New bill would make assaulting law enforcement officers a deportable offense
A new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would make assaulting law enforcement officers and others a deportable offense. U.S. Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, on Thursday, introduced the Protect Our Law Enforcement with Immigration Control and Enforcement (POLICE) Act. The bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to add a provision stating, “any alien who has been convicted of, who admits having committed, or who admits committing acts constituting the essential elements of, an offense involving the assault of a law enforcement officer is deportable.” The law would apply to those who assault law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responders. Current law doesn’t cover all assaults against law enforcement, meaning some foreign nationals “can remain in the country even after committing this reprehensible crime,” Budd said. The companion bill, H.R. 2494, filed by Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-NY, and multiple cosponsors, passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 255 to 175. “Supporting our police includes removing dangerous people who do them harm,” Budd said in a statement. “If an illegal immigrant commits the crime of assaulting an officer, they should be subject to immediate deportation. Our lawmakers must always back the men and women who protect and serve our communities.” The bill was filed after a record number of people, over 7.7 million, have been apprehended or reported evading capture after illegally entering the U.S. since January 2021, and after over 300 known, suspected terrorists have been apprehended illegally entering at the northern and southern border this fiscal year alone. The House passed the bill nine months after a North Carolina sheriff’s deputy was killed by two Mexican brothers who were in the U.S. illegally and had previously been deported. On Aug. 11, two of three Mexican brothers allegedly killed Sheriff Deputy Ned Byrd, in Raleigh: Alder Alfonso Marin Sotelo, 25, and Arturo Marin Sotelo, 29. They both evaded capture for several days before they were caught and taken into custody on Aug. 16. Their youngest brother, Rolando Marin Sotelo, 18, was charged with ammunition possession. The brothers are natives of Guerrero, located at the southernmost part of Mexico, near the Guatemala border, according to Qué Pasa. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Fox News Digital last year that the two older brothers had both entered the U.S. illegally through the southern border “on an unknown date, at an unknown place,” meaning between a port of entry, as gotaways. After the two older Mexican brothers were apprehended, charged and detained in a regional jail in Farmville, Virginia, they escaped on April 30, according to ICE. Alder was apprehended by Mexican authorities on May 4 in Guerrero, according to the FBI. His brother, Marin, is still at large. The FBI is requesting assistance to locate him; an investigation is ongoing. According to ICE, Arturo was apprehended in 2010 after he illegally entered the U.S. and was deported. The second time he illegally entered, he wasn’t caught and made his way to North Carolina. In 2019, Rolando was previously apprehended in Arizona and was also deported, only later to illegally reenter through a “parole” exemption. Some critics argue that deportation doesn’t bring justice for victims, and they’d rather have perpetrators be imprisoned or face the death penalty, depending on the state where the offense is committed. They also argue “sanctuary” status in U.S. cities and counties should be banned – like that of Wake County, where the deputy was killed. Wake County is one of the most dangerous “sanctuary communities” in the U.S., according to a recent report, because its law enforcement officers have limited cooperation with ICE. In 2019, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, introduced a bill allowing “sanctuary communities” to be sued by victims of crimes committed by illegal foreign nationals if local authorities don’t cooperate with ICE. When introducing the bill, Tillis pointed to sheriff’s offices in Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake counties which he said weren’t cooperating with ICE. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Katie Britt and colleagues introduce the Back the Blue Act
On Monday. U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, and 37 Republican colleagues to introduce the Back the Blue Act. The announcement coincided with the annual observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week. This legislation will strengthen existing laws that protect police officers, increase the criminal penalties for individuals who target law enforcement, and expand the tools that police can use to protect themselves. “Today, we honor the courageous law enforcement officers who have valiantly made the ultimate sacrifice,” Sen. Britt said. “Every single day, the brave men and women of law enforcement go above and beyond to serve and protect our communities. It is essential that we not only support our police, but we respect the rule of law in our country. I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn and my colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, and I will always stand with our police officers in Alabama and across the country.” “The Back the Blue Act adds stiff, mandatory penalties and makes it a federal crime to kill – or attempt to kill – a law enforcement officer, a federal judge, or a federally funded public safety officer,” Sen. Cornyn said. “We must make it absolutely clear that violence against them will not be tolerated. In honor of National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who protect us, we pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we commit to doing everything in our power to ensure that they have all the resources they need to keep our people safe.” “Today marks the start of National Police Week,” Sen. Tuberville said on Twitter. “America’s brave men and women in blue wake up every day prepared to sacrifice their own safety in service to their fellow Americans. It is more important than ever that we show our support. To all who protect and serve, thank you.” In addition to Senators Britt, Tuberville, and Cornyn, this legislation is cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), and Senators Ted Cruz, Thom Tillis, Rick Scott, Jerry Moran, Mike Braun, Kevin Cramer, Marsha Blackburn, John Boozman, Deb Fischer, Shelley Moore Capito, Mike Crapo, Marco Rubio, Jim Risch, Pete Ricketts, Steve Daines, John Barrasso, James Lankford, Cindy Hyde-Smith, John Kennedy, Tom Cotton, John Thune, John Hoeven, Ted Budd, Josh Hawley, Tim Scott, Bill Hagerty, Roger Marshall, Bill Cassidy, Joni Ernst, Chuck Grassley, Todd Young, Eric Schmitt, Cynthia Lummis, and Roger Wicker. The Back the Blue Act has been introduced in Congress multiple times since 2017. Senator Britt is also a cosponsor of Senator Braun’s Thin Blue Line Act, which expands the list of statutory aggravating factors in capital punishment determinations to also include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responders. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Katie Britt joins Tammy Baldwin and other bipartisan Senator to crack down on trade cheats
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt announced that she has joined U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin in co-sponsoring the Fighting Trade Cheats Act. This bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Thom Tillis and Sherrod Brown is intended to strengthen U.S. trade law enforcement and allow American manufacturers to take action against bad actors that engage in customs fraud. Sponsors say that the bill takes aim at companies that dump foreign-made goods into the United States and would allow private companies to sue foreign producers that harm American companies. By allowing private companies harmed by trade cheats to use their own resources to fight back, the bill would help address customs fraud and protect American workers and American jobs. “For far too long, the Chinese Communist Party and other bad actors have cheated American communities out of jobs, intellectual property, and opportunity,” said Sen. Britt. “This bipartisan effort holds foreign entities accountable for malicious trade practices that harm Alabama manufacturers – including our iron and steel industry – and the hardworking Alabamians and families that rely on them for their livelihood. I will continue to fight to ensure that the CCP is held accountable, that we onshore good-paying 21st-century jobs back to America, and that we strengthen our domestic supply chains and manufacturing base, especially in critical industries. This will help unlock the American Dream for families nationwide and keep our homeland safe and strong for generations to come.” “American workers and American businesses should be building our clean energy economy, but Chinese companies are working overtime to cheat the rules, our economy, and our workers out of the job,” said Sen. Baldwin. “Climate change is a real and pressing threat, and addressing it is an incredible opportunity to create good paying jobs in our Made in Wisconsin manufacturing economy. Developing our solar manufacturing industry is crucial to combating climate change, but we can’t do it if we don’t enforce the trade laws on the books and hold Chinese companies accountable. I am proud to take a stand for our Made in America manufacturing economy and workers.” “The Chinese Communist Party has a long history of violating trade agreements with the United States, costing North Carolina businesses and workers,” said Sen. Tillis. “I’m proud to co-introduce this bipartisan legislation to hold the CCP and other bad actors accountable and empower private American companies to take action and fight back against trade cheats.” American businesses supporting this bipartisan legislation include Birmingham-based McWane Incorporated, which manufactures pipes, valves, fire hydrants, and fittings used in the nation’s infrastructure. James Proctor II is the Senior Vice President & General Counsel for McWane. “Trade cheaters cost American jobs, plain and simple. This bill will give Customs and Border Protection and businesses the tools they need to stop lawless foreign importers from evading U.S. laws and destroying American industries and communities,” said VP Proctor II. “We thank Senators Britt and Baldwin for joining Senators Brown and Tillis in standing up for American workers and job creators and helping put a stop to such illegal activity.” Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville and GOP Colleagues urge Joe Biden to negotiate on debt limit
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee and dozens of Republican colleagues in calling for fiscal responsibility and spending control measures in debt ceiling negotiations. Tuberville joined a GOP letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declaring broad Republican opposition to any debt ceiling legislation that lacks significant spending control measures. “It is now clear that Senate Republicans aren’t going to bail out Biden and Schumer. They have to negotiate,” said Sen. Lee. “I thank my colleagues for joining my effort to emphasize this point in the clearest possible terms.” “The Senate Republican conference is united behind the House Republican conference in support of spending cuts and structural budget reform as a starting point for negotiations on the debt ceiling,” wrote the senators. “This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms.” The letter emphasizes the GOP senators’ united front with the House Republican conference, advocating for spending cuts and structural budget reforms as prerequisites for any negotiation on raising the debt ceiling. “Dear Leader Schumer, The Senate Republican Conference is united behind the House Republican Conference in support of spending cuts and structural budget reform as a starting point for negotiations on the debt ceiling. Our economy is in free fall due to unsustainable fiscal policies. This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms. Moreover, recent Treasury projections have reinforced the urgency of addressing the debt ceiling. The House has taken a responsible first step in coming to the table with their proposals. It is imperative that the president now do the same. As such, we will not be voting for cloture on any bill that raises the debt ceiling without substantive spending and budget reforms,” the Senators wrote. Senators Tuberville, Britt, and Lee, current signatories include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz, Mike Crapo, Ted Budd, Mike Braun, James Lankford, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, M.D., Ron Johnson, James Risch, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, John Cornyn, Kevin Cramer, Markwayne Mullin, Roger Wicker, Steve Daines, Lindsey Graham, John Barrasso, Deb Fischer, Tim Scott, John Hoeven, Thom Tillis, and J.D. Vance. The debt limit — commonly called the ‘debt ceiling’ — is the highest amount the government can borrow under federal law. The federal government hit the debt limit in January 2023. Since then, the U.S. Treasury has employed ‘extraordinary measures’ to continue making payments on debt and new expenses. According to the U.S. Treasury, the United States is on track to exhaust those measures and run out of financial liquidity in a matter of weeks, meaning the federal government would no longer be able to make all of its payments. The debt is continuing to rise. The debt ceiling will have to be increased in the coming weeks. Democrats have advocated for an increase in the amount of money the federal government is allowed to borrow without any reduction in federal spending. Republicans say they will not support any debt ceiling increase without significant reductions in spending. President Biden has repeatedly refused to negotiate a debt ceiling deal with Republicans even though the GOP controls the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Republicans passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 — a debt ceiling increase paired with spending cuts — on April 26, 2023. In Fiscal Year 2022, federal tax revenue hit a record high of $4.9 trillion. However, in the same year, the federal government had a deficit of more than $1.38 trillion even though the country is not at war and the economy is at full employment. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Senate to Vote on Tuberville resolution overturning the VA’s abortion policy
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a resolution to overturn a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs rule that turned VA medical facilities into de facto abortion clinics. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville will lead a bipartisan group of Senators in voting for the resolution he co-authored. In February, Senator Tuberville and Congressman Michael Cloud introduced a bicameral resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to reverse the rule. “Using our VA medical facilities to provide taxpayer-funded abortions is illegal and wrong,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The VA’s new policy is a blatant violation of federal law. It forces taxpayers to fund abortions at VA facilities. And it provides limited conscience protections for doctors and nurses with religious objections to performing abortions. This rule is wrong on every level, and a bipartisan majority in Congress will stand up to overturn it.” The resolution has 35 Senate cosponsors and 51 cosponsors in the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution has been endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro Life-America, Heritage Action for America, National Right to Life, Catholic Vote, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, Family Research Council, Family Policy Alliance, and March for Life Action. “I agree that the Department of Defense’s policy is atrocious, and it is a departure from a decades-long understanding of federal public policy,” said Sen. John Thune. SBA Pro-Life American wrote on Facebook, “Thank you, Senator Thom Tillis, for joining Senator Tommy Tuberville in standing against DOD’s illegal new policy funding abortion travel with taxpayer dollars.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote on their website: “Abortion is a marginal practice, neither performed nor accepted by most health care providers; it does not improve (and can even jeopardize) women’s life and health; and American law has recognized for decades that it is not “just another medical procedure.” Far from being integral to our health care system, abortion is something that supporters seek to impose on that system by force of law.” Before the vote, Senator Tuberville will lead a bipartisan group of senators to urge passage of the resolution at a press conference. On September 9, 2022, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced its intention to begin providing abortion services for veterans and their dependents through the taxpayer-funded VA healthcare system. This seemingly blatantly violates Section 106 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, which explicitly prohibits the VA from providing abortion services. Tuberville joined a letter with 38 colleagues following that announcement denouncing the decision. Tuberville says the policy defies an existing statute limiting abortions at VA facilities. Tuberville is in his first term representing Alabama in the U.S. Senate following his 2020 election – defeating incumbent Democrat Senator Doug Jones. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katies Britt joins bipartisan group of colleagues questioning Federal Reserve’s actions in Silicon Valley Bank crisis
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined Senators Kyrsten Sinema, Thom Tillis, and a bipartisan group of Senators questioning the Federal Reserve its’ oversight of troubled Silicon Valley Bank before the bank’s failure. The Sens. claim that the Federal Reserve missed clear warning signs – including bank leadership’s failure to appropriately manage customer deposits. That it missed as part of its responsibilities to conduct oversight and examinations ahead of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. “SVB is a clear case of regulators refusing to do their job despite the fact that all of the red flags were there,” said Sen. Britt. “The Fed failed to use the tools in their toolbox to prevent what we saw in recent weeks, and I want to know why. Alabamians don’t just want answers, they deserve answers. And I, for one, will not stop until we get them.” “It is gravely concerning that retail participants, utilizing only publicly available information, were able to identify clear and compelling examples of financial mismanagement and asset over-concentration at SVB, while the Fed, which can draw even deeper from non-public supervisory information, was unable to ascertain a similar conclusion,” the Sens. wrote in their letter. “The fact that the San Francisco Fed, among other regulatory agencies, found no reason to take appropriate regulatory action or even investigate SVB further in the months, weeks, and days prior to the bank’s collapse must be addressed in a manner that restores public confidence in Fed supervision.” “Safety and soundness is the cornerstone regulatory principle of the U.S. banking system, and it is important we assess what went wrong at SVB to ensure future stability in the U.S. financial services sector. Specifically, we support any efforts that will provide further information on all relevant risks, actions, and inactions – taken by SVB and by regulators, supervisors, and examiners – that contributed to this failure,” the Sens. wrote. “It is gravely concerning that retail participants, utilizing only publicly available information, were able to identify clear and compelling examples of financial mismanagement and asset over-concentration at SVB, while the Fed, which can draw even deeper from non-public supervisory information, was unable to ascertain a similar conclusion. The fact that the San Francisco Fed, among other regulatory agencies, found no reason to take appropriate regulatory action or even investigate SVB further in the months, weeks, and days prior to the bank’s collapse must be addressed in a manner that restores public confidence in Fed supervision. We look forward to evaluating the results of your review, particularly with respect to the robustness of Fed supervision and examination of SVB.” Britt joined Sinema and Tillis in cosigning the letter. Also cosigning were Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Michael Bennet (D-Colorado). There are media reports that federal regulators knew about the problems at SVB for more than a year, and yet they hesitated to act. The Wall Street Journal reported that federal bank regulators knew Silicon Valley Bank was a troubled bank as early as 2019. In 2021, the Federal Reserve cautioned the bank about significant vulnerabilities in the bank’s containment of risk. SVB had a uniquely concentrated customer base of venture capital funds, venture investors, and start-ups, many of whom have or have had financial relationships or business partnerships with one another. That customer base includes a significant level of financial interdependency that potentially increased risk. The Fed identified the risks to the bank, yet SVB did nothing to mitigate any of the risks. The Federal Reserve has already announced an internal investigation into its regulatory oversight, supervision, and examination of Silicon Valley Bank. The Senators urged that as part of this investigation, the Fed should focus on the role of concentration risk in the bank examination process and review the financial arrangements between Silicon Valley Bank and its customers to determine their impact on the bank’s collapse. Katie Britt is a member of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues introduce legislation to require federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Ron Johnson and 14 of their colleagues reintroduced the Guidance Out of Darkness (GOOD) Act, which requires federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet in an easily accessible location. Sponsors claim that the GOOD Act will enhance the transparency of guidance documents issued by government agencies, helping all entities — including small businesses, workers, and households — to comply with regulations. The bill was advanced by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by voice vote twice and passed the House in 2018. “Sunlight is often the best disinfectant, and that’s exactly what the Biden Administration’s runaway red tape regime needs,” said Sen. Britt. “Unelected federal bureaucrats should not be taking actions that affect hardworking Americans’ lives without robust transparency and the opportunity to hold them publicly accountable. This is a commonsense measure that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle should support.” “As an advocate for transparency and accountability in government, I am proud to reintroduce the Guidance Out of Darkness Act. This bill reduces the regulatory burden placed on small businesses, workers, and households by holding federal agencies accountable,” stated Sen. Johnson. “Increasing transparency and simplifying the regulatory process will further economic growth for all Americans. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill and provide the American people with the transparency they deserve.” Senators Britt and Johnson were joined on the legislation by Sens. Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah). “Transparency in government is crucial. That is why I am proud to join Senator Ron Johnson in sponsoring the GOOD Act. People deserve to know just what government agencies are up to, especially when it comes to their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Sen. Scott. “This bill will bring commonsense reform and shed light on how the government operates—which is something we should all support.” “People in Wyoming deserve transparency from the federal government, which is why I’m joining my colleague Senator Ron Johnson in introducing the Guidance Out of Darkness Act,” said Sen. Lummis. “This bill would require federal agencies to post regulations and guidance to the agency website, making it easy for small businesses, workers, and the people of Wyoming to know about the federal regulations that impact their daily lives.” “Unlike other regulatory actions, agency guidance documents are not required to undergo the public notice and comment process. James Madison warned that our laws would be of little use if they can ‘be repealed or revised before they are promulgated, or undergo such incessant changes, that no man who knows what the law is today, can guess what it will be tomorrow,’” said Sen. Lee. “I’m proud to cosponsor Sen. Johnson’s legislation to reduce the regulatory burden placed on small businesses, workers, and American households and increase transparency for all the entities needed to comply.” Navigating through all of the regulations promulgated by federal agencies and keeping up to date with all of the periodic changes to guidance as well as administrative reinterpretations and changes of previous rules can be very difficult for businesses operating in those regulated agencies. Katie Britt is serving in her first term in the U.S. Senate after her election in November. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and Tom Cotton lead bipartisan letter to Biden Administration about surge of Mexican steel
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tom Cotton, along with a bipartisan group of 11 of their Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging them to take action against the surge of Mexican steel imports, which they claim is unsustainable. The Sens. claim that the rising steel imports from Mexico raise grave concerns in America’s steel industry and steel communities such as those in Alabama. They also claim that this surge violates a 2019 agreement between the United States and Mexico negotiated by the Trump Administration. The letter contends that the United States deserves and should demand fair treatment from all trading partners, including its friends. “We urge the Biden administration to immediately begin consultations under the 2019 agreement to address this surge of Mexican steel and return imports to ‘historic volumes of trade,’ with quotas, if necessary,” the Senators wrote. “However, if the Mexican government refuses to remedy this breach, we regretfully urge the administration to consider other mechanisms to ensure compliance and protect American jobs, including the reapplication of Section 232 tariffs.” “The Administration has a responsibility to strongly enforce trade agreements to ensure fairness for hardworking Americans,” said Sen. Britt. “This unprecedented, unacceptable surge in Mexican steel imports is endangering good-paying Alabama jobs and negatively impacting communities across our nation. Additionally, our domestic iron and steel industry is critical for our national security. I will continue to fight to grow opportunities for families in every corner of Alabama and America, while keeping our homeland safe and strong.” Alabama still has a significant iron and steel industry. The iron and steel industry is an original economic engine for the state and supports approximately 15,000 jobs and indirectly supports more than 76,000 jobs, including subcontractors and suppliers. The average annual Alabama wage in the industry is nearly $100,000. Every two Alabama iron and steel industry jobs also supports ten additional jobs throughout the supply chain. Co-signing the letter are Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio). The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) says that imports of finished steel increased by more than 18 percent in January compared with December. Mexico was the second-largest supplier (behind Canada) of finished and semi-finished steel to the U.S. in January. Mexico shipped 456,000 tons of steel to the U.S. in January – an increase of 10 percent from December. Britt is also a member of the National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville wants answers about Afghanistan withdrawal
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined Senator Rick Scott and five Republican colleagues – Senators Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, Thom Tillis, Mike Braun, Josh Hawley, and John Hoeven in introducing legislation to establish a bipartisan, bicameral Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan to demand answers from the Biden administration to questions surrounding the deadly withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021. “President [Joe] Biden wants the country to forget about his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan that cost 13 American lives and squandered two decades of American blood and treasure,” Tuberville said in a press release. “There is no way I am going to let that happen. To date, not a single military or federal official has been held accountable. We need a committee to finally deliver the answers the American people, our allies, and veterans of Afghanistan deserve.” Sen. Scott called the withdrawal “careless.” “President Biden’s misguided and dangerous decisions in his botched withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan led to the United States’ most stunning, unforced, and humiliating defeat in decades,” Sen. Scott said. “Due to President Biden’s carelessness and failed leadership, 13 U.S. service members were lost, billions of dollars of U.S. military equipment were left for the Taliban, hundreds of American citizens were stranded behind enemy lines, and Afghanistan has been returned to the Taliban and now rests in the hands of the same terrorist-coddling extremists who ruled it on September 11, 2001. The world is now a more dangerous place and the American people are rightfully demanding answers. For over a year, I have called for a bipartisan and bicameral investigation into the Biden administration’s failed withdrawal of American forces and my calls have been met with silence. That’s why today, I am reintroducing my bill to establish a bipartisan and bicameral Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan to conduct a full investigation and compile a joint report on the United States’ tragically failed withdrawal from Afghanistan. It’s time to put partisan politics aside and demand accountability.” This joint select committee would follow the precedent set in the aftermath of the Iran-Contra affair. Since the withdrawal, Senator Scott has been calling on Congress to launch a bicameral, bipartisan investigation. “Not long ago, we saw Afghanistan fall and 20 years of work collapse with it. 13 U.S. service members were lost in President Biden’s botched withdrawal,” Sen. Cassidy said. “The country deserves answers.” “The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan cost 13 service members their lives and stranded hundreds of Americans with no way out and left vulnerable to the Taliban,” Sen Cramer said. “A bipartisan, comprehensive investigation into this event strengthens our national security strategy and further ensures the safety of all Americans. The American people deserve to know what happened in Afghanistan so we can prevent similar failures in the future.” “When the Biden Administration disastrously withdrew out of Afghanistan, they left thousands of our Afghan allies behind and severely damaged U.S. credibility on the world stage,” Sen. Tillis said. “Nearly a year and a half later, the American people, especially our brave veterans of the War in Afghanistan, are still owed answers. I am proud to join my colleagues in establishing this bipartisan committee to investigate this colossal failure.” “There has been no accountability for President Biden’s calamitous withdrawal from Afghanistan which resulted in the tragic death of 13 U.S. service members,” Sen. Braun said. “The American people deserve answers and transparency which is why I am joining my colleagues in calling for a Joint Select Committee to investigate the Afghanistan withdrawal.” “We continue pressing for answers and accountability from the Biden administration for their failed withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan,” Hoeven said. “This bipartisan, bicameral Joint Select Committee on Afghanistan would focus on the outstanding issues and concerns that need to be addressed, while outlining our commitment to rescue those left behind, defend the United States’ national security interests and preserve our credibility to the rest of the world.” Donald Trump had pledged to withdraw from Afghanistan when he entered the White House in 2017 but was persuaded not only to stay but to add several thousand U.S. troops and escalate attacks on the Taliban. In 2019, the Trump administration began looking for a deal with the Taliban, and in February 2020, the two sides signed an agreement that called for a complete U.S. withdrawal by May 2021. In exchange, the Taliban made a number of promises, including a pledge not to attack U.S. troops. Biden weighed advice from members of his national security team who argued for retaining the 2,500 troops who were in Afghanistan by the time he took office in January. But in mid-April, he announced his decision to fully withdraw and set September as a deadline for getting out. Biden argued that he had to choose between sticking to a previously negotiated agreement to withdraw U.S. troops this year or sending thousands more service members back into Afghanistan to fight a “third decade” of war. To this point, not a single military or Biden administration official has been held accountable for the military pullout. The War in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021 was the longest war in American history. Sen. Tuberville is in his first term representing Alabama in the United States Senate. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt believes Alabama taxpayers do not want taxes paying for elective abortions
United States Senators Katie Britt and Roger Wicker joined 45 other Senators in introducing the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. This legislation would establish a single, government-wide standard to permanently prohibit the flow of federal funding for abortion. “The vast majority of Alabamians do not want their hard-earned dollars funding elective abortions in California and New York,” Britt stated. “The Hyde Amendment has saved an estimated 2.5 million lives – approximately half the population of Alabama,” said Sen. Britt. “Sadly, radicals in the Democratic Party continue to trumpet their calls for abortion at any time, for any reason. They have now targeted the long-standing, bipartisan Hyde Amendment, annually passed by Congress since 1976, which ensures federal taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions. It is time to make the Hyde Amendment and its lifesaving protections permanent so the far-left does not attempt to hold the nation hostage every year. The vast majority of Alabamians do not want their hard-earned dollars funding elective abortions in California or New York. I will continue to fight to defend life, support parents, grow opportunities for hardworking families, and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.” “Most Americans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars being used for abortion-on-demand, but our current patchwork of regulations has brought years of uncertainty,” stated Sen. Wicker. “The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would simplify federal rules, ensuring that American tax dollars are never used for the destruction of innocent, unborn life.” This legislation would make permanent the restrictions on funding for elective abortion and elective abortion coverage, including the Hyde Amendment, which currently relies on yearly approval. It would also eliminate Obamacare’s taxpayer subsidies for elective abortion coverage on the Affordable Care Act exchanges through refundable tax credits. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) also co-sponsored the legislation. “Millions of hardworking Americans believe that life begins at conception and don’t want their taxpayer dollars inadvertently funding abortions,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a Christian and as a conservative, I share their belief that every life is sacred and every American has a right to life. That’s why I’m proud to sign on to this legislation that will solidify abortion funding restrictions that have been in place for decades and better protect the unborn.” Britt, Tuberville, and Wicker joined Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis, (R-North Carolina), John Thune (R-South Dakota), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Indiana). With Democrats in control of the Senate, it is unlikely that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will allow this bill to even be introduced on the Senate floor. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville supports bill to permanently ban taxpayer funding for abortions
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt joined 45 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act to establish a permanent prohibition on federal funding for abortion. Tuberville said in a statement, “Every life is sacred.” “Millions of hardworking Americans believe that life begins at conception and don’t want their taxpayer dollars inadvertently funding abortions,” said Sen. Tuberville stated. “As a Christian and as a conservative, I share their belief that every life is sacred and every American has a right to life. That’s why I’m proud to sign on to this legislation that will solidify abortion funding restrictions that have been in place for decades and better protect the unborn.” “Most Americans do not want their hard-earned tax dollars being used for abortion-on-demand, but our current patchwork of regulations has brought years of uncertainty,” Sen. Roger Wicker said. “The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act would simplify federal rules, ensuring that American tax dollars are never used for the destruction of innocent, unborn life.” The bill seeks to change 40 years of inconsistent policies that have regulated federal funding for abortion. It would make funding restrictions permanent for abortion and elective abortion coverage, including the Hyde Amendment, which requires annual approval. The legislation would also eliminate taxpayer-funded subsidies for elective abortion coverage currently offered on Affordable Care Act exchanges through refundable tax credits. Tuberville, Wicker, and Britt joined Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis, (R-North Carolina), John Thune (R-South Dakota), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Todd Young (R-Indiana). Swing Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins did not sign off on the legislation, and neither did any of the 52 Senate Democrats who hold the majority in the body. U.S. Representative Christopher Smith (R-New Jersey) has introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville support school choice week
U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville released statements supporting the annual National School Choice Week, which runs from January 22 through January 28, 2023. Sens. Britt and Tuberville have co-sponsored bipartisan resolutions authored by Senator Tim Scott that would formally designate this week as “National School Choice Week” and celebrates educational freedom and excellence throughout our country. “This National School Choice Week, let’s recommit to ensuring that every single child across Alabama and our nation has the opportunity to unlock the American Dream through a high-quality education,” said Sen. Britt. “No child’s zip code should determine their destiny. School choice empowers families with the freedom to make important decisions to help their children achieve their full potential and secure a bright future.” “Nothing rivals the opportunity and freedom that come with a quality education,” Sen. Tuberville said. “The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for ensuring our students aren’t subject to educational disadvantages because of their background or location. I’m committed to breaking down educational barriers so that the next generation of leaders are empowered to achieve the American Dream, which is why I’m proud to join this resolution recognizing National School Choice Week.” Other resolution sponsors include U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and Todd Young (R-Indiana). Tuberville is a former coach, mentor, and educator for more than 40 years. Tuberville spoke on the floor of the Senate, expressing his commitment to promoting educational choice opportunities for students. Tuberville called on the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider proposed rules to redefine the Charter School Program (CSP) that would strip parents of the ability to choose the best school for their child. Tuberville also introduced the Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere (CHOICE) Act to allow low-income families with children in grades K-12 to use federal education funds for educational options that best fit their needs. Last week Britt visited Dunbar Magnet School in Mobile, Alabama, where she attended a civics class, a dance class, and a physical education class before speaking to a school-wide assembly. Dunbar is a public magnet school for grades six through eight. When it comes to education, Britt said that she believes that one size does not fit all. Every family should be empowered to make the best possible choice for their child’s education. For many, that may be their local traditional public school. For others, it might be a traditional public school elsewhere. It could be a public charter or magnet school, a private school, a trade school, homeschooling, or a virtual academy or hybrid solution. “I trust parents to make the best choices for their individual children,” Britt said. “In the Senate, I will fight for their right to do just that.” Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Michigan) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tuberville and Britt are serving in their first terms representing Alabama in the Senate, with Tuberville being elected in 2020 and Britt being elected in 2022. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
