Alabama delegation reacts to Trump budget that slashes government programs
President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled a highly-anticipated budget for 2018. The plan, titled “A New Foundation for American Greatness,” endeavors to balance the federal budget within a decade, by dramatically reshaping the status quo of federal spending. Over the next decade, Trump’s budget would slash $1.5 trillion in non-defense spending and additional $1.4 trillion in Medicaid, all the while adding nearly half a trillion dollars to defense spending. According to the blueprint released Monday night, Trump’s plan: provides for one of the largest increases in defense spending without increasing the debt; significantly increases the budget for immigration enforcement at the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security; includes additional resources for a wall on the southern border with Mexico, immigration judges, expanded detention capacity, U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Border Patrol; increases funding to address violent crime and reduces opioid abuse; and puts America first by keeping more of America’s hard-earned tax dollars here at home. “One of the things that was new about this budget; that we looked at this budget through the eyes of the people who are actually paying the bills,” said Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney. “I think for years and years we’ve simply looked at a budget in terms of the folks who are on the back end of the programs, the recipients of the taxpayer money, and we haven’t spent nearly enough time focusing our attention on the people who pay the taxes.” Here’s what the Alabama delegation has to say about Trump’s budget proposal: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Overall, I believe President Trump’s budget is a step in the right direction toward cutting wasteful spending, right-sizing the federal bureaucracy, and rolling back government overreach. At the same time, there are some proposals that Congress must closely examine. Specifically, I am pleased to see President Trump get serious about reforming our nation’s welfare programs. Many of these programs are the true drivers of our national debt, and they must be reformed. As we make these reforms, we must also put a real focus on skills training programs to help Americans prepare for and obtain good paying jobs. Read Byrne’s full statement here. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The release of President Trump’s budget blueprint to Congress marks an important step in funding our federal government through the appropriations process. The House Appropriations Committee is wasting no time going about this work and is holding multiple budget hearings with Trump Administration officials this week. In fact, this morning the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee was pleased to welcome Chiefs from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force for a briefing to review funding levels for our men and women in uniform. When it comes to the federal budget, my priorities are simple: we need to rein in wasteful spending to balance the budget, restore military funding, and ensure critical national needs like border security and veterans services are properly funded. I’m optimistic our unified Republican government can craft sensible spending policies for the nation, and I’m honored to play a role in this process on the Appropriations Committee. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Certain aspects of the budget have been a long time in coming, as they are simply common sense. I am particularly interested in what my colleagues across the aisle will say against work requirements for able-bodied adults without children who are receiving taxpayer support. I would like to see this go even further in requiring drug testing for certain welfare recipients. …I applaud the President’s resolution to rein in uncontrolled spending. However, the proposed elimination of USDA’s water and wastewater programs is concerning. I have seen how these programs support hard-working rural Americans in obtaining access to safe and affordable drinking water and are often the only source of loans available for small communities. I look forward to hearing Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s testimony on these and many more subjects this week during his comments before our subcommittee. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Presidents Trump’s budget takes aim at working families, rural Americans, the disabled, underserved communities, and those who struggle to make their voices heard in our democracy. Leaving those Americans behind is not only a failure in compassion, it is utterly short-sighted when it comes to growing our economy and making America competitive. In areas like healthcare, education, agriculture, and research, Trump’s budget will have devastating consequences for Alabama. What makes our country great is our willingness to extend a hand up to those who need it most, and that is a value which Trump’s budget cuts.
Alabama lawmakers discuss their votes to repeal Obamacare
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill to repeal and replace major parts of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare. On President Donald Trump‘s 105th day in office, H.R. 1628: American Health Care Act (AHCA) of 2017, was narrowly approved 217-213. All Democrats, including Alabama’s own 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, and a group of mostly moderate Republican holdouts voted against the bill. Passing the American Health Care Act is the first of a three-step plan by Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration to repeal and replace Obamacare. Upon enactment of AHCA, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price will begin using his authority to unravel the web of Obamacare rules and regulations that drive up patient costs. Finally, Congress will take up stand alone legislation to further bring down costs through bipartisan proposals such as allowing insurance competition across state lines and health care portability. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration, where it expected to modified significantly. Here’s what the Alabama delegation had to say about their votes: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Today, I voted to repeal Obamacare and replace it with a health care plan that actually lowers costs and gets the federal government out of the way. Importantly, the bill continues to ensure protections for people with pre-existing conditions. It also cuts taxes, defunds Planned Parenthood, and fundamentally reforms Medicaid. To be clear, I understand additional changes to the bill may be necessary as the bill moves over to the Senate, but today was a step in the right direction toward rescuing the American people from the failures of Obamacare. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: For seven years I have promised my constituents that I would repeal and replace Obamacare. A month ago I sat in the Oval Office and told the President of the United States that I was with him and that I would help get this Obamacare repeal bill through the House of Representatives. Today we were finally able to deliver on that promise in a meaningful way. Obamacare is crumbling as we speak. Premiums are skyrocketing, deductibles are through the roof, and people are being hurt because they can’t afford care. That’s why we are repealing this failed law and replacing it with a patient-centered system that lowers costs, increases choices, and isn’t run by the government. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: No public comment at this time. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Today I voted for, and the House passed, what the Republicans have promised to do for the past seven years: repeal and replace Obamacare. Contrary to claims in the media, doing nothing was not an option. Obamacare is failing us and premiums are getting worse, not better. Americans continue to see their healthcare options dwindle. Obamacare has also led to more expensive insurance that Americans cannot afford to use – higher premiums and higher deductibles. Today’s vote addresses these issues head-on. This bill ensures that individuals with preexisting conditions will continue to have insurance coverage. There is also assistance for older, rural and poor seniors included in this bill. In addition, today’s vote repeals all of the Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood and instead redirects this money to the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). This amounts to 90% of the federal funds received by Planned Parenthood. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: While today’s health care legislation falls short of the full ObamaCare repeal that I called for and believe in, a partial repeal does more good for working American families than no repeal at all. I am proud that diligent House Freedom Caucus work has forced amendments that converted substantial increases in health insurance premiums into substantial cuts in health insurance costs for tens of millions of Americans. The AHCA repeals roughly twenty ObamaCare taxes that have hurt job creators and cut take-home pay. The AHCA repeals the ObamaCare individual and employer mandate penalties that undermine freedom of choice and liberty. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Today the House of Representatives took the first step toward repealing and replacing the misnamed Affordable Care Act and restoring access to affordable healthcare for all Americans. …There is no underlying intention to exclude people from coverage, including those who have been previously sick, and it is important to note that this bill will not exclude people from coverage. There is a little known provision in the bill which defunds Planned Parenthood for one year and will protect this lives of the unborn. This bill is not the end of our efforts to dismantle Obamacare and repair the damage done to our healthcare system. It is the first major step forward. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The passage of today’s healthcare repeal bill was a tragic case of Republican leadership putting politics over people. The GOP rushed this bill through the House without pausing to get a full estimate of what it will cost or how many lives it will impact. That’s legislative malpractice. I voted against TrumpCare because we know it will drive healthcare prices up for working families all while lowering the quality of coverage they receive. I opposed this bill because it will force older Americans to pay premiums five times higher than what others pay for health coverage, while at the same time shortening the life of the Medicare Trust Fund that many seniors depend on. I voted no because TrumpCare will gut essential health benefits, and because my constituents deserve better. Today’s bill is a disaster for Alabama and a raw deal for the American people.
Mo Brooks ‘seriously considering’ Senate bid
Republican Congressman Mo Brooks is close to mounting a run for the U.S. Senate later this year. The four-term lawmaker from Alabama’s 5th Congressional District told AL.com Monday he is “seriously considering” a bid for the Senate seat now held by former Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange. It was the first comment from Brooks regarding the Senate race after Gov. Kay Ivey rescheduled the special election — moving it up a year — to fill the vacancy created in February when Jeff Sessions resigned to become U.S. Attorney General. May 17 is the qualifying deadline for candidates in the Aug. 15 party primaries. Brooks, a Huntsville native, told AL.com he will not announce his decision until just before the deadline. “I have polling data, I have talked with various individuals to discuss how much money would be required to be competitive and whether there are available sources of money to be competitive,” Brooks said. Brooks is the only member of the Alabama congressional delegation thinking about running for the Senate. Reps. Robert Aderholt, Bradley Byrne, Gary Palmer, Martha Roby, Mike Rogers and Terri Sewell have each said they are not interested in the seat. If he should enter the race, Brooks would bring a financial advantage that would immediately establish him as the leading candidate for the seat. Campaign finance reports from March 31 show Brooks with $1.2 million on hand. That war chest is more than that of any other Alabama House member, as well as interim Sen. Strange, who had raised about $763,000 so far. “That’s one of the strong points,” Brooks said of his perspective candidacy. “I have almost half-a-million dollars’ cash on hand more so than the second-place person and more than $1 million cash-on-hand more than every other candidate – rumored or announced.”
Most of Alabama’s delegation not interested in Senate race
Several of Alabama’s congressional delegation, including a few high-profile Democrats, will be sitting out the August primary for the U.S. Senate seat, now held by Republican Luther Strange. Anniston Republican congressman Mike Rogers is not interested, according to spokeswoman Shea Snider Miller. The Montgomery Advertiser reports several Republicans rushed to file papers this week after Gov. Kay Ivey rescheduled the special election primary for the seat from June 2018 to August. Runoffs, if needed, will be in September; the general election is set for December. Republican congressman Robert Aderholt of Haleyville, tells the Advertiser he has received encouragement to run, and could a decision next month. But other Alabama congressional delegation staying on the sidelines. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, the Montgomery Republican, does not plan to run for the Senate this time. Roby was the only member of the delegation who publicly withdrew endorsement of Donald Trump after audio emerged of him bragging about sexual aggression. “With her new committee assignments on Judiciary and Defense Appropriations, Rep. Roby is focused on growing the contributions she is making on behalf of Alabama’s 2nd District in the House,” Roby’s representative Todd Stacy said. Hoover Republican Gary Palmer and Democrat Terri Sewell of Birmingham also declined to run. Same for Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Indeed, Strange will run for the seat, but the race is beginning to get crowded. Rep. Ed Henry, a Hartselle Republican who spearheaded the impeachment effort against Bentley, announced Tuesday he will seek the Republican Party nomination for the seat. Also contemplating bids are Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh of Anniston, as well as Republican state Sens. Slade Blackwell of Montevallo and Trip Pittman of Montrose. Strange, who served as the state’s attorney general, is taking heat over his Senate appointment by former Gov. Robert Bentley, which some suggest it was because his office was investigating the governor. Bentley resigned last week, pleading guilty to two campaign finance violations. In his announcement, Henry promised to raise the issue. Strange, as the incumbent, has many advantages, including statewide campaign experience and an ability to raise a lot of money, something his current opponents lack.
Alabama delegation reacts to U.S. airstrikes in Syria
Some members of Alabama’s congressional delegation are reacting to President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a series of airstrikes in Syria Thursday evening. The strikes targeted an airfield where a recent chemical attack on Syrian civilians is said to have originated and killed more than 80 Syrian civilians. Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying about the airstrikes: Senator Luther Strange: President Trump’s decision to engage in tactical airstrikes against the Syrian regime is the kind of decisive action required at this critical moment in the ongoing regional crisis. I applaud the swift action of our courageous U.S. military and encourage the President to make it clear that the Assad regime will continue to face swift and strong judgment for its atrocities. The Syrian people have suffered at the hands of a brutal dictator for too long. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: President Trump was right to respond to Assad’s barbaric and inhumane actions against men, women, and children in Syria. It appears the strikes were targeted and successful, and I want to share my gratitude and appreciation with the service members who planned and executed the strikes. Ultimately, we still must answer a larger question about the future of Syria and the role of the United States going forward. One thing is clear: Congress must be involved in those discussions and decisions about what happens next. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I applaud President Trump for his decisive response to Assad’s brutal chemical weapons attack. Many questions remain for the U.S. and the world in dealing with Syria, but one thing is for sure: this brutality will no longer be tolerated. A special “thank you” to our brave military personnel who carried out this strike in Syria with precision. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: I fully support President Trump’s missile strike against Syria. The actions of the Syrian regime are deplorable and unacceptable. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons against its own civilians was an inhumane and unforgivable offense that requires an international response,” said Rep. Sewell. “As Americans, we cannot stand by and do nothing, and I believe that the airstrikes launched this week were a proportional response. But to effectively end the brutality of the Assad regime and the suffering of Syrian people, we need a comprehensive strategy with buy-in from lawmakers in Congress and international partners. To address the crisis in Syria, including attacks on Syrian civilians, political instability, and the large-scale immigration of Syrian refugees, our country needs a long-term strategy for ending the violence. Congress can no longer abdicate its responsibility for addressing this international crisis. Any additional use of military force must be approved by the House and Senate. The chemical attacks against Syrian civilians which we responded to this week are only the latest horrors perpetrated by Bashar al-Assad against his own country. As we continue to debate federal policy on providing relief for refugees, it is important to remember the millions of Syrians who have faced years of terror, this week so horrible that our country responded with military action.
House passes bill to help VA fill critical job openings with support of entire Alabama delegation
While partisan politics undeniably has its place in the nation’s capital, on Friday members of the U.S. House of Representatives put aside political bickering in order to support an issue everyone agrees on — taking better care of America’s veterans. With the support of the entire Alabama delegation, the House unanimously passed H.R. 1367 in hopes of improving the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to recruit and retain high-quality health care providers and other professionals. The department has tens of thousands of vacant positions, and the bill would help strengthen the VA’s ability to identify staffing shortages, recruit employees to fill vacant positions, quickly on-board new hires, and retain high-performing workers across the country. Additionally, it contains provisions that would improve leadership and accountability throughout VA system, while helping increase the number of veterans in the federal workforce. Also included in the bill, was an amendment added by Alabama-Democrat 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. The amendment encourages the VA Secretary to select eligible employees for its Fellowship Program who represent rural areas in order to alleviate the systemic burdens of rural healthcare workforce shortages. “In return for their service, our country has a sacred obligation to care for our veterans and military families,” said Sewell. “Today’s bipartisan support for legislation that strengthens VA hiring practices is an important step towards providing more responsive, more effective healthcare for our nation’s heroes.” Approximately 25 percent of America’s veterans live in rural communities and comprise nearly 11 percent of the adult rural population. Rural veterans account for 36 percent of all VA enrollees, making Sewell’s amendment particularly pertinent. “My amendment helps to ensure that veterans who are serviced by rural VAs have access to healthcare experts with cutting edge experience in the public and private sectors,” Sewell continued. “On top of long driving distances and minimal access to care, workforce shortages make it harder for our rural veterans to get the help they need, when they need it. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support, and I look forward to continuing our work to ensure that our nation keeps its promise to the men and women who serve our country.”
Terri Sewell: Remembering Bloody Sunday
History is never stagnant. The saga of American democracy and the battle for the right to vote has its moments of inspiration, just as it has moments of defeat. The story this year’s chapter will tell is in our hands. Fifty-two years ago today, 600 marchers in Selma, Ala., brought the reality of racism and segregation into living rooms nationwide. That day, hundreds of voting rights supporters were viciously beaten by state troopers as they attempted to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The brutal stories of Bloody Sunday reframed the issue of racism for the American public and ultimately led to passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), our nation’s most powerful tool for protecting the vote. But the story of America’s fight for fair elections is never finished. After 48 years of bipartisan support from Congress and the White House, the VRA was gutted by the Supreme Court in its 2013 Shelby v. Holder decision, eliminating key protections for minority voters. On the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday in 2015, our nation had an opportunity to undo that damage. That year, I joined President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush and a bipartisan group of more than 100 Members of Congress in Selma to commemorate the voting rights movement. It was an atmosphere of hope and unity in opposition to the hate and racism of our country’s past. Yet we returned to Washington, and Congress did nothing to restore the VRA. Today’s anniversary of Bloody Sunday is another opportunity to recommit to protecting voting rights for all Americans, but it is also a moment to reflect on the fresh urgency of that work. Old battles have become new again. This year’s commemoration of Bloody Sunday comes on the heels of the announcement that the Justice Department would drop challenges to a discriminatory Texas voter ID law, even after that law was struck down twice by courts for undermining minority voting rights. This year’s commemoration was also set against the backdrop of an executive order barring immigrants from Muslim-majority countries from coming into the United States. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. completed his Selma to Montgomery march in 1965, after multiple attempts blocked by the police, he spoke to a crowd of nearly 50,000 supporters. In his speech, he told his audience that “no tide of racism can stop us.” This year I find those words have new resonance. Perhaps Dr. King was right – maybe hate is a tide: one that rolls in and out. This year, we face a rising tide of intolerance that’s had an immeasurable impact on my community. Last week, a bomb threat was called into a Birmingham Jewish community center in my district, the third threat in just one month’s time. I received messages from families who attend the center and were frightened for their safety and hurt by the threats against them. I’ve received messages from Muslim constituents who have family abroad, afraid that a travel ban will block them from seeing their loved ones. I’ve met with constituents worried for undocumented members of their community living in the United States. Looking back at photos from Bloody Sunday, the fear and pain that I see in the eyes of those who marched does not seem so foreign. I recognize the hurt of a people assaulted, threatened, and excluded because of who they are. But I also see courage. When I look at pictures of marchers like Amelia Boynton Robinson, I see a black woman who stood up to hate wherever she encountered it. This year, the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches do not seem like a thing of the past, but instead a model for our work. We have to act as those in the voting rights movement did, and stand together for the rights of all Americans. I am a direct beneficiary of the movement. I was born the year that the Selma to Montgomery marches took place, and I owe those who fought, bled and died a debt of gratitude that I can never repay. But their story, and the story of America’s voting rights movement, is never finished. When Americans today suffer from some of the same injustices suffered 52 years ago, we cannot ignore the work left to be done. If the brutal stories of Bloody Sunday teach us anything this year, it’s that we must not only remember, but also dedicate ourselves to action. Together, we have a tide to turn back. ••• This article first appeared on TheHill.com. ••• Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th District. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Alabama’s congressional delegation reacts to Donald Trump speech
Donald Trump delivered his first-ever address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night joint where he outlined his priorities for his first year in office. During his prime-time speech, the president touched on a variety of topics, including his hopes to repeal Obamacare, immigration policy, continuing his pledge to fortify the U.S./Mexico border with a wall, strengthening the military and jobs. His speech drew overwhelming praise from the Alabama delegation, with the exception of long Democrat 7th District Rep. Terri Sewell who was “deeply disappointed” in the contents of the speech. Here’s what the delegation had to say: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: In tonight’s address, President Trump laid out his vision for the nation and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the American people have the opportunity to succeed. His remarks were a refreshing change from the last eight years, and I look forward to working with him on the many priorities discussed. In particular, I stand ready to work with the President on overhauling our broken tax code, rolling back burdensome rules and regulations, and getting Washington out of the way so that Americans can get back to work. It’s time for us to deliver on our promises for the American people. U.S. Sen. Luther Strange: It was truly an honor to be part of this historical moment. Like the millions of Americans who voted for real change in Washington, I found it refreshing to hear from a President who is keeping the promises he made to Americans when he ran for office. Just as he said, he is already taking steps to secure our border, repeal Obamacare and rebuild our military. I am even more encouraged after hearing the President share plans to reform our complicated tax code to allow Alabama families to keep more of their hard-earned money, and roll back bureaucratic red tape that is an unnecessary burden to Alabama small businesses. His cabinet nominees show his commitment to protecting our constitutional rights, caring for our Veterans and ensuring a quality education for every child, regardless of their zip code. This is an exciting time in America and I know that Alabamians are optimistic and ready to dream big for the first time, in a long time. It is truly an honor to serve in the Senate and help our President ensure all Americans have the opportunity to make our future a brighter one. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: President Trump came before Congress tonight with a clear plan for action on behalf of the American people. From health care to immigration to national defense to infrastructure, the President laid out a clear agenda that will spur economic growth, keep the American people safe, get the government off our backs, and expand opportunity. I stand committed and ready to get to work on enacting these policies. The American people spoke clearly last November when they elected a unified Republican government, and now it is time for action. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Tonight President Trump laid out several ways his administration and Congress can work together to rebuild our nation. I am particularly encouraged by his calls to properly fund our military, improve veterans’ health care, and secure our border. These are issues important to the Alabamians I represent, and I look forward to working with the Trump Administration to deliver results. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: I was thrilled to hear President Trump lay out his optimistic vision for America’s future. We now have a president that is determined to work on the behalf of the American people first. President Trump’s dedication to enforcing our country’s immigration laws is critical to our safety and economy. For far too long, the executive branch has turned a blind eye to folks who are here in the country illegally and therefore, breaking the law. With Attorney General Sessions, the laws on the books will be enforced and the safety of our communities will be the highest priority. I am extremely grateful for President Trump’s pledge to increase investment in our national defense. To fully rebuild our military from the neglect of the Obama administration will require an extraordinary commitment… Read the rest of Rogers’ statement here. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: As I expected and hoped for, President Trump gave a message to Congress that he is committed to making sure Washington is no longer ‘business as usual.’ After eight years of a White House that took a passive, apologetic approach to America and the world, we finally have a President who has announced America is back and literally wants it to be great again. President Trump’s plan to strengthen our military is greatly needed. If we are to win the war against ISIS, contain China, and keep a watchful eye on Russia, the size and capability of our armed forces needs to increase. I am also glad to hear that the President will put forth a plan to rein in the Federal bureaucracy. For example, the EPA has run amok with a busy-body attitude with farmers that literally tried to regulate mud puddles on their farms, not to mention the ‘War on Coal.’ However, President Trump has now passed the baton to Congress. It is now up to us. We must get to work to accomplish the mandate voters sent in November or Congress will face the people’s wrath next year. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: I enjoyed the optimistic tone of President Trump’s speech this evening and his message of unity and strength across America. I was pleased the President tonight addressed restarting the engine of the American economy and removing burdensome regulations that have made it so difficult to start and grow a business in America. President Trump has already taken strong steps to secure the border and enforce our nation’s immigration laws, and I applaud his continued commitment to the rule of law and national security. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to support President Trump’s bold
Bomb threat triggers evacuation of Jewish center in Birmingham
From Alabama to Michigan, bomb threats across the country have forced evacuations at Jewish schools and community centers in 2017. On Monday morning, the Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) in Birmingham, Ala. received its third threat of the year. According to the FBI’s Birmingham division, the FBI and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights division will investigate as part of a nationwide probe into threats against Jewish community centers. The LJCC received similar bomb threats on Jan. 18 and Feb. 20. Gov. Robert Bentley says he will not tolerate any such threats and will bring those responsible to justice. “As the Governor of every person of Alabama, I will not tolerate targeted threats against any segment of the community,” Bentley said in a statement. “I have been briefed on the bomb threats at the Levite Jewish Community Center in Birmingham, and I have ordered the State Bureau of Investigation, a division with in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to coordinate with local and federal law enforcement officials to provide investigative resources. I am deeply troubled for our families and communities that have been threatened and feel frightened. I can assure the people of our state that Alabama will not tolerate any threat, we will bring those responsible to justice and we will provide any resource necessary to protect every one of our citizens.” Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, whose district includes part of Birmingham, is also taking a stand against the threats. “I am deeply disturbed by the threats against Jewish community centers in Birmingham and nationwide,” said Sewell. “These hate crimes will not be tolerated. Many of my constituents still remember the 1963 bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham that killed four young black girls. We cannot and will not let that kind of hate rock our community ever again. The families in my district reject anti-Semitism or discrimination against any religion or race, and we will call out and confront discrimination wherever it is present.” Last Thursday, Sewell joined 157 of her Congressional colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), urging the agencies to swiftly assess the recent threats against Jewish community centers and to advise Congress on any steps which it can take to help counter those threats. The Jewish Community Center Association of North America (JCC) echoed the letter. “Anti-Semitism of this nature should not and must not be allowed to endure in our communities. The Justice Department, Homeland Security, the FBI, and the White House, alongside Congress and local officials, must speak out – and speak out forcefully – against this scourge of anti-Semitism impacting communities across the country,” the JCC said. “Actions speak louder than words. Members of our community must see swift and concerted action from federal officials to identify and capture the perpetrator or perpetrators who are trying to instill anxiety and fear in our communities.” The JCC confirmed bomb threats were called into schools and/or JCCs in 11 states on Monday — Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In the first two months of 2017 alone, there have been more than 60 incidents targeting Jewish community centers nationwide.
Alabama politicians react to Donald Trump’s SCOTUS nominee Neil Gorsuch
Within minutes of President Donald Trump‘s official announcement naming federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch his U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Alabama politicians began to weigh-in as to what they thought of the decision. Here’s what they’re saying: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: After the untimely death of the conservative lion Justice Antonin Scalia, I strongly believed that the American people deserved a voice in filling this critical vacancy. President Trump has made an outstanding selection in nominating Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, and I am confident that he will preserve Scalia’s legacy on the bench for generations to come. Our next Supreme Court Justice must be a steadfast supporter of the rule of law with an unwavering commitment to the Constitution. There is no doubt that Judge Gorsuch meets these necessary qualifications. I look forward to supporting his nomination and urge my Senate colleagues to join me. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep Bradley Byrne: I think Judge Gorsuch will be an excellent addition to the Supreme Court. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding and appreciation for the law. I hope the Senate will act swiftly to confirm him. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep Martha Roby: I applaud President Trump for his selection of such a highly qualified and capable nominee. The addition of Judge Gorsuch to the Supreme Court would hasten our government’s return to Constitutional balance and our country’s return to following the rule of law. There is no question that Judge Gorsuch is qualified to serve on the Supreme Court, and I urge the Senate to quickly begin confirmation proceedings. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: I am thrilled that President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to replace Justice Antonin Scalia’s conservative voice. We need a Supreme Court Justice who will adhere to the Constitution and understand that power resides with the American people. Judge Gorsuch will do just that, and I look forward to a fair and timely confirmation process by the Senate. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Judge Neil Gorsuch appears to be an excellent choice to serve on our nation’s highest court. The most important duty of a Supreme Court Justice is solely to interpret the United States Constitution as it is written. The court does not need activist judges who ignore our founding document and simply write new laws. Many are confident that Judge Gorsuch has the judicial temperament to let the letter of the law govern his decisions. Based on Gorsuch’s record, I believe he will follow the example of the late Justice Antonin Scalia and examine the law through the lens of the constitution. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: President Donald Trump has selected excellent cabinet and staff members and his Supreme Court nomination is no exception. Judge Neil Gorsuch will make a terrific U.S. Supreme Court justice. Too many of our justices have succumbed to the vanity and arrogance of creating new law through judicial edict. I have the utmost respect for Judge Gorsuch’s commitment and record of ruling on issues before his court based on rational interpretation of the original intent of the Constitution or law, regardless of his personal opinions. Judge Gorsuch’s commitment to this fundamental legal philosophy is absolutely essential to preserving the rule of law in our democratically elected representative government, and I look forward to his swift confirmation. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to learning more about the judicial opinions and constitutional philosophy of Judge Gorsuch. Given the consequential nature of this nomination, it is imperative that my Senate colleagues rigorously vet his legal opinions and jurisprudence, and ensure his philosophies are consistent with our Constitution and values as a nation. At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, it is important that this nominee be a fair and impartial adjudicator of the laws that protect the rights of all Americans.
Alabama’s Terri Sewell to boycott Donald Trump inauguration
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has confirmed she will join over 60 of her Democratic colleagues and boycott the inauguration ceremony for America’s 45th President, Republican Donald Trump. Despite hailing from an overwhelmingly red state, Sewell is following her friend Georgia Congressman’s John Lewis’ lead and skipping the event. Citing Trump’s recent comments to Lewis as the reason she refuses to attend. “While I have a profound respect for the office of the president, and I accept the results of the election, I simply cannot accept the blatant disrespect shown by President-elect Trump towards American civil rights icon, my colleague, friend and mentor, the Honorable John Lewis,’’ Sewell said in a statement. Prayerfully, I have decided not to attend the inauguration. I simply cannot accept the blatant disrespect of @repjohnlewis. #IStandWithJohn — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 18, 2017 Sewell continued, “This decision was reached with great deliberation because I am deeply saddened by the negative political rhetoric on both sides. We must move forward together. I sincerely hope that upon his ascension as our President, that President Trump will choose to build bridges, set aside differences and embrace John Lewis. In fact, there is a bridge in my district where we all can gain inspiration, and I invite President Trump and Congressman Lewis to join me in visiting Selma to walk hand-in-hand across that bridge as one nation, indivisible and united.” Recently, the Trump and Lewis found themselves in a middle of a political feud, resulting in Lewis announcing he would not attend Trump’s inauguration. Since then over 60 of his Congressional colleagues, including Sewell, have also opted out of the historic event. Sewell is however extending an olive branch to the president-elect and has invited him to Selma to join her and Lewis in crossing the Edmund Pettis Bridge, made famous on “Bloody Sunday.” There’s a bridge in my district we all can gain inspiration! I invite Trump & Lewis to join me in Selma to cross that bridge as one nation! — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 18, 2017
Rep. Terri Sewell reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy
It has been 55 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr‘s iconic “I have a dream” speech in Washington D.C., but his words live on in the hearts of Americans across the country. One of those Americans is Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell — Alabama’s first African American woman in serve in the state’s congressional delegation. A bold advocate for civil rights herself, Sewell is taking time on Monday to reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy calling on all American’s to recommit to the vision Dr. King espoused. “We are the vanguard of change,” Sewell state in an MLK Day statement. “[Dr. King’s] dream lives inside each of us – a dream rooted in respect, human dignity and justice for all. Let us work while it is day.” Read Sewell’s full statement on Dr. King below: Each year, we gather to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to pause and reflect on all that he has taught us throughout his short, yet impactful life. Dr. King dedicated his life to dismantling discrimination, empowering communities, and ensuring that this country lives up to its creed of equality for all. It is not enough, however, to simply honor Dr. King’s legacy. Each of us must look within ourselves and ask ‘How are we paying it forward?’ As the direct beneficiaries of the sacrifices of Dr. King and so many other heroes and heroines, named and unnamed, we owe a debt that we can never repay. Yet, we can ensure that we recommit ourselves to the vision Dr. King espoused and continue the hard work necessary to carry forth his ideals. We are the vanguard of change. The dream lives inside each of us – a dream rooted in respect, human dignity and justice for all. Let us work while it is day.
