Tommy Tuberville decries Joe Biden’s weaponization of DOJ
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined Senator Eric Schmitt, who led the panel, as well as Senators Mike Lee and Roger Marshall in a roundtable discussion on the weaponization of Joe Biden’s Justice Department against its political opponents. Other participating panelists included Matt Whitaker, former Acting United States Attorney General; Stephen Miller, former Senior Advisor to President Trump and President of America First Legal; and Kevin Roberts, President of The Heritage Foundation. WATCH: I’m leading my Senate Republican colleagues in a Roundtable on the Politicization of our Justice System. https://t.co/Unne9AAbvN — Senator Eric Schmitt (@SenEricSchmitt) July 9, 2024 Tuberville spoke to the weaponization of federal agencies, saying “Since taking office, President Biden has used taxpayer dollars and resources to attack conservative parents on school boards, Catholics, and pro-life advocates. It’s very obvious.” He pointed out that “[N]o one has been more impacted by Joe Biden’s weaponization of justice than President Trump. […] [The New York v. Trump] trial was a complete joke and a massive waste of taxpayer dollars. It was a clown show. As if it wasn’t obvious enough that this case was political, a former top Biden DOJ official delivered opening arguments for the prosecution. The fact that the Biden campaign staged a press conference outside the court tells you everything you need to know. Let’s be clear, this case would have never made it to court if Donald Trump wasn’t running for President. If we don’t return to our Constitution, which guarantees every U.S. citizen equal treatment under the law and the right to a fair trial, we are no better than Venezuela or communist China.” You can read more about Tuberville’s work to end the weaponization of the Justice System in a full op-ed recently published by The Daily Signal.
Steve Flowers: Donald Trump will be coronated at the Republican Convention:
The Republican National Convention begins next week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee was selected as the home to the GOP Convention for a reason. Wisconsin is one of the six major pivotal battleground states in the presidential race. The others are Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, and possibly Pennsylvania. In bygone years, presidential candidates campaigned in 40 or so states because 40 states were in play. Today the candidates will concentrate in these few swing states and will really focus their efforts on certain locales and precincts within these handful of states. Even the media, both right and left, discuss and reveal polling in these swing states and disregard the national horserace polling numbers because they are irrelevant. Under our electoral college system of selecting our president where the winner of each state’s popular vote gets all of those states electoral votes, there is no reason to campaign in 40 states because those back 40 are already predisposed to vote for either the Republican or Democratic candidate. As I have often said, if Mickey Mouse were the Republican nominee he would win Alabama and Kansas. By the same token, if Donald Duck were the Democratic nominee he would carry the states of California and New York, and get all of their boatload of electoral votes. You might say that the “hay is in the barn” in Kansas and the “cannabis in the halo” in California. Donald J. Trump will be coronated by the GOP delegates at the Milwaukee confab July 15-18. Republicans are hoping that by giving deference to Wisconsin, it will help the former President carry the state in November. Trump won the state narrowly against Hillary Clinton in 2016 and lost narrowly to Biden in 2020. Currently, Trump and Biden are knotted at 45/45 in Wisconsin with third party candidate Robert Kennedy getting a substantial 10%. In fact, as the convention begins, current polling has Donald Trump ahead of Joe Biden in most of the battleground states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, and even Michigan. Trump is ahead and will be favored to win the General Election for three reasons. First, Joe Biden’s aged demeanor is an Achilles heel that he cannot overcome, and it will only get worse. Pivotal Independents are not comfortable that he is capable of being Commander in Chief, and young Democratic voters are not enthused to vote for someone for President of the United States that looks like their great grandfather who is running for president of his nursing home. Secondly, the candidacy of third-party candidate Robert Kennedy is siphoning off these young Democratic voters. The third and primary reason is that the Democratic plan and ploy to indict former President Trump on trumped up ridiculous court cases in primarily Democratic venues around the country, has incensed American Republican and Independent voters to such a degree that this mockery of the court system has made Trump a martyr. It has definitely made the Trump Republican base mad and fired up. The Democrats overplayed their hand with this court charade. This circus abuse of the judiciary for political purposes has truly angered the Republican base. It has assured Trump the GOP nomination and it has even made the pivotal Independent voters sway towards Trump. Alabama is a Trump state. The Alabama delegation will fervently cast 50 delegate votes for Donald J. Trump next week. Senator “Coach” Tommy Tuberville will be the one who gets to reply to the Chair of the Convention when they call the roll for the vote. Alabama will be the first to vote as they call the roll alphabetically. Senator Tuberville will rise and shout that the great state of Alabama proudly casts all of its 50 delegate votes to the next President of the United States, President Donald J. Trump. It is appropriate that Tuberville is Chairman of the Alabama delegation. He and Trump are close. Indeed, if Trump becomes President, our Senior Senator Tuberville will be the President’s closest ally in the Senate. They talk consistently, and golf together regularly. Our 50-member delegation is star-studded. Our Senior State Senate Legend, Senator Jabo Waggoner, will be a delegate to the National Convention for the ninth time. Jabo is 87. He will be joined by the youngest delegate ever elected, 22-year-old St. Clair native and lifelong resident of Chandler Mountain, young Logan Glass. 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 steve@steveflowers.us. The Republican National Convention begins next week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee was selected as the home to the GOP Convention for a reason. Wisconsin is one of the six major pivotal battleground states in the presidential race. The others are Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, and possibly Pennsylvania. In bygone years, presidential candidates campaigned in 40 or so states because 40 states were in play. Today the candidates will concentrate in these few swing states and will really focus their efforts on certain locales and precincts within these handful of states. Even the media, both right and left, discuss and reveal polling in these swing states and disregard the national horserace polling numbers because they are irrelevant. Under our electoral college system of selecting our president where the winner of each state’s popular vote gets all of those states electoral votes, there is no reason to campaign in 40 states because those back 40 are already predisposed to vote for either the Republican or Democratic candidate. As I have often said, if Mickey Mouse were the Republican nominee he would win Alabama and Kansas. By the same token, if Donald Duck were the Democratic nominee he would carry the states of California and New York, and get all of their boatload of electoral votes. You might say that the “hay is in the barn” in Kansas and the “cannabis in the halo” in California. Donald J. Trump will be coronated by the GOP delegates
Tommy Tuberville is concerned about farm policy
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) recently expressed concerns about farmers being unable to access disaster relief dollars. Specifically, Sen. Tuberville is concerned that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is discriminating against larger farms in the disaster relief that farmers receive. “I am continuing my effort to protect Alabama farmers,” Sen. Tuberville told Alabama reporters during a press call. “Right now, a lot of Alabama farmers are frustrated by the way the Department of Agriculture, USDA, is giving out aid for emergency disaster relief for things like drought, hurricanes, and winter storms.” “The Biden Administration took a helpful relief program and absolutely ruined it,” said Tuberville. “The program’s rollout was extremely delayed, and the methodology and the implementation of the relief program is not equal for all farmers based on their losses. Right now, larger farms are getting only about ten to twenty-five percent of their losses back in relief from the Department of Agriculture. That leaves a lot of our farmers struggling to make ends meet.” Alabama farmers are being severely impacted by the severe drought that hit the state from August to November. While rains did break the drought conditions, they came after killing frosts, meaning that many farmers went into winter without adequate stockpiled grass and hay to feed cows through the winter. USDA does have the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Farmers and ranchers affected by the drought should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more details. The drought has also impacted orchards and winter grain farmers (winter wheat, rye, and oats). Given the dry conditions, many parts of the state were too dry for the seeds to establish themselves if the farmers even got the crop in. They either lost the crop or had to irrigate to get it established this winter – pumping water, if it was even available, is costly. “This week, I am joining Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Senator John Hoeven (R-North Dakota) to go on record to tell the Department of Agriculture to get the woke ideology out of farm aid,” Sen. Tuberville continued. “Disaster relief is supposed to help farmers who need it, not hurt them. Congress has appropriated the money. The Department needs to use it to help all of our farmers to keep food on the table.” Sen. Tuberville is also concerned that a recent decision by USDA to allow fresh beef imports from Paraguay will be dangerous for food safety in the United States. Historically, beef from the South American nation has been barred due to the presence of foot and mouth disease there and the fear that it could spread to the United States. “The USDA also recently passed a rule to allow the importation of fresh beef from Paraguay,” Tuberville said. “This represents and presents concerns to the safety of our nation’s beef consumption as Paraguay does not have the same food and processing standards as the United States. Our biggest concern is foot and mouth disease entering the U.S. through these imports. Not only is it a safety risk, but it is a huge blow to America’s beef farmers.” In response to the USDA rule, Sens. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) and Jon Tester (D-Montana) introduced Senate Bill 3386 (S.3386) to temporarily suspend imports of beef and beef products from Paraguay and require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to convene a working group to fully evaluate the threat that such imports would have on U.S. food safety and animal health. Beef imports from Paraguay are expected to hit grocery store shelves beginning December 14, 2023. Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals like cattle. The USDA estimates that an outbreak in the United States would result in losses over a 15-year period of between $37 billion to $42 billion. The last known FMD outbreak in Paraguay occurred in 2011. “We are grateful for this bipartisan action to protect our food supply and animal health from what we view as an extremely irresponsible decision by the USDA,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard. “But Congress will have to act quickly to pass this legislation in time to prevent the importation of potentially high-risk beef from Paraguay given that the USDA wants to allow such beef imports to begin as early as December 14.” “The USDA needs to start putting our farmers first, not last,” Tuberville concluded. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville introduces amendment to secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) introduced the Border Safety and Security Act as an amendment to the SUPPORT Act. Tuberville said that it is impossible to address the drug overdose problem in the United States without addressing border security. Tuberville claimed that this legislation is needed to address the opioid crisis until the southern border is secure. HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) opposed the amendment, effectively blocking it from consideration. “I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss an issue that I believe is directly related to everything we’ve talked about in here,” said Sen. Tuberville in the hearing. “I believe it’s impossible to discuss our nation’s opioid epidemic without discussing the crisis at the southern border. You know, back in March, I introduced the Border Safety and Security Act. This legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend the entry of illegal immigrants into the United States until we have control of our border again – because we’ve lost it. 6.5 million illegal immigrants have been apprehended by the [Customs & Border Protection] since January 2021. In fiscal year 2023 alone, CBP seized 1,000 pounds of fentanyl at the border. Imagine how much fentanyl made it into the U.S. without being caught by law enforcement. Imagine how many lives we’ve lost – over 100,000 a year in this country – eight to ten in my state a day in Alabama, not counting the cost of health care. Mental illness – I keep hearing about people training new mental health professionals – and that’s great. If we don’t stop this drug coming across the border, we’re not gonna fix anything. We’re wasting our time.” “I’m offering this bill as an amendment to the SUPPORT Act today because I think we must take a good hard look at this,” Tuberville continued. “We’ve got to do it. Find[ing] ways to address substance abuse disorders is worthwhile and should be seriously considered by this committee. But unless we do something to address the supply, addiction will only continue and get worse. We will never get out of this epidemic without it. So, every day we leave it open, it’s becoming the biggest disaster of our lifetime. And we’re in here talking about mental health people working. It is a disaster. I’ve taught for 40 years, and I’ve never seen the influx of what’s happening. Not just in our communities but in our schools. We wonder why we have problems. It’s an absolute disgrace. Therefore, I’d like to offer and withdraw this amendment, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.” Tuberville originally introduced the Border and Security Act in March 2023 as part of his continued push to tighten border security and address the humanitarian crisis created by President Joe Biden’s immigration policies. Tuberville’s legislation puts more responsibility on the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and gives increased authority to state attorneys general in holding DHS accountable if the department fails in its duty to restrict entry and detain illegal immigrants. 2.76 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2022 alone – that is equal to 55.1% of the population of the state of Alabama. That was followed by a record-breaking 3.2 million in fiscal year 2023 – equivalent to 64.5% of the population of the state of Alabama. The open border is also contributing to the deadly fentanyl epidemic, which kills 107,000 Americans a year. 69.5% of the deaths are males. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. If enacted, the Border Safety and Security Act would: · Authorize the DHS Secretary to suspend the entry of illegal immigrants at the U.S. border should the secretary determine it is necessary to do so to regain operational control of the border. · Require the secretary to suspend the entry of illegal immigrants during any period of time in which DHS cannot detain such individuals or place them in Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) or a similar program. · Authorize state attorneys general to bring legal action against the DHS should the secretary fail to suspend entry without detention or use of MPP, continuing to place strain on communities, so as to obtain injunctive relief. Original cosponsors in the Senate include U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Mike Lee (R-Utah). The legislation is supported by the America First Policy Institute, NumbersUSA, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Sen. Tuberville said he supports common-sense policies that strengthen our border and national security, like building the wall and reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the Remain in Mexico policy. Tuberville has spoken about his concerns on the floor of the U.S. Senate and called on the Biden administration to act. In September 2023, Senator Tuberville helped introduce the Secure the Border Act of 2023, the Senate companion passed by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year, commonly known as H.R. 2. It was blocked in the Senate. Tuberville has served in the Senate for three years. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mike Rounds, Joe Manchin seek back pay for military officers affected by Tommy Tuberville holds
by South Dakota Searchlight staff, Alabama Reflector This story was originally published on South Dakota Searchlight. Senators from South Dakota and West Virginia want hundreds of military officers to receive back pay after an Alabama senator held up their promotions for most of the year. Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican, and Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, announced Friday the introduction of the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023. The bill comes after Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, ended holds he had placed on hundreds of military promotions in protest of a Pentagon abortion policy. The policy allows armed services members time off and travel reimbursement if they seek an abortion in a state where it remains legal. On Tuesday, Tuberville said he would lift all of his holds except for a handful of four-star general nominees. The men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America should not be negatively impacted by political squabbles. – Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota Rounds said Friday in a news release that he, like Tuberville, disagrees with the Pentagon policy and supports “a member of the Senate’s right to hold any nomination.” But, Rounds added, “the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America should not be negatively impacted by political squabbles.” “I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Manchin to do the right thing and provide military officers and their families with the benefits they have earned for their decades of service and sacrifice,” Rounds said. The press release from Rounds included comments from Manchin, who focused on the affected service members and did not address the abortion policy or the right of senators to hold up nominations. “These men and women are true American heroes and the least we can do in Congress is restore the benefits they have earned and deserve,” Manchin said. The bill co-sponsors include Tuberville. Other co-sponsors are Angus King, I-Maine; Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York; Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut; and Tim Kaine, D-Virginia. South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Follow South Dakota Searchlight on Facebook and Twitter. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Tommy Tuberville wants aid for Israel separated from aid for Ukraine
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) spoke on the Senate floor about what he sees as the importance of separating funding for Israel from aid for Ukraine. Sen. Tuberville reiterated his support for Israel and called on Democrats to prioritize Israel’s fight against terrorism. He also urged Democrats to defund the hiring of 80,000 new IRS agents. “I join my colleagues on the floor to support our ally, Israel,” Sen. Tuberville said. “On October the seventh, Israel was suddenly and deliberately attacked by Hamas terrorists. The terrorists targeted innocent people – not military targets. That’s very important. They killed thousands of civilians, including dozens of Americans. They filmed their own atrocities and put videos on the internet. They were very proud of what they were doing. It is absolutely disgraceful.” “The United States has supported Israel from the very beginning,” Tuberville continued. “The first leader in the world to recognize Israel was Harry Truman. Administrations from both parties have strongly supported Israel. But now the Biden Administration is trying to ride the fence. Joe Biden knows that his voting base does not like Israel. The left dislikes Israel. In their woke ideology, they say Palestinians are oppressed by Israel. It’s just not true. Since the war broke out in October, liberals in Congress and around the country have expressed sympathy for Hamas. It’s been especially bad on college campuses. I’m not even going to repeat some of the things that have been said by Democrat members of Congress.” Tuberville has been an outspoken critic of the Biden Administration’s foreign policy. “Joe Biden has also continued to practice appeasement of Iran. When Joe Biden took office, Iran was dead broke,” Tuberville continued. “They had access to just a few billion dollars in foreign currencies. Today, they have ten times that much money. This is because of loosened sanctions and because of oil sales by Iran. Iran is the number one sponsor of terrorism in the world. Iran provides funding for Hamas and for Hezbollah. Joe Biden is helping Iran to get rich. There is no question that sanctions relief for Iran will end up in the hands of terrorists. Joe Biden wants to ride the fence, but we can’t ride the fence on this one, not for our ally. This is a battle between good and evil. This is about an ally of the United States of America fighting terrorists who kill innocent women and children. And let’s remember the terrorists killed Americans too. Hamas would love to kill more Americans, and they will kill more Americans if they get the chance.” While Tuberville helped block the aid package in the Senate, he does support the House version that funds Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza but does not fund Ukraine in their war against Russia and which pays for the aid by eliminating partisan funding passed in the last Congress to dramatically enlarge the number of IRS enforcement agents the agency fields. “So, Israel needs to wage a war of extermination against Hamas,” Tuberville explained. “I’m supporting this legislation to provide fourteen billion in aid to Israel. Unlike the Democrats’ requests for foreign aid, this is paid for. We pay for it by canceling out the Democrats’ plan to supersize the IRS. Are they more important than Israel? Last year, the Democrats cut the IRS a check for eighty billion dollars. They’re planning to hire eighty thousand new IRS agents. They want to double the size of the IRS. They want to shake down the American people for every last dime. The wealthy, they’ll be just fine. The wealthy have tax lawyers and accountants. It’s families and small businesses who will pay this price. A report from the joint tax committee says that the Democrats’ bill last year raised taxes on almost every tax bracket.” Tuberville said that he stands unequivocally with Israel and is horrified by the rise of antisemitism among Democrats, especially on college campuses. Tommy Tuberville was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville dismisses reports Katie Britt influenced drop on military holds, likens U.S. Senate to a ‘cartel’
Appearing on the Dixon and Vining Show on Birmingham’s Talk 99.5 FM this morning with Richard Dixon and guest host Apryl Marie Fogel, Tommy Tuberville talked about a wide range of topics, focusing on what he described as the upcoming change in rules that resulted in his drop on military holds. Tuberville told Dixon and Fogel that while he cannot claim a victory on his eleven-month-long effort to stop the Department of Defense from expanding access to abortions on U.S. military bases, he intends to continue the fight in the future. He explained the timing of his actions this week, which resulted in 425 nominations being confirmed, saying, “They changed the rules on me in the last couple of months.” He claimed to have had the votes with bipartisan support to leave it in the military budget that he anticipates passing next week to change the policy back to where it was before the DOD’s post-Supreme Court updates. Expressing his frustration, he said, “This is not a government. This is a cartel. This is run by the Democrats.” Before going on to say, “I don’t understand some of my Republican colleagues,” describing the process where they agreed with Chuck Schumer to change the 200-year-old rule to lift his hold before the budget came to a vote. As reported by Politico in early November, several Republican members of the Senate took to the floor to force Tuberville’s hand on confirming 60 nominees. That effort was led by Senator Dan Sullivan, who was joined by Joni Ernst of Iowa, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Todd Young of Indiana, and Mitt Romney of Utah. Tuberville stressed, “We fought hard. I’m not done. We’re going to continue to fight; looks like we’re gonna have to get President [Donald] Trump back in office, then we’ll get it changed back.” He is continuing his hold of 4-star generals. The interview continued with Fogel asking about a Punchbowl News story that has gained national attention saying that Alabama’s junior senator Katie Britt acted as an intermediary in the final negotiations that led to his release of the holds. Tuberville demurred, saying they had had a “couple of conversations.” He then pivoted quickly to credit his colleagues Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, and Rick Scott for supporting his efforts over the last eleven months. He said if he got a call from anyone else, it was, “Hey, we need to get this done. You know it could hurt the election next year; could hurt our possibilities of getting a senator or two.” Tuberville emphasized that elections weren’t his priority, saying, “That wasn’t my concern.” Tuberville wrapped up his response to the report that Britt had a pivotal role in negotiations to end his hold. He said, “I don’t know where that other information came from.”
Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt demand Biden Administration protect children at border from traffickers
On Monday, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and 36 other Republican Senators in a letter calling on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to overhaul its policies regarding the treatment of unaccompanied alien children in the United States. Tuberville, Britt, and Grassley claim that ORR’s proposed rule – parts of which the agency is already enforcing – allows children to be placed in the custody of unvetted, potentially criminal sponsors and obstructs whistleblowers from reporting to Congress on abuse in the program. Tuberville, Britt, Grassley, and fellow Republicans are demanding that ORR rewrite its policies or face congressional action to overturn the finalized rule. “This Administration continues to turn a blind eye to the tragic human costs of its reckless agenda,” stated Sen. Britt in a statement. “The reality is that President [Joe] Biden’s border policies are anything but compassionate. Every single day, untold numbers of vulnerable children are being trafficked and recycled across our porous southern border. These innocent girls and boys are not living the American Dream – they’re facing an American nightmare. Meanwhile, women and men continue to be viciously trafficked by the cartels, and American families and communities continue to be devastated by the deadly fentanyl flowing into our nation. Enough is enough. It is past time to end this unprecedented humanitarian and national security crisis. Yet again, my Senate Republican colleagues and I are offering commonsense solutions to do just that.” “This Proposed Rule ignores nearly seven years of oversight conducted by Congress and the Office of Inspector General and reveals chronic foot-dragging—if not total reluctance—when it comes to protecting vulnerable children,” the Senators wrote. “It provides ample protections to government bureaucrats at the expense of children. Even more concerning, ‘the requirements being [adopted] in this proposed rule are already enforced by [the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)].’” “…ORR does not even consider a sponsor’s criminal record, current illegal drug use, history of abuse or neglect, or other child welfare concerns ‘necessarily disqualifying to potential sponsorship.’… In effect, ORR accepts a sponsor’s representations almost entirely on face value,” the senators continued. “ORR’s Proposed Rule abdicates the agency’s responsibility for protecting the vulnerable children in its custody from harmful behavior by poorly vetted, potential criminals. For these services, the taxpayer paid ORR $5.5 billion in FY2022. The Proposed Rule is wholly unworkable and ORR should discard it and its current practices. If not, Congress will have no choice but to introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act,” the senators concluded. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville and colleagues urge Biden administration to enforce sanctions on Iranian steel
On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that last week she and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) had joined 29 of their Senate Republican colleagues in a letter to President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Treasury Department to enforce existing sanctions on Iranian steel. “The Biden Administration must reimpose a comprehensive, bone-crushing sanctions enforcement regime on Iran and its terror proxies,” stated Senator Britt. “As this Administration continues down a dangerous, misguided path of appeasement, it only endangers our national security and emboldens our adversaries across the globe. It is past time to achieve peace through unrelenting strength.” In the letter, the Senators express the importance of “proactively and continuously” enforcing sanctions and the detrimental consequences of ineffective – or willfully negligent – enforcement. Iran is one of the largest steel-producing countries in the world, with the industry generating significant funds via exports. “In 2020, the United States sanctioned Iran’s metals industries and steel producers, massively impacting their exports in 2021,” the Sens. wrote. “The enforcement of these sanctions decreased Iranian steel exports from 9 million metric tons in 2020 to 4.2 million tons in 2021,” wrote the Senators. “However, Iranian steel exports rebounded to 10 million tons in 2022. This correlates to the United States reengaging with Iran to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), along with a decrease in enforcement of existing sanctions by the Treasury Department.” “We write to you just weeks after our nation’s great ally was suddenly and barbarically attacked by Hamas terrorists—proxies funded, trained, and equipped by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Sens wrote. “The pure evil inflicted on the Israeli people on October 7, 2023, will live in infamy as one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history.” “Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism across the globe, and its stated objective is to wipe Israel off the face of the planet,” the Sens. continued. “It is estimated that Iran provides $700 million dollars annually to Hezbollah and $350 million annually to Hamas. Additionally, Iranian-backed terrorist proxies in Syria and Iraq have received substantial new financial support, including double-digit percentage increases to the salaries paid to affiliated individuals this year alone.” “Steel is one of Iran’s most lucrative export markets,” the Sens. explained. “The World Steel Association announced in September 2023 that Iran is the 10th largest steel producer in the world. In 2020, the United States sanctioned Iran’s metals industries and steel producers, massively impacting their exports in 2021. The enforcement of these sanctions decreased Iranian steel exports from 9 million metric tons in 2020 to 4.2 million tons in 2021. However, Iranian steel exports rebounded to 10 million tons in 2022. This correlates to the United States reengaging with Iran to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), along with a decrease in enforcement of existing sanctions by the Treasury Department.” We urge your Administration to enforce all Iran-related sanctions at your disposal, to include secondary sanctions on other countries who seek economic engagement with Iran. We owe it to the innocent children, women, and men who were savagely beaten, raped, tortured, and killed on October 7, 2023.” Iran funds terror groups in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and other places. Those Iranian-backed militia groups have, in recent weeks, attacked American armed forces as well as the Israelis. The U.S. Navy destroyer Carney was recently attacked in the Red Sea by drones launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen. While the Ayatollah has consistently used the harshest rhetoric possible about war with the United States and Israel, the Biden administration has avoided taking sterner stances with the country. Republican critics argue that the Biden Administration’s payment of six billion dollars to Iran in exchange for prisoners only emboldened the regime by showing weakness. 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 J.D. Vance write letter to the editor regarding Ukraine Aid
On Monday, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) wrote a letter to the editor of the Washington Post detailing their arguments for not supporting more aid for Ukraine. The letter is a rebuttal to a Washington Post columnist who argued that giving weapons to Ukraine makes America stronger. Sen. Tuberville has strongly opposed U.S. foreign policy supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. “The Biden administration’s new message fails to account for grave shortages in our stockpiles,” said Sens. Tuberville and Vance. “Thanks to nearly two years of mission in Ukraine, the United States is perilously unready for any additional contingency. Anything with a solid rocket motor is in short supply, including the SM-6s that would be needed in the Pacific.” “If we are expected to oblige every request for weapons “Made in the U.S.A.,” there would be no conflict from which we abstain,” Tuberville and Vance continued. “Why not send weapons to Myanmar and take a side in the Ethiopian civil war?” “Polling from Morning Consult showed that only 41 percent of Americans support further aid for Ukraine,” the conservative Senators continued. “Political spin cannot obscure that Americans no longer support aid for Ukraine. Neither should the Senate.” Tuberville does support efforts in Congress to separate legislation for aid to Israel and funding for securing the southern border. “Democrats want to tie aid to Israel to Ukraine,” Tuberville said recently in a press call with Alabama reporters. “These two wars have nothing to do with each other. Israel is our formal ally. Ukraine is not. I support the Ukrainian people, but leadership means setting priorities. What’s our goal?” “The Senate will be voting on more money for Ukraine,” Tuberville said. “You know we have already given them more than $100 billion. There has been very little transparency about where all this money has gone. $100 billion is more than enough. We need the money and the weapons here in our country.” Washington Post Columnist Mark Thiesen wrote: “As in any geopolitical or local conflict, we need to know which side we are on and support it with the best available options. Military aid improves our options to protect populations under siege and prevent more deaths while buying time until cooler heads prevail. In Ukraine, our security assistance is preventing more deaths in its cities and on its battlefields and preventing Russia from spreading into Europe.” Thiessen wrote that the anti-war aid Senators and Representatives are voting against their own interests because of the jobs created in their states and districts making the weapons that the U.S. supplies Ukraine with. Tommy Tuberville has represented Alabama in the United States Senate since 2020, where he is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville urges China travel ban to prevent spread of a new mystery illness
On Friday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, urging the President to restrict travel between the U.S. and China until U.S. health experts have more information regarding the mysterious respiratory disease that is rapidly spreading throughout China. “[W]e should not wait for the WHO to take action given its track record of slavish deference to the [Chinese Communist Party],” the senators wrote. “We must take the necessary steps to protect the health of Americans and our economy. That means we should immediately restrict travel between the United States and the [People’s Republic of China] until we know more about the dangers posed by this new illness. A ban on travel now could save our country from death, lockdowns, mandates, and further outbreaks later.” “In light of an unknown respiratory illness spreading throughout the People’s Republic of China (PRC), we call on you to immediately restrict travel between the United States and the PRC,” the Senators wrote. “As you know, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a long history of lying about public health crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCP’s obfuscation of the truth, and lack of transparency, robbed the United States of vital knowledge about the disease and its origin.” “At this moment, the world faces another unknown pathogen emanating from the PRC that could spread to other countries, including the United States,” the Senators continued. “The PRC has reported an increase in this mystery illness—which it claims to be pneumonia caused by known pathogens—since mid-October. This illness reportedly is a special hazard for children and has overrun hospitals in the north of the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is unclear if the disease is due to an overall increase in respiratory infections or separate events. If history is any indication, we have cause to be concerned.” Joining Sens. Tuberville and Rubio on the letter were Senators J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Mike Braun (R-Indiana). The sudden rise in respiratory illnesses in children has sparked concern from hospitals in northern China. The virus has been called “walking pneumonia.” It is continuing to spread through parts of China and severely affect health services, as cases of “white lung pneumonia” continue to rise. The WHO has asked China to share information on the outbreak. Officials in China insist it is not a new disease but rather a combination of different respiratory illnesses that occur during the winter. China was previously criticized for failing to share information about COVID-19. Tuberville has represented Alabama in the United States Senate since 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville blames NATO expansion for war between Ukraine and Russia
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) spoke with the members of the Alabama press corps on why he is opposing more aid for Ukraine. “Next week, the Senate will be voting on more money for Ukraine,” Tuberville said. “You know we have already given them more than $100 billion. There has been very little transparency about where all this money has gone. $100 billion is more than enough. We need the money and the weapons here in our country.” Alabama Today asked Tuberville if he was concerned about reports that leaders of the Baltic states have expressed concerns that if Russia wins the war with Ukraine or appears to have won the war, Russian troops could be crossing their borders in the years to come. “First of all, you have got to look back at what caused this conflict,” Tuberville answered. “What caused this conflict is the United States expanding NATO from all the way from inner central Europe all the way almost now to Ukraine. They have pushed Ukraine into being in NATO. President Putin said that is not going to happen. We are not going to allow the United States basically to be on our border. That is the reason he is fighting this war.” Tuberville said that he would oppose efforts to tie aid to help Israel in its war with Hamas to the President’s aid package for Ukraine. “Democrats want to tie aid to Israel to Ukraine,” Tuberville said. “These two wars have nothing to do with each other. Israel is our formal ally. Ukraine is not. I support the Ukrainian people, but leadership means setting priorities. What’s our goal?” Tuberville suggested that dealing with the crisis on the U.S./Mexico border is a greater concern than the war between Israel and Ukraine. “Before we help other countries, we need to help ourselves,” Tuberville stated. “So we have got a crisis on our southern border like we have never seen in the history of our country. More than six million illegal border crossings since Joe Biden took office. One hundred thousand people dying every year from drugs that come from Mexico. More than 300 people on the terror watch list have been caught since Joe Biden took office. It is frightening to think about how many people we haven’t caught. We don’t know who is here.” Tuberville claimed that the U.S. could end the war in Ukraine. “We could have had this over with, but the United States for some reason, this administration wants it to continue to happen.” Tuberville acknowledged that there was a possibility of a broader conflict in which the U.S. would be directly involved. “I am very concerned of spending money and us getting into a conflict that we don’t need to get in,” Tuberville added, Tuberville said the U.S. needs to change border policies to address the border crisis effectively. “This week, Secretary [Alejandro] Mayorkas said we need to take these people plus twelve million illegals that are already here,” Tuberville continued. “If Democrats want more foreign aid, they had better fix the border first. Democrats say they are willing to spend more money at the border, but they are not willing to change the policy at the border, so it doesn’t make any difference. If you don’t change the policy, all the money is going to be wasted if we send it down there.” Tuberville said that he is going to continue to prioritize the border and aid for Israel. “I am going to be fighting to secure our border and support our ally, Israel, but stop sending our weapons and money to Ukraine,” Tuberville stated. “Let’s get our own house in order before we help anybody else.” Tommy Tuberville has served in the Senate representing Alabama since 2020 after a four-decade career as a teacher, coach, and sports broadcaster. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
