{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", party = \"Democrat\" and state = \"AL\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-favor-cash-act-provide-2000-direct-stimulus-payments", "Rep. Sewell Votes in Favor of the CASH Act to Provide $2,000 in Direct Stimulus Payments", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of the Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 to increase the amount of money struggling Americans receive in a second round of direct payments, from $600 to $2,000.\nSince May, House Democrats have worked diligently to pass several consecutive coronavirus relief packages to put money directly in the pockets of American families who are suffering because of this pandemic, said Rep. Terri Sewell. After months of obstruction, President Trump has finally indicated support for Democrats' proposal of a $2,000 direct payment per person. We now have an opportunity to deliver meaningful stimulus payments that will help support American families through this public health and economic crisis. Senator McConnell and Senate Republicans must now pass this legislation immediately. To ignore the needs of the American people during this great time of need would be shameful.\nThe CASH Act:\n \n\t\tIncreases the value of the economic impact payments (EIPs) provided in the end-of-year COVID relief package so that each eligible family member receives $2,000, up from $600.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tApplies the same, broader eligibility established in the end-of-year package to mixed-status families where one spouse has a Social Security Number (SSN). As specified in the latest COVID relief legislation, these families are eligible for the EIP amount for each family member with an SSN, and can claim the corresponding amount for the first round of economic impact payments when they file their 2020 taxes.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tBroadens eligibility for adult dependents, allowing more Americans to qualify for economic impact payments. Retroactively qualifies adult dependents for the CARES Act economic impact payments, which can be claimed on their 2020 tax filings.\n\t\n Text of the legislation is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-house-democrats-and-republicans-override-president", "Rep. Sewell Votes with House Democrats and Republicans to Override President Trumps Veto of 2021 National Defense Authorization Act", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Chair of the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Warfighter Support, voted to override President Trump's veto of the William M (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). The bipartisan, bicameral bill complies with the bipartisan budget agreement and authorizes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021.\nIt is unconscionable that President Trump would oppose a bipartisan, bicameral bill that provides critical funding necessary to support our troops during this unprecedented time in our nation's history, said Rep. Terri Sewell. Today I voted with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to override the President's reckless veto and protect the lives and livelihoods of our brave military men and women, especially those in Alabama. Senate Democrats and Republicans must work together to override his veto and ensure Americans remain safe at home and abroad.\nRep. Sewell was selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in November  for the second time in a row  to serve on the conference committee tasked with working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. She worked diligently with her fellow conferees to secure key wins in the bill that include:\n \n\t\tAltering or Removing All Names and Symbols Honoring the Confederacy or Those Who Served Voluntarily With the Confederacy From All DOD Assets: The conference report establishes an independent commission to make binding recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for the modification or removal of all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederacy or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederacy from all assets of the Department of Defense.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProviding A Pay Raise to the Troops: The conference report authorizes a 3.0 percent increase in basic pay for service members.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAuthorizing Hazardous Duty Pay for Service Members in Harm's Way: The conference report authorizes the Secretary of Defense to standardize payment of hazardous duty pay for the uniformed services, including the members of the Guard and National Reserve. It also increases Hazardous Duty Pay from $250 to $275 per month.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tNo Backfill of the Military Construction Funds Taken for President's Border Wall: The conference report does not authorize any backfill of military construction funds taken for the President's border wall.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequiring Improvements in Military Housing: The conference report takes several steps to improve military housing, including updating minimum health and safety standards for all military base housing, repealing a provision that currently allows DOD to place families in substandard housing units, and requiring DOD to implement Comptroller General recommendations for improvement of military family housing.\n\t\n The bill also includes several provisions authored by Sewell, and those important to the 7th Congressional District:\nProvision on Aircraft\n \n\t\tAuthorizes $8.73 billion for 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, for modernization of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fighter fleets. Montgomery's 115th 187th Fighter Wings are scheduled to receive the F-35A in 2023.\n\t\n Diversity Requirements for DOD\n \n\t\tEstablishes a Chief Diversity Officer of the DOD and a Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusions for each Military Service, including the Coast Guard.\n\t\n Countering Racism and Extremism\n \n\t\tRequires the DOD Inspector General to establish a mechanism to track and report supremacist, extremist, and criminal gang activity in the Armed Forces.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires questions regarding racism, anti-Semitism, and supremacism be incorporated into DOD surveys; and requires a briefing on which surveys they will be included in.\n\t\n Other Provisions\n \n\t\tIncludes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination Act, passed by the House in January 2019, which strengthens equal employment opportunity protections for federal employees and strengthens prohibitions against discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAuthorizes $20 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires the Secretary of Defense to partner with minority institutions of higher education to diversify the participants in the DOD's Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Education Program.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEstablishes a mentoring and career counseling program at DOD with the goal of having the diversity of the population of officers serving in each branch reflect the diversity of the population of each armed force as a whole.\n\t\n Sale or Donation of Excess Department of Defense Personal Property for Law Enforcement Activities\n \n\t\tIncludes disaster-related emergency preparedness activities among law enforcement activities eligible to participate in the program; provides preference for disaster-related emergency preparedness-type equipment requests, and highest preference for high-water vehicle requests.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProhibits transfer of bayonets, grenades (other than stun and flash-ban), weaponized tracked vehicles, and weaponized drones.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires annual training by participating law enforcement agencies in de-escalation of force, and respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution of the United States.\n\t\n Addressing Climate Change\n \n\t\tRequires a report on the implementation of provisions from the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act related to installation master planning, updates to the Unified Facilities Criteria (building codes), sea-level rise modeling, and climate assessment tools.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEstablishes an alternative fuel vehicle pilot program that will require the military department to expand their use of alternative fuel non-tactical vehicles to increase the use of hybrid and EV vehicles.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires DOD to invest in research and development of advanced water harvesting technologies that would aid in addressing water security issues in areas impacted by drought due to climate change.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires the military services to assess their water use at installations in regions experiencing water scarcity, maximize use of landscaping practices that reduce water usage, and improve their water conservation.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires DOD to submit a report on its greenhouse gas emissions for the last 10 years within 180 days of enactment.\n\t\n Provisions on Partners and Allies\n \n\t\tExpresses the Sense of Congress strongly reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance and urging further cooperation with NATO on shared challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEnhances authorities for the DOD to engage with our closest allies and partners, including those in the National Technology and Industrial Base (United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia) to ensure secure sources of materials critical to U.S. national security.\n\t\n Provisions on Europe and Russia\n \n\t\tPrevents reduction in the number of U.S. forces stationed in Germany below 34,500 until 120 days after the Secretary of Defense submits an assessment and planning regarding the implications for allies, costs, military families, deterrence, and other key issues. Also expresses the sense of Congress emphasizing the value of U.S. forces in Germany and the U.S.-German alliance.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFully funds the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), and invests in additional capabilities that support deterrence in the European Command area of operations.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProvides $250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which provides support and assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEstablishes yearly reporting on any bounties or other attempts by the Russian Federation, its agents, or proxies to encourage or support attacks against U.S. troops or personnel in named operations or combat.\n\t\n Intelligence\n \n\t\tIncreases accountability of funds expended for DOD clandestine activities to support operational preparation of the environment.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tRequires a report on foreign malign influence campaigns on social media platforms targeting elections for federal office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-favor-emergency-coronavirus-relief-package-and-fy2021", "Rep. Sewell Votes in Favor of Emergency Coronavirus Relief Package and FY2021 Government Spending Bill", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of H.R. 133 and the Fiscal Year 2021 Omnibus funding bill Monday to provide hospitals, workers, and families relief from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the government is funded through fiscal year 2021.\n\nIt's been more than eight months since Republicans have met Democrats at the negotiating table to provide our families, small businesses, frontline health care workers, and schools with the resources they need to weather the COVID-19 pandemic. While this bipartisan agreement is a compromise on many issues, this emergency funding cannot come soon enough to those struggling in Alabama and across the country from the devastating fallout of this virus, Rep. Sewell said. This bill is far from perfect, but Alabamians cannot wait any longer for relief. Once President-Elect Joe Biden is sworn in, Congress must consider a further relief package that includes more support for families, as well as essential resources for state and local governments struggling to support frontline employees, including our firefighters and police, and provide vital community resources.\n\nI am also glad that the House passed the bipartisan FY2021 Omnibus Spending bill to fund the government for next year. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to keep the government funded and open, said Rep. Sewell. This legislation includes additional funding for issues important to the 7th Congressional District, including health care, wastewater infrastructure, civil rights historic preservation, and our HBCUs.\n\nCritically, the H.R. 133 will provide $166 billion for economic impact payments, providing $600 stimulus direct payments per adult and child. These payments will be given to individuals making up to $75,000 a year and couples making up to $150,000 a year. This means a family of four would receive a payment of $2,400.\n\nH.R. 133 also:\n\n Extends the eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021, and provides $25 billion for emergency rental assistance.\n Extension of Unemployment Assistance through March 14, 2021, including a supplemental $300 per week payment.\n Provides $13 billion for increased SNAP food assistance, child nutrition benefits, and support for food banks.\n\nAlso included in H.R. 133 and the omnibus funding bill are five pieces of legislation that Rep. Sewell has sponsored to improve health care delivery in rural and underserved areas and bring economic opportunity to the 7th District:\n\n H.R. 1052, the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act, allows physician assistants to be directly compensated by Medicare in order to expand their role as medical providers in underserved communities. Not only will this increase access to health care in underserved communities, but it also saves money.\n H.R. 8892, the Rural-Urban Physician Workforce Act of 2020, helps rural and urban hospitals partner to help produce the next generation of doctors and meet our community's health care needs.\n H.R. 1763, the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, is partially included in the bill. Today's bill will add 1,000 new medical residency slots in 2021, increasing the number of trained doctors to meet growing demand. It will also help provide hospitals and health centers the tools they need to increase access, lower wait times for patients and create a pipeline of qualified medical professionals to serve Americans' health needs. This is the first addition of residency slots since 1997.\n The partial inclusion of Rep. Sewell's H.R. 1680, the New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act, to extend the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) for 5 years, at an allocation level of $5 billion. The NMTC spurs private investment in low-income rural communities and urban neighborhoods by providing tax credits for private investments made in underserved communities.\n H.R. 5156, the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Extension Act, expands incentives for businesses across a range of industries to invest in state-of-the-art technologies to lower carbon emissions from existing power plants by extending the 45Q tax credit for carbon capture.\n\nIn addition to those listed above, H.R. 133 also includes the following provisions:\n\nHealth Care Provisions\n $20 billion for the procurement of COVID vaccines and therapeutics, $9 billion to the Center for Disease Control and States for vaccine distribution, and $3 billion to improve the strategic national stockpile.\n $22 billion to the States for COVID testing, tracing, and mitigation programs. This includes $2.5 billion for grants targeted to underserved, minority, and rural communities.\n $9 billion to support healthcare providers, $1 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID research, and $4.5 billion for mental healthcare.\n\nBusiness Support\n $284 billion for the Small Business Administration for first and second forgivable PPP loans for small businesses. The bill also expands PPP eligibility for nonprofits and modifies the PPP program to better serve the smallest businesses and independent restaurants.\n $9 billion in emergency capital investments in Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions to support lending in low-income and persistent poverty counties. An additional $3 billion to the Community Development Financial Institution Fund to alleviate the economic impact on underserved low-income and minority communities.\n $13 billion to support struggling farmers, ranchers, and fisheries.\n Much needed funding for our transportation section, including $45 billion for public transit, buses, airports, and airlines.\n\nEducation, Childcare, and Student Loan Relief\n An extension of student loan forbearance through April 1st of next year.\n Expansion of Pell Grants to 500,000 new recipients.\n $82 billion for education funding, including $54.3 billion dedicated to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, $22.7 billion dedicated to the Higher Education Relief Fund, and $4.05 billion for the Governor's Fund. This includes $1.7 billion for HBCUs, tribal colleges, and minority-serving institutions.\n $10 billion to support childcare providers through the CCDBG program, and $20 million for the Head Start program.\n\nAdditional Provisions\n Extension of the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund until December 31st, 2021 to give states and localities more flexibility to allocate emergency resources.\n $7 billion for broadband, including $3.2 billion to help low-income families afford broadband connectivity, and $250 million for telehealth.\n\nAnd below are some provisions and funding included in the FY21 Omnibus Bill important to Alabama's 7th Congressional District, including:\n\nHealth Care\n Ends surprise billing by ensuring patients are only responsible for their in-network cost-sharing amounts when patients cannot choose an in-network provider. Also prohibits certain providers from balance billing patients, and creates a new framework that protects patients and allows providers and insurers to resolve payment disputes without involving the patients.\n Extension of key Medicare programs, including funding for low-income Medicare beneficiary outreach, enrollment, and education activities, the Independence at Home demonstration, Medicare patient IVIG access demonstration project, and transitional coverage and retroactive Medicare Part D coverage for certain low-income beneficiaries.\n Increases the use of real-time benefit tools to lower Medicare beneficiary costs and requires Part D plan sponsors to implement real-time benefit tools (RTBT) that are capable of integrating with provider electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) and electronic health record (EHR) systems.\n Simplifies Medicare beneficiary enrollment and eliminates coverage gaps in Medicare by requiring that Part B insurance coverage begin the first of the month following an individual's enrollment and provides for a Part A and Part B Special Enrollment Period for exceptional circumstances to mirror authority in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D.\n Extends the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) by five years. The demonstration tests the feasibility and advisability of establishing rural community hospitals to furnish covered inpatient hospital services to Medicare beneficiaries in states with low population densities. Participating hospitals are mostly paid using reasonable cost-based methodology instead of the inpatient prospective payment system.\n Ensures that state Medicaid programs cover nonemergency medical transportation to necessary services.\n Eliminates Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) cuts to our hospitals.\n Creation of new voluntary Medicare payment designation that provides more flexibility to rural hospitals to access funding.\n\nTax and Trade\n 5 year extension of the New Markets Tax Credit.\n Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) special provision to allow taxpayers to refer to earned income in 2019.\n Reforms Tax Extender process to provide certainty for small businesses.\n Fix to USMCA Merchandise Processing Fee to support automakers.\n Re-established NADBank status to promote environmental clean-up and conservation efforts in North America..\n\nWorker and Family Support\n Extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program through FY2021.\n Includes the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act.\n\nAgriculture\n $1.45 billion for rural water and wastewater program loans, and $620 million in water and wastewater grants.\n $730 million in broadband expansion for rural education and healthcare services. $635 million for the ReConnect rural broadband program.\n $1.4 billion for rental assistance for affordable housing for elderly and low-income families in rural communities.\n $6 billion for the WIC nutrition program and $114 billion for the SNAP food program.\n $1.824 billion for farm programs, including $5 million to heirs property farmland issues.\n\nCommerce, Justice, and Science\n $346 million for the Economic Development Administration, including $2 million for STEM apprenticeships.\n $48 million for the Minority Business Development Agency to support minority businesses around the country.\n $13.5 million for the Emmitt Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act.\n The creation of a new Task Force on Law Enforcement Oversight to be composed of representatives from the DoJ, law enforcement, labor, and community-based organizations to address alleged law enforcement misconduct.\n $3.385 billion for grants to state and local law enforcement, including $484 million for Byrne JAG, and$386 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.\n $513 million for Violence Against Women Act programs.\n $23 billion for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).\n\nDefense\n 3% military pay raise for our service members.\n $335.5 million for the Department and Services' Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program.\n\nEnergy and Water\n $180 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission to promote economic development and critical infrastructure.\n\nFinancial Services\n $270 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) fund.\n $17 million for the Election Assistance Commission to increase support to state efforts to ensure security and accessibility of Federal elections.\n $33 million to the FCC to improve broadband mapping data.\n $778.9 million for the Small Business Administration.\n\nHomeland Security\n $2 billion for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).\n $21.67 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including $17 billion for disaster response and recovery efforts.\n\nInterior\n $21.125 million to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement.\n $10 million to HBCUs for historic preservation.\n $9.24 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including $1.21 billion for the EPA Superfund and $12.5 million for Environment Justice Activities.\n\nLabor-HHS-Education\n $185 million for Registered Apprenticeships and $2.8 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants.\n $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $80 million for research centers in minority institutions.\n $12.5 million for research on firearm violence prevention.\n $7.5 billion for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including $2.4 billion for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.\n $5.9 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and $10.7 billion for the Head Start Program.\n $3.8 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).\n $62 million for the Office of Minority Health, and $35 million for the Office of Women's Health.\n $5 million for public-private partnerships to accelerate and improve the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.\n $40.6 billion for K-12 education programs.\n An increase in the maximum Pell Grant to $6,495.\n $338 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including $2 million for the Center of Education Excellence.\n $1.1 billion for the TRIO Program.\n\nVeterans Affairs\n $90 billion for VA medical care, including $10.3 billion for mental healthcare, of which $313 million is for suicide prevention efforts.\n $3.18 billion to address the VA disability claims processing backlog.\n\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development\n $1 billion for TIGER/BUILD grants and allows for cost-share waivers for grants in rural and persistent poverty areas.\n $49.6 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including $200 million for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative.\n $3.5 billion for Community Development Block Grants.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-legislation-renaming-thomasville-post-office-honor-postmaster", "Rep. Sewell Legislation Renaming Thomasville Post Office in Honor of Postmaster Robert Ingram Signed Into Law", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced today that legislation she sponsored to honor the legacy of former Postmaster Robert Ingram by renaming the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 Nicol Avenue in Thomasville, Alabama, as the Postmaster Robert Ingram Post Office was signed into law.\nPostmaster Ingram served the Thomasville community for over 30 years, first as a Marine and later as Postmaster, Rep. Sewell said. He was a beloved public servant who not only dedicated himself to his own job, but also to the training of new postmasters. The Postmaster Robert Ingram Post Office is a fitting reminder of Mr. Ingram's immense impact on the community.\nThe family is deeply grateful for the recognition of Bob Ingram's commitment to and love for his community, said Mr. Ingram's son, Bobby Ingram. This acknowledgement will allow his legacy to continue for years to come.\nBob was a fixture in our community. Every man, woman, and child knew him, his warm smile and happy greeting every time he entered the Thomasville post office, said Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day. Bob was a true example of what it means to be a public servant, and this is a fitting tribute to the legacy of his humble and dedicated service to our city.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tomorrow-rep-sewell-host-tele-town-hall-discuss-covid-19-unemployment", "TOMORROW: Rep. Sewell to Host Tele-Town Hall to Discuss COVID-19, Unemployment Claims, FEMA Benefits and More", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA ADVISORY for TOMORROW Tomorrow, Thursday, December 17 at 6:30 pm CT, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) will host state and local leaders for a tele-town hall to discuss the issues most important to Alabama's 7thCongressional District.\nJoining Rep. Sewell will be:\n \n\t\tDr. Mary McIntyre,Chief Medical Officer, Alabama Department of Public Health\n\t\n\t\n\t\tDavid Hicks,Deputy Director, Jefferson County Health Department\n\t\n\t\n\t\tFitzgerald Washington,Alabama Secretary of Labor\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSuzanne Darden,Finance Specialist, Small Business Development Center of Alabama\n\t\n\t\n\t\tAllan Jarvis,Federal Coordinating Officer, FEMA Region IV\n\t\n Rep. Sewell and her guests will discuss the most recent COVID-19 government relief bill, the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, unemployment claims, small business resources, FEMA resources available to Alabamians impacted by Hurricane Zeta. Rep. Sewell and participants will also answer questions directly from residents living in the 7th District.\nSign up to receive a free call atwww.sewell.house.govor by following thislink. If your call does not come through, you can call-in at this toll free number: 877-353-4701.\nDetails for Thursday, December 17, 2020:\nWHAT:Tele-Town Hall\nWHEN:6:30 p.m. CT\nWHERE:Sign up for a free call atwww.sewell.house.govor by following thislink", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pandemic-worsens-reps-sewell-reed-introduce-legislation-expand-new", "As Pandemic Worsens, Reps. Sewell, Reed Introduce Legislation to Expand New Markets Tax Credit to Spur Economic Investment", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Tom Reed (NY-23) introduced the New Markets Stabilization Act today, bipartisan legislation that will preserve access to the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) for underserved communities and ensure the credit continues to spur economic revitalization as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis continues.\nHistorically underserved communities have faced tremendous economic hardship this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. As the economic crisis continues, it's critical that we expand the New Markets Tax Credits to help ensure our rural and underserved communities are not left behind,Rep.Sewell said.The New Markets Stabilization Act expands the credit and improves market efficiency and liquidity, which will facilitate additional investments in local businesses and community development projects. Rural and persistent poverty areas have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and, now more than ever, it's critical that we incentivize investment in our communities that are struggling to hang on. The NMTC has a proven track record of creating jobs and opportunities in the 7th Congressional District, and I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to help ensure the credit can be utilized in our communities' economic recovery.\nCOVID-19 has impacted every corner of our economy, especially traditionally underserved communities and the financial organizations that support them. Given the critical role New Market Tax Credits can play in driving economic recovery and reducing poverty, it is only fair that we move to stabilize the program and provide investors with the additional flexibility they need to further incentivize emergency relief initiatives,said Rep. Reed.\nThe bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Sewell authorizes significant new assistance through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) to low-income communities that are often left out of the economic mainstream and are now coping with the health and economic consequences of the pandemic,said New Markets Tax Credit Coalition Spokesperson Bob Rapoza.From rural communities and urban neighborhoods, and everywhere in between, the additional $4.5 billion in NMTC authority championed by Congresswoman Sewell in this pandemic relief legislation, including provisions to make it easier to serve businesses and projects hardest hit in this economic and health crisis, will help provide the investment and patient capital needed to rebuild and grow.\nTo be eligible for NMTC financing, businesses being financed must, at a minimum, be located in designated low-income communities, defined by U.S. Census data as census tracts with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent, or with median family incomes that do not exceed 80 percent of area median income.\nSpecifically, the New Markets Stabilization Act will:\n Increase the NMTC allocation by $4.5 billion over four years;\n\tAllow investors to carryback these credits for five years;\n\tExempt the NMTC from the 75 percent General Business Credit limitation;\n\tProvide relief from certain debt modification rules for NMTC issuers and borrowers; and\n\tPermanently exempt the credit from the alternative minimum tax.\n These provisions will ensure investor liquidity and strong demand for New Markets Tax Credits throughout our economic recovery, ultimately increasing investment and maximizing the benefit to low-income communities.\nReps. Sewell and Reed have also introduced legislation to make the NMTC permanent. Without congressional action, the NMTC will expire on December 31, 2020.\nAlabama's 7th District has experienced the power of the NMTC firsthand. In Aliceville, the credit helped transform the Huyck Felt brick plant into a new wood pellet manufacturing facility, creating 275 jobs and, in Selma, the program helped create 55 jobs at a biomass processing facility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-applauds-passage-2021-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. Sewell Applauds Passage of 2021 National Defense Authorization Act", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Chair of the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Warfighter Support, praised the House passage of the FY 2021 William M (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). Sewell was also selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in November  for the second time in a row  to serve on the conference committee tasked with working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. This bipartisan, bicameral bill complies with the bipartisan budget agreement and authorizes $732 billion in discretionary spending for our national defense for FY 2021.\n\t\tAlabama is home to so many talented men and women who play a critical role in our national security, from Maxwell Air Force Base and the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery, to the shipbuilding industry in Mobile and missile defense in Huntsville,Sewell said.I am proud to have represented our state in conference between the House and Senate. The bill the House passed today is reflective of our American values and authorises numerous programs critical to our national defense. If President Trump follows through with his threat to veto this bipartisan, bicameral bill, I urge my colleagues in both the House and Senate to work together to override his veto to ensure Americans remain safe at home and abroad.\n\t\tIn the conference report, Democrats were successful in including numerous key priorities. Key wins in the conference report include:\n\t\t Altering or Removing All Names and Symbols Honoring the Confederacy or Those Who Served Voluntarily With the Confederacy From All DOD Assets:The conference report establishes an independent commission to make binding recommendations to the Secretary of Defense for the modification or removal of all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederacy or any person who served voluntarily with the Confederacy from all assets of the Department of Defense.\n\t\t\tProviding A Pay Raise to the Troops:The conference report authorizes a 3.0 percent increase in basic pay for service members.\n\t\t\tAuthorizing Hazardous Duty Pay for Service Members in Harm's Way:The conference report authorizes the Secretary of Defense to standardize payment of hazardous duty pay for the uniformed services, including the members of the Guard and National Reserve. It also increases Hazardous Duty Pay from $250 to $275 per month.\n\t\t\tNoBackfill of the Military Construction Funds Taken for President's Border Wall:The conference report doesnotauthorize any backfill of military construction funds taken for the President's border wall.\n\t\t\tRequiring Improvements in Military Housing:Theconference report takes several steps to improve military housing, including updating minimum health and safety standards for all military base housing, repealing a provision that currently allows DOD to place families in substandard housing units, and requiring DOD to implement Comptroller General recommendations for improvement of military family housing.\n\t\t The bill also includes several provisions authored by Sewell, and those important to the 7th Congressional District:\n\t\tProvision on Aircraft\n\t\t Authorizes $8.73 billion for 93 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, for modernization of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps fighter fleets. Montgomery's 115th 187th Fighter Wings are scheduled to receive the F-35A in 2023.\n\t\t Diversity Requirements for DOD\n\t\t Establishesa Chief Diversity Officer of the DOD and a Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusions for each Military Service, including the Coast Guard.\n\t\t Countering Racism and Extremism\n\t\t Requires the DOD Inspector General to establish a mechanism to track and report supremacist, extremist, and criminal gang activity in the Armed Forces.\n\t\t\tRequires questions regarding racism, anti-Semitism, and supremacism be incorporated into DOD surveys; and requires a briefing on which surveys they will be included in.\n\t\t Other Provisions\n\t\t Includes the Elijah Cummings Federal Employee Anti-Discrimination Act, passed by the House in January 2019, which strengthens equal employment opportunity protections for federal employees and strengthens prohibitions against discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers.\n\t\t\tAuthorizes $20 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions.\n\t\t\tRequires the Secretary of Defense to partner with minority institutions of higher education to diversify the participants in the DOD's Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Defense Education Program.\n\t\t\tEstablishes a mentoring and career counseling program at DOD with the goal of having the diversity of the population of officers serving in each branch reflect the diversity of the population of each armed force as a whole.\n\t\t Sale or Donation of Excess Department of Defense Personal Property for Law Enforcement Activities\n\t\t Includes disaster-related emergency preparedness activities among law enforcement activities eligible to participate in the program; provides preference for disaster-related emergency preparedness-type equipment requests, and highest preference for high-water vehicle requests.\n\t\t\tProhibits transfer of bayonets, grenades (other than stun and flash-ban), weaponized tracked vehicles, and weaponized drones.\n\t\t\tRequires annual training by participating law enforcement agencies in de-escalation of force, and respect for the rights of citizens under the Constitution of the United States.\n\t\t Addressing Climate Change\n\t\t Requiresa report on the implementation of provisions from the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act related to installation master planning, updates to the Unified Facilities Criteria (building codes), sea-level rise modeling, and climate assessment tools.\n\t\t\tEstablishesan alternative fuel vehicle pilot program that will require the military department to expand their use of alternative fuel non-tactical vehicles to increase the use of hybrid and EV vehicles.\n\t\t\tRequires DOD to invest in research and development of advanced water harvesting technologies that would aid in addressing water security issues in areas impacted by drought due to climate change.\n\t\t\tRequiresthe military services to assess their water use at installations in regions experiencing water scarcity, maximize use of landscaping practices that reduce water usage, and improve their water conservation.\n\t\t\tRequires DOD to submit a report on its greenhouse gas emissions for the last 10 years within 180 days of enactment.\n\t\t Provisions on Partners and Allies\n\t\t Expresses the Sense of Congress strongly reaffirming the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance and urging further cooperation with NATO on shared challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\t\t\tEnhances authorities for the DOD to engage with our closest allies and partners, including those in the National Technology and Industrial Base (United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia) to ensure secure sources of materials critical to U.S. national security.\n\t\t Provisions on Europe and Russia\n\t\t Prevents reduction in the number of U.S. forces stationed in Germany below 34,500 until 120 days after the Secretary of Defense submits an assessment and planning regarding the implications for allies, costs, military families, deterrence, and other key issues. Also expresses the sense of Congress emphasizing the value of U.S. forces in Germany and the U.S.-German alliance.\n\t\t\tFully funds the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), and invests in additional capabilities that support deterrence in the European Command area of operations.\n\t\t\tProvides $250 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), which provides support and assistance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.\n\t\t\tEstablishes yearly reporting on any bounties or other attempts by the Russian Federation, its agents, or proxies to encourage or support attacks against U.S. troops or personnel in named operations or combat.\n\t\t Intelligence\n\t\t Increases accountability of funds expended for DOD clandestine activities to support operational preparation of the environment.\n\t\t\tRequires a report on foreign malign influence campaigns on social media platforms targeting elections for federal office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-372-december-1-2020", "Guide 2 Grants Issue 372-December 1, 2020", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "908 Alabama Avenue\nFederal Building, Suite 112", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sewell-arrington-ruiz-and-hudson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation", "Reps. Sewell, Arrington, Ruiz, and Hudson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Remove Barriers to Innovative Multi-Cancer Screening Technology for Medicare Beneficiaries", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Raul Ruiz (CA-36), and Richard Hudson (NC-08) introduced H.R. 8845, the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, legislation to ensure timely Medicare coverage of groundbreaking early cancer detection tests for our nation's seniors. The bipartisan legislation recognizes emerging advances in our nation's fight against cancer by ensuring Medicare coverage for new, innovative tests that detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop.\nCancer survival rates are higher when detected early, but we are losing too many Americans to cancer simply because we do not catch it early enough. Too often, those who are most likely to be diagnosed at late stages are members of our most vulnerable communities: minority, economically fragile, and rural populations, said Rep. Sewell, the lead sponsor of the bill. Our transformative legislation will help ensureMedicare beneficiaries are able to benefit from breakthrough screening technologies. I look forward to working with my colleagues to modernize the Medicare coverage statute and ensure timely access to multi-cancer screening for beneficiaries.\nMulti-cancer early detection is an incredible example of the US leading in medical innovation, stated lead Republican cosponsor from the Ways and Means Committee Rep. Arrington. This type of screening has the potential to drastically improve quality of life for American cancer patients and their families, and early detection will save taxpayer dollars by treating cancer before it spreads. I am proud to support this legislation and pave the way for Medicare beneficiaries to access this life-changing technology.\"\nDetecting cancer early improves health outcomes and saves lives, said lead Democratic sponsor from the Energy and Commerce Committee Dr. Raul Ruiz. With innovative medical technologies, we can catch more cancers earlier than ever, but patients must be able to access these screenings. That's why it's very important for Medicare policy to keep pace with the development of multi-cancer screenings. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act of 2020 to modernize Medicare coverage so older Americans can access these screenings and improve their health outcomes.\nFamilies are devastated by a cancer diagnosis and as the second leading cause of death in the United States, it happens all too often, said lead Republican cosponsor from the Energy and Commerce Committee Rep. Richard Hudson. By increasing access to multi-cancer early detection screening tests through Medicare, we can save lives in North Carolina and around the country by catching more cancers sooner and allowing treatments to begin before cancers reach late stages. As a member of the Health Subcommittee, I look forward to advancing this bipartisan legislation.\nThis year has exposed the inequities in our nation's healthcare system, but we have known for some time that cancer has an outsized impact on communities of color, said Gary A. Puckerin, PhD, President and CEO of NMQF. We must be ready to take full advantage of new technologies that give us the chance to not only close the gap in cancer outcomes among racial and ethnic groups, but also reduce patient risk for everyone. New multi-cancer early detection tests hold that promise and this legislation is essential to helping us achieve it.\nWe know early detection of cancer saves lives, said Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). By creating a pathway for Medicare to cover new, innovative, FDA-approved screening tests, this legislation would help provide more individuals with access to additional tools they and their providers can utilize to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.\n\"Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and today we are thrilled to celebrate the introduction of this important bill aimed at providing access to tests that will save lives through the early detection of cancer, said Carolyn R. Bo Aldig, Founder and CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.\n\"As a community health center serving on the front lines in a region that's predominantly people of color, we see first-hand the inequities that exist related to cancer diagnosis, treatment and outcomes,\" said Anthony Gardner, CEO of Alabama Regional Medical Services. \"We know that late-stage cancer is extraordinarily deadly. This legislation will place another tool in our arsenal to detect cancer early when it is easiest to treat and survival is greatest.\"\nAs the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Health Medical Program, I see firsthand that the health of rural residents suffers because of where we live, said Keshee Dozier-Smith, CEO of the Rural Health Medical Program. The communities that we serve are underinsured and uninsured minorities that suffer from chronic health conditions, with cancer being one of the leading deaths that go undetected in rural communities in Alabama due to the lack of availability and affordability. Providing access to Multi-cancer Early Detection Screenings creates opportunities to make real progress in the individuals and families we serve sooner rather than later in closing this gap.\nThe Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act responds to a misalignment between advances in science and Medicare coverage by allowing for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer screening. It would:\n \n\t\tCreate the authority for CMS to cover blood-based multi-cancer early detection tests and future test methods (like urine or hair tests), once approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Congress has acted before to create coverage for other cancer screenings including mammography and colorectal screenings.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMaintain CMS' authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tState that these new tools will complement, not replace, existing screenings and coverage and cost sharing will not be impacted.\n\t\n Under current law, Medicare coverage of preventive services is limited to circumstances in which Congress has explicitly authorized coverage or the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends the service with a grade of A or B. In the absence of this legislation, it could take several years after the FDA approval before Medicare beneficiaries could receive coverage for such tests. This bill would greatly reduce any such access delays for seniors while allowing CMS to use its evidence-based process to determine coverage. Accordingly, these new multi-cancer screening tools will complement existing screenings and dramatically improve our nation's cancer early detection capabilities.\nThe Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act has the support of a number of organizations, including the: National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF), American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), Prevent Cancer Foundation, Association of Community Cancer Centers, and Cancer Support Community.\nThe text of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-selected-chief-deputy-whip-117th-congress", "Rep. Sewell Selected as Chief Deputy Whip for the 117th Congress", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn announced the selection of Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) as a Chief Deputy Whip for the 117th Congress. Rep. Sewell has served as a Chief Deputy Whip since she was appointed in the 113th Congress in 2013.\nI proudly accept the honor of serving as a Chief Deputy Whip under the leadership of Democratic Whip James Clyburn's for the 117th Congress, said Rep. Terri Sewell. I am thrilled to continue working with this dynamic team and Democratic Leadership in the House to advance an agenda focused on providing for the lives and livelihoods of the American people during this unprecedented time in our nation's history. As this public health crisis continues to disparage rural and underserved communities in Alabama across this country, I am confident we have the leadership necessary to meet the challenges for the American people that include crushing this virus, strengthening our economy, improving our nation's infrastructure, and putting Alabamians back to work.\nI am pleased that Terri will continue serving as Chief Deputy Whip in the 117th Congress, said Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn. Terri's experience and work ethic will continue to serve the Whip team well as we face historic challenges and opportunities next year. I look forward to working with her in collaboration with the incoming administration to advance our legislative priorities.\nRep. Clyburn announced ten total representatives who will serve as Chief Deputy Whips in the 116th Congress, including: Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-01) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), who will serve as Senior Chief Deputy Whips, and Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Rep. Dan Kildee (MI-05), Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07),Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23),and Rep. Peter Welch (VT-AL) as Chief Deputy Whips.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-favor-national-apprenticeship-act", "Rep. Sewell Votes in Favor of National Apprenticeship Act", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, legislation to reauthorize the National Apprenticeship Act for the first time since its enactment in 1937 and create one million new apprenticeship opportunities in five years. Registered apprenticeships provide workers with paid, on-the-job, training and are the nation's most successful federal workforce training program.\nAs a long-time supporter of expanding registered apprenticeships, I am thrilled to support today's legislation to provide 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities over five years, said Rep. Sewell. Our Nation is facing the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression and estimates show that more than 7 million of the pandemic's job losses will be permanent. We need bold investments like those in the National Apprenticeship Act to accelerate the economy and help get the American people back to work in stable, good-paying jobs of the future.\nThe National Apprenticeship Act of 2020:\n \nInvests more than $3.5 billion to create nearly 1 million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years.\n\tEstablishes a $400 million grant program to support the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities, including pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships, which will increase $100 million annually to reach $800 million by 2025.\n\tCodifies and streamlines standards for Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to make it easier for both apprentices and employers to participate in high-quality apprenticeships.\n\tCodifies the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship and directs the office to convene industry leaders, labor organizations, educators, and others to expand apprenticeships into new occupations and sectors.\n\tYields 10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers in the form of increased tax revenue and decreased spending on public-assistance programs and unemployment insurance.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-named-conferee-national-defense-authorization-act-0", "Rep. Sewell Named Conferee to the National Defense Authorization Act Conference for Fiscal Year 2021", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi named U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) to serve on a conference committee of the House and Senate versions of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NDAA conferees from the House and Senate will work together to resolve differences between the distinct defense authorization bills passed by each chamber in June 2020. This will be the second year that Rep. Sewell has been selected as an NDAA conferee.\nThe NDAA authorizes funding to equip, supply and train U.S. troops and support military families. The bill has been passed by Congress for 58 continuous years. Sewell, a senior Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Chair of the Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Warfighter Support, is committed to continuing this bipartisan tradition of passing a smart defense bill that provides servicemembers with the resources they need to address and counter today's increasingly complex national security challenges. As an FY2020 NDAA Conferee, Rep. Sewell was successful in securing language to improve federal campaign election security, increase intelligence funding, and promote increased diversity in the Intelligence Community's workforce. She also worked closely with Senator Doug Jones to successfully repeal the Military Widow's Tax, which unfairly taxed military widows and widowers' survivor benefits.\nThe House and Senate have historically put politics aside on behalf of the American people to pass the NDAA. This critically important legislation authorizes our national defense priorities for the year and provides our brave men and women with the resources needed to carry out their missions across the world, Sewell said. I am committed to continuing this tradition and working to exclude any partisan provisions that threaten the defense and wellbeing of our nation. As a Representative from a state that plays such a major part in our national security, I am honored to be able to play such a significant role as a conferee for the second consecutive year.\nThe House Democratic Conferees to the conference committee are:\nHouse Committee on Armed Services\n Congressman Adam Smith of Washington, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Susan Davis of California\n\tCongressman James Langevin of Rhode Island\n\tCongressman Rick Larsen of Washington\n\tCongressman Jim Cooper of Tennessee\n\tCongressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut\n\tCongressman John Garamendi of California\n\tCongresswoman Jackie Speier of California\n\tCongressman Donald Norcross of New Jersey\n\tCongressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona\n\tCongressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts\n\tCongressman Salud Carbajal of California\n\tCongressman Anthony Brown of Maryland\n\tCongressman Ro Khanna of California\n\tCongressman Bill Keating of Massachusetts\n\tCongressman Filemon Vela of Texas\n\tCongressman Andy Kim of New Jersey\n\tCongresswoman Kendra Horn of Oklahoma\n\tCongressman Gil Cisneros of California\n House Committee on Agriculture\n Congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota\n\tCongresswoman Abigail Spanberger of Virginia\n House Committee on Budget\n Congressman Joseph Morelle of New York\n\tCongressman Steven Horsford of Nevada\n House Committee on Education and Labor\n Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia\n\tCongresswoman Lori Trahan of Massachusetts\n House Committee on Energy and Commerce\n Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey\n\tCongresswoman Diana DeGette of Colorado\n House Committee on Financial Services\n Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California, Chair\n\tCongressman Juan Vargas of California\n House Committee on Foreign Affairs\n Congressman Eliot Engel of New York, Chair\n\tCongressman Brad Sherman of California\n House Committee on Homeland Security\n Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico\n\tCongresswoman Elissa Slotkin of Michigan\n House Committee on Administration\n Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren of California\n\tCongresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio\n House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence\n Congressman Adam Schiff of California, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama\n House Committee on Judiciary\n Congressman Jerrold Nadler of New York, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Florida\n House Committee on Natural Resources\n Congressman Ral Grijalva of Arizona, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Deb Haaland of New Mexico\n House Committee on Oversight and Reform\n Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York, Chair\n\tCongressman Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts\n House Committee on Science, Space and Technology\n Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Chair\n\tCongressman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey\n House Committee on Small Business\n Congresswoman Nydia Velzquez of New York, Chair\n\tCongressman Jared Golden of Maine\n House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\n Congressman Jared Huffman of California\n\tCongressman Harley Rouda of California\n House Committee on Veterans' Affairs\n Congressman Mark Takano of California, Chair\n\tCongressman Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania\n House Committee on Ways and Means\n Congressman Richard Neal of Massachusetts, Chair\n\tCongressman Jimmy Panetta of California", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-368-september-15-2020", "Guide 2 Grants Issue 368-September 15, 2020", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "908 Alabama Avenue\nFederal Building, Suite 112", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-370-october-15-2020", "Guide 2 Grants Issue 370-October 15, 2020", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "908 Alabama Avenue\nFederal Building, Suite 112", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-371-november-1-2020", "Guide 2 Grants Issue 371-November 1, 2020", "2020-11-12", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "908 Alabama Avenue\nFederal Building, Suite 112", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-host-virtual-2020-grants-workshop-funding-department-justice", "Rep. Sewell to Host Virtual 2020 Grants Workshop on Funding from the Department of Justice", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, AL- On Thursday, November 12th from 10:00-11:30 A.M. CST, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) will host a virtual Grants Workshop LIVE via Zoom focused on funding opportunities at the US Department of Justice (DOJ) entitled--Navigating Justice Department Grants: Bridging the Gap Between Community & Police. This virtual event is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required via Eventbrite found on the home page of Rep. Sewell's official website at Sewell.house.gov.\n\"I am excited to host this virtual grants workshop focused on the many funding opportunities available at the Justice Department. Participants will receive critical information about how to apply and win DOJ grants that support programs and initiatives like crime prevention, child abuse, youth engagement, domestic violence, drug abuse & prevention, mental health, human trafficking, and greater community and police cooperation. Applications for many of these DOJ grants can be made by community-based & faith-based organizations, non-profits, legal aid groups as well as state, city and county law enforcement, said Rep. Sewell. This year, DOJ has made changes to their grant application process, so it is imperative that all applicants understand the new system. Too often communities and organizations are unaware of the grant opportunities that are available. This virtual workshop will provide detailed information on the funding opportunities at DOJ that can assist in creating safer, more informed and healthier communities.\nThe virtual workshop will feature representatives from Alabama law enforcement, legal aid, nonprofits, grant writers as well DOJ officials to provide participants with an overview of Justice Department Grants and important application deadlines.\nFor additional information, visit Sewell.house.gov and for questions regarding the 2020 Justice Department Grants Workshop you can contact our Grants Coordinator Yolanda Clayton at the Birmingham office at (205) 254-1960. Registration is required via Eventbrite. Stay updated by following Rep. Sewell's official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.\nWHAT: Rep. Sewell's virtual workshop on Navigating Justice Department Grants: \"Bridging the Gap Between Community & Police\"\nWHEN: November 12, 2020\nTIME: 10:00-11:30 A.M. CST\nWHERE: Registration REQUIRED via Eventbrite, Broadcast via Zoom\nWHO: FREE & open to the public.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-icymi-rep-sewell-hosts-military-service-academy-preview-day-2020", "VIDEO: *ICYMI* Rep. Sewell Hosts Military Service Academy Preview Day 2020", "2020-11-06", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, AL  Yesterday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) hosted the first virtual Military Service Academy Preview day via Facebook Live with representatives from all 5 Military Service Academies and the Marion Military Institute. The panelists provided presentations about the admissions process, resources and scholarships available for students, and their personal experiences as U.S. Military Service Academy students or graduates.\n\"I hope all graduating seniors in Alabama's 7th District will consider applying to a U.S. Military Service Academy for college. I can attest to and hope all were able to witness during our presentations that it's a great way to get a scholarship for a great education, but also is a wonderful way to learn, see the world and serve your country,\" said Rep. Sewell. \"It is a requirement that you serve a minimum of 5 years in our nation's military. What a wonderful opportunity the U.S. Military Service Academies provide. Remember, the deadline is FRIDAY, November 6 to apply by mail through my Birmingham office!\"\nMilitary Service academy nomination applications are being accepted by Rep. Sewell's Birmingham office by MAIL until the November 6, 2020 deadline.\nOffice of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell\nTwo 20th Street North, Suite 1130\nBirmingham, AL, 35203\n205.254.1960\nFor more information visit Rep. Sewell's official website at Sewell.house.gov to access the Military Service Academy Nomination checklist and application.\nNominating interviews for students will be conducted via Zoom on Saturday, November 21, 2020. For more information on Military Service Academy Nominations for 2020 please visit Rep. Sewell's website at Sewell.house.gov.\nBackground on Service Academies\nThere are five Service Academies: The United States Air Force (USAFA), Naval (USNA), Army at West Point (USMA), Merchant Marine (USMMA), and Coast Guard (USCGA) Academies. Nominations are required for all but the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, to which appointments are made on the basis of their independent application process.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-9th-annual-and-first-virtual-job-fair-2020", "Rep. Sewell Announces 9th Annual and First Virtual Job Fair 2020", "2020-10-26", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, AL- Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) officially announced the opening of registration for Alabama's 7th District 9th Annual and first Virtual Job Fair. Job Fair 2020 will be a two-day event held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday & Thursday, November 18th & 19th from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. CST. Job Seekers will have the opportunity to connect with employers from 10 different industries. Registration is required via Eventbrite located on our website at Sewell.house.gov. Virtual Job Fair 2020 is FREE and open to the public.\n\"Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I know so many jobs have been lost, and now more than ever our annual Job Fair is needed,\" said Rep. Sewell, \"For the past 8 years, the Job Fair has been a space for job seekers in Alabama's 7th Congressional District to connect directly with employers. We are very excited to continue our tradition with a robust 2020 virtual program! Over the course of two days, job seekers can learn about jobs available right NOW in Alabama.\"\nThis year's virtual event will feature employers from more than 10 types of industries, including:\n \nAutomotive\n\tRestaurant and Food Management\n\tTransportation and Construction\n\tHospitality and Retail\n\tHealth Services\n\tUtilities and Telecommunications\n\tManufacturing and Production\n\tStaffing Agencies\n\tGovernment Agencies\n\tLaw Enforcement", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-accepting-military-service-academy-nominations-2020", "Rep. Sewell Accepting Military Service Academy Nominations for 2020", "2020-10-23", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, AL  Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is currently accepting 2020 Military Service Academy nomination applications.\nThe official 2020 nominating process for Military Service Academies is open! Each year I have the great privilege of nominating a select number of applicants to four of the five military service academies. One of my most satisfying duties as a Member of Congress is nominating young people from my district to these historic institutions, stated Rep. Sewell.\nTo be considered for an appointment to a military service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements established by law, be legally domiciled within the boundaries of Alabama's 7th Congressional District. Students MUST complete a 2020 Nomination application, which can be found here or on Rep. Sewell's website at Sewell.house.gov.\nSubmissions must be received by the Birmingham office by U.S. mail postmarked no later than Friday, November 6, 2020;\nOffice of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell  \n\tTwo 20th Street North, Suite 1130  \n\tBirmingham, AL, 35203  \n\t205.254.1960\nOn Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 4:00pm CST Congresswoman Sewell will host a virtual Military Service Academy Preview Day with representatives from all 5 Service Academies who will provide information and answer questions about each of the military service academies. Students and parents can register via this zoom link for the Military Service Academy Preview Day.\nNominating interviews for students will be conducted on Saturday, November 21, 2020 via Zoom. For more information on Military Service Academy Nominations for 2020 please visit Rep. Sewell's website at Sewell.house.gov.\nBackground on Service Academies\nThere are five Service Academies: The United States Air Force (USAFA), Naval (USNA), Army at West Point (USMA), Merchant Marine (USMMA), and Coast Guard (USCGA) Academies. Nominations are required for all but the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, to which appointments are made on the basis of their independent application process.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-federal-investment-award-over-17-million-dredge", "Rep. Sewell Announces Federal Investment Award of Over $1.7 Million to Dredge the Port of Epes Industrial Park", "2020-10-20", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the $1.7 million investment award from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to improve access and increase economic opportunities for the Port of Epes Industrial Park in Livingston/Sumter County, AL. The Congresswoman has worked for several years with local officials and the University of West Alabama in their efforts to boost industrial transportation access to promote export development, attract additional investments, support business resilience, and strengthen the economy of the Black Belt.\nI am so excited that the Port of Epes in Livingston has been granted the funding necessary to promote economic opportunity for our workers and families in the Black Belt, said Rep. Sewell. There is nothing more important to me than increasing opportunity in my district. That is why I have fought so hard to make Alabama's Opportunity Zone program work for areas like the Black Belt, where communities will most benefit from investments and job development.\n\"We at the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission are excited to learn today that the Economic Development Administration has awarded $1.7 million dollars to the University of West Alabama to improve barge access to the Port of Epes in Sumter County Alabama. This grant which is located in an Opportunity Zone will help create 85 jobs with a $175 million dollar private investment,\" said John Clyde Riggs, Executive Director of the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission, \"Thanks go out to Congresswoman Terri Sewell for her assistance in securing this much needed grant.\"\nWe are immensely appreciative of this grant award from the U.S. Department of Commerce that will allow UWA the opportunity to expand our economic and workforce development efforts for a 10-county rural area that we serve, said University of West Alabama (UWA) President KenTucker.In 2018, UWA shifted its outreach focus to economic and workforce development, and in a very short time, this division has helped secure nearly $5 million in external funding for the Port of Epes, plus nearly $5 million for other economic and workforce development initiatives in our region.\nAs a regional university whose mission includes improving the quality of life for the region, UWA has long seen education as an engine that drives economic and workforce development, and this $1.7 million will have a transformative influence on the people of west Alabama and beyond for many years to come, said Dr. Tina N. Jones, Vice President of UWA's Division of Economic and Workforce Development. We are eager to continue our efforts to establish the partnerships and innovative initiatives that will strengthen the impact of this generous investment for our region and rural Alabama.\nIt is critical that we continue to work together with organizations and agencies at every level to provide a foundation for the Black Belt by showcasing all that it has to offer to the rest of the world, said Allison T. Brantley, director of economic development at UWA. We want to do far more than merely sustain our economy. We want to match assets, resources, and opportunities in such a way that says to industries and developers not only are we a viable option, but we are the best option.\nThe University of West Alabama applied for the EDA investment grant with the Industrial Development Authority of Sumter County. The total investment amount is $1,731,900 with projected 85 jobs created and $175 million in private investment.\nEDA grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application's merit, the applicant's eligibility, and the availability of funds. More information on EDA's grant process and investment process can be found at www.eda.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sewell-and-smith-lead-letter-protect-dialysis-patients-access", "Reps. Sewell and Smith Lead Letter to Protect Dialysis Patients Access to Treatment", "2020-10-16", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) led a bipartisan group of 42 Members of Congress in a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure that the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who will be enrolling in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in 2021 have access to a sufficient number of providers and locations to access their dialysis care. The bipartisan letter was written in response to CMS's decision to remove outpatient dialysis facilities from time and distance standards in Medicare Advantage (MA).\nRead the full letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma.\nAs representative of a congressional district with one of the highest rates of dialysis patients in the country, I am deeply concerned about the consequences of CMS's decision to remove outpatient dialysis facilities from time and distance standards in Medicare Advantage, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic, said Rep. Terri Sewell. It is incumbent on CMS to carefully monitor network adequacy and patient access, as well as maintain the current standards for ESRD patients who transition to Medicare Advantage. Network adequacy protections are critical to ensure that dialysis patients, who are among the most medically fragile patients, have unfettered access to adequate coverage of the dialysis care they depend on.\nThe elimination of the time and distance standards would result in increased travel time for ESRD patients in rural areas and undermine the intent of the ESRD Choice Act. said Rep. Smith. It is vital that ESRD patients enrolling in Medicare Advantage have access to an outpatient dialysis facility near their home and I look forward to working with CMS to ensure ESRD patients enrolling in Medicare Advantage have the protections they deserve.\nDue to the removal of network adequacy protections for outpatient dialysis care by CMS, the 2021 transition that allows all ESRD patients to enroll in MA will not meet its full potential to improve outcomes, and dialysis patients who enroll in MA will be at greater risk due to weakened network adequacy protections. Specifically, ESRD patients could have increased travel time to covered dialysis facilities, which has been shown to negatively impact patients' quality of life, adherence to treatment, and overall health outcomes.\nData shows that African American, Hispanic, and low-income patients are disproportionately impacted by ESRD. These populations already face significant disparities in care access and outcomes. Moreover, ESRD is a key risk factor for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. At a time when ESRD patients are particularly vulnerable to increased public exposure and changes in their care routine, patients should be able to access the most clinically appropriate facility-based care close to home.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-praises-launch-alabama-wastewater-project", "Rep. Sewell Praises Launch of Alabama Wastewater Project", "2020-10-15", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) praises the launch of an Alabama Wastewater project in the Black Belt by Columbia World Projects. The project, Addressing the Gap in Reliable Affordable Wastewater Services to Improve Public Health, provides a $710,000 investment to pilot a new approach to wastewater treatment that is equitable, technically feasible and financially sustainable for underserved, low-income communities, like in Alabama's Black Belt.  \n\t  \n\tColumbia World Projects is a major initiative at Columbia University that mobilizes the university's researchers and scholars to work with governments, organizations, businesses and communities to tackle global challenges. The project is a collaborative effort by various disciplines of Columbia University with the University of Alabama; the University of South Alabama; Auburn University, the University of California, Irvine; the University of North Carolina; and a consortium of Alabama-based partners representing government agencies, community-based organizations and other stakeholders.  \n\t  \n\tI am grateful to Columbia World Projects for their investment in my district and in Alabama's rural Black Belt to address the challenges posed by failing wastewater infrastructure. This project will build upon the progress my office has made over the years to secure vital federal funding for cost-effective rural sewer and wastewater systems, said Rep. Terri Sewell. In Alabama and many rural communities across the country, failing septic tanks and deteriorating wastewater infrastructure has left an untold number of families with untreated sewage in their yards and local waterways. I have seen this crisis first-hand in the Black Belt. Thanks to this outstanding project, Alabama's 7th Congressional District will serve as a model for how we can successfully address the health and environmental impacts of failing wastewater infrastructure by providing rural Americans with affordable decentralized wastewater treatment systems that work.  \n\t  Nicholas Lemann, Director of Columbia World Projects states: This project brings together university researchers and rural communities in Alabama to tackle a long-standing source of inequality  the lack of affordable, reliable wastewater services. Closing this gap will not only be good for the heath, environment and livelihoods of people living in these underserved parts of Alabama  as Representative Sewell has long fought to do  but also may serve as a model for communities across the world grappling with similar challenges.  \n\t  \n\tAcross the United States, wastewater and sanitation systems are failing, leading to contaminated water supplies, parasitic infections, and environmental degradation. The wastewater challenges in the rural Black Belt region of Alabama are particularly acute, further exacerbating pervasive inequalities across the region.  \n\t  \n\tThe project will engage with communities in rural Alabama and will leverage newly emerging technologies to:\n Investigate and quantify the negative health, environmental and economic impacts of wastewater systems failures, expanding on research funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\n\tDesign and pilot a clustered, decentralized wastewater treatment system based on new technology, and demonstrate the sanitation-related health and environmental benefits in the pilot area.\n\tDevelop new models and analytical tools to enable other communities and stakeholders to identify appropriate solutions for dealing with wastewater challenges.\n\tProduce best practices for adopting new financial and operational models for wastewater treatment.\n Rep. Sewell has worked tirelessly to secure federal wastewater funding so that every Alabama resident, especially those in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, has access to basic wastewater sanitation.  \n\t  \n\tMost recently, Rep. Sewell introduced the Decentralized Wastewater Grant Act of 2020 to make available additional federal funding for families to repair and replace failing wastewater systems. The legislation would establish a grant program under the Clean Water Act, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to help low- and moderate-income households connect their homes to existing wastewater infrastructure or install or upgrade individually owned decentralized wastewater systems. If passed, this funding would be in addition to the grant program Sewell expanded in the 2018 Farm Bill that is administered by the Department of Agriculture.  \n\t  \n\tA comprehensive rundown on Sewell's wastewater efforts is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-favor-updated-heroes-act", "Rep. Sewell Votes in Favor of the Updated Heroes Act", "2020-10-01", "2020", "2020-10", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of the Updated Heroes Act, House Democrats' latest legislation to address the ongoing needs that have resulted from the COVID-19 public health crisis. This bill reflects current negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, as well as needs that have risen since the original Heroes Act passed the House of Representatives in May 2020.\nIt is unfortunate that the White House and Senate Republicans have not been willing to compromise to provide additional money for ongoing relief to our communities, workers, and families, Sewell said. With passage of the Updated Heroes Act today, House Democrats' have given the White House and Senate Republicans one more chance to pass another stimulus bill that will continue to provide critical relief for the American people.\nThe provisions in the Updated Heroes Act are essential to avert greater economic and health catastrophe for families, schools, small businesses, essential workers, and health care providers in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, Sewell continued. Not only does this legislation deliver much-needed resources to Alabama counties and cities, it also reflects House Democrats' willingness to compromise in good faith to ensure our country can weather this ongoing crisis.\nThe Updated Heroes Act would provide counties and cities in Alabama's 7th Congressional District with $396 million in funding to cover coronavirus-related outlays and revenue loss and pay our health care workers, library staff, law enforcement, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers and other vital workers who keep us safe and are in danger of losing their jobs. A town-by-town breakdown of the estimated funding allocations for the 7th District under the Updated Heroes Act is available here.\nIn addition to resources for our state, local, tribal and territorial governments, the Updated Heroes Act maintains key priorities from the original version of the legislation that passed the House in May. The bill also provides families with a second round of direct payments of $1,200 for each individual and $500 for each dependent, and extends weekly $600 federal unemployment payments through January 2021.\nAmong the bill's many provisions, it:\n \n\t\tProvides strong support for small businesses by improving the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to serve the smallest businesses and struggling non-profits, providing hard-hit businesses with second loans, and delivering targeted assistance for the struggling restaurant industry and independent live venue operators.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMore funds to bolster education and child care, with $225 billion for education  including $182 billion for K12 schools and nearly $39 billion for postsecondary education  and $57 billion to support child care for families.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSupports testing, tracing and treatment, through $75 billion for coronavirus testing, contact tracing and isolation measures, with special attention to the disparities facing communities of color, ensuring every American can access free coronavirus treatment, and supporting hospitals and providers. The updated bill also includes $28 billion for procurement, distribution and education campaigns for a safe and effective vaccine.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProtects payrolls, by enhancing the new employee retention tax credit that encourages employers to keep employees on payroll.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tPreserves health coverage, protecting Americans losing their employer-provided health insurance by making unemployed Americans automatically receive the maximum ACA subsidy on the exchanges, as well as a special enrollment period in the ACA exchanges for uninsured Americans.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tStrengthens food security, addressing rising hunger with a 15 percent increase to the maximum SNAP benefit and additional funding for nutrition programs that help families put food on the table as well as targeted support for farmers and producers impacted by the crisis.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tSafeguards our democracy, with new resources to ensure safe elections, an accurate Census, and preserve the Postal Service.\n\t\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewells-bill-naming-thomasville-post-office-after-postmaster-robert", "Rep. Sewell's Bill Naming Thomasville Post Office After Postmaster Robert Ingram Passes by Unanimous Consent", "2020-09-30", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) was joined by her colleagues in the House of Representatives in unanimously passing the bill she introduced, H.R. 5307, honoring the legacy of former Postmaster Robert Ingram by renaming the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 115 Nicol Avenue in Thomasville, Alabama, as the Postmaster Robert Ingram Post Office'.\n\n\"I am thrilled that the House of Representatives passed my bill to rename the Thomasville post office after its long time former Postmaster Robert \"Bob\" Ingram, said Rep. Sewell. \"A true patriot, Bob Ingram served his country in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine. He was appointed Postmaster in Thomasville, AL by President Johnson and faithfully served the people of Thomasville for over three decades. Postmaster Ingram was a dedicated public servant whose commitment to exemplary service - always with a smile - was an example to us all. I thank the Alabama Delegation and my House colleagues for unanimously joining me today in honoring Postmaster Ingram from Alabama's 7th Congressional District.\"\n\n\"Mr. Bob Ingram was Thomasville's postmaster most of my childhood and adult life. His smile and personal service to his postal customers was a fixture in our post office,\" said Mayor Sheldon Day. \"He was an exemplary public servant and a friend to all who knew him. I know our entire community is thrilled to know our post office will now bear his name in honor and remembrance of his loyal and dedicated service to Thomasville and its citizens! We thank Congresswoman Sewell, Sen. Shelby and our entire Alabama Congressional Delegation for working together to make this day possible.\"\n\nBob Ingram loved his employees and his customers and treated them all like family. We are so proud of his legacy and so honored that his name will carry on with the Thomasville Post Office, said Postmaster Ingram's family in their statement.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-s-statement-nomination-judge-amy-coney-barrett-united-states", "Rep. Sewells Statement on Nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to United States Supreme Court", "2020-09-26", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on President Trump's nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as Associate Justice on the Supreme Court:\nThe Supreme Court nomination by President Trump today, with the 2020 presidential election only 38 days away, denies the American people a voice in this very important decision. The nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett is clearly tainted by the hypocrisy of Senate Republicans to go back on their own promise not to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court so close to a presidential election. This standard articulated by Senate Republicans was applied against President Obama's nomination of Judge Merrick Garland eight months before the 2016 presidential election. This blatant power grab by Trump and Senate Republicans is especially disturbing given that the voting process has already begun with hundreds of thousands of voters having cast their ballots in the 2020 presidential election.\nFairness and comity demand that the Senate not confirm any vacancy on the Supreme Court until the American people have chosen the next president. To do otherwise, I believe would undermine the very legitimacy of the Supreme Court.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/immediate-release-rep-sewell-votes-keep-government-open-and-extend-vital", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rep. Sewell Votes to Keep Government Open and Extend Vital Programs", "2020-09-22", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congresswoman Sewell voted in support of the continuing resolution legislation H.R. 8337, which provides for the continuation of funding for the programs contained in the 12 annual appropriation acts for FY2020. The bill passed the House in a final vote of 359-57-1.\n\nI voted for today's legislation to avert a catastrophic government shutdown and fund the critical programs that my constituents depend on. At a time when our country is in the middle of a pandemic and millions of Americans are losing their homes and livelihoods to natural disasters, including hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, our government needs to be fully funded and operational so that the American people can get the resources they need, said Rep. Sewell. I am particularly proud of the provisions Democrats secured to save our seniors from a Medicare Part B premium hike, protect health, housing, and other programs for Veterans, and to provide repayment relief for our health care providers at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nWhile I'm disappointed that Senate Republicans and White House didn't come to the table to agree to pass the long-term FY2021 funding bills that the House passed earlier this year, I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure a long-term funding bill is passed before this CR expires in December. Additionally, an agreement on further Coronavirus relief legislation is desperately needed. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and as the pandemic continues, municipalities, health care providers, essential workers, and small businesses are running out of resources from the CARES Act and relief is needed now.\n\nA list of the programs that Congresswoman Sewell worked directly with House appropriators to secure in the FY2020 funding bill, which are extended by today's continuing resolution, H.R. 8337, can be found here. Today's bill includes several other funding provisions that Congresswoman Sewell fought in recent months to secure and that benefit the 7th District, including funding and extensions for the following programs, among others.\n\n Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Loans\n\tSummer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program\n\tCommodity Supplemental Food program\n\tTemporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program\n\t2020 Decennial Census Program\n\tCommunity Health Centers\n\tTeaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program\n\tSpecial Diabetes Program\n\tGrants for transportation to VA medical facilities for Veterans living in highly rural areas\n\tChildcare assistance for Veterans while they receive health care at a VA facility\n\tAn initiative to assess the feasibility of paying for veterans in highly rural areas to travel to the nearest Vet Center, a community-based facility that provides readjustment counseling and other services\n\tThe Department of Labor's homeless veteran reintegration programs, such as job training, counseling, and placement services\n \nFurther, today's legislation:\n Ensures USDA can fully meet the demand for Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership loans, especially for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers.\n\tAllows increased flexibility for the Small Business Administration to process certain small business loans and SBA Disaster Loans.\n\tProvides a one-year extension for surface transportation programs, including federal highway, transit, and road safety programs.\n\tReauthorizes the Appalachian Regional Commission for one year.\n\tDelays a scheduled $4 billion reduction in funding for disproportionate share hospital (DSH), which are hospitals that serve large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients.\n\tProtects Medicare beneficiaries from the expected increase in Part B premiums for 2021 that is likely to result from the COVID-19 public health emergency.\n\tProvides repayment relief to health care providers by extending the time in which they must repay advances and reducing the interest rate under the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment program until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\tAllows Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to use the full amount available in the Disaster Relief Fund to respond to declared disasters.\n\tIncreases accountability in the Commodity Credit Corporation, preventing funds for farmers from being misused for large oil companies.\n\tEnsures schoolchildren receive meals despite the pandemic's disruption of their usual schedules, whether virtual or in-person, and expands Pandemic EBT access for young children in childcare.\n \n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-rep-sewells-trade-bill-caribbean-basin-countries-passes-house", "VIDEO: Rep. Sewell's Trade Bill with Caribbean Basin Countries Passes House with Bipartisan Support", "2020-09-22", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) applauded the passage of H.R. 991, a bipartisan bill, she introduced to reauthorize the U.S. Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) until September 2030. The legislation passed the House by unanimous voice vote.\n\nThe CBTPA is a preferential trade agreement that provides for duty and quota-free access for apparel products manufactured in designated beneficiary Caribbean Basin region countries. CBTPA also requires that Caribbean Basin countries use U.S. formed yarns, fabrics, and thread. The CBTPA was first enacted in 2000 and is currently authorized through September 30, 2020. Eligible CBTPA countries include Barbados, Belize, Curacao, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.\n\nAs the lead sponsor of the legislation to reauthorize the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, I am thrilled that Congress is taking action on this issue before the program expires at the end of the month,\" said Rep. Sewell. \"CBTPA is such an important economic tool for the United States and each of our partner countries, and it is critical to our continued diplomatic relationships in the Caribbean Basin. The bipartisan effort to reauthorize this program will allow us to export more American-made goods and strengthen Western supply chains, while contributing to economic development and job creation in Haiti and other countries throughout the Caribbean Basin region. I am grateful for its passage by unanimous voice vote in the House, and I urge the Senate to take up this bill before the September 30th deadline. \n\n\"I am incredibly grateful for Congresswoman Sewell's commitment to economic prosperity in the Republic of Haiti and the Caribbean region. The Extension of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), H.R. 991, which has received bipartisan and bicameral support, is a testament to Congress' unwavering support for working families in Haiti and CARICOM countries. This legislation has created countless jobs and generated billions of dollars in revenue over the past decade, said Ambassador Herve Denis.\n\n\"Furthermore, CBTPA would play a crucial role in strengthening the supply chains for PPEs and textiles in response to COVID-19, making America less dependent on nations outside the Western Hemisphere. With the issues regarding China, Haiti hopes and expects to benefit from the \"Near-Shoring\" concept introduced by Congress. Together, we can continue to strengthen bilateral trade relations between two of the oldest republics in the Americas.\"\n\nI'm proud to support our nation's trade preference programs, which bolster further economic expansion in developing nations and support jobs here in America  a true win-win scenario, said Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Republican lead co-sponsor. In particular, our bipartisan bill to extend the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act accomplishes that goal in the Caribbean, providing trade benefits to eight Caribbean nations, most notably Haiti. I want to thank Congresswoman Terri Sewell for partnering with me on this important legislation and urge the Senate to consider it without delay.\n\nTogether, the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) and the CBTPA are collectively known as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). These two acts work together to facilitate the development of 17 independent countries of the Caribbean Basin region. For these two preferential trade programs to be effective, both CBTPA and CBERA must be authorized. 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