What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to Donald Trump’s plan to issue a national emergency
President Donald Trump on Friday intends to sign a border security compromise that provides $1.4 billion for his proposed border wall with Mexico — far below the $5.7 billion he requested — in order to avert a second government shutdown. But the president isn’t accepting defeat. Thursday night, White House confirmed in signing the compromise, Trump will also announce plans to bypass lawmakers and declare a national emergency in order to gain access to the necessary additional funds to build the border wall. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about the news: 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I wish it hadn’t come to this point, but the Democrats have left President Trump with no choice. There is a true crisis at the southern border, and I support President Trump 100% in this decision because border security is national security. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: According to my understanding of the law, President Trump has every legal authority to declare a national emergency for the purpose of securing our southern border. In fact, the National Emergencies Act specifically gives the President the ability to initiate military construction for the purposes of defending the nation. This border wall will ultimately make our nation stronger and more secure. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The President is pounding his fists after failing to secure billions of dollars for a wasteful, ineffective brick-and-mortar wall that the vast majority of Americans do not support. His actions are a clear abuse of power and set a dangerous precedent. Instead, the President should be focused on addressing some of the real emergencies facing our country – gun violence, the opioid crisis, crumbling infrastructure and poverty.
What they’re saying: Alabama reactions to Trump’s new water proposal
When President Donald Trump took office, he began a process to remove and replace what he deemed to be regulatory burdens put in place by the Obama Administration. One of those rules he endeavored to change was Obama Administration’s 2015 Waters of the United States rule and on Tuesday the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army presented a new proposal to do just that. Under the proposal, federally regulated areas include traditional navigable waters, tributaries to those waters, some ditches, certain lakes and ponds, impoundments of jurisdictional waters, and wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. The proposal also details non-waters of the U.S., such as areas that only contain water during or in response to rainfall; many ditches, including most roadside or farm ditches; prior converted cropland; stormwater control features; and waste treatment systems. “Our proposal would replace the Obama EPA’s 2015 definition with one that respects the limits of the Clean Water Act and provides states and landowners the certainty they need to manage their natural resources and grow local economies,” said EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “For the first time, we are clearly defining the difference between federally protected waterways and state protected waterways. Our simpler and clearer definition would help landowners understand whether a project on their property will require a federal permit or not, without spending thousands of dollars on engineering and legal professionals.” The agencies’ proposal is the second step in a two-step process to review and revise the definition of “waters of the United States” consistent with President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order entitled “Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule.” The Executive Order states that it is in the national interest to ensure that the nation’s navigable waters are kept free from pollution, while at the same time promoting economic growth, minimizing regulatory uncertainty, and showing due regard for the roles of Congress and the states under the Constitution. Here’s what Alabama politicians and groups are saying about the proposed rule: Attorney General Steve Marshall: I applaud the Environmental Protection Agency for the release of a commonsense approach to the protection of America’s waterways. The new EPA Waters of the United States definition clearly delineates whether a waterway is covered by the federal government, thus simplifying the process for landowners in seeking permits for use of their property. This new definition will be especially welcome to our farmers, timberland owners and others who use land for commercial purposes and who were unfairly targeted under the old Obama administration Waters of the United States rule. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell: The proposed rule is good news for Alabama farmers and restores common sense to Clean Water Act enforcement. For several years, farmers, businesses and homeowners have lived under the threat of government intrusion and costly penalties due to overaggressive actions of the Obama-era EPA. We appreciate the Trump administration, current EPA administration, Alabama’s congressional delegation and our state attorneys general for standing by farmers and landowners as we’ve fought back against the WOTUS rule. Alabama Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan: This user-friendly amendment will restore landowners rights. The prior rule greatly expanded Washington’s control over local land use. These necessary changes will assist landowners in understanding whether a project needs federal permits, thus saving our producers both time and money. Alabama Rivers Alliance: BREAKING: The Trump Administration just dropped a rule aiming to gut clean water protections which have been in place for generations. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Farmers who depend on the land and fresh water to do their jobs deserve policies that protect our environment without placing burdensome and confusing requirements on them. I applaud the Trump Administration for rolling out this new rule. As Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said: this rule “restores common sense to Clean Water Act enforcement. *This article will be updated as more reactions come in.
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to the passing of former President George H.W. Bush
George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died Friday night at age 94, and the tributes and condolences have poured in for the man remembered as a World War II veteran, the Cold War president who saw the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the Soviet Union, and a loving family man. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about his passing: Gov. Kay Ivey: President George H.W. Bush was a true statesman and patriot who served our country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later as Congressman, Ambassador, CIA Director, Vice President and President. The honor he showed our people will live on long after today. He was a leader for us all, and his presence will be truly missed. I pray for the Bush Family as they mourn the death of their father, grandfather, great-grandfather and our 41st President. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: President George H.W. Bush was a true American statesman and hero. He dedicated his life to serving the country he loved for more than 70 years. From a young Naval aviator shot down in WWII to Commander-in-Chief, President Bush led our nation with integrity, honor, and measure. Annette and I join all Americans in mourning his passing. His legacy of humility and devotion will never be forgotten. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: I was deeply saddened this morning by the news of President George H.W. Bush’s passing. President Bush served the United States of America throughout his life with honor and dignity, both at war and here at home, as a Navy pilot, a diplomat, and a statesman. He made the most of his 94 years of life and he set an example we should all strive to follow, especially his unwavering dedication to his family and to our country. Louise and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bush family as they grieve the loss of their beloved patriarch. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon. Throughout his 94 years, he served our nation in so many ways, and he accomplished so much. Despite all of this, I think the life of George H.W. Bush is best summed up in a very simple phrase: he was a good man. May God be with the Bush family and a grateful nation as we mourn and remember a good man and an American hero. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Sad news tonight as we mourn the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush. He was a remarkable American who served this country honorably. He will be dearly missed. My prayers are with the Bush family during this time. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Sending heartfelt prayers to the Bush family this morning after the passing of President George H.W. Bush. The world lost a great man today who will be remembered for a lifetime of service. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of former President George H.W. Bush. He was not only our 41st President, but a hero of WWII who was the epitome of the Greatest Generation. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: It is with heavy hearts Martha and I learn of President George H.W. Bush’s passing this morning. We join the Nation in mourning the death of a great man, who before serving as President of the United States honorably served as a Navy pilot during World War II, a U.S. Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chief U.S. Liaison to China, CIA Director, and Vice President of the United States. Throughout his impressive service to our Nation, President Bush set the standard for leadership and integrity. President Bush was deeply devoted to his family, and it showed in their love for him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family at this time of grief. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: In the Navy, the CIA, and in the Oval Office, President George H.W. Bush dedicated his life to service. He was a true patriot who put his country first. Today my prayers are with the whole Bush family. Alabama Speaker of the House, Monrovia-RepublicanMac McCutcheon: President George H.W. Bush epitomized all that is great about public service. A man of means who could have lived a life of comfort and relaxation, he chose instead to open himself to the criticism that politics and difficult decisions often bring. Our nation is better off for the service that he gallantly offered both in office and as a veteran of World War II. During his presidency, the Berlin Wall fell, the Iron Curtain was finally parted, and our world became more stable and secure under his watch. President Bush is now reunited with his beloved Barbara and the daughter, Robin, that they lost. History will be kind to him, which is just and deserved. Alabama State House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter on behalf of the House Republican Caucus: The members of the Alabama House Republican Caucus join the rest of the nation and freedom-loving people around the world in mourning the loss of President George H.W. Bush. He will be considered among the greatest of our one-term presidents, and most will agree that our nation would have been spared much drama and turmoil had he been elected to a second term. He was both a gentleman and a gentle man who offered an example for others to follow. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they celebrate 94 years of a life well lived. Other notable Alabamians William J. Canary | Former President of the Business Council of Alabama, who served as a Special Assistant on the White House staff of President George H.W. Bush and as Director of the First Family during the 1989 Presidential Inaugural President George H.W. Bush, a man to whom family and friendship was quite simply all, now belongs to the ages.
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to resignation of Jeff Sessions
Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned from his post Wednesday, at the request of President Donald Trump, less than 24 hours after voters went to the polls in the midterm elections. Politicians from across Alabama are reacting to the news: Sen. Richard Shelby: Thank you to my good friend, Jeff Sessions, for over 40 years of noble service to Alabama and our country. Jeff was a respected colleague of mine in the Senate for two decades and represented our nation with honor as the U.S. Attorney General. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I’ve known Jeff Sessions for almost four decades, and I applaud his dedicated service to Alabama and our country. I wish him and Mary nothing but the best. I’m confident President Trump will nominate an Attorney General who will continue to be strong on illegal immigration and work to enforce the rule of law in our country. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I have always known Jeff Sessions to be a man of the highest integrity. I am grateful for his long career in service to the State of Alabama, and I appreciate his remarkable leadership as our country’s Attorney General. I wish him the very best in whatever endeavors follow. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Having served with Jeff Sessions in Congress, I can honestly say that he has always been someone who is of the utmost character and ability. I know he worked every day to uphold the law in all fairness to everyone. He has done great work enforcing our immigration laws, fighting gangs and opioid abuse and upholding religious liberties. Jeff, and his wife Mary, have been good friends with Caroline and me. We wish them the best in whatever is in store for them in the next chapter of their lives 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Jeff Sessions honorably and ably served as a United States Attorney, Alabama Attorney General, United States Senator, and U.S. Attorney General. Throughout his long career of public service, Jeff’s deep love of country was evident in his unwavering devotion to upholding America’s foundational principles as enshrined in our Constitution. He served with integrity and dignity. I’m proud to have worked alongside him as both a prosecutor in Alabama and member of Congress. I have been fortunate to know Jeff Sessions for a quarter of a century. As an elected official, Jeff Sessions never wavered in his fierce defense of the Rule of Law and America’s sovereign right to defend and secure its own borders. Jeff Sessions has made Alabama proud. I wish him the best as he embarks on his next journey. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: I have known Jeff Sessions for over three decades. When I met him, he was doing honorable service. In this Administration, his service was nothing less than honorable. I’m grateful for his service and friendship and wish him the best in the future. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today’s firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an alarming reminder of the need for checks and balances. Here in Congress, we have a responsibility to protect special counsel Robert Mueller and the investigation into Russia’s interference in our democracy. Our elections were attacked, and the American people deserve all of the facts on what happened. If Attorney General Sessions was fired as a first step towards interfering in the Mueller investigation, then President Trump must be held accountable. Attorney General Steve Marshall: During his time as U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has been the standard-bearer for upholding the rule of law and fighting every day to make America safer. He has been a vital partner to state attorneys general, and to me personally, in dealing with violent crime and in strengthening our efforts to combat America’s opioid crisis. While his style was to work quietly behind the scenes, he made a powerful positive difference in rebuilding the confidence of prosecutors and law enforcement personnel across the nation—not just as U.S. Attorney General, but also as U.S. Senator and Alabama Attorney General. My staff and I will greatly miss Jeff’s leadership at the Department of Justice and we wish him all the best. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan: A man of integrity, Jeff Sessions has led the Department of Justice with dignity and a firm commitment to the rule of law. His reputation as a dedicated public servant precedes his many years of honorable service to our nation. From his time as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General, U.S. Senator, to the 84th Attorney General of the United States, Alabamians have strongly supported Jeff Sessions. …A true Alabama statesman, Jeff Sessions has been a warrior for President Trump’s conservative agenda. From enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, fighting opioid abuse to strongly supporting members of our law enforcement, Jeff Sessions has consistently made Alabama proud. His service can be most accurately summed up in our state’s motto: ‘We dare defend our rights.’ Unwavering and resolute, our country needs more public servants like Jeff Sessions. We are blessed and are stronger because of his humble sacrifices through his lifetime of service to Alabama and America.
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to Brett Kavanaugh confirmation
Brett Kavanaugh was sworn in Saturday night as the 114th justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, after weeks of debate over sexual misconduct and judicial temperament that divided the nation. He was ultimately confirmed in the Senate by a vote of 50 – 48. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about his confirmation: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I voted today to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who has devoted 26 years of public service to our nation as a jurist, lawyer, and professor. During the hearings, I found Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony to be credible. I also found the subsequent FBI report to be thorough. As a senator, my job is to carefully consider and review all available information. After doing so, it is evident that the accusations against Judge Kavanaugh are uncorroborated, and there is no confirmation of any of the alleged misconduct. During his time as a federal judge, Judge Kavanaugh has been a principled, intelligent, and steadfast supporter of the rule of law. In accordance with my constitutional right to ‘advice and consent,’ I advise that Judge Kavanaugh be the next associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.” Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Our nation is better off with Judge Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court, and I am glad the circus is over. I applaud the senators who supported Judge Kavanaugh, including Alabama Senator Richard Shelby. This process and the shameful tactics used have been an embarrassment to our nation, but I hope we can now move forward as a country and not return to these pathetic political games again. Terry Lathan | Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party The Alabama Republican Party congratulates Judge Brett Kavanaugh on his confirmation. Judge Kavanaugh has our full support as he begins his honorable journey serving the American people on our nation’s highest court. In celebrating this confirmation, we thank Senator Shelby and his Republican colleagues for their yes votes. Unlike Senator Jones, Senator Shelby exemplified what it means to be a true public servant by representing the majority of Alabamians when he cast his final vote. Without meeting with Judge Kavanaugh, Doug Jones even went so far as to insinuate his opinion mattered more than those of the people he was elected to serve… It is clear that Senator Doug Jones’ allegiance lies not to his Alabama constituents, but strongly to the Democrat Party. Voters will remember this when they head to the polls in 2020. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Judge Brett Kavanaugh is a conservative, experienced jurist who I believe will be a strict constitutionalist on the Supreme Court. I am pleased that the United States Senate voted to confirm him, and I am confident he will serve the Court and the American people admirably. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: When we appoint a Supreme Court justice for life, their honesty, their temperament, and their credibility should not be in question. But Judge Kavanaugh fails on all of those counts. This man should not be on the Supreme Court.
What they’re saying: ALGOP reacts to Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination advancing to final floor vote
It’s official: the U.S. Senate will give Judge Brett Kavanaugh a final floor vote on Saturday, after enough senators voted to end debate and advance his nomination Friday. The final vote was 51 to 49. Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Chairman Terry Lathan said the state party was “very supportive” of the vote. “The Alabama Republican Party is very supportive of today’s vote now allowing Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation to come to a full floor vote in the U.S. Senate,” said Lathan. “We have the utmost respect for Judge Kavanaugh as he has endured baseless and slanderous attacks on his character from the left. We deeply appreciate Senator [Richard] Shelby‘s yes vote today along with his careful consideration of the requests of Alabamians who want to see this confirmation move forward.” The ALGOP doubled-down on their disappointment to Jones, whom they called out last week when they described his decision to vote against Kavanaugh as a betrayal to the State of Alabama. Lathan continued, “It is an absolute shame Senator Doug Jones chose to vote no and deny the pleas and calls of his constituents who clearly want to see Judge Kavanaugh confirmed. In 2020 the voters will hold Senator Jones responsible for continually ignoring the will of Alabamians and instead choosing to follow the bidding of Democrat leadership.” Friday morning’s cloture vote follows a September 27 hearing in which Kavanaugh fended off allegations by Christine Blasey Ford that he had sexually assaulted her when both were in high school in the 1980s.
What they’re saying: Alabama delegation reacts to DRA $1.1M investment into state
On Monday, the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) — a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in 252 counties and parishes across eight states — Chairman Chris Caldwell along with Governor Kay Ivey announced the DRA will invest $1.1 million to enhance workforce training and development, help create technology jobs and deliver safe drinking water to the Black Belt region. Here’s what the Alabama congressional delegation has to has about the investment: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Delta Regional Authority is dedicated to improving Alabama’s infrastructure and economy by providing this critical funding throughout the Black Belt region. The projects made possible by these investments will drive job creation, enhance workforce training, and ensure our state’s ability to compete on a national stage. I am proud of the work DRA is doing and look forward to collaborating with Chairman Caldwell and his staff on projects that support and benefit Alabama. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: The Delta Regional Authority’s investments will support critical workforce and infrastructure needs in these Alabama communities. The updates to water and wastewater systems are especially important to make sure folks have safe drinking water and healthy homes for their families. I applaud the DRA for continuing its long-standing commitment to providing greater economic opportunity and a higher quality of life in every corner of Alabama. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I am grateful to the Delta Regional Authority for their continued investment in rural Alabama. Specifically, the Brewton technology park project will help bring more high-tech, good-paying jobs to Alabama. Despite what you may hear, rural America is continuing to thrive and grow, and that is a testament to organizations like the Delta Regional Authority who continue to invest and support our rural communities. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The Delta Regional Authority’s sizable investment in workforce development will spur continued economic growth, create new jobs, and train a skilled workforce to fill these jobs. I am grateful for DRA’s commitment to growing Alabama’s economy while making sure our state is a great place to live for all people, and I am eager to see the improvements delivered. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: The investment announced today by the Delta Regional Authority is going to have a powerful impact for Alabama’s working families. By bringing more resources and better opportunities to Alabama’s Black Belt, we are empowering rural families to build a better life for themselves and their communities. Thank you to DRA and to the public and private partners who have made a continued commitment to expanding and strengthening public infrastructure in Alabama.
What they’re saying: Alabama delegation remembers the 9/11 terrorist attacks
On Tuesday, the nation paused to remember the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people after hijacked planes crashed, with with tears and somber tributes. Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying about that tragic day in American history: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Today on September 11th, we recognize the tremendous strength of our nation. We will always remember the courage of those we lost, as well as those who bravely risked their lives to save others. #NeverForget U.S. Sen Doug Jones: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Almost 3,000 people died on September 11, 2001, including some great Alabamians. Today, let us remember their lives and say a prayer for their loved ones. As President George W. Bush has said, “I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.’” Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: May we #NeverForget the innocent lives lost and the brave lives sacrificed on this September day 17 years ago. Today especially, let us all remember the victims, honor the heroes, and prayerfully consider the families who still grieve the loss of their loved ones. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: We Will #NeverForget. #911 Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Rober Aderholt: It’s been 17 years, but for so many, it seems like just yesterday. We will never forget! Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: 17 years ago today, our nation experienced one of the greatest tragedies in our history. The evil act of unprovoked violence shook us as a people, but in the days following, Americans responded with heroism and acts of patriotism. We stood strong in the face of attacks on our God-given freedoms, and we will #NeverForget those who lost their lives that day and those who have since sacrificed in the fight against evil. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Seventeen years ago, September 11th was a dark day for America when terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93 resulted in the loss of almost 3,000 lives. The nation was stunned by the evil that struck us that day. But in the midst of that tragedy, we were also inspired. There are countless stories of great courage and sacrifice from that beautiful September day. We well remember the stories of courageous men and women putting their own lives in danger to try to save others, of courageous first responders who ran into the rubble and ruin in New York and Washington, DC and gave their lives in an attempt to rescue survivors. And of course, the brave passengers of Flight 93 will also always be remembered for how they thwarted the hijackers on their flight at the cost of their lives. Their sacrifice likely saved the U.S. Capitol from destruction. I pray that as a nation, we will never forget those whose lives were lost on September 11 or those who bravely sacrificed and died to save others that day. Whenever and wherever we can, we should offer comfort to the families and friends who still mourn. Though this is a sobering anniversary for us as a nation, one thing that we learned about ourselves is that, as in so many other tragedies, we can still take encouragement from the resilience of our people and our ability to unite in times of hardship. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today we honor the memory of those we lost and the courage of the brave men and women who sacrificed to save others on 9/11. We will never forget.
