rights Movement for the “Bloody Sunday” confrontation and the subsequent march from the church to the state capitol in Montgomery. In March 1998, Brown Chapel AME Church was awarded the distinctive status of a National Historic Landmark for its significant participation in the struggle for equality and justice for all people.” On Twitter, she commented, “It was truly an honor to join Brown Chapel AME Church for the groundbreaking of their $1.3 million restoration project. This National Historic Landmark church’s legacy with the Civil Rights Movement will on for future generations.” It was truly an honor to join Brown Chapel AME Church for the groundbreaking of their $1.3 million restoration project. This National Historic Landmark church’s legacy with the Civil Rights Movement will live on for future generations. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/4UVhdtYVvY — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 23, 2021 Ivey reflected on Selma’s rich history in the fight for Civil Rights during her speech last week, “These new renovations will add to the significance of this historic landmark and continue to showcase the deep-rooted history of the civil rights movement and the city of Selma.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Selma Mayor James Perkins, and former Alabama GOP Chair Terry Lathan, among other state leaders, were also in attendance at the ceremony. Sewell recalled attending the church in her youth with her family and thanked the National Park Service during her speech at the ceremony. “It’s always good to be back in Selma,” Sewell expressed. “This $1.3 million grant from the National Park Service will do is to ensure that America’s story lives on, that we who are members of this great church are not alone in preserving it because this church is a part of America’s history.” Rep. Sewell stated on Twitter, “Brown Chapel AME has always symbolized the rich history of the Civil Rights Movement and remains critical to understanding where our nation stands today. This $1.3 million grant ensures that it will be preserved not only in our hearts, but also in American History.” Brown Chapel AME has always symbolized the rich history of the Civil Rights Movement and remains critical to understanding where our nation stands today. This $1.3 million grant ensures that it will be preserved not only in our hearts, but also in American History. pic.twitter.com/rwvCTsdXQp — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) June 23, 2021
Terri Sewell breaks with delegation on Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection commission
Several Alabama leaders have expressed opinions on the call for an investigation into the Jan. 6th insurrection. On Wednesday, the House voted to create an independent commission to investigate the attack on the Capitol that was an attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s presidential election win over Donald Trump. In January, former President Trump was impeached for a second time by the House and was charged with “incitement of insurrection” over the deadly attempt. All of Alabama’s congressmen, except for Terri Sewell, voted against the commission. H.R. 3233 states that the commission must: (1) conduct an investigation of the relevant facts and circumstances relating to the attack on the Capitol; (2) identify, review, and evaluate the causes of and the lessons learned from this attack; and (3) submit specified reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations to improve the detection, prevention, preparedness for, and response to targeted violence and domestic terrorism and improve the security posture of the U.S. Capitol Complex. Rep. Mike Rogers commented in a statement, “I cannot vote in favor of a partisan commission that will not look at all political violence against Members of Congress and Capitol Police. For example, on June 14th, 2017, several of my colleagues, including Steve Scalise, were nearly assassinated at a Republican Congressional baseball practice by a radical ideologue. On April 2nd, 2021 Police Officer Billy Evans was killed in an attack at the Capitol by another extremist. Yet neither of these horrific attacks of political violence would be investigated under this legislation. As with the militarization of the Capitol complex, Speaker Pelosi is only interested in political theater – this useless legislation only adds to it.” I cannot vote in favor of a partisan commission that will not look at all political violence against Members of Congress and Capitol Police. My statement: https://t.co/yDfPlw9FBu pic.twitter.com/pEpA82uigT — Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) May 19, 2021 Rep. Terri Sewell broke with the rest of the delegation and released a statement. “The violent assault on the U.S. Capitol that occurred on January 6th marked a dark day in America’s history. As I was lying on the floor in the House Chamber huddled with other Members of Congress, struggling to fit on a gas mask and fearing the impending violence, I trembled and wept not only for our safety but for the future of our democracy. While we managed to escape unharmed, I was devastated to learn that the mob, incited by President Trump, caused the deaths of five Americans including one Capitol Police officer.” “While hundreds of prosecutions are underway, many unanswered questions remain about how such an attack could have happened,” continued Sewell. “For months, scores of national security professionals and patriotic Americans on both sides of the aisle have been calling for a 9/11-style commission to investigate this attack, and I am proud to join my colleagues in voting to make such a commission a reality. Such an unprecedented assault on our democracy demands nothing less.” On Twitter, she wrote, “In addition to the tragic loss of life, the insurrection resulted in damage to the Capitol Complex and trauma for Members, staff, employees, & Capitol Police. Today I voted for funding to address these costs & secure our Capitol. This cannot happen again.” In addition to the tragic loss of life, the insurrection resulted in damage to the Capitol Complex and trauma for Members, staff, employees, & Capitol Police. Today I voted for funding to address these costs & secure our Capitol. This cannot happen again. https://t.co/LRrLtCPQCN — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) May 21, 2021
Steve Flowers: How will Alabama fare in Washington after Richard Shelby
Some of you have inquired how Alabama will fare in Washington after Senator Richard Shelby retires at the end of 2022. The answer is that it will be nothing less than devastating for the Heart of Dixie. The amount of federal dollars that Senator Shelby has individually brought home is incalculable and irreplaceable. Alabama is going to be in the proverbial boat without a paddle in 20 short months. We will have negligible power in Washington and for a state that depends on federal dollars, that is not going to be a good position to be in for Alabama. Whoever wins the 2022 race for Shelby’s seat will have no real power for at least 18 years. The senate is a venerable institution where power is based on seniority. You have to wait your turn and patiently await the day when you can be a committee chairman or player in the senate. Even if we elect someone with the acumen, ability, and temperament to be an effective senator, they will be in waiting two decades before they are modestly important. Tommy Tuberville has only been in the Senate for four months. He is 66 and will be irrelevant in probably one term in the Senate. In short, we are dead in the water in the U.S. Senate for this generation. There is hope for future generations of Alabamians if someone under 55 with ability takes Shelby’s seat. There is a glimmer of hope for Alabama to sustain and preserve some of the mountains of largesse that Shelby has bestowed on our beloved state. However, that power rests in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Congressman Robert Aderholt could be our hope for salvation for the upcoming decade. Congresswoman Terri Sewell is in her sixth two-year term representing Alabama’s seventh Congressional district. She is one of the first women elected to congress from Alabama in her own right and is the first black woman to ever serve in the Alabama Congressional delegation. She is the only Democrat in the entire Alabama delegation. Therefore, she is our only conduit to the Democratic Presidential throne. She is highly respected by the Joe Biden Administration, as well as the U.S. House leadership. She is on a fast track too within the House Democratic Party. In her short time in Congress, Sewell has held several leadership positions including freshman class president, and currently serves as Chief Deputy Whip under the tutelage of Democratic Whip James Clyburn. Sewell has made her mark within the Democratic Caucus. The Democrats not only occupy the White House, but they are also in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The majority party controls all the committee chairmanships and all of the power in Congress. The most important aspect of Congresswoman Sewell’s ability to help Alabama is that she sits on the exclusive House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the federal budget. By far the brightest Republican star in our Washington delegation is Congressman Robert Aderholt. This clean-cut, conservative was first elected to Congress in 1996 at the age of 31. He is now in his 25th year in Congress and is a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. His sprawling north Alabama 4th District extends in a band across north Alabama from Mississippi to Georgia. Huntsville’s hope is that when the new Congressional districts are drawn this year for the 2022 elections, that Aderholt can be brought into Madison County to help protect the Redstone Arsenal, which is truly dependent on federal dollars from Washington. Congressman Aderholt was born and raised in Haleyville where he and his wife, Caroline, reside when not in Washington. His father is a revered and respected, retired circuit judge. Caroline has deep political roots in the Huntsville/Madison area. Her father, Albert McDonald, was a prominent farmer who was a state senator from the Tennessee Valley and was Alabama’s Agriculture Commissioner. A third member of the House delegation, Mike Rogers of Anniston, could give us a triumvirate of power in the U.S. House. Congressman Rogers is the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. Congresswoman Sewell, Congressman Aderholt, and possibly Congressman Rogers, can be a hope for salvation in the post-Richard Shelby era for the State of Alabama. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
What they’re saying: Leaders react to Joe Biden’s joint address
Alabama leaders are reacting to President Joseph Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress. Senator Richard Shelby stated on Twitter, “Tonight’s address from President Biden was focused on drastically changing the country, but instead of reaching across the aisle to find ways to work together, this administration is prioritizing liberal policies and a partisan agenda.” Tonight’s address from President Biden was focused on drastically changing the country, but instead of reaching across the aisle to find ways to work together, this Administration is prioritizing liberal policies and a partisan agenda. My full statement:https://t.co/lG2bI2QZJF — Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) April 29, 2021 Mo Brooks tweeted several times concerning the presidential address. In one tweet, he stated, “Biden’s tax & spend “family” plan promises to hasten America’s inevitable & dangerous insolvency & bankruptcy while failing to substantively address many of the challenges facing families.” Biden’s tax & spend “family” plan promises to hasten America’s inevitable & dangerous insolvency & bankruptcy while failing to substantively address many of the challenges facing families. #JointAddress — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) April 29, 2021 Terri Sewell posted her response on Twitter as well. She stated, “During tonight’s #jointaddress, @POTUS laid out a bold vision for our country’s future that will enable us to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent crises we are enduring.” Full statement ⬇️https://t.co/I6yDXcKf1d — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) April 29, 2021 During tonight’s #JointAddress, @POTUS laid out a bold vision for our country’s future that will enable us to Build Back Better from the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent crises we are enduring. — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) April 29, 2021 Mike Rogers stated, “ICYMI: Rogers on Biden addres to Congress “Where President Trump put America first, President Biden is doing everything he can to make America last.” ICYMI: Rogers on Biden address to Congress“Where President Trump put America first, President Biden is doing everything he can to make America last.” https://t.co/C2cMcd8Z2A — Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) April 29, 2021 In a press release, Barry Moore stated, “During his first one hundred days in office, President Biden has managed to create the greatest border crisis we’ve seen in decades by halting construction on the border wall and promoting open-door policies, send thousands of American workers to the unemployment line by revoking the Keystone Pipeline permit, and tack on trillions of dollars to the national debt for liberal pet projects. In his address, he not only ducked taking responsibility for the crisis he created, but he reaffirmed his commitment to the radical liberal elites by touting far-left policies that will come at the expense of everyday American families. The only thing America needs to be rescued from is this administration’s socialist policies that will leave hardworking Americans out in the cold.”
Rep. Terri Sewell joins other leaders to urge Joe Biden to fund semiconductor manufacturing
Alabama Rep. Terri Sewell signed a letter, along with 70 other Senators and Representatives, urging President Joe Biden to fund semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, along with Representative Greg Stanton led the bipartisan group of 70 Senators and Representatives in requesting that President Joe Biden fully fund initiatives to expand semiconductor manufacturing on American soil. The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. There has been a shortage in semiconductor production nationwide, a problem that hurts Alabama businesses as well. Al.com reported in January that semiconductor shortages were hurting manufacturing plants throughout the nation. In January the Mercedes Benz plant in Tuscaloosa released a statement saying, “The Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant started operations as planned after the end of the Christmas break on 4 January. Despite the ongoing shortage of semiconductors at certain suppliers, production at the Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant continues.” The letter to Joe Biden states, “The United States cannot wait to provide these resources over the years ahead. The halted production lines for consumer technology, auto manufacturers, truckers, and other critical industries due to a semiconductor shortage further highlights the pressing need to act quickly and fund the enacted bipartisan provisions.” Kelly stated, “Increasing the production of semiconductors on American soil is an economic and national security imperative. Arizona is a leader in the sector, proven by recent investments by Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Funding the CHIPS Act will create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be critical to our national security to ensure our competitiveness over China and on the global stage.”
Amazon union vote may spark more union pushes
What happens inside a warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, could have major implications not just for the country’s second-largest employer but the labor movement at large. Organizers are pushing for some 6,000 Amazon workers there to join the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union on the promise it will lead to better working conditions, better pay, and more respect. Amazon is pushing back, arguing that it already offers more than twice the minimum wage in Alabama and workers get such benefits as health care, vision, and dental insurance without paying union dues. The two sides are fully aware that it’s not just the Bessemer warehouse on the line. Organizers hope what happens there will inspire thousands of workers nationwide — and not just at Amazon — to consider unionizing and revive a labor movement that has been waning for decades. “This is lighting a fuse, which I believe is going to spark an explosion of union organizing across the country, regardless of the results,” says RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum. The union push could spread to other parts of Amazon and threaten the company’s profits, which soared 84% last year to $21 billion. At a time when many companies were cutting jobs, Amazon was one of the few still hiring, bringing on board 500,000 people last year alone to keep up with a surge of online orders. Bessemer workers finished casting their votes on Monday. The counting begins on Tuesday, which could take days or longer depending on how many votes are received and how much time it takes for each side to review. The process is being overseen by the National Labor Relations Board and a majority of the votes will decide the final outcome. What that outcome will be is anyone’s guess. Appelbaum thinks workers who voted early likely rejected the union because Amazon’s messaging got to them first. He says momentum changed in March as organizers talked to more workers and heard from basketball players and high-profile elected officials, including President Joe Biden. For Amazon, which employs more than 950,000 full- and part-time workers in the U.S. and nearly 1.3 million worldwide, a union could lead to higher wages that would eat into its profits. Higher wages would also mean higher costs to get packages to shoppers’ doorsteps, which may prompt Amazon to raise prices, says Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. In a statement, Amazon says it encouraged all its employees to vote and that “their voices will be heard in the days ahead.” Any push to unionize is considered a long shot since labor laws tend to favor employers. Alabama itself is a “right-to-work” state, which allows workers in unionized shops to opt-out of paying union dues even as they retain the benefits and job protection negotiated by the union. Kent Wong, the director of the UCLA Labor Center, says companies in the past have closed stores, warehouses, or plants after workers have voted to unionize. “There’s a history of companies going to great lengths to avoid recognizing the union,” he says. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, and biggest private employer has successfully fought off organizing efforts over the years. In 2000, it got rid of butchers in 180 of its stores after they voted to form a union. Walmart said it cut the jobs because people preferred pre-packaged meat. Five years later, it closed a store in Canada where some 200 workers were close to winning a union contract. At the time, Walmart said demands from union negotiators made it impossible for the store to sustain itself. The only other time Amazon came up against a union vote was in 2014 when the majority of the 30 workers at a Delaware warehouse turned it down. This time around, Amazon has been hanging anti-union signs throughout the Bessemer warehouse, including inside bathroom stalls, and holding mandatory meetings to convince workers why the union is a bad idea, according to one worker who recently testified at a Senate hearing. It has also created a website for employees that tells them they’ll have to pay $500 in union dues a month, taking away money that could go to dinners and school supplies. Amazon’s hardball tactics extend beyond squashing union efforts. Last year, it fired a worker who organized a walkout at a New York warehouse to demand greater protection against coronavirus, saying the employee himself flouted distancing rules. When Seattle, the home of its headquarters, passed a new tax on big companies in 2018, Amazon protested by stopping construction of a new high-rise building in the city; the tax was repealed four weeks later. And in 2019, Amazon ditched plans to build a $2.5 billion headquarters for 25,000 workers in New York after pushback from progressive politicians and unions. Beyond Amazon is an anti-union culture that dominates the South. And unions have lost ground nationally for decades since their peak in the decades following World War II. In 1970, almost a third of the U.S. workforce belonged to a union. In 2020, that figure was 10.8%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Private sector workers now account for less than half of the 14.3 million union members across the country. Advocates say a victory would signal a shift in the narrative about unions, helping refute the typical arguments from companies, including Amazon, that workers can win adequate compensation and conditions by dealing with management directly. “It is because of unions that we have a five-day workweek. It is because of unions that we have safer conditions in our places of work. It is because of unions that we have benefits,” says Rep. Terri Sewell, whose congressional district includes the Amazon facility. “Workers should have the right to choose whether they organize or not.” Union leaders are circumspect about specific organizing plans after the Bessemer vote, and Appelbaum says he doesn’t want to tip off Amazon to any future efforts. But there is broad consensus that a win would spur workers at some of the 230 other Amazon warehouses to mount
Dems draw on civil rights history to push Amazon union vote
Some Democratic members of Congress and national union leaders on Friday sought to rustle up support for unionizing a massive Amazon facility outside Birmingham, comparing Alabama workers’ organizing campaign to the civil rights movement. Mail voting by about 6,000 workers at the sprawling distribution facility began in February and runs through the end of March. It’s the largest organizing attempt in Amazon’s history, carrying high stakes for the second-largest employer in the country, which has a record of crushing unionizing efforts at its warehouses and its Whole Foods grocery stores. The outcome is critical for Amazon and organized labor in general. If the Alabama effort succeeds, it could set off a chain reaction across Amazon’s operations nationwide, with thousands more workers demanding better working conditions and seeking collective bargaining. It also would be seen as a boon to other labor sectors in the historically anti-union South and beyond. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose Alabama congressional district includes the Bessemer facility, welcomed four fellow members of the House Democratic Caucus to draw attention to the vote. Sewell noted that the delegation’s visit comes days before Selma, her hometown, commemorates Bloody Sunday and the Voting Rights March of 1965. “These workers are following a rich tradition … of crusading against something that is wrong,” Sewell said, echoing some workers’ contention that Amazon’s working conditions and pay are inadequate. “The world is watching Alabama once gain,” she said. “Birmingham, Bessemer, it’s so important that the world knows that once again Alabama is standing up for civil rights and human rights.” Reps. Nikema Williams of Georgia, Cori Bush of Missouri, Andy Levin of Michigan and Jamal Bowman of New York traveled to Alabama to meet with Amazon employees and officials from the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union that is seeking to organize workers. The group gathered at the union headquarters and also went to an intersection outside the Amazon complex. The visit comes ahead of next week’s expected House vote on the PRO Act, a union-backed proposal intended to strengthen workers’ ability to organize into collective bargaining unions. Lawmakers said they expect the measure to pass the Democratic-controlled House but acknowledged it faces an uphill battle in the 50-50 Senate, where Republican opposition is likely enough to prevent the act from securing the 60 votes required to pass most major legislation. At the Alabama facility, a majority of the 6,000 workers would have to vote “yes” to organize the facility. Amazon sought unsuccessfully to delay the vote and to require in-person voting. The company, which has seen profits and revenues spike upward during the pandemic, has campaigned hard to persuade workers that a union will only cost them money. Company officials say workers already get what they’d seek with a union: benefits, career growth and pay that starts at $15 an hour. Others dispute that. Levin, the Michigan congressman who was once a union organizer, called it “the most important election for the working-class people of this country in my lifetime.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to chaos at the U.S. Capitol
Early Wednesday afternoon, chaos ensued on the U.S. Capitol building when a large group of pro-Trump protestors descended on the building. The mob was encouraged by GOP politicians and Donald Trump to meet in Washington D.C. to help “Stop the Steal” and protest the counting of the Electoral College votes that would confirm Joe Biden’s presidential win. In the weeks following the election, Trump has falsely claiming voter fraud, even though none of the dozens of court filings have proven widespread fraud. In a speech to the crowd, Trump encouraged them to “walk to the Capitol.” “If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore,” Trump said to the crowd. “Let the weak ones get out. This is a time for strength.” His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd, “Let’s have trial by combat.” Just as the lawmakers, led by Mo Brooks and Ted Cruz, began their effort to undo the election results, the proceedings were halted, and legislators were locked down. Dozens of people were arrested, three people died in “emergency medical situations,” and one woman was shot and killed. It was several hours before the Capitol was secured. Late into the night, the lawmakers finally managed to confirm the votes, and Joe Biden was confirmed as the next President of the United States of America. Vice President Mike Pence announced the tally, 306-232. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about the incident. Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement. “Tonight, as our elected representatives reconvened in the U.S. Capitol, Vice President Pence reminded us that violence never wins in our great nation — freedom wins. I am pleased to see the people’s work continue and the rule of law upheld. The resiliency of our country will always prevail.” Mo Brooks issued a news release. “Wednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) gave an impassioned speech supporting honest and accurate elections by echoing Arizona Congressmen Gosar (AZ-04) & Biggs’ (AZ-05) opposition to certification of their own state’s electoral college submittal. Congressman Brooks’ speech focused on Democrat support of voting by noncitizens in American elections.” Rep. Gary Palmer issued a press release. “As a strong defender of the First Amendment, I support the right to peacefully assemble. But what we witnessed on the Capitol grounds yesterday was far from a peaceful assembly, and the nation should have only one response to those activities. They must be strongly condemned,” Palmer said. “The senseless actions of a few led to the unnecessary loss of life and multiple injuries. I commend the Capitol police for restoring peace and for their resolute and courageous efforts to protect the members of Congress and their staff, and everyone else who serves in the Capitol complex. “Violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems, no matter how frustrated we become. We have a nation of laws, not a nation of anarchy. The activities yesterday distort what our nation represents, and those engaging in them prove they have no love for country or respect for the rule of law.” Palmer concluded, “I pray that we have seen the end of this reckless violence and that those responsible will be held accountable.” Tommy Tuberville released a statement on Twitter. Yesterday was a sad day for our great country. I strongly condemn the violence and actions we saw from those who stormed the Capitol. It undermines the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and it has no place in our democracy. — Senator Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 7, 2021 Robert Aderholt posted a statement on Twitter. God has brought this nation through many dark days over the past 240 plus years. We have always been able to settle our disputes peaceably. I believe He will continue to guide & protect this nation. However, as a nation we need to see His guidance in peace. He is in full control! — Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 6, 2021 Terri Sewell posted this to her Twitter account. Congress won’t be deterred or intimidated by this insurrection and violence. We will carry out our constitutional duty to certify the Electoral College results tonight. On January 20 Joe Biden & Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President & Vice President. My full statement👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/WK6hjyAFV2 — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 7, 2021
Alabamians heading to D.C. in buses for Trump rally
A bus of Alabama voters is heading to D.C. for the January 6 rally to support Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the November presidential election. Republicans in Congress want to overturn the electoral college votes certifying Joe Biden as president. Monica Moon of Jasper, Alabama, told Al.com, “Everyone is so excited and so pumped, and it’s definitely worth it. We’re looking at a celebration.” The bus Moon and three of her friends are on heads out of Jasper on Tuesday at 5 p.m with another bus full of Trump’s supporters in tow. Those buses aren’t the only ones heading out of Alabama to Washington D.C. There’s also a bus leaving out of Baldwin County spearheaded by the Common Sense Campaign tea party. Pete Riehm helped spearhead the buses which is holding 28 people out of Mobile, Spanish Fort, and Flomaton. Riehm told Alabama Today that more people would have come, but the leadership that started to organize it, canceled. Riehm had decided not to go to the rally, but at the urging of his wife, he took the reins and organized it himself. He managed to put the plan together just last Saturday and got 28 people to go in less than 48 hours. The bus will stop at Henderson, North Carolina tonight before getting to D.C. before the rally. Then they will head straight back to Alabama. Overall, Riehm described the riders as excited and eager to get to Washington. When I asked Riehm if any of the bus riders were worried about safety at the rally, he said they were aware of issues, but remained unconcerned. “We are going during the day, and will avoid the rally at nighttime,” he stated. Riehm commented that he wanted Alabama lawmakers to know that the bus riders “expect them to ensure that we have a free and fair election.” And his message to President Trump: “Stand strong. We support him. He needs to expose this fraud.” On Wednesday, Congress is expected to certify the Electoral College votes. However, there is a group of Republicans in the House who are opposing the votes. These GOP senators are claiming voter fraud and stolen votes as their reason behind the opposition. Mo Brooks was one of the first GOP lawmakers on board to oppose the final electoral college vote. Other Alabama lawmakers are on board as well, including Mike Rogers, Tommy Tuberville, and Robert Aderholt. Aderholt released a statement saying, “As Congress will soon be faced with the actual counting of various states’ electoral votes for the next president of the United States on January 6, it is imperative that members of Congress, like myself, look to the United States Constitution, and to the Electoral Act of 1887, to know how we should move forward. From examining these documents on my own, it is clear to me that Congress has the final review of the electoral process and this is not just a ceremonial act. “Therefore, based on the overwhelming questions that have been raised about moving forward with the approval of the electors from the states, I have come to the conclusion, and agree with my fellow Alabamian, Rep. Mo Brooks, along with several my colleagues, that there are too many reports of serious fraud for this not to be debated in the House and Senate.” Mike Rogers posted on Twitter, stating, “On January 6th, I will vote against the electoral college results for the 2020 election. There are far too many instances of alleged voter fraud that have called the legitimacy of the election results into question” On January 6th, I will vote against the Electoral College results for the 2020 election. There are far too many instances of alleged voter fraud that have called the legitimacy of the election results into question. — Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) January 4, 2021 Tuberville, Alabama’s newest Senator, has been vocal on his support for overturning the electoral college results, stating, “I will vote to reject electors from disputed states until that commission has an opportunity to conduct its review, which I believe can and should happen before Inauguration Day.” I will vote to reject electors from disputed states until that commission has an opportunity to conduct its review, which I believe can and should happen before Inauguration Day. — Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville) January 2, 2021 Not all of Alabama’s lawmakers are in support of this attempt. Rep. Terri Sewell posted on Twitter, saying, “The GOP’s latest effort to delegitimize the election is a brazen, unconstitutional attempt to overturn the will of the American people. But make no mistake: Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States.” The GOP’s latest effort to delegitimize the election is a brazen, unconstitutional attempt to overturn the will of the American people. But make no mistake: Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States. https://t.co/BbZHRjYpvC — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 3, 2021
Alabama lawmakers split on Covid relief and omnibus bill, passed with bipartisan support
Late Monday night, both the Senate and House of Representatives passed a $900 billion relief measure designed to provide long-awaited coronavirus assistance to Americans, small businesses, and industries. The package is paired with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill that funds the federal government through September reported CBS. According to govtrac.us, the bill, which is 5,593-pages, passed overwhelmingly and with bipartisan support in the House. The first portion of the bill was for the appropriations for some federal departments including Commerce, Justice, Defense, Treasury, and Homeland Security. It passed by a vote of 327 to 85. The second vote was on the remaining portion of the bill, which included appropriations for the remainder of the federal government as well as coronavirus stimulus passed by a margin of 359 to 53. The Bill was then bundled together and passed the Senate 92-6. The bill will now head to President Donald Trump for approval. Alabama Senators Doug Jones and Richard Shelby both voted in favor of the bill. Alabama House of Representatives were mostly in favor of the bill. Robert Aderholt, Bradley Byrne, Martha Roby, Gary Palmer, and Terri Sewell all voted yea for both parts of the bill. Mo Brooks voted in favor of part one of the bill and against part two. Rep. Mike Rogers did not vote. Gary Palmer posted on Twitter, “The House passed and appropriates and #COVID19 relief package today. Read more here on why I decided to support it.” The House passed an appropriations and #COVID19 relief package today. Read more here on why I decided to support it: https://t.co/kzC9tVkOlz — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) December 22, 2020 Terri Sewell posted on Twitter, stating, “Last night, Congress finally passed a bill to: provide $600 to each adult and child, add $300 per week in unemployment benefits, and extend the eviction moratorium. But it’s not enough- I’ll keep fighting until families get the help they need.” Last night, Congress finally passed a bill to: – provide $600 to each adult and child– add $300 per week in unemployment benefits – extend the eviction moratorium But it’s not enough — I’ll keep fighting until families get the help they need. https://t.co/0o7Arqa0ZZ — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) December 22, 2020
Personnel update: Terri Sewell’s chief of staff Chay English to joining BGR Group
As first reported in today’s Politico Huddle newsletter, Cachavious “Chay” English will be joining the BGR Group as a vice president in early December. He will focus on financial services, tax, and health care policies. English is currently chief of staff to Rep. Terri Sewell and was responsible for managing the staff, advising on issues, and implementing legislative strategies. BGR Group is a bipartisan lobbying firm that offers a wide array of practice areas, including Democratic and Republican experts. The firm was founded in 1991 by Haley Barbour and Ed Rogers. In a BGR press release, Bob Wood, CEO of BGR Group, commented, “BGR is expanding in new and exciting ways and Chay is an excellent addition to our already outstanding team. There is no question there will be great deal of action in the House next year. Chay’s experience and insights will help our clients navigate those dynamics. We welcome Chay and look forward to having him at BGR.” “Chay has been a valued member of my team and has done tremendous work on behalf of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District and the Democratic Caucus,” Representative Sewell stated. “He is hard working, politically astute, and always focused on getting the job done. Chay will be missed on our staff, and I am confident he will do great things in his future endeavors.” English is originally from Selma, Alabama. He received a degree in African and African American Studies from the University of Michigan. He received his J.D. from the University of Alabama and was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2010. “I am very excited to join the outstanding team at BGR,” English said. “BGR has a proven track record of serving its clients with the best possible insights and proven results. The new political landscape in Washington will demand collaboration and thinking outside the box. I look forward to sharing my perspective from my House tenure with BGR’s clients and helping them achieve their goals.”
