{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"AL\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-s-rural-act-signed-law", "Rep. Sewells RURAL Act is Signed into Law", "2019-12-21", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. President Trump signed into law Friday the RURAL Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) to help preserve jobs and encourage infrastructure development by maintaining tax-exempt cooperative organizations' access to government grants and assistance, including FEMA disaster relief and funding to expand rural broadband. The cooperatives' tax-exempt status was threatened due to an unintended consequence of the hastily-passed GOP tax law.\n\nThe legislation was included in the government funding bill that President Trump signed into law yesterday.\n\nRep. Terri Sewell\nCommunities across Alabama's 7thCongressional District rely on the services provided by rural electric cooperatives, including the deployment of rural broadband, energy to rebuild neighborhoods after natural disasters, and other economic development projects. Access to reliable, affordable broadband is especially important to my constituents in rural communities who rely on this connectivity for economic growth and learning. By ensuring that government grants for these services don't jeopardize the tax-exempt status of these cooperatives, the RURAL Act will preserve the ability for co-ops to continue providing these invaluable tools that boost local economies and support families across Alabama.\n\nFred Braswell, CEO of the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives\nWe are most thankful for Rep. Sewell for taking the lead on the Rural Act. She gets it! She clearly understands the importance of fixing this unintended consequence of the tax law and the negative impact it could have on rural areas of her district and all of rural Alabama. We thank her for her continued leadership on this.\n\nTom Stackhouse, President and CEO of the Central Alabama Electric Cooperative\nWhen the call for help was issued by the electric cooperative industry, Rep. Terri Sewell quickly responded. She understood the need for action and sponsored the RURAL Act of 2019 to help not-for-profit cooperatives and other nonprofit organizations protect their ability to utilize federal grants without jeopardizing their not-for-profit status. We applaud her leadership and persistence on bringing this measure to a successful vote of Congress. Thank you, Rep. Sewell.\n\nJim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association\nWe're grateful that Congress understands the importance of fixing a tax problem that threatens 900 electric co-ops and America's rural communities. This package preserves the electric cooperative business model, protects co-op members from unfair electric rate increases and provides certainty to co-ops that leverage federal and state grants to meet the needs of the communities they serve. We're particularly grateful to Rep. Terri Sewell for her strong support leading the RURAL Act through Congress.\n\nHorace Horn, Vice President of External Affairs, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative\nWe are extremely grateful for Rep. Sewell's sponsorship of this legislation. The RURAL Act will be tremendously beneficial to our members. This would not have happened without the dedicated work by Rep. Sewell and her talented staff.\n\nThe RURAL Act is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-calls-on-noaa-nominee-to-prioritize-fixing-weather-radar-gaps-in-alabama", "Senator Doug Jones Calls on NOAA Nominee to Prioritize Fixing Weather Radar Gaps in Alabama", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today wrote to Neil Jacobs, who has been nominated to serve as Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to call attention to the gaps in weather radar capabilities in Alabama and to request a meeting on the issue before the Senate votes to confirm him. Jacobs currently serves as the acting NOAA Administrator.\r\nSenator Jones' office has worked with NOAA to bring attention to the need to expand radar coverage to areas that are not captured by NOAA's fleet of 160 Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD), particularly in Northwest and South Alabama. NEXRAD systems are no longer being built and new systems will not be ready for another 10-20 years, leaving many communities without the ability to adequately forecast and track storm systems.\r\nAlabama is particularly susceptible to damaging storms as was evidenced by the deadly tornadoes in Lee County last year. Closing radar gaps and providing better warning to communities will save lives in my state, wrote Senator Jones, who has been a strong advocate for disaster aid for Alabamians and has proposed legislation to improve preparedness.\r\nSince 2000, more than 300 Alabamians have died as a result of tornado-related injuries.  Full text of Senator Jones' letter is below and a .pdf is available here.\r\nDecember 20, 2019\r\nNeil Jacobs  Acting NOAA Administrator\r\nNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration   1401 Constitution AvenueNW, Room 5128   Washington, DC 20230\r\nMr. Jacobs, thank you for your public service and your desire to serve as the next Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA supervises a fleet of 160 Next Generation Weather Radar(NEXRAD). NEXRAD provides coverage for much of the United States but there are gaps in this coverage that leave many communities, particularly in rural Alabama, vulnerable to fast-developing storms. This can be due to lack of coverage or due to inadequate coverage at the outer reaches of a NEXRAD system.\r\nNEXRAD systems are no longer being built, so communities that lack adequate NEXRAD coverage are currently left with few options to monitor incoming weather systems and alert residents to potential dangerous storms. The next generation of radar systems are currently not slated to go into service for another ten to twenty years, and in the meantime, many of my constituents are left without adequate radar coverage. They deserve better protection.\r\nI am writing today to request a meeting as part of your confirmation process. Over the past 18 months, my staff has engaged with NOAA and Senate staff on radar gaps that place communities in Northwest and South Alabama at risk. More than 300 Alabamians have died from tornado-related injuries since 2000. We have to do more to give these communities the notice they need to prevent this number from growing.\r\nIt is my understanding that NOAA has been mandated by Congress to provide a report on coverage gaps but has yet to transmit this important document. Alabama is particularly susceptible to damaging storms as was evidenced by the deadly tornadoes in Lee County last year. Closing radar gaps and providing better warning to communities will save lives in my state. I cannot support your nomination without assurances that NOAA will provide this report and commit to working with communities like those in Alabama to better predict and track devastating storms. I look forward to meeting with you.\r\nSincerely,\r\nDoug Jones  United States Senator\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-2019-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Rep. Sewell Announces 2019 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, AL  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) is thrilled to announce Jada Wells, Alexis Perry and Ashton Young (all from RB Hudson Middle School), as this year's winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The annual challenge is open to middle and high school registrants throughout Alabama's 7th Congressional District, and is meant to encourage engagement in computer science and STEM programs.\nEvery year, I look forward to seeing what innovative new coding creations our applicants will submit, and this year was no disappointment, said Rep. Sewell. As a proud product of the Selma City Schools, I am excited that for the second year in a row, our district winner is a Selma City Studentit is a testament to the priority that the Selma system is putting on STEM. I especially want to recognize and thank seventh grade science teacher and Robotics Club leader, Ms. Sherry Jackson, whose guidance has been instrumental in encouraging our R.B. Hudson Middle School applicants. Jada Wells, Alexis Perry and Ashton Young have all created practical, well-designed apps, using technology to address tangible needs in their daily lives. This is technology and creativity at its best, and I hope that every contestant inspired to continue to develop these practical skills, which will doubtless serve them in the years to come.\nIn first place, Jada Wells' Bulldog Alert was built to aid substitute teachers with emergency procedures. The app was written in block code and can be viewed here.\nIn second place, Alexis Perry's Classroom 101 was created to assist elementary school teachers by finding worksheets, books and websites for a variety of subjects. The app was written in block code and can be viewed here. Alexis Perry was last year's first place winner and attended #HouseofCode in Washington, D.C.\nIn third place, Ashton Young's Selma Tours helps tourists find their way around the historic city of Selma, Alabama, a prominent landmark in the civil rights movement. The app was written in block code and can be viewed here.\nFirst place winner Jada Wells will be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., and her app Bulldog Alert will be eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-applauds-house-passage-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement", "Rep. Sewell Applauds House Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) praised the House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) on Thursday. As a member of the Democrat Working Group tasked with improving the deal, she worked for six months to make transformative changes to the labor, environment, access to medicines and enforcement provisions in the deal. In 2018, Alabama exported over $4 billion in goods to Canada and over $2.6 billion to Mexico. USMCA will help level the playing field for American workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses, leading to further economic growth in Alabama.\nIt was an honor to serve as one of the eight democratic members tasked by Speaker Pelosi to negotiate with the Trump Administration to improve this trade deal. Because of House Democrats, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement that the House passed today is infinitely better than the agreement that the Trump Administration handed us earlier this year, Sewell said. While not a perfect agreement, the re-negotiated USMCA is a win for Alabama manufacturers and farmers and will help level the playing field and promote economic prosperity for workers and businesses in Alabama's 7th Congressional District.\nPrior to our negotiations, the Trump Administration handed the House a USMCA with the same broken state-to-state dispute settlement mechanism that made the original NAFTA unenforceable, Sewell explained. The President's proposal was a total non-starter for Democrats and working Americans, so I made enforcement my top priority, closing harmful loopholes in the old NAFTA's dispute resolution mechanism that now makes the trade deal more enforceable. We also added new enforcement rules that will make it easier for our Trade Representative to dispute labor violation, especially with Mexico.\nSpecifically, House Democrats closed enforcement loopholes and streamlined the dispute settlement system to ensure that our trading partners live up to their commitments:\n An enhanced state-to-state measure to settle general disputes and ensures states cannot block enforcement complaints.\n\tFor the first time in a trade agreement, created rules of evidence  rules that will help the United States successfully litigate labor, environmental and other fact-intensive disputes.\n Sewell also worked with Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Mike Thompson (CA-01) to improve the labor standards included in the deal. Those improvements include:\n The establishment of a labor-specific, rapid-response enforcement mechanism that allows for quick, facility-based enforcement of new labor standards included in the agreement.\n\tThe creation of an independent review body to ensure that Mexico is implementing its labor reform and is complying with its new labor obligations and is meeting the required timelines, which will help protect workers from violence and prosecute labor violations.\n\tAllowing for the imposition of penalties on goods and services that are not produced in compliance with key labor standards which creates direct incentives to meet the new standards.\n\tThe commitment of robust funding to protect American workers by monitoring and enforcing the deal.\n Additionally, the agreement improves environmental rules and establishes Environment-Focused Attachs in Mexico City that will regularly monitor Mexico's environment laws, regulations and practices.\nThe members of the Democrat Working Group include: Chairman Richard Neal (MA-02), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Mike Thompson (CA-34), John Larsen (CT-01), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jan Schakowski (IL-09), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01).\nVideo of Sewell is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-bill-to-crack-down-on-robocalls-passes-congress-set-to-become-law", "Senator Doug Jones\u2019 Bill to Crack Down on Robocalls Passes Congress, Set to Become Law", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today\r\nthe Senate passed broad, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Senator Doug\r\nJones (D-Ala.) to decrease and deter robocalls. The Telephone\r\nRobocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act was\r\npassed by the House of Representatives earlier this month. The bill now heads\r\nto the President to be signed into law. Most\r\npeople in this day and age know what it's like to have their phone go off all\r\nday long because of annoying robocalls. These calls aren't just an everyday\r\nnuisance -- they can also perpetrate scams and often prey on the elderly. Even\r\nin the divisive times we have today, we can all agree that these incessant\r\nrobocalls need to end, and I'm glad Congress was able to come to a bipartisan\r\ncompromise to crack down on them, Senator Jones, a member of the Senate\r\nSpecial Committee on Aging, where he has worked to raise awareness of scams\r\ntargeting the elderly and passed bipartisan legislation to protect\r\ntaxpayers from being targets of tax-return fraud. The\r\nTRACED Act gives regulators more time to find scammers and levy\r\nfines for those who are caught, promotes call authentication and blocking\r\nadoption, and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general\r\ntogether to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who\r\nintentionally flout laws. The\r\nTRACED Act would: \r\n Requires service providers to\r\n     implement call authentication and blocking technologies free of charge for\r\n     consumers and small businesses;\r\n  \r\n Gives the Federal\r\n     Communications Commission (FCC) the ability to step up enforcement actions\r\n     against unlawful robocalls with a longer statute of limitations and\r\n     increased fines in certain cases;\r\n  \r\n Brings together relevant\r\n     federal agencies as well as state attorneys general and other non-federal\r\n     entities to identify and report to Congress on improving deterrence and\r\n     criminal prosecution of robocall scams at the federal and state levels;\r\n  \r\n Requires the FCC to establish\r\n     partnerships to better inform efforts to protect consumers, including an\r\n     advisory committee to develop best practices to combat unlawful robocalls\r\n     made to hospitals and a consortium to trace the origins of illegal\r\n     robocalls;\r\n  \r\n Directs the FCC to protect\r\n     consumers from one-ring scams, in which callers ring once and then hang\r\n     up, attempting to trick the consumer into calling back and incurring hefty\r\n     charges; and\r\n  \r\n Requires the FCC to report to\r\n     Congress on enforcement and compliance progress.\r\n  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-future-act-signed-into-law-by-president-trump", "Senator Doug Jones\u2019 FUTURE Act Signed into Law by President Trump", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S.\r\nSenator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today released the following statement on the\r\nPresident's signing of his bipartisan FUTURE Act legislation to permanently\r\nrenew funding for Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and\r\nminority-serving institutions (MSIs). The bill also includes a first step\r\ntoward simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)\r\nprocess. The legislation\r\npassed in Congress last week with overwhelming bipartisan support. Today\r\nmarks the end of a 15-month effort to provide permanent, reliable funding for\r\nour HBCUs and minority-serving institutions of higher education around the\r\ncountry. These schools are part of the very foundation of our higher education\r\nsystem and serve six million talented students across the country. Permanent\r\nfunding will allow them to fulfill their mission of serving their students and\r\neducating our next generation of leaders. This is just one example of how\r\nmembers of Congress can still work in a bipartisan way to get things done and\r\ndo the right thing for the people we serve, said Senator Doug Jones, a member\r\nof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. READ:\r\nAlabama HBCU leaders respond to FUTURE Act passage Background: Earlier\r\nthis month, Senator Jones joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to\r\nannounce acompromise\r\ndealto permanently fund HBCUs and MSIs as well as take a step toward\r\nsimplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That\r\nlegislation was amended to strengthen privacy protections and approved in the\r\nHouse of Representatives by a vote of319-96. The amended bill\r\nwas approved unanimously in the Senate. Before\r\nfunding expired on September 30, Senator Jones took to the Senate floor\r\ntourge\r\nhis colleaguesto support a vote on his legislation. The Senate failed\r\nto take action before the deadline, but Senator Jones continued to fight to\r\nrenew the funding and raise awareness about the urgent need to pass this\r\nlegislation. Senator\r\nJones first\r\nproposed to permanently increase and renew funding for HBCUs and MSIs last\r\nyear through his legislation, the Strengthening Minority-Serving\r\nInstitutions Act. It earned the support of one-fourth of the Senate.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-announces-funding-for-alabama-priorities-in-appropriations-package-passed-by-congress", "Senator Jones Announces Funding for Alabama Priorities in Appropriations Package Passed by Congress", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S.\r\nSenator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today announced that dozens of his requests to fund\r\npriorities for Alabama were included in a year-end appropriations package that\r\npassed the Senate today. The two funding bills now head to the President's desk\r\nfor his signature. From\r\nincreased resources for our HBCUs to additional funding to prevent the spread\r\nof Chronic Wasting Disease in our deer population, there are dozens of Alabama\r\npriorities included in this bill, said Senator Doug Jones. The deal\r\nwill also fund my Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Commission, end the\r\nKiddie Tax on military families, and provide funding for heirs' property owners\r\nto resolve burdensome legal issues. I want to thank Senators Richard Shelby and\r\nPatrick Leahy, who lead our Appropriations Committee, for their bipartisan work\r\nto get this done. Key\r\nprovisions championed by Senator Jones include: \r\nEnding the Kiddie Tax: As a result\r\nof the Military\r\nWidow's Tax,\r\nGold Star spouses often put benefits in their children's names in order to\r\ncollect full survivor benefits. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly raised\r\ntaxes due on these benefits up to a tax rate of 37 percent, resulting in\r\nsurprise tax increases of over $1,000 for many families. The inclusion of Senator\r\nJones' bill\r\nto get rid of the Kiddie Tax will restore the previous lower tax rate on these\r\nbenefits. \r\nCivil Rights Cold Case bill implementation: $2M has\r\nbeen allocated for National Archives and Records Administration to implement\r\nSenator Jones' Civil Rights Cold Case Collection Act, which was signed into\r\nlaw\r\nby the President early this year. \r\nFunding gun violence prevention research: For the\r\nfirst time in two decades, Congress will allocate $25M for research into the\r\ncauses of gun violence in America. Senator Jones has supported this effort as a\r\ncommon-sense, bipartisan step to better understand and prevent acts of gun\r\nviolence.  \r\nImproving maternal and child health: $17M\r\nincrease for programs to improve maternal and child health through the Health\r\nResources and Services Administration, including an additional $5 million to\r\nreduce maternal mortality. Senator Jones has introduced numerous pieces of\r\nlegislation\r\nto support families and increase access to health care for women and children.  \r\nIncreasing funding to enforce federal child\r\nprotection laws: $90M\r\nfor State Grants and $55.66 million for the Community-Based Child Abuse\r\nPrevention grants to enforce the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment\r\nAct, which Senator Jones has introduced legislation to reauthorize in 2020.  \r\nRaising the purchasing age for tobacco to 21: The deal\r\nprohibits sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 across the\r\ncountry. Senator Jones joined similar legislation earlier this year.  \r\nClotilda excavation assistance: $500,000\r\nfor the Smithsonian Institution to support excavation, education, and community\r\nengagement around discovery of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship\r\nto arrive in the United States. The bill also expands eligibility for Civil\r\nRights grants under the Historic Preservation Fund to include recently\r\ndiscovered sites of the transatlantic slave trade, including the Clotilda.\r\nSenator Jones also recently memorialized\r\nthe discovery\r\nof the Clotilda, which was found near Mobile, Alabama, in a Senate resolution. \r\nFunding programs to resolve heirs' property\r\ndisputes: $5M\r\nsecured by\r\nSenator Jones\r\nfor a new heirs' property relending fund program. \r\nPreventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease: Preventing\r\nthe spread of Chronic Wasting Disease: $1.72M for the U.S. Geological\r\nSurvey and $5M to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service to combat chronic\r\nwasting disease. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Senator Jones has\r\nintroduced several\r\npieces of legislation to fight the spread of CWD. Also included in the bill\r\nwas another of Senator Jones' priorities, the Modernizing the\r\nPittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act, which will help state\r\nwildlife agencies to conduct important CWD outreach activities. \r\nIncreasing HBCU funding:  o\r\nIn\r\naddition to securing permanent\r\nmandatory funding\r\nfor HBCUs, Senator Jones has advocated for this bill to also provide $325Ma 15\r\npercent increasefor HBCU discretionary funding next year. Last year, he also secured a 14-percent\r\ndiscretionary funding increase in the omnibus funding bill. o\r\n$119M\r\nfor Historic Preservation Fund; including $10M for Historically Black Colleges\r\nand Universities (HBCUs) grants, and $15M for civil rights grants. o\r\n$50M,\r\nincluding $10M for Public HBCUs, for HBCU Capital Financing. \r\nIncreasing the maximum Pell Grant award: Students are\r\nnow eligible for a $150 increase in the maximum Pell Grant award, bringing the\r\nmaximum award to $6,345 per student.  \r\nFunding wastewater grant programs: $5M for the\r\nHousehold Water Well System Grant Program, which Senator Jones expanded in last\r\nyear's Farm Bill to include up to $15,000 for households in rural areas to\r\ninstall and maintain individually owned decentralized wastewater systems.  \r\nEnforcing EPA civil rights protections: $9.554M for\r\nenforcement of environmental justice programs under EPA. Earlier this year,\r\nSenator Jones called\r\non EPA to better enforce civil rights protections in the environmental\r\njustice context.  \r\nSaving miners pensions: The bill\r\nshores up the miners pension plan, which is headed for insolvency due to coal\r\ncompany bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis, and ensures that the miners\r\nwho are at risk due to coal company bankruptcies will not lose their healthcare.There\r\nare nearly 6,000 United Mine Workers of America pensioners in Alabama. \r\nProtecting public transportation funds: The bill\r\nincludes Senator Jones' amendment to protect $1.2B in public transportation\r\nfunds, including more than $7M that was set to be cut for Alabama transit\r\nagencies without this amendment. \r\nProtecting Alabama auto manufacturers from\r\nunnecessary tariffs:\r\nThe bill requires the release of automobile and auto part Section 232\r\ninvestigation within 30 days, which Senator Jones\r\nhas called on\r\nthe Administration to make public. \r\nAddressing the shortage of pilots and lack of\r\ndiversity in military service: $3M for the Air Force and Army\r\nJunior ROTC to create pilot scholarship programs to increase diversity in\r\nmilitary pilot ranks. Senator Jones introduced a\r\nbill\r\nearlier this year to authorize the secretaries of each military department to\r\ncreate these programs.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-impeach-president-donald-j-trump", "Rep. Sewell Votes to Impeach President Donald J. Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "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, released the following statement Wednesday after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress:\nNo one comes to Congress to impeach a president. However, the President has given this Congress no choice  he has put us in an untenable position.\nThe evidence is clear and direct: The President, by his own admission, has endangered our national security and the very foundation of our democracy. He used the full power of his office to solicit intervention from a foreign government in securing dirt against his political rival, while millions of dollars in foreign aid hung in the balance.\nThe President's transgressions did not end there. He and his administration have stonewalled Congress for months, refusing to cooperate with the House's constitutionally-mandated oversight duties.\nIt is for these reasons, and with a profound sense of gravity and solemnity, that I support both articles of impeachment: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.\nWhile President Trump's indefensible actions set in motion this event, my vote for impeachment is not about the President. It is about my oath to defend and protect the Constitution, uphold this democracy, and to honor the sacred trust that my constituents bestowed upon me.\nThe President's actions, and his continued solicitation for foreign intervention in our democracy, constitute a present danger to the very foundation of our nation. To not act would set a dangerous precedent. In the United States of America, no one is above the law, not even the President.\nDemocrat or Republican, it is time for us to pull together and show unity, sending a message to the American people that we are still a nation that is willing to fight for our democracy.\nThe President forced the House's hand. Now, the Senate must hold President Trump to account for his betrayal of the American people.\nVideo of Sewell is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-applauds-future-act-becoming-law", "Rep. Sewell Applauds the FUTURE Act Becoming Law", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) applauded Congress' passage of the FUTURE Act, legislation that permanently reauthorizes crucial mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and all Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). The bill provides these institutions with $255 million in annual funding, which will provide the stability needed for long-term planning. Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) was the lead sponsor of the FUTURE Act in the Senate.\nThe strength of HBCUs in Alabama is deeply personal for me as my parents are both proud graduates of Alabama State University. I would not be where I am today had my parents not received such a remarkable education at ASU, Sewell said. Alabama is proud to be the home of the most HBCUs in the country. The FUTURE Act will ensure that these historic institutions have the stability and certainty necessary to continue to provide quality education to future generations to come.\nI want to thank Senator Jones for his tireless work in the Senate to shepherd this bill into law, Sewell said. He worked diligently with Senate Republicans to get this vital legislation over the finish line.\nThe FUTURE Act also simplifies the FAFSA by eliminating up to 22 questions. By simplifying the burdensome FAFSA form, this bill removes a significant barrier for students who need financial assistance in order to afford college.\nAlabama's 14 HBCUs will receive over $9.5 million annually in funding as a result of the FUTURE Act.\n\t\t\t\tINSTITUTION NAME\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAWARD AMOUNT\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$1,150,640\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$1,186,262\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBISHOP STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - CA\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$250,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBISHOP STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - MA\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$761,043\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGADSDEN STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$250,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tJ. F. DRAKE STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$250,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLAWSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$968,943\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMILES COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$872,246\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOAKWOOD COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$774,336\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSHELTON STATE COMM. COLLEGE-FREDD\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSTILLMAN COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$769,628\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTALLADEGA COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$849,693", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-secures-key-wins-government-funding-packages", "Rep. Sewell Secures Key Wins in Government Funding Packages", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement today following the House passage of 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2020 and an accompanying tax package. The appropriations package contains nearly $1.2 billion that Sewell directly worked with House appropriators to secure.\nThe legislation the House passed today reflects a bipartisan commitment to historic preservation, rural wastewater infrastructure, education and more  all important wins for Alabama's 7th Congressional District, Sewell said. We also secured funding for critical improvements to wastewater infrastructure in the district, building upon our long-term commitment to ensuring all Alabama residents have access to basic wastewater sanitation.\nWhile I am pleased that many priorities for the 7th District were included in this year's bill, I share the concerns of many of my Democratic colleagues related to the cost of this legislation and funding for the Department of Homeland Security, Sewell said. We must do more to limit funding for this Administration's destructive and cruel anti-immigrant policies.\nThe domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations minibus, H.R. 1865, reflects conference agreements for eight appropriations bills: Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. The national security appropriations minibus, H.R. 1158, reflects conference agreements for four appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security.\nKey priorities Sewell secured in the legislation include:\n $1.45 billion for rural water and waste program loans, which is an increase of $50 million since 2019. \n\t$5 million for Sewell's Rural Septic Tank Access Act, which passed in the 2018 Farm Bill and will be used to provide grants to improve rural decentralized water systems and water wells. This is a new appropriation.\n\t$5 million for a pilot program to provide grants to a regional wastewater consortium to fund technical assistance and construction of regional wastewater systems by engineering experts at University of Alabama, University of South Alabama and Auburn University.\n\t$18 million for competitive grants to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement, an increase of over $4 million over the 2019 enacted level. \n\t$5 billion for the allocation authority New Markets Tax Credit, an allocation authority increase of $1.5 billion, and an extension of the tax credit through 2020. This expansion was included in Sewell's New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2019, H.R. 1680.\n\tLanguage to protect the tax-exempt status of rural electric cooperatives, which was threatened due to an unintended consequence of the hastily-passed GOP tax law. This language was originally introduced in Sewell's RURAL Act, H.R. 2147. This will ensure these co-ops can retain their tax-exempt status when applying for grants to expand rural broadband or disaster assistance.\n Sewell was also successful in securing funding for the following programs (by category):\n\nRURAL WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER AGRICULTURE PRIORITIES\n $1.45 billion for rural water and waste program loans, which is an increase of $50 million since 2019. \n\t$659 million for the Rural Utilities Service Rural Water and Waste Disposal Program Account.\n\t$545 million for water and waste grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems. \n\t$5 million for Sewell's Rural Septic Tank Access Act, which passed in the 2018 Farm Bill and will be used to provide grants to improve rural decentralized water systems and water wells. This is a new appropriation.\n\t$5 million for a pilot program to provide grants to a regional wastewater consortium to fund technical assistance and construction of regional wastewater systems by engineering experts at University of Alabama, University of South Alabama and Auburn University. The program will benefit historically impoverished communities that have had difficulty installing traditional wastewater treatment systems due to soil conditions. This is a new program.\n\t$640 million for the expansion of broadband services to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services.\n\tCritical funding for food and nutrition programs, including:\n\t\t$67 billion in mandatory spending for SNAP,\n\t\t\n\t$23 billion in mandatory funding for Child Nutrition Programs. This is $474 million above the 2019 enacted level.\n\t\t$6 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).\n\t\t\n \nHISTORIC PRESERVATION\n $118 million for the Historic Preservation Fund, which is an increase of $15 million from the 2019 enacted level, including:\n\t\t$18 million for competitive grants to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement, an increase of over $4 million over the 2019 enacted level. \n\t\t\t$10 million for the historic preservation of HBCUs, an increase of $2 million over the 2019 enacted level.\n\t\t\n \nEDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT\n $26 million for the HBCU Capital Financing Program Deferment Authority's Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program Account.\n\t$2.5 billion for higher education programs, an increase of $163 million above the 2019 enacted level. Within this amount, the bill provides:\n\t\t$325 million for HBCUs, an increase of $42 million above the 2019 enacted level and\n\t\t\t$1.1 billion for federal TRIO programs, which provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. This is a $30 million increase above the 2019 enacted level.\n\t\t\n\t$1.7 billion for Job Corps, $25 million above the 2019 enacted level.\n\t$40.1 billion for K-12 education programs, an increase of $1.2 billion above the 2019 enacted level. Included in that funding is:\n\t\t$16.3 billion for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies, an increase of $450 million above the 2019 enacted level, and\n\t\t\t$10.6 billion for Head Start, an increase of $550 million from the 2019 enacted level.\n\t\t\t$365 million for GEAR UP, an increase of $30 million above the 2019 enacted level.\n\t\t\n\t$24.5 billion for Federal student aid programs. \n  $6,345 for the maximum Pell Grant (increase of $150 over the 2019 enacted)\n\t$865 million for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program\n\t$1.2 billion for Federal Work Study\n  $1.7 billion for Job Corps, $25 million above the 2019 enacted level.\n\t$175 million for Registered Apprenticeships, an increase of $15 million above the 2019 enacted level and $10 million above the President's budget request.\n \nHEALTH CARE\n $335 million to advance the mission of NIH's National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD). NIMHD leads scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health status and health care delivery, including racial groups, rural populations, low-income populations and others.\n\t$59 million for the Office of Minority Health within the Department of Health and Human Services.\n\t$5 million for KidneyX, a new public-private partnership to accelerate the development and adoption of novel therapies and technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.\n\t$3.1 billion for HIV/AIDS research.\n\t$80 billion for VA medical care, including:\n\t\t$300 million for rural health initiatives\n\t\t\t$222 million for suicide prevention and outreach\n\t\t\n\t$40 million for HUD/VA supportive housing for homeless veterans.\n\t$944 million for programs to improve maternal and child health, including an additional $5 million to reduce maternal mortality\n \nCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT\n $5 billion for the allocation authority New Markets Tax Credit, an allocation authority increase of $1.5 billion, and an extension of the tax credit through 2020. This expansion was included in Sewell's New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2019, H.R. 1680.\n\tLanguage to protect the tax-exempt status of rural electric cooperatives, which was threatened due to an unintended consequence of the hastily-passed GOP tax law. This language was originally introduced in Sewell's RURAL Act, H.R. 2147. This will ensure these co-ops can retain their tax-exempt status when applying for grants to expand rural broadband or disaster assistance.\n\t$3.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants to expand economic opportunities and improve living environments in urban areas.\n \nRETIREMENT\n Included in the accompanying tax package is the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE Act), H.R. 1994, legislation aimed at making it easier for small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees, providing retirement benefit opportunities to home care workers, allowing long-time, part-time workers to participate in a 401(k) plan and much more.\n\t\tAlso included in the SECURE Act is a provision that Sewell introduced with her colleagues to reverse a tax on Gold Star families that was included in the 2018 Republican tax bill. A surviving spouse cannot receive both Veteran Affairs and Defense Department benefits simultaneously in full. So, Gold Star parents often sign their DoD benefits over to their children. The SECURE Act will reverse this provision in the Republican tax law that lumps Gold Star children into a bracket known as the \"kiddie tax\" at 37 percent, much higher than their previous tax rate.\n\t\t\n JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT \n $13.5 million for the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization, funding to reopen these cases for investigation and prosecution.\n\t$3.28 billion in grants to states and local law enforcement, including $340 million for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program.\n Included in the bill are many additional provisions important to Alabama's 7th Congressional District, including: \n $25 million for federal research at the CDC and NIH into our nation's gun violence epidemic.\n\t$7.56 billion to enable the Census Bureau to effectively prepare for and conduct a thorough and accurate 2020 Decennial Census.\n\t$410 million for the Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) program, an increase of $17 million above the 2019 enacted level.\n A fact sheet on the funding bills is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-grants-issue-355-december-16-2019", "Guide to Grants Issue 355 - December 16, 2019", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "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-statement-house-judiciary-committee-vote-articles-impeachment", "Rep. Sewell Statement on House Judiciary Committee Vote on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "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, released the following statement today after the House Judiciary Committee approved two articles of impeachment against President Trump:\nToday is a somber moment in our nation's history. Given the gravity of the charges and overwhelming facts that came out of the Intelligence Committee and the discussion in the Judiciary Committee, it saddens me it was a party line vote.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-jones-cotton-merkley-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-stop-predatory-unsolicited-loans", "Senators Jones, Cotton, Merkley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Doug\r\nJones (D-Ala.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) have reintroduced\r\nbipartisan legislationthe Unsolicited Loan Act that would halt the\r\npredatory practice of mailing high-interest loans to consumers in the form of\r\nlive checks. Often\r\ntimes, when consumers receive these checks in the mail they believe them to be\r\nfrom their bank or another trusted financial institution and are unaware the\r\ncheck is a high-interest loan. Under the Unsolicited Loan Act, this\r\npractice would be prohibited and would ensure consumers can only access loans\r\nfor which they proactively applied. This legislation echoes Congress' ban on\r\nthe mailing of live credit cards. We\r\nneed to continue to take a stand for hard-working families and make sure we\r\nhave protections in place to prevent these predatory tactics, said Senator\r\nJones, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Many\r\nhonest folks are not aware that by depositing these checks they are actually\r\ntaking on a high-interest loan. Congress must act now and pass this\r\ncommon-sense legislation to protect consumers from this predatory scam. People\r\nshould understand exactly what they're getting into when taking on debt. But\r\nmany individuals don't understand that live' checks mailed directly to\r\nconsumers are just high-interest loans in disguise. Congress put an end to\r\nlive' credit cards decades ago, it's time to do the same with live' checks, said\r\nSenator Cotton. Families\r\nacross the country have fallen victim to scams where they think they're getting\r\na lucky windfall or refund from their bank, and instead are being lured into a\r\nhigh-interest loan theynever asked for,said Senator Merkley.\r\nIt should be illegal to trick unsuspecting customers into loans they don't\r\nwant, and that's why I'm urging my colleagues to take a stand for consumer\r\nfairness and transparency by passing the Unsolicited Loan Act. Background\r\non the Unsolicited Loan Act Congress\r\nhas long recognized consumer loans should require an application by a customer\r\nand nearly 50 years ago the practice of mailing live credit cards was banned.\r\nIn modern lending, formal loan applications are often quick to fill out and\r\nthis legislation would not prohibit the direct mailing or marketing of a loan\r\napplication. This legislation would allow for common-sense consumer protections\r\nto be put in placewithout limiting access to creditfor consumers who\r\nwillingly apply and seek lending products. The\r\nUnsolicited Loan Act would also ensure that companies cannot shift from\r\nthe mailing of live checks to other forms of transfer, such as a gift card or\r\nan e-check. Additionally, customers would not be held liable for debt\r\nincurred from illegal, unsolicited live check loans. This\r\nlegislation has been endorsed by The National Consumer Law Center on behalf of\r\nits low-income clients.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-jones-cotton-merkley-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-stop-predatory-unsolicited-loans-senators-jones-cotton-merkley-reintroduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-stop-predatory-unsolicited-loans", "Senators Jones, Cotton, Merkley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans\r\n \r\nSenators Jones, Cotton, Merkley Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Stop Predatory Unsolicited Loans", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Doug\r\nJones (D-Ala.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) have reintroduced\r\nbipartisan legislationthe Unsolicited Loan Act that would halt the\r\npredatory practice of mailing high-interest loans to consumers in the form of\r\nlive checks. Often\r\ntimes, when consumers receive these checks in the mail they believe them to be\r\nfrom their bank or another trusted financial institution and are unaware the\r\ncheck is a high-interest loan. Under the Unsolicited Loan Act, this\r\npractice would be prohibited and would ensure consumers can only access loans\r\nfor which they proactively applied. This legislation echoes Congress' ban on\r\nthe mailing of live credit cards. We\r\nneed to continue to take a stand for hard-working families and make sure we\r\nhave protections in place to prevent these predatory tactics, said Senator\r\nJones, a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. Many\r\nhonest folks are not aware that by depositing these checks they are actually\r\ntaking on a high-interest loan. Congress must act now and pass this\r\ncommon-sense legislation to protect consumers from this predatory scam. People\r\nshould understand exactly what they're getting into when taking on debt. But\r\nmany individuals don't understand that live' checks mailed directly to\r\nconsumers are just high-interest loans in disguise. Congress put an end to\r\nlive' credit cards decades ago, it's time to do the same with live' checks, said\r\nSenator Cotton. Families\r\nacross the country have fallen victim to scams where they think they're getting\r\na lucky windfall or refund from their bank, and instead are being lured into a\r\nhigh-interest loan theynever asked for,said Senator Merkley.\r\nIt should be illegal to trick unsuspecting customers into loans they don't\r\nwant, and that's why I'm urging my colleagues to take a stand for consumer\r\nfairness and transparency by passing the Unsolicited Loan Act. Background\r\non the Unsolicited Loan Act Congress\r\nhas long recognized consumer loans should require an application by a customer\r\nand nearly 50 years ago the practice of mailing live credit cards was banned.\r\nIn modern lending, formal loan applications are often quick to fill out and\r\nthis legislation would not prohibit the direct mailing or marketing of a loan\r\napplication. This legislation would allow for common-sense consumer protections\r\nto be put in placewithout limiting access to creditfor consumers who\r\nwillingly apply and seek lending products. The\r\nUnsolicited Loan Act would also ensure that companies cannot shift from\r\nthe mailing of live checks to other forms of transfer, such as a gift card or\r\nan e-check. Additionally, customers would not be held liable for debt\r\nincurred from illegal, unsolicited live check loans. This\r\nlegislation has been endorsed by The National Consumer Law Center on behalf of\r\nits low-income clients.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-applauds-house-passage-hr-3-lower-drug-costs-now-act", "Rep. Sewell Applauds House Passage of H.R. 3, The Lower Drug Costs Now Act", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) praised the House passage of H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill will bring down costs for patients and taxpayers, help level the playing field for American consumers and will allow for reinvestment in Medicare program improvements and medical innovation.\nI have heard from too many Alabamians who struggle to afford their prescription drug costs and who have been forced to make countless sacrifices because of the skyrocketing cost of their life-saving medications. H.R. 3 is much-needed, bold and innovative legislation that will lower drug costs for all Americans, Sewell said. The bill finally lifts the longtime ban on Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices and makes those prices available to all Americans; institutes a new $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries; and saves taxpayers almost $500 billion over the next ten years. Those savings are reinvested in policies to improve the Medicare program and spur medical research and innovation.\nThe absence of a cap in the current Part D design means that runaway, unlimited out-of-pocket drug costs can strip seniors of their financial stability with a single diagnosis. So, I worked with Speaker Pelosi to ensure our seniors no longer have unlimited liability for out-of-pocket costs and can pay their new $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs in equal installments over the course of a year, instead of up front, all at once. Sewell continued. I was also proud to co-author a provision in the bill to ensure seniors are enrolled in the best Medicare Part D program for their individual needs, which has the potential to save seniors thousands of dollars on out-of-pocket costs for the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy.\nIn Alabama's 7th Congressional District, there are over 100,000 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and over 360,000 enrolled in private health insurance  all of whom stand to benefit from H.R. 3.\nSpecifically, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act would:\n Give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies to bring down prices and create powerful new tools to bring drug manufacturers to the table to agree to a maximum fair price, based on how much they cost in other countries.\n\tMake the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance and Medicaid too, not just those on Medicare.\n  Protect the Medicare program and beneficiaries from excessive increases in the prices of drugs covered in Parts B and D.\n\tEstablish a rebate penalty on companies that raise prices higher than inflation.\n\tCreate a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for people on Medicare. There is currently not a cap on how much out-of-pocket costs Seniors are subjected to in Medicare. \n\tSave taxpayers approximately $500 billion over the next ten years and reinvest those savings into:\n\t\tExpanding Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision and hearing,\n\t\t\tCombatting the addiction crisis, and\n\t\t\tResearching new cures and treatments at the NIH and FDA.\n\t\t\n Independent experts found the Lower Drug Costs Now Act would:\n Save American households $120 billion.\n\tSave private businesses more than $40 billion.\n\tSave taxpayers approximately $500 billion and reinvests that savings to expand benefits, and\n\tIncrease funding for medical research and development.\n Video of Sewell on H.R. 3 is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-supports-passage-national-defense-authorization-act-0", "Rep. Sewell Supports Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  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, praised the House passage of the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Sewell was also selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in September to serve on the conference committee tasked with working out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the NDAA. The bipartisan, bicameral conference report authorizes $738 billion for defense spending for FY 2020.\nFrom the men and women serving at Maxwell Air Force Base and at the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery, to the shipbuilding industry in Mobile and the missile defense efforts in Huntsville, Alabama plays a major part in our national security, Sewell said. I am proud to have represented our state in conference with my colleagues. We delivered a smart, bipartisan defense bill that improves campaign election security, makes good on our promises to military widows and authorizes funding to equip, supply and train U.S. troops and support military families at home and abroad.\nIncluded in the NDAA are several provisions Sewell authored and successfully incorporated into the conference report, including:\n Language to improve federal campaign election security. Specifically, the legislation requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to work with the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make available an advisory report on foreign counter-intelligence and cybersecurity threats to election campaigns for federal offices. Additionally, it would require the DNI work jointly to publish a summary of best practices that federal campaigns can employ to counter such threats.\n\t\tIn the event that Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis jointly determine that a federal election campaign is subject to a heightened foreign counterintelligence or cybersecurity threat, the provision would allow them to make available additional information to those campaigns to help thwart outside interference.\n\t\t\n\tAuthorization for increased intelligence funding for combatant commanders and our growing strategic competition with China, Russia and other malign actors.\n\tContinued commitment to promoting increased diversity within the Intelligence Community's workforce. The bill contains language directing the Intelligence Community to expand its annual demographic hiring report by adding grade level, career category and other identifiers protected by law. This change will improve the IC's ability to track how well it retains and promotes employees of diverse backgrounds.\n Also included in the bill is the repeal of the Military Widow's Tax, which unfairly taxes military widows and widowers' survivor benefits. The repeal of the tax will impact as many as 65,000 surviving military spouses nationwide who have been barred from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits.\nThe bill now heads to the President's desk for his consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-statement-new-north-american-trade-agreement", "Rep. Sewell Statement on New North American Trade Agreement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and a member of the Democratic Working Group chosen by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to negotiate improvements to the new North American trade agreement, released the following statement today after House Democrats achieved substantial changes to the trade deal:\nA year ago, the Trump Administration delivered to Congress a deal that was unenforceable, inadequate and dead on arrival. House Democrats worked tirelessly to make transformative changes to the labor, environment, access to medicines, and enforcement provisions in the deal. I am particularly proud that we have made this agreement enforceable by fixing the state-to-state mechanism and adding an enhanced rapid-response enforcement mechanism for labor.\nAt the end of the day, the Working Group demanded changes that would benefit American workers, and we delivered. Democrats are creating a paradigm shift around our country's trade policy, especially for the benefit of Alabama workers, farmers and manufacturers. This is a big win for Alabama and will help ensure workers and industry are able to compete on a level playing field.\nI want to congratulate Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, the Working Group and House Democrats on successfully negotiating a truly transformative trade agreement with Canada and Mexico. We have been laser-focused on legislating this Congress, and this new North American Trade Agreement is no exception.\nA fact sheet on the wins Democrats secured in the new North American trade agreement is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-bill-to-permanently-renew-funding-for-hbcus-earns-final-approval-heads-to-presidents-desk-for-signature", "Senator Jones: Bill to Permanently Renew Funding for HBCUs Earns Final Approval, Heads to President\u2019s Desk for Signature", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today announced final passage of his bipartisan legislation, the FUTURE Act, to permanently renew annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs) that had expired in September. Last week, Senator Jones joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to announce a compromise deal to permanently fund HBCUs and MSIs as well as take a first important step to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That legislation was amended to strengthen privacy protections and approved in the House of Representatives today by a vote of 319-96. The amended bill was approved unanimously in the Senate this evening. It now goes to the President for his signature.\r\nBefore funding expired on September 30, Senator Jones took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support a vote on his legislation. The Senate failed to take action before the deadline, but Senator Jones continued to fight to renew the funding and raise awareness about the urgent need to pass this legislation.\r\nThis day has been more than a year in the making and it will be a welcome relief to the HBCUs in Alabama that serve tens of thousands of our best and brightest. Today we are sending an important message of support for our HBCUs and showing in no uncertain terms that we believe they are vital to our system of higher education, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Our legislation also makes much-needed changes to the FAFSA form and will make it easier for more students to earn a college degree. Its swift passage tonight is proof that Congress can make progress on bipartisan priorities even despite all that's going on in Washington these days.\r\nLeaders from the thirteen Alabama HBCUs that receive this annual funding responded swiftly to express their support for the FUTURE Act and to share what this progress means to their institutions:\r\nDr. Reginald Sykes, President, Bishop State Community College:\r\nOn behalf of thefaculty, staff, administration, and most importantly, the studentsof Bishop State CommunityCollege, I extend my deepest gratitude to Senator Doug Jones and the bipartisangroup of senators who worked endlessly to ensure permanent funding for current and future students attending Historically Black Universities and Colleges and all minority-serving institutions.\r\nThe FUTURE Act, along with the simplified FAFSA process, will provide so many of Bishop State's students an opportunity to gain an education without the added worry of how to finance it. We are grateful for this proposalas it helps our students achieve their dreams of obtaining a college education.\r\nDr. Patricia Sims, President, Drake State Community and Technical College:\r\nI am extremely excited about Senator Jones' leadership on this initiative to provide permanent funding to HBCUs and to simplify the FAFSA. The two initiatives will have a tremendous impact on ensuring that this who have been traditionally marginalized are able to have access funding to support their education and that our institutions are prepared to deliver quality educational programs and experiences. Thank you Senator Jones for your demonstrated commitment to ensuring the future of HBCUs.\r\nDr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., President, Alabama A&M University:\r\nAlabama A&M University appreciates the leadership of Senator Doug Jones in his successful effort to permanently renew federal funding to HBCUs. Senator Jones's efforts provides permanent reassurance to the more than 100 HBCUs that the federal government continues to believe in the mission and relevance of our institutions. Title III funding is critical to Alabama A&M University and essential to providing faculty development, enhancing our STEM disciplines, and distance education. Alabama is fortunate to have a senator who is a champion for HBCUs.\r\nDr. Quinton Ross, President, Alabama State University:\r\nThe passage of this legislation ensures that our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority serving institutions like Alabama State University will have much needed funding to support programmatic, personnel and academic facility needs to assist students in realizing their higher education aspirations. The Senate's efforts to simplify FASFA applications will further ensure opportunities for students without many of the roadblocks that have existed in the past. We are so thankful for Senator Doug Jones and his willingness and ability to work in a bipartisan manner. He and his colleagues in Congress are to be applauded for their efforts to ensure the passage of this vital legislation.\r\nDr. Martha Lavender, President, Gadsden State Community College:\r\nThe leadership provided by Senator Doug Jones and others on this bipartisan committee is paving a firm foundation for the future of HBCUs in Alabama and across the nation. Students today face more challenges with financing a college education than ever before. The amendment provides assurance that our students will have the support they need to pursue their educational goals and enter the career pathway of their choice.\r\nDr. Perry W. Ward, President, Lawson State Community College:\r\nThe students, faculty, and staff of Lawson State Community College are grateful to Senator Doug Jones and his bipartisan efforts with members of the Senate to assist in providing a solution to permanently fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions and their work to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process. Lawson State is among a list of 13 proud HBCUs in the State of Alabama that has in some way reaped the benefits of the Senator's fervor and commitment to education. We gladly endorse and support him in this endeavor to provide this relief to Lawson State and so many other HBCUs.\r\nBobbie Knight, Interim President, Miles College:      The students, faculty and staff of Miles College are appreciative of the diligence of Alabama Senator Doug Jones and the Senate Education Committee, which worked to produce the amendment to the FUTURE Act. The amendment to the FUTURE Act ensures that the Title III program, which provides substantial funding to Miles College and other HBCUs, remains funded by Congress. Senator Doug Jones has worked tirelessly to ensure that our students have a future.\r\nDr.Leslie N. Pollard,President, Oakwood University:\r\nWe celebrate the work of Senator Jones and theHealth, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committeeto ensure the passage oflegislationto continuefunding the work of HBCUs.Oakwood University and UNCF institutions like us, maximize every dollarreceivefrom Title III funds, and understand the benefit of simplifying the FAFSA application for many of our first generation college students.This bill is an acknowledgment of the great contributions HBCUs and MSIs have made, and are making every day in this country.HBCUs continue to graduate the majority ofAfricanAmerican professionals and are currently cultivating the next generation of thinkers, technological innovators and biomedical researchers to move the country forward.\r\nDr. Bill Ashley, President, Shelton State Community College:\r\nWe, at Shelton State, are pleased to hear that a bipartisan solution has been reached in an effort to continue critical funding streams and simplify the FAFSA process. We are grateful for the determination and hard work of Alabama's representatives in reaching this solution. On an annual basis, HBCU and MSI funding streams impact the state of Alabama through over $9 million worth of investments made to our students and the institutions who serve them. In addition to these important resources, should this legislation pass, access to federal financial aid will be a more simple process for our students. We are eager to see the impact that this will have on access for all who seek to improve their socioeconomic outlook through education and training.\r\nDr. Cynthia Warrick, President, Stillman College:\r\nStillman College is grateful for the leadership of Senator Doug Jones in championing a permanent extension of federal funding for HBCU's. With the passage of the FUTURE Act, Stillman College is now able to return its focus to increasing student enrollment and participation in STEM related disciplines.\r\nDr. Billy C. Hawkins, President, Talladega College:\r\nI am pleased that this measure to provide permanent funding for HBCUs has been approved, and I congratulate Congress for this successful bipartisan effort.\r\nSam Munnerlyn, President, Trenholm State Community College:\r\nI applaud Senator Doug Jones for his unwavering support of HBCUs. They are critical to our communities. Schools like Trenholm State have offered thousands of minority and first generation students a pathway to achieve academic and career success.\r\nDr. Lily D. McNair, President, Tuskegee University:\r\nThe FUTURE Act is about acknowledging the role of HBCUs like Tuskegee University in enhancing and diversifying our nation's workforce. If our country's factories, laboratories and boardrooms are to be truly inclusive, then permanently investing in the future of HBCUs and minority-serving institutions is imperative.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-champions-alabama-priorities-in-final-defense-bill", "Senator Doug Jones Champions Alabama Priorities in Final Defense Bill", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The Senate and House Armed Services Committees today released the final text of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with numerous provisions and Alabama priorities secured by Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.). The annual legislation authorizes national defense objectives for the next fiscal year. The bill will now be voted on by both houses and if it passes, it will go to the President for his signature.\r\nThis bill is proof that Congress is still capable of putting aside partisanship and getting things done for the American people. Providing 12 weeks of paid leave for federal employees, securing a 3.1 percent pay raise for troops, and eliminating the military widow's tax will make a huge difference in the lives of people in Alabama and across the country,said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The fact that this bill authorizes so many Alabama priorities is a testament to the importance of Alabama's role in our national defense and the quality of our servicemen and women.\r\n\r\nThe final legislation includes funding for key Alabama projects like ship-building, helicopter construction, and combat vehicle upgrades. It will also authorize the U.S. Space Force and ensures strong space defense programs. And, it will support military families and children through privatized housing reforms, additional aid to schools serving military children, and inter-state licensing transfer compacts to help spouses transition their careers more seamlessly.\r\n\r\nSenator Jones'bipartisan bill to support victims of Iranian terrorismwas also included in the package. TheSupporting Victims of Iranian Terrorism Actwill allow family members  at least 35 of whom live in Alabama  of the victims of the1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, as well as families of 9/11 victims, to seek restitution for their loved ones' deaths by allowing them to make claims on $1.68 billion in Iranian funds that are currently being held by a Luxembourg-based firm.\r\n\r\nThe bill will also establish 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal employees. In August,Senator Jones wrote to the leadersof the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to express support for a paid leave policy and called on them to include 12 weeks of leave in the final defense bill.\r\n\r\nHIGHLIGHTS-- KEY PROVISIONS SENATOR JONES CHAMPIONED IN THE ANNUAL DEFENSE BILL:\r\n\r\nToplines:\r\n \r\nMilitary Widow's Tax Elimination Act;\r\nSupporting Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act;\r\n3.1 percent pay raise for troops the largest in a decade;\r\n12 weeks of paid family leavefor federal workers, more than 50,000 of whom reside in Alabama.\r\n \r\n\r\nFunding for Ship-building, Helicopter Construction, and Combat Vehicle Upgrades\r\n\r\n \r\n$151.6 million in funding for the Army's Future Vertical Lift Helicopter Modernization Programwill help the Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft Program achieve its goal of having the first unit equipped (FUE) by 2028. Bell Helicopter in Ozark is competing for the contract to provide the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft.\r\n$1.281 billion for the award of one Guided Missile Frigate FFG(X) contract.Austal USA, in Mobile, is competing for this work, and keeping the program on schedule is very important to its local workforce and suppliers.\r\n$249.2 million for Stryker Combat Vehicle Lethality Upgradesto increase standoff distance, improve survivability, and retain our Army's superiority, as directed by the National Defense Strategy. Stryker production begins and ends in Anniston, with over 300 employees involved in production.\r\n \r\n\r\nEnsuring Strong American Space Defense Programs\r\n\r\n \r\nAuthorizes a U.S. Space Force\r\n \r\n\r\nSupport for Military Families and Children\r\n\r\n \r\n$40 million for Impact Aid to schools serving military childrento address challenges from frequent deployments, security requirements, higher accountability rules, and concentrations of children with disabilities. The Daleville City Board of Education, Enterprise City Schools, and Madison City Schools educate 1,481 children of active duty military personnel and depend upon these resources to help address the unique challenges faced by these children.\r\n$4 million to facilitate Interstate Licensing Compacts for military spousesto make it easier for spouses to transition their careers to new locations as they frequently move to new posts.\r\nImproved access to child care facilities for military families by reducing waiting periods\r\n$2 million for an HBCU Aerospace, Education, Research and Innovation Center\r\n$30 million for the STARBASE K-12 STEM education program\r\n$10 million for aid to schools serving military children with disabilities\r\n \r\n\r\nImproving Military Housing and Facilities\r\n\r\n \r\nReforms and increases oversight of military privatized housing\r\n$38 million for aircraft & flight equipment building at Redstone Arsenalto consolidate towed artillery repair and overhaul from four separate buildings into one.\r\n \r\n\r\nSupport for Military Readiness and Training\r\n\r\n \r\n$12 million for a National Guard Readiness Center in Foley, Ala.toenhance training, administration, automation, communications, and logistical readiness for the Alabama Army National Guard.\r\n$34 million for the Enlisted Transient Training Barracks at Fort McClellan Army National Guard Training Centerto construct a 112,206 square foot Transient Training Enlisted Barracks, additional primary facilities for the Battalion Headquarters Building, and Transient Training and Company Supply/Administrative Buildings.\r\n \r\n\r\nStrengthening Research and Development\r\n\r\n \r\n$2 million for Cybersecurity Threat Simulation Researchto model emerging and proliferating threats to weapons systems and networks. These funds would be available to research universities to assist the U.S. Army's Threat Systems Management Office and will help produce the next generation cyber workforce.\r\n$10 million for the Department of Defense experimental program to stimulate competitive researchto provide defense-related science and engineering research funding to colleges and universities in historically underrepresented states, including Alabama.\r\nOver $100 million in additional funding for Hypersonics Research and Testingto compete with Russian and Chinese advances in hypersonic technology that have outstripped those of the United States. Redstone Arsenal and many businesses in the Huntsville area are engaged in this cutting-edge work, and the substantial funding in this bill will both enhance existing efforts and open the door for new programs.\r\n \r\n\r\nImproving Diversity in Service Member Recruitment and Retention\r\n\r\n \r\nSupport for expanding programs to recruit women and minority pilotsto expandthe Air Force's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Flight Academy and its use as a model by the other services. Senator Jonesintroduceda similar initiative with the bipartisan CAVU (Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited) Act earlier this year with Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).\r\nA report on the condition of ROTC facilities at minority-serving institutionsto include a description of the current condition of these facilities and an assessment of whether the condition of the facilities has an adverse impact on the recruitment and retention of participants in such units.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-doug-jones-susan-collins-announce-military-widows-tax-repeal-included-in-final-defense-bill", "Senators Doug Jones, Susan Collins Announce Military Widow\u2019s Tax Repeal Included in Final Defense Bill", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.)and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine)today announced the inclusion oftheirbipartisanMilitary Widow's Tax Elimination Actin the final annual defense bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks a significant step in the 18-year effort to pass legislation to repeal the law that penalizes our nation's Gold Star families by preventing them from receiving the full survivor benefits for which they have earned and paid for. The NDAA will now go to the House and Senate for final consideration, where it will receive an up-or-down vote with no further amendments allowed.\r\n\r\nLegislation to repeal the widow's tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate for nearly two decades to roll back the law, which was enacted in 1972. Under Senator Jones' leadership, the bill has earned a record-high 78 total cosponsors in the Senate. Since introducing the bill with Republican Senator Susan Collins in March, they have worked tirelessly to garner support among their colleagues in both the Senate and House as well as makethe case on behalf of the 67,000 surviving spouses who are impacted by the military widow's tax. Most recently,Senator Jonesled an efforton the Senate floor to call for inclusion of the repeal in the final defense bill. His proposal passed by a vote of 94-0.\r\n\r\nWords cannot begin to express the gravity of this news for the tens of thousands of Gold Star families who have been hurt by this policy for four decades,said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I am grateful to the leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees  Senators Jim Inhofe and Jack Reed and Congressmen Adam Smith and Mac Thornberry  who have heard our voices and are doing right by our military widows. A great deal of credit must also go to the widows themselves, so many of whom have been coming to Capitol Hill year after year to bring attention to this gross injustice on behalf of their fellow surviving spouses. Today, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am more hopeful than ever that we can finally end this injustice and show our military families how much their sacrifices truly mean to our country.\r\n\r\nThis provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow's Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spousesincluding more than 260 from Mainefrom receiving the full benefits they deserve. Its repeal is a step toward fulfilling our obligation to military families who have sacrificed so much for our country. I am glad that Senator Jones and I, along with a bipartisan group of our colleagues, were able to correct this glaring inequity,said Senator Susan Collins.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\n\r\nTheMilitary Widow's Tax Elimination Actwould repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though their retired spouses elected to pay into the program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-praises-house-passage-voting-rights-advancement-act", "Rep. Sewell Praises House Passage of the Voting Rights Advancement Act", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) praised the House passage of H.R. 4, her Voting Rights Advancement Act. The bill will restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by outlining a process to determine which states and localities with a recent history of voting rights violations must pre-clear election changes with the Department of Justice.\nVoting is personal to me, not only because I represent America's Civil Rights Districtbut because it was on the streets of my hometown, Selma, Alabama, that foot soldiers shed their blood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge so that all Americansregardless of racecould vote! Sewell said. I am so proud that, today, the House took critical steps in addressing the Supreme Court's Shelby decision and passed H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, to restore the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to its full strength.\nThe Supreme Courts' 2013 Shelby County v. Holder ruling struck down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlined the qualifications needed to determine which states are required by the Justice Department to pre-clear elections changes in states with a history of voter discrimination.\nSince the Shelby decision, nearly two-dozen states have implemented restrictive voter ID laws and previously-covered states have closed or consolidated polling places, shortened early voting and imposed other measures that restrict voting.\nThe Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) seeks to restore the VRA by developing a process to determine which states must pre-clear election changes with the Department of Justice. It will also require a nationwide, practice-based pre-clearance of known discriminatory practices, including the creation of at-large districts, inadequate multilingual voting materials, cuts to polling places, changes that reduce the days or hours of in person voting on Sundays during the early voting period and changes to the maintenance of voter registration lists that adds a basis or institutes a new process for removal from the lists, where the jurisdiction includes racial or language minority populations above a certain percent threshold.\nUnder H.R. 4, there are three ways to become a covered jurisdiction that is required to pre-clear election changes:\n States with a history of 15 or more violations at any level in the previous 25 years; or\n\tStates with a history of 10 or more violations, if one violation occurs at the state level in the previous 25 years; or\n\tPolitical subdivisions or localities with 3 or more violations in that subdivision in the previous 25 years.\n The Voting Rights Advancement Act now heads to the Senate for consideration, where it was introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT).\nThe bill is supported by more than 60 national organizations, including the NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Native American Rights Fund, League of Women Voters of the United States, AAUW, ACLU, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, Communications Workers of America, SEIU, UAW, Democracy 21, Democracy Initiative, End Citizens United Action Fund, Sierra Club, and League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.\nA one-pager is available here. And video of Sewell is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-introduces-bipartisan-package-of-bills-to-protect-vulnerable-children", "Senator Doug Jones Introduces Bipartisan Package of Bills to Protect Vulnerable Children", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) have introduced a bipartisan package of bills to protect vulnerable children. The first bill provides funding and resources for states to combat child abuse and neglect. The second piece of legislation removes barriers to adoption and helps children in need find loving, permanent families.\r\nWe can all agree that keeping our children safe should be one of our country's top priorities, said Senator Jones. We need to continue to work to strengthen our child protection system and to provide resources to prevent child neglect and abuse before it happens  and reduce barriers to adoption so that children in need can find loving, permanent homes.\r\nThe Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Reauthorization Act of 2019 would reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and strengthen the programs that the federal government provides to help states combat child abuse and neglect. The bill provides funds to improve states' child protective service systems and establishes various reporting, investigation, and response requirements. The bill also funds community-based activities and services to prevent child abuse and neglect, including family-strengthening services like parent empowerment and positive parenting education.\r\nThe Adoption Opportunities Act of 2019 would provide support for projects that eliminate barriers to adoption and help children who would benefit from adoption to find permanent, loving families. This includes programs to increase the placement of children who are racial and ethnic minorities, older children, and children who are disabled. The Adoption Opportunities Act also funds pre- and post-adoption services for families and supports kinship care arrangements.\r\nThe measures have been sent to the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee for action, and the CAPTA legislation is expected to be considered next week in a HELP Committee hearing.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-rep-sewell-takes-house-floor-ahead-house-vote-hr-4", "VIDEO: Rep. Sewell Takes to the House Floor Ahead of House Vote on H.R. 4", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) took to the House floor today in support of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act, an advance of the bill's consideration on Friday.\nThe Voting Rights Advancement Act addresses the Supreme Court's Shelby County v. Holder decision that gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The legislation will help stop the most egregious forms of recent voter suppression by developing a process to determine which states and localities with a recent history of voting rights violations must pre-clear election changes with the Department of Justice.\nNo right is more precious to our citizenship than the right of all Americans to be able to vote, Sewell said. When Americans are not able to cast their ballots, their votes are silenced. And we, especially as elected officials, should be alarmed if any American who wants to cast a ballot is unable to cast a ballot.\nIt's clear to me that since the Shelby v. Holder decision, so many states have now instituted voter discrimination laws. Some of them have been in the guise of voter fraud, Sewell continued. But it's not about voter fraud, it's about voter suppression, suppressing the voice of certain Americans, and that's un-American.\nYou can watch her full remarks here and a rush transcript can be found below.\n\nRemarks on the House Floor\nRep. Terri Sewell\nDecember 5, 2019\nRep. Sewell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I proudly rise to support the rule of H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019.\nVoting rights are primal. They are the cornerstone of our democracy. No right is more precious to our citizenship than the right of all Americans to be able to vote.\nWhen Americans are not able to cast their ballots, their votes are silenced. And we, especially as elected officials, should be alarmed if any American who wants to cast a ballot is unable to cast a ballot.\nWhat H.R. 4 does is it restores the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by giving a new coverage formula. In fact, the Roberts Court specifically said in striking down Section 4b that it was outdated. And, so, H.R. 4 is our effort, the efforts of two, three committees, hours of testimony, lots and lots of stake holders, lots and lots of people who were American citizens, not able to vote, it is that effort that led to a narrowly tailored new coverage formula, that the coverage formula doesn't look back to the 1960's or 1970's. It looks back 25 years. 1994 and going forward. And it requires adjudicated violations of voting discrimination. It is narrowly tailored, and it hits the mark as to what the Supreme Court requires us to do in signaling that Congress could feel free to update its coverage formula.\nThe Supreme Court in Roberts and his opinion said that voter discrimination still existed. It admitted that it still existed, and H.R. 4 is our effort to actually provide a modern-day voter coverage formula that will allow states and jurisdictions with the most egregious forms of discrimination to be required to pre-clear.\nYou know, the Shelby v. Holder decision originated out of Shelby County, Alabama. I'm honored every day to represent Alabama's 7th Congressional District. It is a district that knows all too well the importance of voting. You see, my district includes not only Birmingham and Montgomery, but my hometown of Selma, Alabama. And it was on a bridge in my hometown that our colleague, John Lewis, and so many other foot soldiers bled on that bridge for the equal right of all Americans to be able to vote.\nThis is exactly what H.R. 4 does. It restores to the full protection the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and, in so doing, it provides a mechanism by which the most egregious states and localities must pre-clear before the elections.\nIt's so hard to un-ring the bell once an election has taken place. So, section 2, while it has been used to litigate and to be able to get good results, it only can occur after the election has taken place.\nSo, I say to you, Mr. Speaker, it's not only an important piece of legislation to our nation, to ensure every American, American, who has the ability, who's 18 years of age or older, has the right to access a ballot box.\nIt's clear to me that since the Shelby v. Holder decision so many states have now instituted voter discrimination laws. Some of them have been in the guise of voter fraud, but the Brennan Center and so many others have found that voter fraud happens minusculey in every election.\nIt's not about voter fraud -- it's about voter suppression, suppressing the voice of certain Americans, and that's un-American, Mr. Speaker.\nJust in the 2018 mid-term elections alone highlights the voter discrimination that occurred. In Georgia, the Republican candidate for governor used his power as secretary of state to put 53,000 voter registrations on hold, nearly 70% of which belonged to African American voters. in North Dakota, Republicans established a new requirement that voters must show an ID that they live in a residential street address. It's not enough they had a P.O. box. that law was a barrier to thousands of Native Americans who live on reservations and use P.O. boxes rather than residential addresses.\nI say this is a seminal piece of legislation that will restore, for the people, Republicans and Democrats should be about making sure it's easier to vote, not harder to vote.\nI ask my colleagues to vote for the rule and for the underlying legislation, H.R. 4, and I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-jones-bill-to-permanently-renew-federal-funding-for-hbcus-and-minority-serving-schools", "Senate Approves Jones Bill to Permanently Renew Federal Funding for HBCUs and Minority-Serving Schools", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today announced the Senate passage of his legislation to permanently renew funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The legislation also includes a first step toward simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Annual funding for MSIs expired on September 30, 2019.\r\nThis is wonderful news for students and faculty at minority-serving institutions across the country, including the 13 schools in Alabama that receive this annual funding. After their funding expired in September this year, they can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that the Senate has passed a permanent renewal that will allow them to plan for the future for years to come, said Senator Doug Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Importantly, this legislation will also take a long-overdue first step toward simplifying the FAFSA application and removing barriers for students across the country who want to achieve their dream of a college education. This is an example of the kinds of important goals we can achieve when both sides reach across the aisle to find common ground.\r\nWithout question, Title III, Part-F funding is of material importance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), said Harry L. Williams, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). This bi-partisan agreement to renew Title III, Part-F, assuming that the legislation is subsequently passed by the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Trump, means that Alabama's HBCUs will not suffer the loss of over $8 million in annual federal funding that is used to support these institutions' respective missions; a result that is both consequential for our schools and, more importantly, their deserving students. TMCF greatly appreciates the leadership Senator Jones has taken throughout this process and for being a committed partner in ensuring that this critically-important, mandatory funding for HBCUs was not lost to history.\r\nWe have yet another reason to be thankful this season, said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. We thank the thousands of HBCU advocates who took action through our digital campaign as well as Senators Doug Jones and Tim Scott, who are always essential in our work and who joined so many to speak up when HBCUs needed them most. Senators Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray also now have another in a long list of bipartisan compromises and joint effort for which they can take credit. This permanent funding solution, which would stave off unnecessary cuts for our institutions, will allow HBCUs to continue fostering innovation and inspiring future leaders in the STEM disciplinesand that helps our nation.\r\nIn a rare showing of bipartisanship in the 116th Congress that has been hamstrung by bitter partisanship, Senator Jones and his colleagues Senators Alexander, Murray and others, who recognize the centrality of HBCUs and MSIs to the security, strength, peace, progress, excellence, inclusivity, and global standing of America, led the Senate to act on their understanding of the Nation's tremendous loss if these equal educational opportunity institutions are not strong and do not realize their full potential, said Lezli Baskerville, President of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-votes-to-confirm-montgomerys-austin-huffaker-to-the-us-district-court-for-the-middle-district-of-alabama", "Senator Doug Jones Votes to Confirm Montgomery\u2019s Austin Huffaker to the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today voted to confirm R. Austin Huffaker, Jr., to serve as the U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. Mr. Huffaker's nomination was confirmed by a vote of 89-4. Senator Jones released the following statement upon Mr. Huffaker's confirmation by the full Senate today:\r\nThroughout his confirmation process, I have been proud to support Montgomery's Austin Huffaker for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. In July, I joined my colleague Senator Shelby to recommend Mr. Huffaker's favorable consideration in the Senate Judiciary Committee and today I cast my vote in favor of his confirmation by the full Senate. Mr. Huffaker has an excellent reputation within the legal profession for his fairness, temperament and thoughtfulness. I believe he will serve with the utmost integrity on the bench and will represent Alabama with distinction.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-announces-bipartisan-solution-to-permanently-fund-hbcus-and-simplify-federal-student-aid-application", "Senator Doug Jones Announces Bipartisan Solution to Permanently Fund HBCUs and Simplify Federal Student Aid Application", "2019-12-03", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce a solution to both permanently fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and to take a first step toward simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. Annual funding for MSIs expired on September 30, 2019.\r\nThe solution proposed today by Senator Jones and his colleagues amends his FUTURE Act legislation to permanently renew $255 million in annual funding for HBCUs and MSIs, and will also simplify the FAFSA by reducing it by up to 22 questions. The amendment is paid for through reduced administrative costs achieved by allowing FAFSA applicants to give permission to the Internal Revenue Service to securely share tax return data directly with the U.S. Department of Education.\r\nThe permanent renewal of federal funding is a huge win for our nation's minority-serving institutions, which have faced growing uncertainty and anxiety since their $255 million in annual funding expired in September. Instead of making tough decisions to cut programs and staff this holiday season, they can now count on permanent funding that will enable them to plan long-term and focus on their educational mission, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.\r\nSenator Jones has long championed the renewal of funding for minority-serving schools and also for simplification of the burdensome FAFSA form, which has proven to be a significant barrier for students who need financial assistance in order to afford college. Last year, Senator Jones proposed an ambitious bill to permanently extend and increase federal funding for MSIs before it was set to expire on September 30 this year. In the new session of Congress this year, he proposed a bipartisan bill, the FUTURE Act, to extend the funding for two years and give Congress time to negotiate a permanent solution. As the September 30th deadline approached, and in the months since the Senate allowed funding to expire, Senator Jones has worked to bring attention to the bill and has repeatedly pressured Senate leaders to allow it to come to a vote.\r\nSenator Jones has also recently partnered with Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the HELP Committee, to introduce legislation that would reduce the FAFSA form from 108 questions to between 18-30. Today's proposal is a necessary first step to lay the groundwork for the passage of the broader Jones-Alexander FAFSA reform bill.\r\nSenator Jones continued, speaking on the importance of FAFSA simplification, With our proposal today, we also take an important first step toward simplifying our federal student aid application and helping more students achieve the dream of a college education. I thank my colleagues Senators Alexander and Murray for working to find a bipartisan compromise on two issues that deeply important to the people we serve.\r\nSenate HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) joined Senator Jones in introducing the amendment.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-grants-issue-354-december-2-2019", "Guide to Grants Issue 354 - December 2, 2019", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "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-reed-degette-introduce-legislation-improve-access-diabetic", "Reps. Sewell, Reed, DeGette Introduce Legislation to Improve Access to Diabetic Vision Testing", "2019-11-25", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  On Friday, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Tom Reed (NY-23) and Diana DeGette (CO-01) introduced the Diabetic Vision Loss and Blindness Prevention Act, legislation that allows primary care physicians to perform eye tests on Medicare enrollees in an effort to encourage the early detection of diabetes-related vision loss.\nDiabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of adult vision impairment in the United States and, if not found and treated early, can cause permanent vision loss, Sewell said. When it comes to our fight to improve outcomes for those living with diabetes, we need to do everything in our power to give patients the tools to stay healthy, especially for those living in rural and underserved communities without access to specialty doctors. The Diabetic Vision Loss and Blindness Prevention Act is a commonsense, bipartisan measure that will allow more Alabamians to receive critical care from their family doctors.\nMore than 80 percent of people living with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy  which causes vision loss. However, many people are not getting tested for the disease because Medicare will only reimburse specialty doctors. I care about those struggling with diabetes, and want to ensure they have quick and efficient access to care, Reed said. There is no fair reason for diabetics on Medicare to wait to see a specialist for a simple test their family doctor has the ability to conduct.\nThere are more than 30 million people in the U.S. living with some form of diabetes who, without the proper treatment, could start to lose their vision as a result, DeGette said. In addition to lowering the cost of insulin, we need to make sure that everyone with diabetes has access to the eye care they need to prevent one of the worst effects of this disease.\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Americans with diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness, is expected to nearly double by 2050, from 7.7 to 14.6 million. Currently, Medicare only reimburses specialty doctors for testing, leaving many diabetes patients without access to sight-saving vision exams. The Diabetic Vision Loss and Blindness Prevention Act reforms the reimbursement requirements for Medicare, allowing Medicare-enrolled patients to receive annual vision exams that are integral to early diagnosis and vision protection.\n\"Reps. Sewell and Reed are courageous leaders in Congress who are taking decisive action against the nation's diabetes epidemic and the tragic toll it's taking on America's families, said Barbara L. Horn, O.D., President of the American Osteopathic Association. The Sewell-Reed bill, which AOA supports, represents an effective, efficient, and thoroughly bipartisan approach to fighting back against diabetes and, in doing so, saving sight and saving lives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-leads-push-for-epa-to-enforce-civil-rights-protections", "Senator Doug Jones Leads Push for EPA to Enforce Civil Rights Protections", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) is leading a\r\ngroup of his colleagues in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to\r\nfully enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits anyone who\r\nreceives federal financial aid from discriminating when implementing programs\r\nand activities. The EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently made an\r\nannouncement that it plans to conduct an evaluation of EPA's implementation of\r\nTitle VI. Currently, OIG's evaluation is limited to organizations receiving EPA\r\nClean Air Act funds. In a letter to EPA's Acting Inspector General Charles\r\nSheehan, Senator Jones calls on OIG to broaden the scope of its evaluation to\r\ninclude all federally delegated programs under which EPA has the responsibility\r\nto enforce Title VI. The letter also poses a number of questions related to\r\nEPA's insufficient enforcement of Title VI  with respect to rejection of\r\ndiscrimination claims, lack of transparency, lack of interagency coordination,\r\nand inadequate public outreach and community engagement. The EPA, whom these Americans entrust to treat them fairly\r\nwith respect to enforcing the country's environmental laws, is failing to\r\nfulfill its mission, the senators wrote. Title VI has historically been used\r\nas an enforcement mechanism for communities seeking redress for environmental\r\ninjustices. However, due to a persistent lack of adequate enforcement, minority\r\nand low-income communities continue to suffer the disproportionate adverse\r\nimpacts of contaminated air, land, and water. The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth\r\n(D-Ill.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tom Carper (D-Del), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.),\r\nJeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy\r\nBaldwin (D-Wis.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Richard\r\nBlumenthal D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Brian Schatz\r\n(D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand\r\n(D-N.Y.), Bob Casey (D-Penn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.)\r\nand Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.). Full text of the letter can be found below and a .pdf can be found here. November 22, 2019 The Honorable Charles J. Sheehan  Acting Inspector General  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  1301 Constitution Ave. NW  Washington, DC 20460 Dear Mr. Sheehan: We were pleased to see that, on October 31, 2019, the Office\r\nof Inspector General (OIG) for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)\r\nannounced its plan to begin an evaluation of EPA's implementation of Title VI\r\nof the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits recipients of federal\r\nfinancial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or\r\nnational origin when implementing programs and activities. As you know, Title\r\nVI has historically been used as an enforcement mechanism for communities\r\nseeking redress for environmental injustices. However, due to a persistent lack\r\nof adequate enforcement, minority and low-income communities continue to suffer\r\nthe disproportionate adverse impacts of contaminated air, land, and water. Considerable research has demonstrated that low income and\r\nminority communities are disproportionately adversely impacted by contaminated\r\nair, land, and water. Unfortunately, as the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights\r\nexplained in its September 2016 report examining the efficacy of EPA's Title VI\r\nenforcement regime, those millions of Americans who live in minority and\r\nlow-income communities often lack the political and financial clout to\r\nproperly bargain with polluters when fighting a siting decision or seeking\r\nredress from pollution already in their community. The EPA, whom these Americans entrust to treat them fairly\r\nwith respect to enforcing the country's environmental laws, is failing to\r\nfulfill its mission. Pursuant to Executive Order 12898, signed by President\r\nClinton in 1994, every federal agency  including EPA  must make achieving\r\nenvironmental justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing []\r\ndisproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of\r\nits programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income\r\npopulations. The External Civil Rights Compliance Office (ECRCO), within\r\nthe Office of the General Counsel, is tasked with ensuring that any entity\r\nreceiving EPA funds complies with federal non-discrimination laws. ECRCO is\r\nresponsible for processing discrimination complaints filed against programs\r\nreceiving EPA funding. In its 2016 report, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights\r\nconcluded that EPA had failed to substantively incorporate environmental\r\njustice into its decision-making. The 2016 report expressed concern with EPA's\r\nlack of attention to a number of issues, including process, effective remedies,\r\nfinalization of guidance, transparency, and interagency coordination. We\r\nlook forward to seeing the results of the OIG's evaluation of EPA's\r\nimplementation of Title VI  in particular, how EPA has addressed the concerns\r\nset out in the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' 2016 report. We understand that OIG's objective is to determine whether\r\nECRCO has implemented an oversight system to provide reasonable assurance that\r\norganizations receiving EPA Clean Air Act funds comply with Title VI\r\nrequirements. It is important to note, however, that ECRCO has a federally\r\nmandated responsibility to enforce Title VI across a number of federally\r\ndelegated programs. We request that you expand the scope of this review to\r\ninclude an evaluation of all federally delegated programs under which EPA has\r\nresponsibility to enforce Title VI. We also ask that your evaluation provide\r\nfindings on the following questions as part of its written report: 1. According\r\nto the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' 2016 report, despite having the\r\nregulatory authority to do so, EPA has historically avoided pushing civil\r\nrights complaints alleging discrimination based on disparate impact. And\r\naccording to a 2015 Center for Public Integrity investigative study, more than\r\nnine of every 10 times communities have turned to it for help, EPA has\r\nrejected or dismissed their Title VI complaints, the majority of the time\r\nrejecting claims without pursuing investigations. Since 2016, how many\r\ncomplaints has EPA rejected, dismissed, referred, resolved, and accepted? In\r\nassessing these complaints, does ECRCO properly evaluate their merit in\r\naccordance with the procedural guidance set out in EPA's Case Resolution Manual\r\nfor ECRCO case managers? To date, has EPA ever withheld funds from a recipient\r\nfor noncompliance? 2. One of\r\nEPA's stated goals is ensuring that all Americans have access to accurate\r\ninformation sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and\r\nenvironmental risks. There is evidence, however, that the Agency may be\r\nfalling short. For instance, with respect to EPA's proposed rule on coal ash in\r\n2010, the Agency received comments expressing that communities in which coal\r\nash was disposed were more likely to be communities of color. According to the\r\nU.S. Commission on Civil Rights' 2016 report, however, EPA failed to analyze\r\nthe substantive result of its rule, meaning affected communities were not\r\nprovided a substantive meaningful opportunity to participate in decision-making\r\nthat impacts their communities. According to EPA's Case Resolution Manual\r\nfor ECRCO case managers, ECRCO is responsible for carrying out compliance with\r\nfederal nondiscrimination statutes through a variety of means, including\r\noutreach activities. Are ECRCO operations sufficiently transparent, and is\r\nthe office conducting sufficient outreach in order to make communities aware of\r\ntheir right to meaningful redress and the institutional resources available to\r\nthem? What steps has ECRCO taken to foster outreach and transparency? How is\r\nthe public outreach work of ECRCO informed by the public outreach work being\r\nconducted by the Office of Environmental Justice? 3. Under\r\nExecutive Order 12250, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is charged with ensuring\r\nthe consistent and effective implementation of Title VI and other civil rights\r\nlaws. In implementing Executive Order 12250, DOJ periodically evaluates Title\r\nVI implementation, which includes requiring agencies that administer federal\r\nfinancial assistance to submit reports describing their past year's performance\r\nand upcoming plans to implement Title VI. DOJ also can request information on\r\nthe major components of an agency's civil rights enforcement program, including\r\nbudget and staffing for external civil rights activities, pre-award and\r\npost-award compliance reviews, regulatory and policy development, outreach and\r\ntechnical assistance, and training. What information has EPA sent to DOJ in\r\nthe last three years pursuant to requirements set out in Executive Order 12250,\r\nwith respect to Title VI enforcement? What steps is EPA taking to ensure it is\r\ncomplying with its obligations under Executive Order 12250? How is EPA working\r\nto ensure that the Attorney General can effectively coordinate the\r\nimplementation and enforcement of Title VI? 4. In its\r\n2003 report on the use of Executive Order 12898 and Title VI to achieve\r\nenvironmental justice, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that a lack of\r\nfinal guidance on the use of Title VI to remedy discrimination led to\r\nuncertainty about the effectiveness of Title VI in protecting low-income communities\r\nand communities of color. In the same report, the Commission noted that, at\r\nthe time of drafting, EPA was moving toward finalizing its Title VI\r\nguidance. Fifteen years later, however, EPA has yet to issue Title VI\r\nguidance. On January 18, 2017, EPA issued Chapter 1 of its ECRCO Toolkit, which\r\nit described as a clarification of existing law and policy intended to provide\r\nguidance to promote and support EPA recipients' compliance with federal civil\r\nrights laws. The ECRCO Toolkit was issued in lieu of a final guidance\r\ndocument  it is not a comprehensive, programmatic guide for EPA funding\r\nrecipients, and it does not make clear their obligations under Title VI. How does EPA communicate Title VI obligations to grant recipients, investigators,\r\nand complainants? If there is specific, comprehensive, and programmatic\r\nguidance on this issue, please describe. Does the guidance that EPA provides\r\nadequately communicate to all relevant stakeholders the information necessary\r\nin order to effectively protect the rights of all Americans under Title VI? 5. Under the\r\nObama Administration, EPA committed to creating a web-based docket of Title\r\nVI-based claims. This database is no longer maintained, and was last updated in\r\n2014. As a result, complainants and impacted community members are forced\r\nto submit Freedom of Information Act requests in order to gain critical\r\ninformation regarding their cases and agency actions. Why did EPA discontinue\r\nits maintenance of its web-based docket of Title VI-based claims, and who was\r\nconsulted in the decision-making process? Does EPA plan to recreate and\r\nmaintain a Title VI database, and  if so  what steps will EPA take to ensure\r\nthat the public can quickly and easily access information on Title VI claims? There seems to be no question that, if properly enforced,\r\nTitle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would be, as the U.S. Commission on\r\nCivil Rights' 2016 report concluded, a powerful tool for EPA to address\r\nenvironmental justice and remediate discrimination. We urge OIG to expand\r\nthe scope of its audit and consider the questions posed in this letter, so that\r\nit may inform its evaluation. Thorough and sufficiently broad evaluations are\r\ncritical to ensuring that EPA is complying with its enforcement obligations\r\nunder Title VI and working to protect the health of all Americans. We look forward to completion of the evaluation and hope\r\nthat, going forward, EPA will take seriously its mission to protect the\r\nenvironment and public health, by implementing a forceful civil rights\r\ncompliance regime. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your\r\nresponse. Sincerely, ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-over-105-million-federal-grant-funding-projects-7th", "Rep. Sewell Announces Over $10.5 Million in Federal Grant Funding for Projects in the 7th Congressional District", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded more than $10.5 million in federal grant funding for infrastructure, health care and education projects throughout Alabama's 7th Congressional District.\nIn order for Alabama's 7th Congressional District to maintain a strong and vital economy, we must invest in our most valuable asset  our people. Our education system, health care system and infrastructure are vital for individuals and families across our district to live and prosper and, in turn, for our economy to grow and thrive, Sewell said. I'm thrilled to announce over $10.5 million in federal grants, which represents a substantial investment in both the people and economy of the 7th District.\nSpecifically, Sewell announced grants for the following USDA projects:\n A grant of $1,612,000 and a loan of $2,073,000 to continue the expansion of the water system in Perry County and provide residents with clean drinking water.\n\tA grant of $478,962 to help Stillman College implement a distance learning project in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education.\n\tA grant of $391,983 to help the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to implement a telehealth outreach project that is expected to reach 159,000 rural residents. The project will benefit three hospitals.\n\tA grant of $359,283 for the University of Alabama at Birmingham to implement a telehealth outreach project that is expected to reach 174,831 rural residents. The project will serve four hospitals and the Marion, Pickens, Sumpter and Winston county health departments.\n\tA grant of $496,451 for Trenholm State Community College to implement a distance learning program to connect six public high schools to the college, serving 21,000 students in primarily rural areas.\n Sewell also announced the grants for the following HHS projects:\n A grant of $475,483 for UAB for cancer treatment research.\n\tA grant of $3,016,871 for Whatley Health Services to continue delivering valuable health care services to medically underserved populations.\n\tA grant to $2,080,099 for Alabama Regional Medical Services to continue delivering valuable health care services to medically underserved populations.\n And a grant for the following DOT project:\n A grant of $2,018,750 to assist the city of Tuscaloosa in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-and-increase-red-snapper-populations", "Senator Jones Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect and Increase Red Snapper Populations", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the health of reef fish populations, such as red snapper, in the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation was cosponsored by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and a companion bill was recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Garrett Graves (R-La.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).\r\nReef fish, such as red snapper, caught and rapidly brought to the surface from deep water can suffer from barotrauma, a condition that kills fish because they cannot readjust to deep water upon release. Venting toolsand descending devicesreduce barotrauma and save fish harvested for both recreational and commercial uses. The Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices (DESCEND) Act would require commercial and recreational fishermen to keep descending devices onboard their boats.\r\nI've been fishing all my life, so I know how important it is to protect Gulf species like red snapper. The use of descending devices and venting tools is one way we can help maintain healthy populations of reef fish, which is crucial for the economy of Alabama and for ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy red snapper season, Senator Jones said.\r\nFor charter fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, fishing is more than a pastime  it's our way of life. Charter fishermen such as myself have been using descending devices for some time, and we hope that this legislation will encourage the use of these devices among all sectors of the Gulf fishing community. I'm also pleased to see that this bill mandates further study into the role that descending devices and venting tools may play in reducing discard mortality and preserving the health of Gulf reef fish species, said Johnny Greene, Owner, Intimidator Charters in Orange Beach and Former Gulf Council Member.\r\n\"This legislation is greatly appreciated by recreational anglers in the Gulf of Mexico who understand first-hand the frustration associated with releasing a reef fish back into the water, only to watch as it fails to make it back to the bottom,\" said Blakeley Ellis, Executive Director, Coastal Conservation Association Alabama. \"The DESCEND Act will ensure that fisheries managers have every tool at their disposal to help return these fish to depth and minimize post-release mortality. Fewer wasted fish will result in increased access to fisheries like red snapper in the long run. We appreciate the leadership by Senators Jones and Cassidy to enhance marine resource conservation with this common-sense measure.\"\r\nWhile Gulf of Mexico red snapper has historically been a highly contentious policy issue, it's heartening to see such strong support for this effort to reduce mortality rates of discarded reef fish, said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs, American Sportfishing Association. Thanks to the bipartisan work of U.S. Senators Doug Jones and Bill Cassidy, the DESCEND Act of 2019 will make meaningful progress in improving fish survival by requiring proper gear be used to release fish caught in the Gulf federal waters. The more fish that survive, the healthier their populations will be in the future, therefore providing better fishing opportunities.\r\nThe Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources participated in a descender device pilot program a couple of years ago with the American Sportfishing Association.We provided hundreds of descender devices to Alabama anglers. The program showed that the use of descender devices was very effective in decreasing release mortality of reef fish. I am appreciative of this legislation that will increase use of descender devices that will contribute, along with other initiatives and sound management, to rebuilding our reef fish populations, said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.\r\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the American Sportfishing Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-introduces-legislation-incentivize-carbon-capture-projects", "Rep. Sewell Introduces Legislation to Incentivize Carbon Capture Projects", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the Carbon Capture and Sequestration Extension Act (H.R. 5156), legislation that extends the Section 45Q tax credit to incentivize and make more affordable the deployment of carbon capture projects.\nIt is critically important that Congress supports innovative approaches to reduce emissions, and carbon capture technology is essential to that fight, Sewell said. This legislation 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.\nThe legislation extends the Section 45Q tax credit for one year, until January 1, 2025. The 45Q tax credit reduces the cost of investing in carbon capture technology across many industries, including electric power generation, ethanol and fertilizer production, natural gas processing, refining, chemical production, and steel and cement manufacturing.\nSewell's bill was introduced Tuesday as a provision in the House Ways and Means Committee's Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act, a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change by using the tax code to extend and expand renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.\nThe Carbon Capture and Sequestration Extension Act is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sewell-mckinley-introduce-legislation-expand-access-non-opioid", "Reps. Sewell, McKinley Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Non-Opioid Medications", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and David McKinley (WV-01) introduced the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) Act (H.R. 5172) today, legislation to help address barriers to non-opioid pain management for those enrolled in Medicare, thereby helping stem the opioid epidemic across the nation.\nSpecifically, the bill would address payment disincentives for practitioners to prescribe non-opioid treatment alternatives in surgical settings by requiring CMS to place non-opioid treatments on par with other separately paid drugs and devices in Medicare Part B. \nNon-opioid treatments and therapies can be successful in replacing, delaying or reducing the use of opioids to treat post-surgical pain, and reduce the risk of opioid addiction, Rep. Sewell said. The NOPAIN Act would reduce disincentives for practitioners to provide patients enrolled in Medicare with non-opioid pain management, giving doctors the ability to prescribe treatments that are best-suited for their patients' needs.\nCurrently, our healthcare payment system is unnecessarily encouraging the use of opioids,\" Rep. McKinley said. Our bill would ensure that CMS does not disincentivize the use of innovative non-opioid drugs and devices to treat and manage pain. While pain management for all patients should be handled individually, opioids should not be the first or only option given.\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids are the main driver of drug overdose deaths accounting for 47,600 deaths in 2017 and 130 Americans every day. Additionally, the CDC estimates that the economic costs associated with prescription opioid misuse exceeds $78 billion annually. These costs include those associated with health care, lost productivity, addiction treatment and the judicial system.\nResearch shows that patients receiving an opioid prescription after short-stay surgeries have a 44% increased risk of opioid use. One 2018 study showed that 12 percent of patients who had a soft tissue or orthopedic operation in the year prior reported that they had become addicted or dependent on opioids.\nAs a nation, we spend hundreds of billions of dollars every year countering the opioid epidemic, including as much as $214 billion this year, said Chris Fox, Executive Director of Voices for Non-opioid Choices. We can do better  we can help patients get the care they need while, at the same time, ridding our communities of excess pills that oftentimes lead to misuse and diversion. This legislation will go a long way towards reducing rates of opioid addiction in this country by properly incentivizing the use of non-opioid pain management approaches.\nThe NOPAIN Act is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-introduces-bill-to-alleviate-alabamas-teacher-shortage-crisis", "Senator Doug Jones Introduces Bill to Alleviate Alabama\u2019s Teacher Shortage Crisis", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today introduced the Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act, legislation to alleviate the teacher shortage crisis in rural Alabama and in communities across the United States. The legislation comes in response to a roundtable discussion with educators and other stakeholders that Senator Jones hosted in August at the University of Montevallo about the challenges facing Alabama's teacher workforce.\r\nIn Alabama during the 2017-18 school year more than 1,700 teachers in grades 7-12 were not certified to teach the English, math, social studies, science, or special education classes to which they were assigned. In 70 Alabama schools, 10 percent or more of the teachers are working without full certification. Teacher shortages are shown to be the most severe in rural areas of Alabama. The School Superintendents of Alabama have reported that now elementary teachers are also becoming difficult to find, particularly in remote and rural parts of the state.\r\nGreat teachers can make a huge difference in lives of the children they teach. We need to do everything we can to make sure that they have the resources they need in order to be successful and provide all of our children with the best education possible regardless of their ZIP code. This program will help incentivize the recruitment and retention of teachers who are invested in their communities and reflect the diversity of the students they teach, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.\r\nThe bill would authorize competitive grants for schools to establish a Grow Your Own program, which recruits diverse teacher candidates from the community into the teaching profession and supports them as they work to receive a teacher certification or licensure.\r\nImproving access to quality education has been one of Senator Jones' top priorities since arriving in the Senate. Among other things, he has introduced legislation to dramatically reduce the FAFSA application, fought to renew vital funding for HBCUs, and secured an increase in funding for childcare options for student-parents.\r\nMore information about Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act can be found here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-leads-pancreatic-cancer-senate-field-hearing-in-birmingham", "Senator Jones Leads Pancreatic Cancer Senate Field Hearing in Birmingham", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM  Today, U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) convened a U.S. Senate Select Committee on Aging field hearing entitled, Pancreatic Cancer: Fighting the World's Toughest Cancer in Alabama and Nationally, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Witnesses included family members who have lost a loved one from pancreatic cancer, as well as the director of UAB's Pancreatobiliary Disease Center.\r\n\r\nAs too many of us in this room know firsthand, pancreatic cancer takes a devastating toll on families and communities across this state and the country. So many lives are touched by cancer in general, but in particular pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease. Last yearalthough my family has had run-ins with different forms of cancer over the yearsI became one of the millions who has lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer when my dear friend, Giles Perkins, lost his life to this terrible disease. I am grateful to have Giles' wife and also a dear friend, Hillery Head, with us today to honor his memory, said Senator Jones in his opening remarks.\r\n\r\nSenator Jones continued, Unfortunately, Giles is one of many Americans and Alabamians who have lost their lives to pancreatic cancer. This year, more than 56,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The disease has one of the lowest survival rates of any form of cancer, with less than nine-percent of patients surviving five years after their initial diagnosis. In 2019, this disease is expected to claim nearly 46,000 lives across the county and over 700approximately 770in Alabama.\r\n\r\nWitnesses shared powerful testimony about the impact the disease had on their loved ones and the importance of investing in medical research:\r\n\r\nHillery Head, who lost her husband, Giles Perkins, to pancreatic cancer: In the spring of 2016, my husband, Giles Perkins, began feeling under the weather. His health declined rapidly, and none of the antibiotics he took seemed to help. I urged him to see my primary care physician, who ran him through a battery of tests, diagnosed him with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer. Despite all that was in our favor, on December 2, 2018, Giles passed away. He died in our home, surrounded by family and friends and people who loved him. Cancer doesn't care. So, it's up to us to care. It's up to us to support, to fight, to fund, to help, to love, and to live every day like it is a gift from God. It's up to us to support families facing this same diagnosis, and find a cure for this disease.\r\n\r\nLynette F. Nall, who lost her daughter, Letisha, to pancreatic cancer: On January 30, 2019, after a few days at home, Tish succumbed to the disease in bed early that morning. Needless to say, there should be early detection for this disease. Tish's first visit to the doctor should have resulted in some test that could have saved her life. With all the trials that have been done, and still going on, there should be some specific treatment that has been proven to work well for this cancer. The trial and error methods were frustrating for Tish, and for me, as her mother, to see her suffer.\r\n\r\nSteve Cook, who lost his wife, Marqueta, to pancreatic cancer: As [Marqueta] continued to battle the disease, and we began learning more about pancreatic cancer, I realized that funding for research was a challenge. Recognizing that one of the strongest weapons we have in fighting the disease is federal research funding, Marqueta encouraged me to take the message to our leaders in Washington, D.C. I attended my first PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) Advocacy Day in 2018, about two weeks after she passed away, just 12 months after her initial diagnosis. Truth be told, I considered not going but I knew she had wanted me to go  I am very glad I did. This disease can render you hopeless but taking a unified message to Capitol Hill with hundreds of others was inspiring  we all had a shared bond.\r\n\r\nJ. Bart Rose, MD, MAS The Director of UAB's Pancreatobiliary Disease Centers, the largest treatment center in the region for pancreatic cancer: Alabama has a higher death rate from pancreas cancer than would be predicted. Our state has the 9th highest pancreatic cancer death rate in the United States even though it only ranks as the 21st highest rate for new case numbers As a pancreatic cancer researcher, I can state without question that investment in this area is desperately needed. The only way we are going to move the needle on improving overall survival beyond the currently unacceptable 9% is by having better therapy for advance disease and earlier detection.\r\n\r\nA livestream of the hearing is available on Senator Jones' Facebook page.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/mark-your-calendar-open-enrollment-runs-until-dec-15", "Mark your calendar! Open enrollment runs until Dec. 15", "2019-11-12", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "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://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-doug-jones-mike-rounds-propose-wounded-warriors-fellowship-in-the-senate", "Senators Doug Jones, Mike Rounds Propose Wounded Warriors Fellowship in the Senate", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) have introduced a resolution to establish a fellowship for wounded American veterans to hold two-year fellowships in the United States Senate.\r\nThe program, called the McCain-Mansfield Fellowship, would offer each Senate office one fellowship, which would last two years. The positions could be in a Senator's state or Washington, D.C. office.\r\nWe owe a great deal to the men and women who have courageously served our county, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The McCain-Mansfield Fellowship program is just one of the ways we can continue to lift up our veterans and ensure they have access to the resources and support needed to be successful in their civilian lives.\r\nAmerica's veterans have gained valuable insight and expertise throughout their service to our nation, said Senator Rounds. Our legislation would establish a program that can help veterans use those skills to help constituents and shape important policy that impacts the heroes who wear the uniform of the United States of America. It also creates future employment opportunities for veterans once their fellowships over and makes sure that the perspectives and concerns of veterans are continually added to the Senate workforce. We have a number of veterans working in my Senate office, and I appreciate the unique perspective they bring to the job.\r\nEach year, nearly 200,000 service members transition from the military back to civilian life. This transition is widely recognized as a challenging and stressful process not only for the service members, but also for their families and, in some cases, caregivers. The McCain-Mansfield Fellowship would offer veterans with a service-connected disability the experience and exposure needed to broaden their career opportunities and contribute to a successful transition.\r\nThere is already a Wounded Warriors Fellowship program in the House of Representatives, but the McCain-Mansfield Fellowship will be the first of its kind in the Senate.\r\nThe full resolution can be read here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-jones-and-manchin-tour-national-carbon-capture-center", "Senators Jones and Manchin Tour National Carbon Capture Center", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM Today, U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, toured the Department of Energy's (DOE) National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC) in Wilsonville, Alabama. The NCCC was created in 2009 by DOE to accelerate the commercialization of technologies to reduce emissions from both natural gas and coal power plants.\r\nThe National Carbon Capture Center is focused on finding breakthroughs in next-generation carbon capture technologies that will reduce overall global carbon emissions, said Senator Jones. It's a great example of how the Alabama business community is help to move the green economy forward.\r\nExperts have made it clear fossil fuels are projected to be part of our energy portfolio through 2040 and focusing on carbon capture technologies is one of the most critical technologies we can invest in. Today's tour with Senator Jones was an exciting opportunity to see these important technologies up close. As Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I'm working to ensure the Department of Energy can continue to advance these technologies to commercialization because they benefit the environment while also allowing us to maintain affordable and reliable electricity in the U.S. and lead globally, Ranking Member Manchin said.\r\nIn April, the senators introduced the Enhancing Fossil Fuel Energy Carbon Technology Act to expand the DOE's fossil energy research and development (R&D) objectives and establish new R&D programs for carbon capture, utilization, storage, and removal.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-doug-jones-honors-the-role-of-peanuts-in-alabama-history-", "VIDEO: Senator Doug Jones Honors the Role of Peanuts in Alabama History", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) took to the Senate floor today to honor the contributions of the peanut to Alabama's history. He paid tribute to the National Peanut Festival, which takes place in Dothan each year and is currently underway through November 10. He also highlighted the importance of Tuskegee University and its most celebrated professor, Dr. George Washington Carver, in popularizing peanut farming and developing over 300 products made of peanuts.\r\nIt is not an overstatement to say that Dr. Carver, Tuskegee University, and the peanut helped save the economy of the South, Senator Jones said.\r\nSenator Jones continued by using the example of the important contributions of Tuskegee University and Dr. Carver to again encourage the passage of his bill to renew now-expired federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country.\r\nLast week, Senator Jones introduced a Senate resolution honoring the importance of peanut farming, the National Peanut Festival, and Dr. Carver's legacy to Alabama history.\r\nYou can watch his full remarks here and a rush transcript can be found below.\r\nU.S. Senate Chamber \r\nNovember 5, 2019\r\nNote: transcription edited for clarity\r\nSENATOR JONES: It is not often that in floor remarks we can hit a trifecta on topics that are uniquely connected, but I am fortunate to have that privilege today, and they all center around the glorious peanut.\r\nTo start I want to honor the National Peanut Festival currently being held in Dothan, Alabama, which recognizes the importance of the peanut industry to the state of Alabama and the United States. Every year, Dothan hosts the nation's largest peanut festival to honor local peanut farmers and to celebrate harvest season.\r\nThe festival began in 1938 and has been held annually each year, except for a five year hiatus during World War II. This year's festival is a 10 day long extravaganza with food, fun and entertainment. You name it, you can find it in Dothan during the Peanut Festival. It is one of the most popular events in Alabama each year. In 2017 the festival broke attendance records with over 200,000 people joining the fun. Unfortunately, my schedule has forbidden me from being down there this week, but I wish I had been there. I wish I could go for the end of this because it is a glorious time.\r\nLast week, I introduced a resolution here in the Senate to pay tribute to the National Peanut Festival and the importance of peanuts to our state and the entire country.\r\nOver 400 million pounds of peanuts are produced every year in Alabama, and nearly half of all peanuts grown in America are grown within a 100-mile radius of Dothan where most of the peanuts are processed. It is no wonder that Dothan in Southeastern Alabama in the corner on the border for George and Florida is known as the Peanut Capital of the World. The peanut industry is a critical part of Alabama's economy. In 2018 alone, the 400 million pounds of peanuts produced by Alabama farmers was valued at $118 million. And the farm value of the nation's peanut crop is over $1 billion.\r\nLike all farmers peanut farmers have their share of challenges. But year after year the peanut farmers in Alabama and across the country persevere, providing a crop that whose importance is often simply taken for granted aswell, peanuts, as it pertains to our overall economy. But the peanut is an important staple to the agriculture and food industry, thanks in large part to the extraordinary work of an amazing scientist, an African American scientist, and adopted son of Alabama, Dr. George Washington Carver, who did his work at one of Alabama's great HBCUs, Tuskegee University.\r\nDr. Carver was born into slavery but raised by his former master once slavery was abolished. He was forced to attend segregated schools until 1891 when he was accepted as the first black student at Iowa State University.\r\nOnly five years later, in 1896, Dr. Carver was hired by Booker T. Washington to head the agriculture department at the Tuskegee Institute  now known as Tuskegee University  in Tuskegee, Alabama.\r\nAt that point, peanuts weren't even recognized as a crop in the United States.\r\nBut because of a serious threat to the South's cotton crop from boll weevil infestations, Dr. Carver suggested that Alabama farmers start growing peanuts in the alternate year, which he believed would restore and add nutrients to the barren soil so that cotton could grow the next year. And it worked!\r\nHe not only was a leading voice for crop rotation, but ended up inventing over 300 products made out of peanuts, including peanut milk, peanut paper, and peanut soap -- although he did not invent my favorite, peanut butter, but 300 different types of products made from peanuts.\r\nIn 1921, in a highly unusual circumstance in the era of Jim Crow, Dr. Carver testified regarding the value of the peanut before the Ways & Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. An African American scientist in front of the United States House in 1921. In 1938, again during the Jim Crowe era, Dr. Carver was the featured speaker at the first Peanut Festival in Dothan, Alabama.\r\nPeanuts became more and more popular, and by 1940 they had become one of the top six crops in the United States, all in large part due to the work of Dr. Carver at Tuskegee University.\r\nIt's not an overstatement to say that Dr. Carver, Tuskegee University, and the peanut helped save the economy of the South. And this, my friends, is just one example of the extraordinary contributions that HBCUs have made to our country over the years and continue to make today. But as we have talked about for some time, including with my friend Senator Cardin earlier today, those contributions are threatened because of the expiration of federal funding that occurred at the end of September.\r\nI've been pushing for the passage of my bill, the FUTURE Act, which would renew funding for HBCUs are other minority serving institutions that expired at the end of September. We need to continue to invest in these institutions and ensure that they have consistent funding.\r\nWe have worked with this bill, the FUTURE Act, to make sure the concerns of others, particularly those that might object to the UC that we've asked for on the FUTURE Act, to make sure that this is not some kind of federal budget gimmick. We answered those very concerns. We've answered all the pay-for concerns, and all we're asking is for consistent funding because planning is as important as the money now. Yes, the Department of Education has told HBCUs that the funding would be there through September, but by the spring those institutions have to start planning. They have to make sure they have the necessary resources for the fall and beyond and if they are funding is set to expire at the end of next year, they can't make those plans with their teachers as well as their infrastructure. We need to continue to make sure that those HBCUs are funded consistently and appropriately. So let's make sure we put aside any differences and make those funds are available so that our great HBCUs and minority education institutions can continue to plan.\r\nWe also need to continue to honor the legacy of Dr. Carver, which is one of the reasons why I am so proud to introduce a resolution honoring the National Peanut Festival and the peanut industry in the state of Alabama. It's a testament to the importance of the peanut and a time to celebrate the history of our state and the peanut farming way of life.\r\nI'm hopeful that with the advancements in peanut allergy research, that we make sure that more people can enjoy what so many of us can. I understand that peanut allergy is a real problem for people around the country and around the world. But advances in research that are going on right now -- right now can make sure that we break through and that all who want to can enjoy the value and the taste of those wonderful peanuts.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-leads-bipartisan-legislation-strengthen-ambulance-services", "Rep. Sewell Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Ambulance Services", "2019-11-04", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Devin Nunes (CA-22) and Peter Welch (VT-AL) introduced the Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act to strengthen ambulance service providers and help ensure they are able to continue delivering critical first responder and health care services in communities across the country.\n\nAmbulance services are a vital component of our local and national health care and emergency response systems, especially in rural and underserved areas where they are often the sole provider of emergency medical services in their communities, Sewell said. The Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act of 2019 will implement critical reforms to help ensure Alabamians have access to lifesaving emergency care, no matter where they live.\n\nEmergency first responders are critical to the health and safety of our communities, Blumenauer said. Rather than continue to put a band-aid on this problem, we must find permanent solutions to our inadequate Medicare payments for ambulance services, especially for vulnerable communities and those in rural areas.\n\nRural ambulance services save lives and provide needed care in underserved areas every day,Welch said.This bipartisan bill will ensure that patients and rural areas have access to critical ambulance services, and that these services receive fair, consistent reimbursement for their important work. It's time for Congress to permanently fix this glitch and give ambulance services the certainty they need to continue serving all Americans.\n\nAmbulance services are critically important to rural Americans who may live close to an hour away from the nearest emergency room, Mullin said. Providing this care literally means the difference between life and death for many people. As we continue to battle the closures of critical access hospitals across Oklahoma, ambulance services are more important now than ever before. We must ensure that rural Americans receive the care they need. I'm proud to join my colleagues in support of this bill which would enhance and increase resources for first responders in Oklahoma.\n\nAlthough ambulance providers provide critical emergency services to communities across the country, the Government Accountability Office has found that they are reimbursed below cost by Medicare, which has hampered the ability of ambulance service providers to hire new staff, update equipment, and provide life-saving around the-clock services in their communities, especially those in economically distressed areas. Without frequent add-on payments authorized by Congress, these providers must often operate at a loss.\n\nIncluded in the legislation are provisions to permanently increase the rate at which ambulance providers are reimbursed by Medicaid, allow ambulance services that serve low population areas to continue to receive additional rural Medicare funding and eliminate burdensome, duplicative paperwork requirements.\n\n\"The Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention and Reform Act of 2019 would give organizations that provide vital emergency 9-1-1 and non-emergency ambulance services greater certainty as to the future of desperately-needed Medicare funding relief as identified by the Government Accountability Office. Most importantly, it would help ensure continued access by Medicare beneficiaries and all Americans in urban and, in particular, rural and extremely rural, areas to medical first response and mobile health care, said American Ambulance Association President Aarron Reinert. The American Ambulance Association greatly appreciates the leadership and hopeful outlook of Congresswoman Sewell and Congressman Nunes as well as Congressmen Welch, Blumenauer, and Mullin in addressing this critical issue.\"\n\nThe Medicare Ambulance Access, Fraud Prevention, and Reform Act of 2019 is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/jones-colleagues-introduce-the-bipartisan-creating-early-childhood-leaders-act", "Jones, Colleagues Introduce the Bipartisan Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act", "2019-11-04", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.), alongside Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), introduced the bipartisan Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act, which would ensure school leaders are able to effectively support early education teachers and provide children with high-quality early learning programs.\r\nAlabama has a nationally recognized pre-k program that is hailed for its high quality, and it's important that the educators that serve those classrooms are well-trained, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. This bipartisan legislation will encourage training to help guide kids through this crucial time in their development.\r\nThe Creating Early Childhood Leaders Act would ensure principals and school leaders are able to effectively support pre-kindergarten teachers and programs, as well as assist pre-kindergarten students through the transition from pre-K through second grade. Specifically, the legislation would amend Title II of the Higher Education Act by adding provisions to encourage recipients of Teacher Quality Partnership Grants to include training on early childhood development and effective instructional leadership for children ages zero through eight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations, critical brain development occurs in a child's first years.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-leads-colleagues-in-new-push-to-renew-funding-for-minority-serving-institutions-of-higher-education", "Senator Doug Jones Leads Colleagues in New Push to Renew Funding for Minority-Serving Institutions of Higher Education", "2019-11-04", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) are leading a group of 36 of their colleagues in a new push to pass funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs). In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the senators called for the immediate passage of Senator Jones' bipartisan FUTURE Act legislation, which would reauthorize $255 million in mandatory federal funding for these institutions, which expired on September 30, 2019. The House of Representatives approved the legislation unanimously in September.\r\nHBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs are an essential component of America's higher education and workforce development system, the senators wrote. Given the importance of this funding to hundreds of institutions and millions of students, we request that the Senate delay no longer and take up the bipartisan FUTURE Act immediately to avoid permanent damage to our nation's historic colleges.\r\nSenators Jones and Tester were joined in sending the letter by Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).\r\nFull text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here:\r\nNovember 4, 2019\r\nDear Leader McConnell and Leader Schumer:\r\nWe write today to respectfully request immediate Senate consideration of the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act. This important bipartisan legislation would reauthorize funding for Title III, Part F of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which provides mandatory funds for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other minority serving-institutions (MSIs). Mandatory funding benefiting these institutions lapsed on September 30, 2019.\r\nHBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs are an essential component of America's higher education and workforce development system. MSIs serve nearly 6 million students, accounting for more than one-quarter of all undergraduates across the nation. These institutions enroll a significant share of all students of color. For example, HSIs account for nearly 15 percent of all non-profit colleges and universities, but enroll two-thirds of all Hispanic students. Also, while HBCUs only comprise 8.5 percent of all four-year institutions, they enroll, on average, 24 percent of all black undergraduates pursuing a bachelor's degree, graduate 26 percent of all black bachelor's degrees, and graduate 32 percent of STEM degrees earned by black students. The student population across all TCUs is 78 percent American Indian and Alaska Native. Similarly, these schools disproportionately enroll low-income students  more than 75 percent of students at HBCUs and 90 percent of students at TCUs receive Pell Grants, compared to only 32 percent of all students.\r\nTitle III, Part F funding is critical to ensuring these institutions are able to best serve their students. This funding is used for an array of purposes across campuses. Many schools use these funds to improve student services and academic programs like counseling, tutoring, mentoring, and STEM and career training programs. Numerous institutions use the funding to perform technology maintenance and expansion in order to provide students with up-to-date technology and vital learning opportunities such as computer labs, research institutes, and educational experiences. Others put the investment toward capital improvements like constructing affordable housing, renovating facilities, and creating learning spaces for students. All told, the Title III, Part F funding is a lifeline for these institutions to strengthen their academic, administrative, and fiscal capacities.\r\nThe bipartisan FUTURE Act will allow HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs across the country to keep their doors open and continue to generate more opportunities for their students, disproportionate percentages of whom are for the low-income students and students of color. This funding stream plays a vital role in increasing institutional capacity at MSIs and in generating more opportunities for students of color to attain degrees in STEM fields and secure good-paying jobs, generating a strong economic impact. HBCUs, for example, have created over 134,000 jobs and have produced over $10 billion in gross regional product and a total annual economic impact of nearly $15 billion.\r\nUnfortunately, funding for this program lapsed due to Senate inaction last month. The House of Representatives passed the FUTURE Act by a voice vote last month. Given the importance of this funding to hundreds of institutions and millions of students, we request that the Senate delay no longer and take up the bipartisan FUTURE Act immediately to avoid permanent damage to our nation's historic colleges.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-support-resolution-provide-public-hearings-ongoing", "Rep. Sewell Votes in Support of Resolution to Provide for Public Hearings in the Ongoing Impeachment Inquiry of President Trump", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) today voted to support H. Res. 660, a resolution that establishes the format for public hearings that will be conducted by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence as part of the House's ongoing impeachment inquiry and authorizes the public release of the Intelligence Committee's deposition transcripts.\nFrom the outset, the Intelligence Committee has been committed to following the facts surrounding President Trump's phone call with the President of Ukraine in which, by his own admission, Trump asked a foreign leader to initiate an investigation into a political rival. Today's vote reinforces our commitment to holding the President to account for what increasingly appears to be an extreme abuse of his presidential power, Sewell said. The Committee has collected extensive evidence and testimony, and remains committed to pressing forward to expose the truth to the American people.\nIn its investigation so far, the Intelligence Committee has uncovered a substantial amount of evidence showing President Trump betrayed his oath of office and the American people, including: The President's own words in the call record released by the White House, Ambassador Volker's text messages, testimonies provided by several witnesses, witness opening statements released publicly, including that of Ambassador Bill Taylor and Colonel Alexander Vindman, and the public admission of a quid pro quo by White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.\nThe resolution also establishes procedures for the transfer of evidence by the Intelligence Committee to the Judiciary Committee as it considers potential articles of impeachment, and sets forth due process rights for the President and his counsel in the Judiciary Committee proceedings. In doing so, the resolution affirms the House's ongoing impeachment inquiry by directing the committees to continue their ongoing investigations under the umbrella of the inquiry to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach President Trump.\nThe resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-and-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-pensions-social-security-and-medicare", "Senator Jones and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Pensions, Social Security and Medicare", "2019-10-29", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.), alongside a bipartisan group of colleagues, has introduced the Time to Rescue United States' Trusts (TRUST) Act, which would create congressional committees specifically tasked to develop legislation to restore and strengthen endangered federal trust funds, like pensions, Social Security and Medicare.\r\nThis important legislation creates a bipartisan path forward that gives us the tools to we need to put our budget on the path to fiscal responsibility and upgrade our decaying infrastructure, protect pensions and Social Security benefits for retirees, and ensure that Medicare remains strong for seniors for generations to come, Senator Jones said.\r\nWithout legislative action, the government's trust funds, which include Highway, Medicare Hospital Insurance, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, will be exhausted in the next thirteen years.\r\nThe legislation was also sponsored by U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), and U.S. Representatives Mike Gallagher (R-WI), Ed Case (D-HI), William Timmons (R-SC), and Ben McAdams (D-UT) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\r\nHow the TRUST Act works:\r\n \r\nU.S. Treasury would have 30 days upon passage of the legislation to deliver to Congress a report of the government's major, endangered federal trust funds.\r\nCongressional leaders would appoint members to serve on Rescue Committeesone per trust fundwith the mandate to draft legislation that restores solvency and otherwise improves each trust fund program.\r\nRescue Committees would ensure bipartisan consensus by requiring at least two members of each party to report legislation.\r\nIf a Rescue Committee reports a qualifying bill for its trust fund program, it would receive expedited consideration in both chambers. While 60 votes would be required to invoke cloture for final passage in the Senate, only a simple majority would be needed for the motion to proceed, which would be privileged.\r\n \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senate-passes-jones-amendment-to-fund-heirs-property-program", "VIDEO: Senate Passes Jones Amendment to Fund Heirs\u2019 Property Program", "2019-10-28", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: Senate Passes Jones Amendment to Fund Heirs' Property Program\r\nWASHINGTON By a vote of 91-1, the Senate passed an amendment this evening introduced by Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) to help heirs' property landowners secure a clear title for their land. The amendment to the FY2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill includes $5 million to fund a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program Senator Jones secured in the 2018 Farm Bill. His provision authorized the Farm Service Agency to make loans that will help families resolve heir's property ownership and succession issues.\r\nSenator Jones took to the Senate floor immediately before the vote to encourage his colleagues to support the amendment. Watch his full remarks here.\r\nHeirs' property is land that has been informally passed down within families, often for several generations, and can lead to costly legal complications and prevent landowners from qualifying for federal assistance. Heirs' property is predominantly owned by African American farmers and producers and an estimated 60-percent of minority-owned land is projected to be heirs' property. Challenges associated with heirs' property status are the leading cause of involuntary land loss among African Americans. Landowners of heirs' property also cannot qualify for USDA loans necessary for farming, receive disaster relief funding, or use their land as collateral in private lending. More background on heirs' property and the amendment are here.\r\nOver the past year, Senator Jones has led a bipartisan effort in the U.S. Senate to help these landowners gain fair access to federal programs and to make it easier to resolve legal issues that result from their heirs' property status. In addition to the re-lending provision, Senator Jones also secured a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill to help heirs' property owners obtain a USDA farm number, which is key to accessing assistance from the agency's programs.\r\nVideo of Senator Jones' speech can be found here, and a rush transcript of his remarks can be found below.\r\nU.S. Senate Chamber \r\nSenator Jones introduces his heirs' property amendment \r\nOctober 28, 2019\r\nNote: transcription edited for clarity\r\nSENATOR JONES: I rise today, Mr. President, to urge my colleagues to take an important step to correct one of the great injustices in America, an injustice that many in this body may not have a full appreciation for because it just might not affect too many of your particular constituents. I am speaking of the injustices faced by real property owners known as heirs' property owners.\r\nThese landowners, who are typically African-American farmers and producers in the Deep South, own land that has been informally passed down within families, often for several generations, without any clear title. Sadly, that is often led to costly legal complications, it's prevented landowners from qualifying for federal assistance and in many cases resulted in actual loss of land ownership.\r\nThis issue overwhelmingly impacts African American land ownership, of which an estimated 60 percent is heirs' property, and created barriers to building generational wealth.\r\nIt is no coincidence Mr. President that this has impacted Black landowners when you consider the challenges faced by previous generations of African Americans faced to purchase, that they had to face the obstacles in purchasing land, just to purchase their land, the obstacles that they faced, to obtain legal services, and to have their wills prepared. The heirs' property challenges facing these families today is yet another vestige of the Jim Crow era that with some exceptions has lasted far too long and that we must seek to correct.\r\nThese injustices have had long lasting consequences for the families who have struggled to prove their claims, including the untold emotional cost for those who have seen their family land taken or sold out from under them.\r\nBecause a significant portion of minority-owned rural land was passed down through generations as heirs' property, these farmers and ranchers have been unable to obtain farm numbers and thus, access to a multitude of USDA programs. Those programs are vital to these landowners, who already face significant risk and uncertainty in their work.\r\nThat's why, when I came to the Senate last year, I teamed up with my friend from South Carolina, Senator Scott, to work together to initiate changes that will start to help these farmers gain access to federal aid and help us better understand the full spectrum of challenges they face as a result of their heirs' property status.\r\nI'm really proud of the fact that we secured several provisions in the final 2018 Farm Bill addressing heirs' property and I want to thank Senators Roberts and Stabenow for their assistance.\r\nOne of the biggest components that was included will allow heirs' property owners, with the appropriate documentation, to obtain USDA farm numbers so that they can gain access to the department's programs like crop insurance and disaster relief. However, that is just one of the obstacles they face today.\r\nAnother provision focuses on consolidating land ownership.\r\nHeirs often faced with issues of fractional ownership among relatives. Their own family had fractional shares of the land that has been passed down for generations. That increases the chances of one heir partitioning the land or causing the land to be lost due to a tax default.\r\nSome states even require the entire property to be sold if the courts find that dividing the land would prejudice one owner.\r\nUnder these circumstances, it is no wonder that between 1910 and 1997 an estimated 90-percent of land owned by African Americans in this country was lost due to heirs' property issues.\r\nMr. President, that statistic bears repeating and emphasizing. Between 1910 and 1997 an estimated 90-percent of land owned by African Americans in the United States was lost due to heirs' property issues.\r\nBut last year, together we embarked on the journey to right these wrongs. The 2018 Farm Bill gave authority to the USDA Secretary to make loans to eligible entities, like cooperatives and credit unions that have experience helping minority farmers, so that they can re-lend funds to assist heirs with undivided interests to resolve ownership and succession on farmland.\r\nMy amendmentthat we will be voting on shortlywill provide $5 million to help get this program off the ground. That is the same amount of money that is included in the House version of the appropriations bill.\r\nThis is an important next step to fulfill the intent of last year's Farm Bill and to help these families maintain land that is rightfully theirs.\r\nI urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment and continuing our efforts, together, to remove these barriers and right these wrongs.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/its-time-year-check-out-these-faqs-about-medicare-open-enrollment", "It's that time of the year! Check out these FAQs about Medicare open enrollment", "2019-10-24", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "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-praises-house-passage-election-security-legislation", "Rep. Sewell Praises House Passage of Election Security Legislation", "2019-10-23", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted Wednesday in support of H.R. 4617, the SHIELD Act (Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for A Lasting Democracy Act), legislation to protect against foreign interference in America's elections, including by foreign governments. \nThere is nothing more fundamental to the strength of our democracy than the sanctity of our elections and defending them against foreign interference and attacks. The Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election and they and other foreign entities continue to be a daily threat to our democracy, Sewell said. It is critically important that the Senate take up and pass the SHIELD Act, commonsense, bipartisan legislation that will help safeguard and ensure our elections are decided by the American people, not foreign actors.\nFollowing are key provisions of the bill: \nThe bill creates a duty to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments and their agents.\n The bill requires political campaigns, parties, and political committees like PACs and Super PACs, to report contacts that involve offers of unlawful campaign assistance by foreign governments, foreign political parties, and their agents, to authorities at the FBI and the FEC. This ensures violations can incur criminal or civil liability. The bill also requires campaigns to establish compliance mechanisms.\n The bill prevents foreign interference in future elections by improving transparency of online political advertisements.\n The SHIELD Act modernizes campaign finance law to uphold Americans' right to know who is behind election-related advertising and disinformation, including better disclosure of the sources of online political advertisements.\n\tSpecifically, the bill establishes disclosure rules for online political advertising and guards against foreign interference via digital platforms.It incorporates provisions from the Honest Ads Act (H.R. 2592), which updates the rules that apply to online political advertising by incorporating disclosure and disclaimer requirements that currently apply to traditional media.\n \nCloses loopholes that allow foreign nationals and foreign governments to spend in U.S. elections.\n The Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission in 2010 unleashed new modes of dark money spending through artificial entities, including Super PACS, corporations and certain nonprofit organizations. The SHIELD Act takes steps to close loopholes that could permit foreign nationals, including foreign governments, to spend money to influence and interfere with United States elections.\n\tFor example, the bill strengthens the foreign money ban by prohibiting foreign nationals from participating in decision-making about contributions or expenditures by corporations, PACS, Super PACs, and other entities and closes other avenues of foreign spending to influence elections, including digital advertising. It also closes other gaps in the law that allow foreign governments to influence American elections.\n Restricts exchange of campaign information between candidates and foreign governments and their agents.\n President Trump's campaign officials shared campaign polling data with a person associated with Russian intelligence and with the expectation it would be shared with an oligarch linked to the Russian government.The SHIELD Act closes this gap in the law by deeming the offering of non-public campaign material to foreign governments and those linked with foreign governments and their agents as an illegal solicitation of support.\n Prohibits deceptive practices about voting procedures.\n Finally, independent experts have identified voter suppression tactics the Russians used in 2016 on social media, including malicious misdirection designed to create confusion about voting rules.In response, the SHIELD Act includes provisions to:\n  Incorporate the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act to prohibit anyone from providing false information about voting rules and qualifications for voting;\n\tProvide mechanisms for disseminating correct information; and\n\tEstablishes strong penalties for voter intimidation.\n The SHIELD Act is supported by numerous organizations, including Common Cause, the Brennan Center for Justice, People for the American Way, Democracy 21, NAACP, Public Citizen, End Citizens United Action Fund, Franciscan Action Network and Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-secures-prescription-drug-affordability-provision-hr-3", "Rep. Sewell Secures Prescription Drug Affordability Provision in H.R. 3", "2019-10-23", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the inclusion of a provision in H.R. 3, the Lower Prescription Drug Costs Now Act, that she authored to allow seniors enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to pay their out-of-pocket drug costs in equal installments over 12 months, rather than all at once.\nFor many Americans enrolled in the Part D program, current plans require $10,000 or more in out-of-pocket costs every year to access a single drug that they need to treat a serious condition. H.R. 3 caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 for seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D, and Sewell's proposal allows beneficiaries to pay their cost-sharing in equal installments throughout the year rather than all at once.\nToday we are advancing a historic and transformative piece of legislation that will change the lives of so many of our most vulnerable constituents for the better. As representative of a district with a high population of low-income seniors, I am particularly pleased that we are lowering out of pocket costs for seniors by capping out of pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000, Sewell said Tuesday in a Ways and Means Committee markup of the bill. The absence of a cap in the current Part D design creates a scenario where seniors can see their financial stability stripped away due to the unlimited liability they face for out of pocket costs. We fix that in this bill.\nI was proud to work with Congresswoman Eshoo on a provision to provide more financial certainty for the more than 100,000 seniors in Alabama's 7th Congressional District enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, Sewell said. Our provision allows beneficiaries to pay their cost-sharing in equal installments throughout the year rather than all at once.\nBurdensome policies that require patients to pay their deductibles in full before their Part D plans take effect create a huge barrier to financial stability for far too many. Studies show high out-of-pocket costs often lead patients to abandon therapy altogether, rather than pay sky-high prices up front, which is both detrimental to the health of the patient and can also increase treatment costs when patients do seek medical attention.\nVideo of Sewell's remarks on H.R. 3 is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-introduces-bill-to-invest-in-alabama-workers-and-prepare-for-jobs-of-the-future", "Senator Doug Jones Introduces Bill to Invest in Alabama Workers and Prepare for Jobs of the Future", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has introduced legislation to increase federal investments in workforce development and training to help prepare workers for the jobs of the future.The Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Actwould ensure that American workers have the skills they need to successfully navigate the transition that will result from an increase in automation.\r\nManufacturing jobs are the backbone of Alabama's economy. That's why it's so essential that we make sure workers have the resources and job training they need in order to prepare for the jobs of the future, Senator Jones said. This bill increases investments in American workers and provides resources for folks to learn new skills in jobs across all sectors of Alabama's economy.  \r\nIt has been estimated that nearly 50 percent of jobs in the United States could be at risk due to automation, and Alabama is one of the top ten states where workers are vulnerable to automation. Coosa, Conecuh, Greene, and Pickens counties are all among the top 25 counties in the U.S. that run the highest risk of losing jobs to automation over the next generation.\r\nRoughly 40 percent of Alabama's workforce falls in industry groups most at risk from automation, such as accommodation and food services, manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, retail, and mining. This bill also comes as September marked the worst month for U.S. manufacturing in more than a decade, in part as the Administration's trade wars have caused deep uncertainty in the global economy.\r\nThis is the latest in a series of efforts by Senator Jones to stand up for Alabama workers and to increase workforce development across the state. He has been outspoken against the Administration's tariffs that threaten Alabama jobs, and he recently hosted a forum in Gadsden on the future of Goodyear in Alabama and the economic challenges facing the state.\r\nSpecifically, the Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act would:\r\n \r\nInvest in Workforce Training: The bill would create a grant program through the Department of Labor to support industry or sector partnerships in developing and carrying out training programs for workers who are, or are likely to become, dislocated because of advances in technology, including automation.\r\n \r\n \r\nExpand Current Programs: The bill would increase funding for National Dislocated Worker Grants and amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to ensure workers who are dislocated by automation are included in WIOA programs.\r\n \r\n \r\nStudy Workforce Training Practices: The bill would direct the GAO to conduct a study of the barriers to providing, and opportunities for improving, training for workers in industries that are most likely to be impacted by automation.\r\n \r\nThe Investing in Tomorrow's Workforce Act is supportedby the National Skills Coalition and the National Association of Workforce Boards.\r\nAlong with Senator Jones, the legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and a House companion bill was introduced by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17).\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-disaster-health-care-service-", "Senator Doug Jones Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Establish Disaster Health Care Service", "2019-10-18", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced the United States Public Health Service Modernization Act of 2019. This bipartisan legislation would establish a Ready Reserve Corps within the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps to ensure vital health care jobs are adequately staffed when disasters strike the U.S.\r\nAlabama knows all too well the full spectrum of natural disasters and the devastation they can bring on our communities, especially in our most rural areas that lack immediate access to services and resources, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. When our dedicated health care workers deploy in response to these disasters, we also need to make sure we're not creating a gap in service at their home duty station. This bipartisan bill will help address that challenge by making sure adequate health care professionals are on standby to fill those positions and provide continuous quality care.\r\nThe USPHA Commissioned Corps is a team of more than 6,500 full-time officers working to advance public health and disease programs across multiple federal agencies and programs. Currently, during times of national emergencies, the UPSHA Commissioned Corps Officers are relocated from their stationed roles to assist with public health emergencies. This leaves vital health care jobs at agencies vacant and poses a risk to citizens in the area who rely on those services for care. The creation of a reserve under the proposed legislation would allow duty stations to fill these vital roles when Regular Corps Officers are responding to public health emergencies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sewell-cox-introduce-bill-increase-access-asthma-medications", "Reps. Sewell, Cox Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Asthma Medications", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and TJ Cox (CA-21) introduced the Inhaler Coverage and Access Now Act (I CAN Act) today, legislation that would require certain high deductible health plans to cover the cost of inhalers for the treatment of any chronic lung disease, including asthma.\nOver 400,000 Alabamians suffer from asthma. High insurance deductibles often lead these patients to delay or forego necessary medical care, increasing both the health risk for asthma sufferers and cost of care down the line, said Rep. Sewell. The I CAN Act allows asthma patients with high deductible health plans to get coverage for inhalers below their deductible, removing barriers for a needed treatment which will, in turn, result in healthier patients and lower long-term health care costs.\n\"Everyone with asthma should have affordable access to an inhaler,\" said Rep. Cox. \"By forcing people to pay significant out of pocket costs for preventive care like an inhaler, not only do patients have to live in fear of their next asthma episode, but we all end up paying when undoubtedly, more of these individuals end up in the emergency room. I represent California's Central Valley, where unacceptable air quality has been linked to an outsized portion of our population, especially young children, living with asthma. For them and for patients across the country with asthma, I'm proud to introduce the I CAN Act to remove barriers and increase access to inhalers.\"\nThe I CAN Act will improve the health outcomes of asthma sufferers by providing patients with coverage of inhaler medication, even if the patient has not reached his or her annual deductible.\nThe Trump Administration has increased the availability of high-deductible insurance plans that could require patients to pay thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs before their insurance coverage kicks in. Over the past five years, the percentage of covered Americans with a general annual deductible of $2,000 or more for single coverage has grown from 18% to 28%.\nThese high deductibles can lead patients to delay or forego care, which can significantly impact health outcomes and exacerbate the severity of chronic conditions. These delays can also increase treatment costs when patients do seek medical attention.\nThe I CAN Act is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-joins-bipartisan-group-of-senators-in-urging-trump-to-reconsider-syria-strategy", "Senator Doug Jones Joins Bipartisan Group of Senators in Urging Trump To Reconsider Syria Strategy", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today joined a bipartisan group of senators in urging U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider his strategy to abandon our Kurdish partners and allow Turkey to invade northeastern Syria.\r\nAlongside Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Senator Jones sent a letter to President Trump imploring him to reconsider his recent military strategy in Syria.\r\nThe senators wrote: We are aware that one of your goals is to reduce US involvement in long term wars in the Middle East, and many of us are supportive of those efforts. However, leaving so abruptly without protection for those partners who have been with us in the fight against ISIS is not only perilous for them, but also dangerous for us and our national security.\r\nThey continued, We come to you in the sincerest bipartisan fashion because of our grave concerns about our national security and foreign policy. We hope that you will urge Turkey to end their offensive and find a way to a peaceful resolution while supporting our Kurdish partners to ensure regional stability.\r\nSenator Jones visited American troops, heads of state, high-ranking foreign leaders, diplomats, and military commanders in Afghanistan and Iraq in April as part of a Senate Armed Services Committee delegation. He has been outspoken in his opposition to the President's sudden decision to remove U.S. troops from northern Syria.\r\nRead the full letter below or click here:\r\nDear President Trump,\r\nWe write to you as bipartisan members of the Senate Armed Services Committee to implore you to reconsider the current strategy in regards to the Turkish incursion into northeastern Syria. We are confident that a structured and deliberate strategy to support our Kurdish partners while reassuring Turkey of our commitment to regional peace will earn broad support across Congress, the National Security community and the American people.\r\nAs we have seen in recent days, even small shifts in force posture in Syria have allowed Turkey to begin a ground invasion, shelling, and bombing of Kurdish-held territory. Five years of fighting alongside the Kurds have demonstrated to us their skill and resolve, but without an American presence, even these fierce warriors stand little chance against the modern and sophisticated Turkish forces. In fact, in the face of our announced withdrawal they have already been forced to align themselves with the Assad regime and its Russian and Iranian partners in order to survive\r\nFurthermore, we have serious concerns about the state of the numerous prisons and camps that currently detain ISIS fighters and their families. We believe that trusting Turkey with such an essential responsibility with no oversight from the international community carries an unacceptable risk. The Kurds have demonstrated their capability in this task, and by allowing them to be attacked, we are accepting their diminished ability to provide security and protection to the region.\r\nWe are aware that one of your goals is to reduce US involvement in long term wars in the Middle East, and many of us are supportive of those efforts. However, leaving so abruptly without protection for those partners who have been with us in the fight against ISIS is not only perilous for them, but also dangerous for us and our national security.This decision will potentially degrade future relationships with allies and partners around the world, who may question our long-term commitment and resolve.\r\nWe come to you in the sincerest bipartisan fashion because of our grave concerns about our national security and foreign policy. We hope that you will urge Turkey to end their offensive and find a way to a peaceful resolution while supporting our Kurdish partners to ensure regional stability.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/sewell-stevens-hayes-kuster-introduce-bill-reduce-prescription-drug", "Sewell, Stevens, Hayes, Kuster Introduce Bill to Reduce Prescription Drug Costs for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries", "2019-10-15", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Last week, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) joined Reps. Haley Stevens (MI-11),Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) to introduce the Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act (H.R. 4669). The legislation wouldimprove the Medicare enrollment process and lower out-of-pocket costs by ensuring that beneficiaries are enrolled in a Part D plan that best meets their needs. By establishing an intelligent assignment process for low-income beneficiaries, rather than the current random assignment, beneficiaries will be matched with a plan that is better suited to cover their specific medical needs.\nMedicare's Low-Income Subsidy program (also called Extra Help) assists low-income individuals by fully or partially covering their out-of-pocket costs under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. These subsidies reduce or cover Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. However, the current random assignment process for low-income seniors can lead to considerable differences in out-of-pocket costs. Under this bill, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would design a system that intelligently assigns beneficiaries to a plan in their geographic area that is based on their individual prescription drug needs. It would do this by taking into consideration factors like prior medication use and pharmacy preferences. This enhanced assignment process has the potential to save seniors thousands of dollars on out-of-pocket costs for the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy, while also generating savings in overall Medicare spending.\nIn the richest nation in the world, every American should be able to afford the highest quality lifesaving medications and, yet, I have heard from too many Alabamians who struggle to afford their prescription drugs due to skyrocketing costs,said Rep. Sewell.The Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act is smart and innovative legislation to ensure seniors are enrolled in the best Medicare Part D program for their individual needs, saving them money on out-of-pocket costs and improving access to their needed medication.\"\nThe exorbitant cost of prescription drugs is forcing countless families in my district to make the impossible choice between taking care of their health and putting food on the table, said Rep. Stevens. We cannot tolerate a system that is causing three in ten adults to not take their medication as prescribed due to high costs. There is much innovation that can be done in our great Medicare program to ease the burden of the high cost of prescription drugs, which tends to fall hardest on older adults. This legislation takes a step in that direction, by ensuring beneficiaries' Part D coverage is actually working for them to keep them healthy at the lowest possible cost.\nFor too many Americans, the rising cost of prescription drugs has resulted in serious concerns about the ability to afford life-saving medication, something particularly acute for older Americans with limited incomes said Rep. Hayes. The Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act would help relieve that burden by deliberately assigning enrollees to Medicare plans catered to their individual needs, in contrast to the current system of random assignment. I thank Representatives Stevens, Sewell, and Kuster for their important work in protecting the health of our older Americans. \nI continue to hear from Granite Staters who struggle to pay for their prescription drugs, often being forced to choose between necessities like groceries and the medications they need, said Rep. Kuster. This problem requires a multifaceted solution, and this legislation is a step in the right direction. The Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act is a commonsense approach that will ensure our most vulnerable Americans are matched with the prescription drug plan that's best for them, saving senior and taxpayer dollars.\nThis legislation is supported by the National Council on Aging and Justice in Aging.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/choctaw-clarke-wilcox-and-lowndes-town-halls", "Choctaw, Clarke, Wilcox and Lowndes Town Halls", "2019-10-07", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "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://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-introduces-bill-to-reduce-number-of-maternal-deaths", "Senator Jones Introduces Bill to Reduce Number of Maternal Deaths", "2019-10-02", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM  U.S. Senator Doug Jones, alongside Senator Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce the number of maternal deaths and improve the quality of care for moms during pregnancy and after childbirth. \r\nTheMaternal Outcomes Matter (MOM) Act of 2019establishes grant programs within the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Department to support innovation in maternal health care and train health care providers to avoid discrimination in the provision of maternal health care services. The bill also holds HHS accountable for these grants programs by requiring the department to submit a report to Congress on outcomes and bestpractices.\r\nIt is absolutely appalling that here in the United States we have one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. We can and must do better, and this bill is an important first step in addressing the maternal mortality crisis and preventing future tragedies. All women in this country, regardless of race or socioeconomic background, deserve quality access to maternal care. \r\nAccording to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 700 women die each year as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications and a majority of these deaths could have been prevented. In 2017, 41 women officially died from pregnancy or delivery complications in Alabama  the second worst maternal death rate in the nation. African American women fare even worse, dying from complications at a rate of three to four times higher than white women. \r\nYou can read the full text of the bill here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-announces-246526-grant-for-childcare-services-for-student-parents-at-troy-university-", "Senator Jones Announces $246,526 Grant for Childcare Services for Student-Parents at Troy University", "2019-09-30", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today announced a new $246,526 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish a Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program at Troy University. The child care services will be available for eligible low-income student-parents studying at Troy. They will be provided at the Coleman Early Childhood and Family Engagement facility on the Dothan campus, as well as at 10 child care centers near each of the Troy University Alabama campuses.\r\nIn July, Senator Jones sent a letter to the Department of Education expressing his support for the application submitted by Troy University. He has been vocal advocate for making quality education more accessible, urging Alabama universities and colleges to apply for CCAMPIS grants and supporting funding for CCAMPIS programs. Last year, Senator Jones also helped secure an additional $34 million for the CCAMPIS program in an omnibus spending bill. The University of Alabama at Birmingham later received a $776,000 CCAMPIS grant for the first time.\r\nAfter visiting the first and only Alabama CCAMPIS site at Northwest-Shoals Community College last year, I knew right away this was a program I wanted to support and grow. Since then, we've secured $34 million in additional federal funding for the program and added two more Alabama schools to our roster of CCAMPIS sites. Today, nearly five million college students are attending school while raising children, so it is critical we find accessible child care solutions for these students so they can stay on track to earn their degrees, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.\r\nAccording to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office, approximately 20 percent of undergraduate students are parents and about half of those students left school without completing a degree program. CCAMPIS supports student-parents who are working to attain a college degree or workforce training to better provide for their families by offering child care services, which often can be an obstacle for those raising a family and enrolled in school.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-jones-alexander-propose-major-reforms-to-the-free-application-for-federal-student-aid-fafsa", "Senators Jones, Alexander Propose Major Reforms to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)", "2019-09-30", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM  Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) have announced legislation that would make long-overdue reforms to the lengthy and often intimidating process of applying for federal student aid to help pay for college. Their bipartisan proposal was included in a broader package of higher education reforms introduced by Sen. Alexander called the Student Aid Improvement Act of 2019.\r\nThe senators' proposal would reduce the number of questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from 108 to between 17-30. The FAFSA process determines what financial aid a student is eligible for, including loans, grants, and work-study opportunities, in addition to some colleges using it to determine scholarship recipients. The proposal would not impact the FAFSA application for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, which is available Tuesday, October 1.\r\nAside from college applications, this may be the most important form a student and their family complete before heading off to school. As a father with three children who went to college, I know firsthand how difficult and frustrating this form can be. It's no wonder so many students who might qualify for aid are intimidated from even applying. With the reforms Senator Alexander and I are proposing, we hope to fundamentally change this process and make it easier for future students to access funding that will make their dream of attaining a degree possible, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate HELP Committee.\r\nThere are 20 million families, including 400,000 in Tennessee, that fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, every year. Tennessee's former Governor, Bill Haslam, told me it's the single biggest impediment to more students enrolling in Tennessee Promise, our state's free, two year college program, Alexander said. After five years of bipartisan work, it's time for Congress to finally make it easier for those families to apply for federal financial aid by simplifying the 108-question FAFSA to just 17-30 questions, said Senator Alexander, Senate HELP Committee Chairman.\r\nLast year, Alabama high school graduates left $57.5 million in federal aid dollars on the table by not submitting a FAFSA application. According to Alabama Possible, only 49.9% of students completed the form.\r\nSenator Jones' state offices will once again host FAFSA workshops throughout the state for constituents who have questions about how to fill out the form. Details about those events will be announced at a later date.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-give-patients-timely-and-safe-access-to-treatment", "Senator Jones Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Give Patients Timely and Safe Access to Treatment", "2019-09-27", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.), alongside Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), introduced the bipartisan Safe Step Act of 2019. This legislation would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require group health plans to streamline step therapy protocols and better ensure patients are able to safely and efficiently access treatment.\r\nStep therapy is a process used by health plans to control spending on a patient's medications. Currently, when a physician prescribes a particular drug treatment for a patient, the patient's insurance company may require them to try different medications and treatments before they can access the drug originally prescribed by their physician. This protocol is known as step therapy or fail first. Due to unique medical conditions, this method could have negative impacts on patients, including delayed access to the most effective treatment, severe side effects, and irreversible disease progression.\r\nThis bipartisan bill will help patients get the right treatments they need at the right time, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee. This is a commonsense proposal that will help patients avoid unnecessary delays in their care.\r\nThe Safe Step Act of 2019 is also cosponsored by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Angus King (I-Maine).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-trump-administration-s-withholding-whistleblower-report-will", "Rep. Sewell: Trump Administration\u2019s Withholding of Whistleblower Report Will Have \u201cChilling Effect\u201d on Intelligence Community", "2019-09-26", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) grilled Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire Thursday on the Trump Administration's handling of the whistleblower report and secured his commitment that he would work to ensure the whistleblower can share his or her testimony directly with the Committee. Sewell said the Administration's failure to immediately deliver the whistleblower report to Congress as outlined in the law would have a chilling effect on future whistleblowers and might encourage others to refrain from delivering critical oversight information to Congress.\nI want to turn to what I fear may be one of the most damaging long-term effects of this whistleblower episode and that is the chilling effect that it will have on others in government who may witness misconduct, but now may be afraid to come forward to report it. Sir, I'm worried that government employees and contractors may see how important this situation has played out and decide it's not worth putting themselves on the line, Sewell said. The fact that a whistleblower followed all of the proper procedures to report misconduct and then the department of justice and the White House seems to have weighed in to keep the complaint hidden, is problematic, sir.\nCongresswoman, I think that's a fair assessment, Acting Director Maguire said. I don't disagree with what you've said.\nThe Whistleblower Statute is critical to the functioning of the Intelligence Community (IC) and national security. Whistleblower reports are crucial in providing oversight of the IC because of the classified nature of most intelligence work. It is essential intelligence officers and contractors feel confident that they will be protected if they come forward with credible information to serve the best interests of American national security.\nSewell went on to press Director Maguire to confirm that the whistleblower would be able to testify directly to the Committee and secured his commitment that he would work to ensure his or her appearance before the Committee.\nVideo of Sewell's questioning is available here, and a transcript is below.\n\nHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence\nTestimony from Acting DNI Joseph Maguire\nSeptember 26, 2019\n\nRep. Sewell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Director Maguire, thank you so much for being here.\nI want to turn to what I fear may be one of the most damaging long-term effects of this whistleblower episode and that is the chilling effect that it will have on others in government who may witness misconduct, but now may be afraid to come forward to report it. Sir, I'm worried that government employees and contractors may see how important this situation has played out and decide it's not worth putting themselves on the line.\nThe fact that a whistleblower followed all of the proper procedures to report misconduct and then the Department of Justice and the White House seems to have weighed in to keep the complaint hidden, is problematic, sir. I want to know whether or not you see how problematic this will be and having a chilling effect on members of the IC that you are sworn to represent and ostensibly protect?\nDNI Maguire: Congresswoman, I think that's a fair assessment. I don't disagree with what you've said. I have endeavored to transmit to the Intelligence Community my support of the whistleblower and I'm quite sure that for at least two hours this morning, there are not many people in the Intelligence Community who are doing anything that is productive besides watching this.\nRep. Sewell: Right. And, so, my concern I think is a valid one, that, in fact, what has happened with this whistleblower episode will have a chilling effect.\nI just also want to ask you, have you given direction to this whistleblower that he can, in fact, or he or she, can, in fact, come before Congress? Director, when the President called whistleblower a political hack and suggested that he or she was potentially disloyal to the country, you remained silent, I'm not sure why, but I think that adds to the chilling effect. The statute seems pretty clear that you shall -- everybody has a role to play. The process seems pretty clear. Part of it also includes you directing the whistleblower of his or her protected rights. Can you confirm that you've directed that whistleblower that he or she can come before Congress?\nDNI Maguire: Well, Congresswoman, there are several questions there. One, I do not know the identity of the whistleblower. Two, now that complaint has come forward, we are working with his counsel in order to be able to provide them with security clearance.\nRep. Sewell: Sir, I think it's pretty -- my question is pretty simple. Can you assure this Committee and the American public that the whistleblower is authorized to speak to the Committee with the full protections of the Whistleblower Act? Can you confirm that? That's a yes or no question.\nDNI Maguire: I'm working through that with the chair and to the best of my ability I believe the chair was asking to have the whistleblower come forward and I'm working with counsel, with the Committee, to support that.\nRep. Sewell: Can you assure the American public that the end result will be that the whistleblower will be able to come before this Committee and Congress and have the full protections of the whistleblower -- after all, what is the whistleblower statute for if not to provide those full protections against retaliation against litigation?\nDNI Maguire: Congresswoman, I am doing everything to endeavor to support that.\nChairman Schiff: Will the gentle woman yield?\nRep. Sewell: Yes.\nChairman Schiff: Do I have your assurance once you work out the security clearances for the whistleblower's counsel, that that whistleblower will be able to relate the full facts within his knowledge, the concerned whistleblower by the president or anyone else, that he or she will not be inhibited what they can tell our Committee, not a minder from the White House or elsewhere, sitting next to them telling them what they can answer or do not answer? Do I have your assurance that the whistleblower will be able to testify fully and freely and enjoy the protections of the law?\nDNI Maguire: Yes, congressman.\nChairman Schiff: Thank you. I yield back to the gentlewoman.\nRep. Sewell: So, Director, I also want to understand what you're going to do to try to ensure the trust of the employees and contractors you represent to assure the American people that the whistleblower statute is, in fact, being properly adhered to and that no further efforts would be to obstruct an opportunity for a whistleblower who has watched misconduct to actually get justice?\nDNI Maguire: Congresswoman, supporting and leading the men and women of the Intelligence Community are my highest priority. I don't consider they work for me. As a Director of National Intelligence I believe that I --\nRep. Sewell: Sir, I just want to say and go on record as being very clear that this will have a chilling effect and that is not what this statute was intended for. It was intended for transparency, it was intended also to give the whistleblower certain protections. And I think the American people deserve that.\nThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-urges-colleagues-to-do-their-duty", "Senator Doug Jones Urges Colleagues to Do Their Duty", "2019-09-26", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) took to the Senate floor this evening to express his concern about the recent allegations that have come to light involving the President of the United States and the President of Ukraine. He also called on his colleagues to do their constitutional duty and to avoid the temptation to see these current events through a political lens.\r\nI hope that my colleagues, as we go forward will remember their oath, Senator Jones said. We didn't take oaths to support the President of the United States. We didn't take an oath to support the Republican Party. We didn't take an oath to support the Democratic Party. We took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States.\r\nHe continued, Our duties to discharge that office are to be fair, to be impartial, to be deliberative, not political. Our duties to this office are to our constituents, to do the very best that we can in making sure that we analyze whatever is in front of us, because history will judge us. They will determine whether or not we acted with courage and conviction or whether we just simply tested the political winds, as some people are already doing.\r\nLadies and gentlemen and colleagues, in the name of God, we have got to do our duty. We have to do our duty. We have to make sure that we fulfill our oaths, that we are not concerned about how many votes it might get us or how many votes it might lose. We have to fulfill that solemn obligation whether we know the outcome or not, whether we get pressure from a side or not, whether or not there are millions of dollars spent in TV and radio telling us to vote a certain way, in the name of God, we should do our duty and nothing less, he concluded.\r\nA rush transcript can be found below and a link to the full video can be found here.\r\nSENATOR JONES: I have to admit I haven't had a heck of a lot of sleep the last few nights and I don't think anyone has. If anyone has rested well the last few nights, it's because they're either not paying attention or they're here for the wrong reason. We're in some troubled times. The events of the past two weeks have been nothing short of stunning. They have been stunning in the speed in which they have unfolded. They have been stunning and disturbing and the allegations that have been made regarding the conduct of the President of the United States  allegations that go to the heart of national security. Allegations that go to the heart of whether or not the President is upholding his oath to the Constitution of the United States or abusing the power of the presidency.\r\nWe have to remember in this body, though, we have to remind our colleagues, we have to remind the media, we have to remind the public that we are just now beginning this process. The facts have not come out. We are just now beginning to see facts and determine what happened over the course of this past summer. Where things were, what happened, what was said, who said it? We have to determine the allegations whether or not they have merit based on facts that come out, not just reports in the media or even the allegations in a complaint. I'm a lawyer. Allegations in a complaint are simply that. They're allegations made but they have to be proven, but already -- and the reason I rise today  is that already we are seeing this becoming political. People are going to their political corners. The partisan tribalism is taking over already. And that is unfortunate. It is a sad commentary when a process that is so rooted, so rooted in the Constitution of the United States, something so fundamental to our democracy is almost immediately cast in political terms.\r\nMy colleague and friend Senator Sasse from Nebraska used the term partisan tribalism in today's world that is insta-certain.' No matter you see, no matter what you read, it doesn't matter because you are going to take a side. When we take sides, the American public immediately takes side and no one listens to the facts. We are called as senators, we are called as members of the House, we are called as members of this body to a much higher duty than that, a much higher duty. Our duty is to carefully analyze and review the facts. Facts  not mere allegation. Facts  not reports or leaks. Facts  not what some political talking head on the television says their opinion might be. Our duty is so much higher than that.\r\nWe have seen already what appears to be very disturbing facts. We have seen a summary of a telephone call between the President of the United States and the President of Ukraine. Ukraine is a country dependent on countries like the United States. The balance of power between the United States and Ukraine is not balanced at all. We have so much more power and in that call, that summary of that call, the President of the United States noted that to the President of Ukraine. He said essentially, You are dependent on us. No one else helps you. You can count on the United States of America and by the way, I need a favor. I need a favor. I need you to do me a personal political favor.'\r\nAnd in that conversation he talked about not only having his personal lawyer but also utilizing the Attorney General of the United States to help benefit that politically. Those are initially the facts and they are very disturbing. And for anyone to say that they are not is shirking their responsibility to their constituents, to the public, to the Constitution, to the very oath that we took when he came into this body. But again, it is but one piece of a puzzle.\r\nWe've now also seen the contents of the so-called whistle-blower complaint. Whistle-blower is a term of art. Whistle-blowers are just simply somebody that's come forward but they're given the name whistle-blower because they are given legal protections. What these people are that come forward with this are concerned citizens of the United States. And a concerned citizen of the United States saw something happening that disturbed him so much that he felt compelled to bring it to someone's attention. Documented fairly well but again these facts have not come out. They're just statements in an allegation in a complaint that have to be determined.\r\nI have been asked over and over by the media in the last two days, Do you support the House doing this? Do you support impeachment? Do you support this or that? My comment is always the same: I want to know the facts. It doesn't matter to me what the House of Representatives, in their prerogative, call their processes. I want to know the facts. The American people deserve to know the facts. This body deserves to know the facts whether or not anything comes over from the House of Representatives. We deserve to know whether or not the President is abusing his office. We deserve to know whether or not he's placing our national security at risk.\r\nBecause remember, Ukraine is under threat from Russia every day. Every day, they are looking over their shoulder. And that puts us as risk as well. So we have got to make sure that we are deliberative, that we move forward with a process that is deliberate, that we owe it to the American people to be deliberate, to be somber, to be making sure that we know the facts before we make our judgments. It doesn't matter what side of the aisle you're on. This is not a Republican process. This is not a Democratic process. And for God's sake, it's not a socialist agenda. That's about the dumbest thing that I've heard people say over the last two days. Good Lord.\r\nWe're talking about a process that's rooted in the Constitution of the United States  rooted in the Constitution of the United States for a purpose. Part of that checks and balances that seem to be going out the window these days in our society and in our government and here in Washington, D.C. This is an American agenda to make sure that we know the facts, that we understand those facts so that people around here that are watching this today know and can be secure in the fact that their Congress is doing their job, that the President is doing his job, that the courts are doing their job.\r\nThis is not, this is not the time to circle the wagons around the President, but likewise it is not the time to make a judgment already that this President should be removed from office or even articles of impeachment voted on by the House. That is not the time to do that. We're beginning a process that we have to take our time on. I say that knowing that when we say take our time, we just need to be deliberate, but we need to move. This is not something that needs to drag through. This is not something that the American public needs to be drug through over the course of too long a period of time. This can be determined. If you look at that whistle-blower complaint that was filed, this is something that should easily be able to be done in a relatively short period of time. If the administration will cooperate, and if we get that instead of the stonewalling we've seen in the past, cooperate with us. Do your job, do your duty and let us do ours. That is all that we ask. That's all that anybody should ever ask of anyone in this body or anyone in the House of Representatives. Let us do our job.\r\nAs we move forward, as we move forward, we're about to go on  we're about to leave this place for a couple of weeks. The House is leaving although they may still do a little work. We're going to be leaving for two weeks. We're going to be going back home to our states. We're going to be talking to the media, to our constituents. I guarantee you when I go back to Alabama, a lot of people will have already made up their mind when I go to a town hall. They're going to have made up their mind without any facts. They're going to be making up their mind based on the media because, you know what? My friends in the media, you need to pay attention, too. Don't ask me whether or not this is going to affect my election in 2020. Don't ask me if it's going to affect Joe Biden or Donald Trump. Don't ask me if it's going to affect the presidential race. Ask me, What is going to happen to the constitution? What is going to happen to the rule of law? Let's talk about the seriousness of what we've got and not the politics of it, for goodness sake.\r\nBut every time I turn around when I walk out these doors the first thing they're going to ask me is, How do you think this is going to affect your race? That is not my job. That is not my oath. That is not my duty. If we take -- if everything we do in this body we put our fingers to the political winds, then we may as well not be here. That is -- we should not be able to live with ourselves. Unfortunately, I think so many people do that.\r\nAnd I'm hoping in this day, in this time, in these troubled waters we're about to embark on, that people will see that higher calling, that they will once again return to that time and that place when the Senate is a deliberative body and not a knee-jerk reaction to a particular program or nomination or whatever that comes before it. We will return to the days of yesteryear where we actually deliberate and we talk and we talk among ourselves and we have a civil discussion about the important issues that we are faced with.\r\nI remember those days. I was here. I was sitting back there as a Senate staffer watching those great debates, watching people change their mind on the floor of the Senate because of the debate that someone gave and someone persuaded them. We don't have those anymore. Look around right now. We're all gone. Of course there's people around here listening to me. I've got staff here. But we don't have those debates anymore. We don't have deliberations anymore. We're going to have to now. We're going to have to because the republic depends on it. The fate of this country will depend on it.\r\nWe are so divided in this country right now. We are living in what Arthur Brooks has called that culture of contempt where we don't necessarily just disagree with each other. We hold each other in contempt if you disagree with each other. And we've got to change that, folks, we've got to get back. We've got to change that. We've got to make sure that people understand their roles, their duties.\r\nWe've got to make sure that for this country to progress, for this country to survive, we've got to work together. We've got to be one America. We can't be so divided because that's exactly what our enemies have been trying to do to us for centuries, for two centuries or more. They want us divided. They came close during the Civil War. They are going to come close now if we are not careful. If we don't stop folks on both sides of the aisle from continuing to pull us into our corners and start pulling people back to where we can have these discussions, we are in trouble.\r\nI hope that my colleagues, as we go forward, as we go into this recess, will remember their oath. I hope that people remember what they said when they stood right over there and the Vice President of the United States asked them to raise their right hand and they said, I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Support the Constitution of the United States.\r\nWe didn't take oaths to support the President of the United States. We didn't take an oath to support the Republican party. We didn't take an oath to support the Democratic party. We took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, an important part that our framers put in those oaths -- foreign and domestic. We said that we take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. We cannot evade. We took on oath not to evade why we were here. We have no purpose -- that is not what we do. And that we will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of which we accepted.\r\nOur duties to discharge that office are to be fair, to be impartial, to be deliberative, not political. Our duties to this office are to our constituents, to do the very best that we can in making sure that we analyze whatever is in front of us because history will judge us. They will determine whether or not we acted with courage and conviction or whether we just simply tested the political winds, as some people are already doing.\r\nMr. President, I often in my talks around the country -- and some even here -- I like to quote one of my favorite characters from literature, Atticus Finch. Atticus Finch gave an impassioned closing argument to a jury that he knew was likely not to give him the verdict that he sought. He gave out the case -- he laid out a case in defense of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. He gave that defense and he went through the facts and everybody that's ever read the book, everybody that's ever watched the movie knows that Tom Robinson was innocent. But Atticus Finch knew that the likelihood of that jury finding that man innocent was slim and none. And the end of this closing argument, he talked about the solemn duty, the solemn obligation that jurors have to the system. He talked about the justice system and the courts and jurors being the great levelers of society, where the pauper or the rich man are the same in the eyes of the law. He talked about the duty that they had to fairly, impartially judge the facts. And just before he sat down, knowing  you could see it, you could feel it, if you read the book, you could feel that Atticus knew what was going to happen. He sat down -- just before he sat down and he looked that jury in the eye. He said, gentlemen, for God's sakes, in the name of God, do your duty.\r\nLadies and gentlemen and colleagues, in the name of God, we have got to do our duty. We have to do our duty. We have to make sure that we fulfill our oaths, that we are not concerned about how many votes it might get us or how many votes it might lose. We have to fulfill that solemn whether we know the outcome or not. Whether we get pressure from a side or not. Whether or not there are millions of dollars spent in TV and radio telling us to vote a certain way. In the name of God, we should do our duty and nothing less.\r\nThank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-votes-unanimously-to-urge-inclusion-of-military-widows-tax-elimination-act-in-final-defense-bill", "Senate Votes Unanimously to Urge Inclusion of Military Widow\u2019s Tax Elimination Act in Final Defense Bill", "2019-09-25", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The U.S. Senate today voted unanimously to urge House-Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference committee members to include Senator Jones' Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act in Congress' annual defense bill. In a vote of 94-0, the Senate approved a Motion to Instruct measure that sends a clear message to the defense bill conferees that the widow's tax fix is a top priority. Senator Jones spoke on the floor before the vote to call for support.\r\nThe Senate and House versions of the NDAA are currently being reconciled in a conference committee and final legislative text is expected to be released in the coming weeks. The House has already approved the widow's tax provision in its version of the bill. Senator Jones has repeatedly engaged leadership in the House and Senate to secure support for the bill's inclusion in the NDAA, and led a letter with Republican Senator Susan Collins last month to the Armed Services Committee leadership asking them to do so. Their letter was signed by 64 of their Senate colleagues.\r\nIt has been a long battle for the military spouses who have fought to fix this decades-old injustice, but today the Senate took an important step toward finally putting an end to the widow's tax, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. With this vote, we sent an unambiguous message that ending the military widow's tax is an urgent priority for this body. I am hopeful that the conference committee leaders will finally do the right thing for these families, who have given so much for our country.\r\nLegislation to repeal the widow's tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate over the past 18 years, but the bill has reached an unprecedented level of support under Senator Jones's leadership. With Senator Jones as the lead sponsor, the bill has earned a record-high 77 total cosponsors in the Senate.\r\nThe Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act would repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though their retired spouses elected to pay into the program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/calling-all-voters-national-voter-registration-day", "Calling all voters! National Voter Registration Day", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "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-statement-impeachment-inquiry", "Rep. Sewell Statement on Impeachment Inquiry", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement Tuesday on an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump:\nThis is a sobering moment in our nation's history, when the rule of law and constitutional duty require Congress to move swiftly to protect our national security and the integrity of our democracy.\nThe President, by his own admission, has put Congress in an untenable position. Yesterday, the President admitted to asking the Ukrainian government to interfere with a political rival and threatened to withhold critical military aid to our ally if their government did not comply with his demand.\nThe events surrounding the whistleblower complaint are the final straw in a series of troubling and disconcerting actions by President Trump and his administration.\nThis failure of the Trump Administration to disclose the whistleblower complaint to Congress flies in the face of the intent of the law; the President's stunning admission shows a complete disregard for the constitutional duties he has sworn to uphold.\nNo one is above the law, including the President of the United States of America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-school-safety", "Senator Jones Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve School Safety", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.) introduced the bipartisan School Safety Clearinghouse Act, which would establish a federally funded and housed information clearinghouse detailing best practices for school security and design.\r\nAs a result of the STOP School Violence Act, which Senator Jones cosponsored last year, many school districts now have access to state and federal funding to improve school security. The School Safety Clearinghouse Act would allow districts to make informed decisions about how to implement this funding.\r\nChildren deserve to go to school and learn in a safe environment, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. School leaders should always have the resources they need in order to protect our children and their teachers. Our bipartisan bill is a smart step to get more information to communities about how they can make their schools as safe as possible.\r\nThe clearinghouse would be managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and include recommendations from engineers, architects, first responders, building security experts, and mental health advocates. It would not advocate for specific technologies or tools, or impose any mandates on school districts.\r\nThe legislation follows the Federal Commission on School Safety's December 2018 recommendation of a federal clearinghouse to assess, identify, and share information on school security technology and innovation.\r\nThe School Safety Clearinghouse Act is also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).\r\nThe bill text is available here. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-introduces-bipartisan-gold-star-week-resolution-to-honor-the-families-of-the-fallen", "Senator Doug Jones Introduces Bipartisan Gold Star Week Resolution to Honor the Families of the Fallen", "2019-09-20", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  This week, U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) joined bipartisan colleagues to introduce a resolution establishing the week of Sept. 22-29, 2019, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week to honor the families of fallen members of our Armed Forces.\r\nGold Star Families Remembrance Week is a prelude to Gold Star Mother's Day, observed by presidential proclamation since 1936 on the last Sunday of September. There is no official date dedicated to families affected by the loss of a loved one who died in the service of the United States.\r\nOur Gold Star families have made tremendous sacrifices and it is our duty to honor and care for them, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. While this small token of our gratitude is long overdue, I hope we can come together as a nation to recognize and honor these families who have given so much to protect and defend our country.\r\nIn setting aside Sept. 22-29 as a week of remembrance for Gold Star families, S.Res.313 encourages the people of the United States to perform acts of service and good will to honor the fallen, veterans, and their families. It states that, the sacrifices of the families of the fallen members of the Armed Forces and the families of veterans of the Armed Forces should never be forgotten.\r\nThe Senate last year approved a similar resolution, for the first time, to mark a formal recognition of the sacrifices made by families of U.S. military service members who lost their lives in service to the nation. The new resolution continues this commemoration.\r\nThe resolution is also sponsored by Todd Young (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Joni Ernt (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Kysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).\r\nA copy of the Gold Star Families Remembrance Week resolution is available here.\r\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-conference", "Rep. Sewell Named Conferee to National Defense Authorization Act Conference", "2019-09-18", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  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 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) late Tuesday. 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.\nThe NDAA authorizes funding to equip, supply and train U.S. troops and support military families. The bill has proudly 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. She is also hopeful conferees will include in the bill an elimination of the Military Widow's Tax, which unfairly taxes military widows and widowers' survivor benefits.\nThe House and Senate have historically put political divisions aside to pass the NDAA, which authorizes our national defense priorities for the year and provides our troops with the resources needed to carry out their missions at home and abroad, 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 representative of 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 this year.\nIncluded in the House-passed defense authorization bill is also a provision to eliminate the Military Widow's Tax, which prevents as many as 65,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs (VA) survivor benefits. Senator Jones has been a tireless advocate for the tax's elimination in the Senate, and I am hopeful we can finally get it across the finish line to ensure our servicemembers' families receive the benefits they have paid for and earned, Sewell continued. I also look forward to advocating for other priorities for the 7th District and the state of Alabama, including fully funding the F-35 program, ensuring we have all the resources needed to prevent and respond to cyberattacks and improving diversity in military and intelligence recruitment and retention.\nUnder current law, the surviving spouse of a retired member who dies of a service-connected cause, or a service member killed on active duty, is entitled to compensation from the VA. If the military retiree was also enrolled in the Department of Defense's Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), the surviving spouse's SBP benefits are reduced by the amount of their VA compensation. This leaves many widows and widowers with as little as $2,200 of the $3,525 per month they had expected to receive to support their families after their loved one's passing. The Military Widow Tax Elimination Act, which is included in the House-passed version of NDAA, would repeal this required offset and authorize payment of both SBP and VA benefits in the case of a service-connected death.\nThe Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act currently has 372 in the House of Representatives and 75 cosponsors in the Senate, making it clear that Congress understands the importance of eliminating this burden.\n\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 Jim 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 Budget \n Congressman John Yarmuth of Kentucky, Chair\n\tCongressman Scott Peters of California\n House Committee on Education and Labor\n Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Lori Trahan of Massachusetts\n House Committee on Energy and Commerce\n Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey, Chair\n\tCongressman Paul Tonko of New York\n House Committee on Financial Services\n Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California, Chair\n\tCongressman Brad Sherman of California\n House Committee on Foreign Affairs\n Congressman Eliot Engel of New York, Chair\n\tCongressman Gregory Meeks of New York\n House Committee on Homeland Security\n Congressman Max Rose of New York\n\tCongresswoman Lauren Underwood of Illinois\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 Jerry Nadler of New York, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Zoe Lofgren of California\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 Congressman Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts\n\tCongressman Gerry Connolly of Virginia\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 Congressman Jared Golden of Maine\nHouse Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\n Congressman Antonio Delgado of New York\n\tCongressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire\n House Committee on Veterans' Affairs\n Congressman Mark Takano of California, Chair\n\tCongresswoman Julia Brownley of California", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-memorializes-discovery-of-the-clotilda-in-senate-resolution_", "Senator Doug Jones Memorializes Discovery of the Clotilda in Senate Resolution", "2019-09-18", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has introduced a resolution in the United States Senate to memorialize the discovery of theClotilda, the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States.\r\nTheClotildaarrived in Mobile Bay, Alabama in 1860, 53 years after the United States Congress banned the importation of enslaved people in 1807. Following the end of the Civil War in 1865, some of the captives who were brought to the United States aboard theClotildasettled in the area now known as Africatown, Alabama. On May 22, 2019, the Alabama Historical Commission and a team of scientists confirmed that wreckage found in the Mobile River was theClotilda. The resolution comes as Senator Jones and his team have been actively working with local stakeholders and community leaders in Africatown to protect the remains of the ship and to memorialize the discovery in a way that best represents the historical significance of theClotilda.\r\nSenator Jones' resolution states that the discovery of the Clotilda may serve as an inflection point for meaningful conversation on both past and present injustices and that the residents of Africatown, Alabama, embody a spirit of resilience and a determination to build a better community for their own descendants.\r\nThe resolution concludes that to preserve and protect the Clotilda and associated historic sites in Africatown, Alabama; and to use the discovery of the Clotilda to provide education to local, national, and international audiences about the violent history of the transatlantic slave trade; the stories of the last enslaved Africans to arrive in the United States; and the rich and unique history of the community built by the descendants of those individuals.\r\nI was very elated to hear of the Resolution that Senator Doug Jones is introducing to acknowledge and pledge support of preserving the Clotilda and developing Africatown. His initiative is consistent with what I, along with Senator Phil Williams did in the 2018 Legislative Session via a Senate Joint Resolution,Vivian Figures, State Senator for District 33, said.This is the right thing to do in honor of the 110 African men, women and children who were brought to Mobile, Alabama with the intent of enslaving them. It will be poetic justice to their descendants to finally give them their honor. I look forward to working with Senator Jones as we strive to make this area an economic engine as well as a major historical attraction in this country.\r\n\"This resolution adds to the overall importance of The Africatown Community and the discovery of the Clotilda and should add to the support of the sustainability of both as world treasures. I would like to thank Senator Doug Jones for his introduction of this resolution and look forward to his continued partnership with The Africatown Community in the future,said Major Joe Womack, President of Africatown CHESS.\r\nTheClotildais an extraordinarily important and significant international archaeological find. It represents one of the darkest eras of modern history and is a profound discovery of the tangible evidence of slavery. It brings the tragedy of slavery into focus while witnessing the triumph and resilience of the human spirit in overcoming the horrific crime that led to the establishment of Africatown,Lisa Demetropoulos Jones, Executive Director of the Alabama Historical Commission, said.\r\nGenerations of Clotilda descendants and Africatown residents have worked tirelessly to uncover and preserve their extraordinary story. The discovery of the Clotilda and this resolution affirm their resilience and etches into history for all time recognition of a group of determined individuals unwavering in their resolve to define their own destiny, no matter the circumstance,said Mobile County Commissioner Merceria L. Ludgood, District 1.\r\nFull text ofSenator Jones' resolution follows:\r\nWhereas, from 1525 to 1866, the transatlantic slave trade resulted in more than 12,000,000 individuals being taken from their homes in Africa and made to endure the horrors of the Middle Passage to the Americas, where those individuals were forced into enslavement;\r\nWhereas, on March 2, 1807, Congress enacted legislation banning the importation of enslaved people, which went into effect on January 1, 1808;\r\nWhereas, in contravention of that ban, the last enslaved Africans forced to endure the voyage to the United States came aboard the Clotilda, which\r\n (1) left from Whydah, modern-day Benin, in May of 1860;\r\n (2) arrived in Port of Pines in Grand Bay, Mississippi, on July 9, 1860; and\r\n (3) was ultimately brought to Mobile Bay, Alabama, on July 14, 1860, carrying 110 individuals, including men, women, and children;\r\nWhereas, shortly after arrival in Mobile Bay, Alabama, the Captain of the Clotilda scuttled and burned the ship to the waterline in order to conceal the evidence of his crime;\r\nWhereas, following the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved Africans, some of the captives brought to the United States aboard the Clotilda settled in the area now known as Africatown, Alabama;\r\nWhereas, on May 22, 2019, the Alabama Historical Commission and a team of scientists confirmed that a wreckage found in the Twelve Mile Island section of the Mobile River was the Clotilda;\r\nWhereas, in the 160 years since the Clotilda was brought to Mobile Bay, the residents of Africatown, Alabama, have played a critical role in preserving the unique and important heritage and traditions of their community;\r\nWhereas the Africatown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 4, 2012, and is home to a number of important historic sites, including\r\n (1) the Mobile County Training School;\r\n (2) the Old Landmark Baptist Church, now known as the Union Baptist Church; and\r\n (3) the Africatown Cemetery, where many of the individuals who survived the forced migration to the United States in 1860 are buried: Now, therefore, be it\r\nResolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that\r\n (1) the recent confirmation of the wreckage of the Clotilda, the last slave ship to arrive in the United States, constitutes a monumental discovery of local, national, and international importance and educational value;\r\n (2) discovery of the Clotilda may serve as an inflection point for meaningful conversation about both past and present injustices;\r\n (3) the residents of Africatown, Alabama, embody a spirit of resilience and a determination to build a better community for their descendants; and\r\n (4) all efforts should be made\r\n (A) to preserve and protect the Clotilda and associated historic sites in Africatown, Alabama; and\r\n (B) to use the discovery of the Clotilda to provide education to local, national, and international audiences about\r\n (i) the violent history of the transatlantic slave trade;\r\n (ii) the stories of the last enslaved Africans to arrive in the United States; and\r\n (iii) the rich and unique history of the community built by the escendants of those individuals.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-terri-sewell-announces-nearly-34-million-preserve-african-american", "Rep. Terri Sewell Announces Nearly $3.4 Million to Preserve African American Civil Rights Sites", "2019-09-17", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Alabama  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) was thrilled to announce that the National ParkService has recently awarded $3.396 million to fund the preservation of ten civil rights preservation projects in Alabama's 7th Congressional District.\nI have always believed that the extraordinary history of Alabama's 7thDistrict can drive economic revitalization and promote its heritage tourism to create jobs. This money is necessary, not only for the preservation of physical sites and markers, but also to preserve the history of African Americans' struggle for civil rights in the state of Alabama and that struggle's impact on our nation, said Rep. Sewell. Learning the history of our country and people allows us to better understand where our nation stands today. I am committed to ensuring that the bravery and blood, sweat and tears of the courageous Foot Soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement are never forgotten and our history will never be erased.\nIn 2018, Congress appropriated funding for the African American Civil Rights (AACR) Grants program through the Historic Preservation Fund. In Alabama's 7th Congressional District, this year's recipients include historic churches, schools and homes that played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement, as well as museums memorializing this great period of activism.\nBethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, which served as headquarters for Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth during the planning and execution of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights, was awarded $258,209. The church was bombed three distinct times, in 1956, in 1958 and in 1962.\nBethel Baptist Church would like to formally thank Congresswoman Terri Sewell for her assistance in securing this grant money from the National Park Service, said Rev. Thomas Wilder, Bethel Baptist Church. This grant money will help us do much needed work on the parsonage as well as continue the work that has been done on the historic Bethel Baptist Church.\nTabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama was the birthplace of the Voting Rights Movement and the memorial site and memorial service site for longtime civil rights activists Samuel Boynton and Amelia Boynton-Robinson, respectively. The church was granted $87,950 in funding.\n\"The NPS grants to Historic Tabernacle Baptist Churchare the fulfillment of long-time needs, said Dr. Verdell Lett Dawson, Tabernacle Baptist Church. We are happy to receive funding to preserve our historic building with integrity and to preserveour untoldstory for present and future generations.\"\nIn Montgomery, Alabama, the Alabama Historic Commission will be investing grant money in the Historic Moore Building and the Freedom Rides Museum.\nThe Alabama Historical Commission has received two grants from the African American Civil Rights Grant Program, funds specifically enabling AHC to preserve and highlight the saga of the 1961 Freedom Rides as they occurred in Montgomery, said Lisa D. Jones, Executive Director, Alabama Historical Commission. The first is a $500,000 grant for the second phase a rehabilitation effort of the Moore Building, the structure across from the historic Greyhound Bus Station that witnessed this campaign of the Civil Rights Movement. The second award is a $50,000 grant that will be used by the Freedom Rides Museum for exhibit planning as they reimagine the interpretive space within the complex. We are deeply appreciative of Congresswoman Sewell's dedication to our state and her ongoing efforts to illuminate the world-changing history made here in Alabama.\nHere is a full list of NPS African American Civil Rights Grants awarded in Alabama's 7th Congressional District:\n\t\t\t\tState\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tProjects\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGrantee\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAward\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaBirmingham\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRehabilitation of St. Paul United Methodist Church\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSt. Paul United Methodist Church\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaBirmingham\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPreservation and Rehabilitation of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church: Phase 3\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSixteenth Street Baptist Church\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaBirmingham\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRehabilitation of the Historic Bethel Church Parsonage\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tHistoric Bethel Baptist Church Community Restoration Fund\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$258,209\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaMarion\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tStabilization and Roof Replacement of the Historic Lincoln Normal School Gymnasium: Phase 1\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tLincolnite Club, Inc.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaMontgomery\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRehabilitation of the Historic Moore Building: Phase 2\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabama Historical Commission\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaMontgomery\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFreedom Rides Museum Exhibit Plan\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabama Historical Commission\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$50,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaSelma\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRehabilitation of the Amelia Boynton Residence\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGateway Educational Foundation, Inc. & Brown Chapel AME Church\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaSelma\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tPreservation of Historic Brown Chapel: Phase 3\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBrown Chapel AME Historical Preservation Foundation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$500,000\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaSelma\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tOral Histories of the Untold Tabernacle Story\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTabernacle Baptist Church  Selma, AL Legacy Foundation, Inc.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$37,950\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tAlabamaSelma\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTabernacle Baptist Church: Historic Structure Report and Stained Glass Assessment\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTabernacle Baptist Church Legacy Foundation, Inc.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t$50,000", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-unanimous-house-approval-senator-jones-calls-on-leader-mcconnell-to-bring-future-act-to-a-vote", "Following Unanimous House Approval, Senator Jones Calls on Leader McConnell to Bring FUTURE Act to a Vote", "2019-09-17", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Following unanimous passage in the\r\nHouse of Representatives this evening, Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) called on\r\nSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to take action to protect federal\r\nfunding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities by bringing up\r\ntheFUTURE\r\nActfor a vote. Senators Jones and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the bill in\r\nMay in an effort to renew $255 million in annual mandatory funding for\r\nminority-serving institutions. That funding is set to expire at the end of\r\nSeptember. Senator Jonesspoke\r\nouton the Senate floor last week to make an urgent call for a vote on\r\nthe proposal before the September 30 deadline. Tonight, the House did its job in bipartisan fashion and\r\ndemonstrated in no uncertain terms its support for our HBCUs and all\r\nminority-serving institutions. These schools are a part of the very foundation\r\nof our higher education system, but they lack many of the same financial\r\nresources that predominately white schools can count on. That's why I am\r\ncalling on Senator McConnell to bring the FUTURE Act up for a vote and take the\r\nnext step to give these schools the certainty they need to continue serving\r\ntheir students and fulfill their mission,said Senator Jones, a member\r\nof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-urges-congress-to-immediately-extend-funding-for-minority-serving-educational-institutions", "Senator Doug Jones Urges Congress to Immediately Extend Funding for Minority-Serving Educational Institutions", "2019-09-11", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today spoke on the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support renewed funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions by passing his bipartisan, bicameral Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act.\r\nAt the end of the fiscal year, nearly half of all federal funds for these schools that they receive each year and have so for a long, long time, that is going to end. That's $255 million annually that they have been able to count on for well over a decade, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. That is going to come to a screeching halt if we don't act, and we need to act now.\r\nEnsuring equal access to quality education should not be a partisan issue, Senator Jones said in his closing remarks. Their graduates deserve the same quality education as any other student, and they deserve a fair shot at a successful future.\r\nIn May, Senator Jones and Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the FUTURE Act to renew $255 million in annual mandatory funding set to expire at the end of this fiscal year for all minority-serving institutions, including HBCUs. The legislation would extend this funding for an additional two years.\r\nSenator Jones has long advocated for greater federal investment in our nation's HBCUs. In addition to the FUTURE Act, he has also secured a 14-percent increase in funding for HBCUs and led an effort to examine and address the disproportionate student debt burden among students of color. In February, he held an inaugural HBCU Summit at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, Ala.\r\nVideo of his remarks is available here and a transcript is below.\r\nU.S. Senate ChamberSenator Jones Urges Colleagues to Support FUTURE ActSeptember 11, 2019Note: transcription edited for clarity\r\nSENATOR JONES: Mr. President, I rise today almost a year ago since I first came to the Senate floor to discuss the state of our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions. As I did then and many times since, I am again making an urgent call to colleagues to act. At the end of this month, at the end of the fiscal year, nearly half of all federal funds for these schools that they receive each year and have so for a long, long time, that is going to end, nearly half of that. That's $255 million annually that they have been able to count on for well over a decade. That is going to come to a screeching halt if we don't act, and we need to act now.\r\nThese historic institutions serve nearly four million students of color. Many of our nation's brightest minds have matriculated at these institutions. HBCUs are the leading educators for African American PhDs in science and in engineering. They are foundational to building generational wealth in communities that have long faced headwinds in doing so. They are doing amazing work. They are doing incredible work with very limited resources, and with their own individual financial headwinds to contend with.\r\nIn Alabama, we are home to 14 HBCUs, more than any state in the country. So they are an integral part of my home state's higher education system, and just as importantly, they're integral to the economy of Alabama. Minority-serving institutions play an essential role in America's higher education system. For example, Hispanic-serving institutions account for 13 percent of all nonprofit colleges, yet they enroll 62 percent of all Hispanic students. More than 75 percent of students at HBCUs and nearly 80 percent of students at tribal colleges and universities receive Pell grants, compared to only 32 percent of all students.\r\nThese schools have a very, very serious purpose for these kids who otherwise might get shut out, likely would get shut out, of our higher education system. They are so important, and they face such strong headwinds financially to achieve. I will tell you, Mr. President, last year we held our first HBCU summit where we brought all of our HBCUs in Alabama together to talk about the challenges, to talk about what they were facing, but also to talk about opportunities to work together, to work with the state, to work with the Congress to try to meet the challenges of our workforce of the 21st century, to try to meet the challenges of our educational system in general, and what I saw was an amazing group of people, amazing group of people who were doing the work for their students and for their communities. [I saw] people who are committed from deep down in their heart. They love these kids. They love the purpose that they are serving. And they are thinking ahead. They're thinking outside the box. These are not institutions that are so cookie-cutter that they're not willing to explore new opportunities for their students. They're seizing every one of those opportunities.\r\nI have seen firsthand, though, increasing concern from our HBCU community. Given their significance, it is frustrating that some of these schools continue to struggle. Public and private HBCUs face extensive capital project needs, but have few funding sources to rely on. On top of that, the government accountability office found that HBCUs average endowment is half the size of a similarly sized non HBCU. We've got to change that. We have to make sure that we provide to these schools, because the bottom line is they have no safety net. They struggle, they work, they do the things, but the bottom line is they have no safety net. And if they have no safety net, neither do the students that they serve.\r\nThis time last year I was talking about legislation that I had introduced called the Strengthening Minority-Serving Institutions Act, which would have permanently extended and increased mandatory funding to all minority-serving institutions. That bill was supported by a quarter of the senate. Unfortunately it was simply all Democrats. We could not get the bipartisan support that I hope we will get in the future. However, now we are here and only have 19 days left in the fiscal year, and these schools still have no certainty about whether these critical funds will continue to be available.\r\nNow, we hear a lot in this body about the need to make sure that we continue to fund government, that we continue to fund our military and how devastating even a continuing resolution might be to the Defense Department because it doesn't allow the military to plan. I agree with that. I see it. But this is $255 million that all of the sudden is going to be cut off completely from schools that have relied on it, that have planned, that have done their budgets around. We owe it to them. We owe it to them because they give so much back to us to make sure that we get this funding.\r\nEnsuring equal access to quality education should not be a partisan issue, and I've worked over the last year to find a solution that I think should receive and could receive broad bipartisan support. I believe we have that in the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act. It's called the FUTURE Act, which I've introduced with my colleague Senator Tim Scott and Representatives Alma Adams and Mark Walker over in the House. The FUTURE Act reauthorizes funding for the next two fiscal years, maintaining just level funding of $255 million a year. It is the least that we could do. Our bill checks all the boxes. It helps institutions in 43 states. It is bipartisan. It is bicameral. And it is paid for. So let's just not delay any longer.\r\nLet's, with this important bill, let's get this to the floor. Let's come up with something that we can show the American people how important these institutions are, but just as important, we can show to the American people that, doggone it, we can get something done, because that is the most frustrating part that I have heard from when I went back to Alabama over the recess. When are you going to get something done, Jones? Well, it's difficult. And you all know it, it's difficult. But this is a piece of legislation that ought to receive support here in this body and across the aisle, across the Capitol in the House. So I urge my colleagues. This week we have a lot of HBCU presidents and administrators that are on Capitol Hill. They're coming up for their own benefit but also the Congressional Black Caucus events later this week. They're here on the Hill. It would be the perfect time to get this to the floor. I don't see it on the schedule anywhere, but it would be the perfect time. As people are looking here, as they're watching us and listening to us, they know we support their institutions. Let's show them that we support their institutions.\r\nI urge my colleagues to support the FUTURE Act. Get on board with us. Sponsor this legislation and support our nation's institutions of higher education. Their graduates deserve the same quality education as any other student, and they deserve a fair shot at a successful future. Let's get this done. Let's do our job and get this done. Thank you very much, Mr. President, and I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-to-hud-secretary-carson-new-rule-would-make-it-nearly-impossible-to-bring-housing-discrimination-cases", "Senator Doug Jones to HUD Secretary Carson: New Rule Would Make it \u201cNearly Impossible\u201d to Bring Housing Discrimination Cases", "2019-09-10", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today questioned Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson about his agency's move to weaken its disparate impact rule, making it significantly more difficult to prove housing discrimination claims.\r\nIn the hearing, Senator Jones also cited HUD's refusal to fully enforce fair housing laws, including Carson's failure to proactively pursue secretary-initiated housing discrimination investigations during his tenure, something that recent administrations led by both parties did dozens of times over their terms in office. Highlighting the continued existence of housing discrimination today, Senator Jones also pointed to Census data showing African-American home ownership rates are down to just 40 percent, despite rising rates for other racial groups in recent years. Home-ownership among Black families is also at a lower rate today than when the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed.\r\nIn mid-August, HUD released a proposed update to its disparate impact standard, which is a legal theory that has guided fair housing law for more than 50 years. Disparate impact refers to practices or policies that have the effect of discrimination, even if the discrimination is not explicit or intended. The Supreme Court has recognized this form of bias as prohibited under the Fair Housing Act and has re-affirmed HUD's power to enforce this standard.\r\nVideo of their exchange is available here and a transcript is below:\r\nU.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs\r\nHearing: Housing Finance Reform: Next Steps\r\nQ&A Exchange with Secretary Ben Carson \r\nSeptember 10, 2019\r\nNote: transcription edited for clarity\r\nSENATOR JONES: Mr. Secretary, while I appreciate the Administration's efforts to move forward on housing reform, I do believe that overall these reforms are going to make it harder for working-class families to achieve home ownership and potentially put the dream of home ownership out of reach. [That's] my view, open to discussions on that. But more importantly, while these reforms are being discussed today, I think we also have to talk about some other so-called reforms that the Administration is making to housing in America.\r\nWe haven't seen you here for a few months, a year and a half as a matter of fact. I don't know if we'll get to see you again in any time in the future, so I want to ask you about a recent HUD proposal regarding rules that I believe are going to dramatically undermine the ability to enforce the Fair Housing Act. I have talked time and time again in this committee, and others, that housing discrimination in 2019 is persistent, but often  more often than not  subtle, not always direct. In years of legal doctrine, including the Supreme Court, made it clear that if policies and practices of businesses unintentionally discriminate against racial minorities or protected classes, it's illegal, it's called disparate impact, and the new rules, I think, make it nearly impossible to bring forward a discrimination case based on disparate impact.\r\nFair housing is only as fair as it can be enforced and if we can't bring disparate impact housing [cases], by very nature, it ain't fair. And I am concerned about this. Every single major housing rights and civil rights advocate agree that this rule is a major blow. Across the board, this rule introduces new hurdles for plaintiffs, including a new five part-test.\r\nMr. Secretary, I think we can all agree that housing discrimination still exists in this country. Black home ownership rates are down to just 40 percent. That is not just because of discrimination, I get that. We're still pulling out of a recession. But the fact is, they're down to 40 percent and Black homeownership is actually lower now than it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed. I would also like to point out that you have the ability to bring Secretary-initiated complaints. President Obama did it an average of 10 times a year. President Bush did it an average of five times a year. But in the two and half years of the Trump Administration, we have zero that you have initiated. So a cynic would say that this new rule is in part to justify the inaction of HUD in bringing these complaints, when we know that they exist. So my question to you, sir  my question is simply: explain this to me. Explain why we need this rule [and] why it is important. Why do we need this when we know [housing discrimination] exists? Give me an opportunity, give us an opportunity, explain, why you are going to make it nearly impossible for people to bring disparate impact statements.\r\nSecretary Carson: Let me just mention the fact that our record stands for itself. The fact of the matter is, we've initiated the Facebook complaint. We've gotten an agreement out of Los Angeles after almost 10 years of not taking care of disabled people's housing needs. We've launched one against San Francisco for discriminating against low-income people for housing.And if you look at our list of suits that have been brought, I think they would compare favorably with anyone else. As far as disparate impact is concerned, we are trying to bring it into alignment with the Supreme Court ruling\r\nJONES: Oh come on, Mr. Secretary. I'm a lawyer. That dog's just not going to hunt. It's just not. The Supreme Court barely rolled back this. I've been practicing law for 40 years. What you're doing is making it just damn near impossible for a plaintiff to bring a disparate impact statement. It is not in line with the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has affirmed this time and time again.\r\nCARSON: In fact, we've brought a complaint against San Francisco on disparate impact. You should go back and read it.\r\nJONES: I'll take a look. I'm happy to do that.\r\nCARSON: But the fact of the matter is, if Congress for instance was to raise the minimum wage rate to $15, who would be disproportionately affected? Low skilled or unskilled workers primarily minorities in that area.That becomes a disparate impact against Congress. You begin to see what I'm talking about here.\r\nJONES: No, I'm sorry.\r\nCARSON: You can have disparate impact on almost anything, so what we want to do is clarify the way that it's done that will save taxpayers a lot of money\r\nJONES: My time is up, sir, and I may follow up for the record. Let me just say this  it's been offered out for public comment and I want to make sure that my public comment is recorded right now. If I need to do it in writing with a black Sharpie, I'm happy to do that, but this is wrong. This is absolutely wrong, Mr. Secretary. This discrimination still exists in this country. We need to be affirmatively doing something about it and not making it more difficult.\r\nCARSON: I'd love to discuss it with you.\r\nJONES: Thank you, anytime. My door is wide open. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-announces-bipartisan-family-farmer-relief-act-signed-into-law-by-president-trump", "Senator Jones Announces Bipartisan Family Farmer Relief Act Signed into Law by President Trump", "2019-08-29", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, Ala.  As bankruptcy rates among American farmers near record highs, Senator Doug Jones announced that bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to help family farms reorganize their debts has been signed into law by President Donald Trump.\r\nRecognizing the unique challenges that family farmers and fishers face, Congress established Chapter 12 of the U.S. bankruptcy code, which removes certain costly reorganization requirements intended for large corporations. The Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 raises the Chapter 12 operating debt cap to $10 million, allowing more family farmers to seek relief under the program.\r\nFarming is a tough way to make a living even when everything goes right. Unfortunately, our farmers and fishers haven't had a whole lot go right for them lately  from the ongoing trade war to natural disasters preventing harvesting and planting seasons. Fortunately, this new law will help family farms and fisheries across the country stay afloat and weather the toughest times, said Senator Jones. Our bipartisan legislation will relieve some of the financial pressure the American farm economy is facing today and help American farmers thrive.\r\nSeveral years of low commodity prices, stringent farm lending regulations and recent retaliatory tariffs have taken a toll on America's agriculture producers. Farm bankruptcy rates in many farming regions across the country are at their highest point in a decade. In some places in 2018, farm bankruptcies doubled from previous years. Debts held by farmers are nearing historic levels set in the 1980s, further financially straining farm operations.\r\nThis is the latest in a series of actions that Senator Jones has taken to mitigate the damage to Alabama farmers as a result of the Trump administration's trade wars, including introducing legislation to offer financial and technical support to help farmers and producers recover losses by offering Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to those hurt by China's retaliatory tariffs and partnering with Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) to urge the President to announce the second round of agricultural tariffs trade assistance.\r\nThe Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 was also co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.)\r\nThe Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 is supported by the National Farm Bureau.\r\nText of the bill is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-announces-200000-grant-for-new-site-medical-complex", "Senator Doug Jones Announces $200,000 Grant for New Site Medical Complex", "2019-08-28", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham U.S. Senator Doug Jones is announcing a new $200,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to establish the New Site Medical Complex in New Site, Alabama. This grant will provide funding for a 3,120 square-foot building housing a primary care clinic and private pharmacy. Tenants will include Russell Medical and Jackson Drugs.\r\nIn 2018, Senator Jones sent a letter of support to ARC urging their full consideration of the New Site project. Senator Jones and his staff also worked with New Site leaders to help re-write their application in an effort to make the city more competitive for the grant money. Currently, the closest source of medical care for New Site residents is 15 miles away in Alexander City, presenting a barrier to those seeking accessible health care.\r\nHealth care facilities are the lifeblood of our rural communities. Not only do they provide much-needed access to care, but they are powerful economic drivers as well, said Senators Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. I'm proud that my team and I were able to partner with the community to put them in the best position possible to secure this funding. This grant is great news for the people of New Site and Tallapoosa County.\r\nI would like to personally thank Senator Jones for his assistance in getting our ARC grant application approved, said New Site Mayor Phil Blasingame. The $200,000 grant will help us fund a building for our clinic and pharmacy for our community. The project will really improve our rural healthcare for our citizens. Senator Jones was instrumental in getting the grant application in the correct order for approval and he has been a big supporter for rural health care initiatives. Senator Jones helped make this possible.\r\nThe goal of the project is to address the employment and economic disparities in Tallapoosa County, which has an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent, compared to the state percentage of 3.6 percent. In addition to the ARC funds, the town of New Site will provide $288,725 in local matching funds, bringing the total project funding to $488,725.\r\nSenator Jones has taken a number of actions to increase quality, affordable health, as well as to improve health care in rural Alabama, including:\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to incentivize Alabama to expand Medicaid;\r\nSuccessfully making the case to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to change the unfair Medicare wage index, which disproportionately hurts Alabama's financially strained hospitals;\r\nIntroducing bipartisan legislation to improve rural health care delivery;\r\nCosponsoring a bipartisan bill to improve access to rural health care for new and expecting moms.\r\n \r\nIn February, Senator Jones received the National Rural Health Association's 2019 Rural Health Champion Award for his efforts to expand access to quality care in rural America.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-senator-doug-jones-ranks-among-most-bipartisan-senators", "New Report: Senator Doug Jones Ranks Among Most Bipartisan Senators", "2019-08-23", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM  Quorum Analytics has released a new report ranking Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) among the most bipartisan members of the United States Senate. The report analyzed the bipartisan actions taken by Members of Congress so far in the 116th Congress. Of the bills Senator Jones has cosponsored this year, 47 percent are led by a Republican.\r\nBipartisanship means more than simply reaching across the political aisle; it means finding common ground. I have always believed that in Alabama, and in America, we have far more in common than we have that divides us. As a United States Senator, I've taken that approach to a number of important issues that impact our people every day  issues like health care, education, jobs, ensuring that we have the strongest possible national defense, and so many others. That is reflected in the strong bipartisan record my team and I have built in the Senate. If we can set aside the divisive partisan politics, we can work together and actually get things done, said Senator Jones.\r\nSenator Jones has also led a number of bipartisan proposals that have been signed into law, including his Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act, Rural Health Liaison Act, Fair Access for Farmers and Ranchers Act, and the Broadband Connections for Rural Opportunities Act. So far this year, more than half of the bills Senator Jones has introduced have earned Republican cosponsors.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-statement-israel-s-decision-block-members-congress-entering", "Rep. Sewell Statement on Israel\u2019s Decision to Block Members of Congress from Entering the Country", "2019-08-15", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement Thursday after the Government of Israel announced its decision to prevent Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar from entering the country:\nPrime Minister Netanyahu's decision to deny Congresswomen Tlaib and Omar entry to Israel is both outrageous and misguided.\nWhen I first traveled to Israel, I learned about thenation's critical importance in the region and gained unique insight into the security challenges and existential threats Israel faces. Our relationship with Israel is sacred and must be protected. Every Member of Congress should be able to share that experience firsthand, irrespective of their political views.\nMoreover, it is beneath the office of the presidency for President Trump to encourage foreign leaders to deny Members of Congress  and American citizens  entry into a foreign nation. \nI hope the Government of Israel will reverse its decision and allow Congresswomen Tlaib and Omar to visit and learn from our great ally.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-terri-sewell-announces-127877-grant-funding-support-opportunity", "Rep. Terri Sewell Announces $127,877 In Grant Funding to Support Opportunity Zones in the Black Belt", "2019-08-14", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Black Belt, Alabama  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced today the Delta Regional Authority has recently awarded $127,877 to Opportunity Alabama in support of rural revitalization and development in opportunity zones across the Black Belt. Alabama's Black Belt is the only region in the state with five consecutive opportunity zones, areas where investors receive tax incentives to invest in low-income and undercapitalized communities.\nThere is nothing more important to me than increasing opportunity across Alabama's 7th District, said Rep. Sewell. That is why I have fought so hard to make the Opportunity Zone program work for areas like the Black Belt, where communities will most benefit from increased economic opportunity. I am thrilled that Opportunity Alabama has been granted the funding necessary to support investment where it is needed most and ensure that investors are able to take full advantage of these opportunity zones.\nOpportunity Alabama will use this funding to host regional strategy development events, create eligible project pipelines, design community fact sheets and develop four regional investment prospectuses to promote opportunity zones within the Black Belt.\nThanks to this SEDAP grant from the Delta Regional Authority, Opportunity Alabama will be able to extend the Opportunity Zones ecosystem we are building to some of the most distressed parts of our state, said Alex Flachsbart, Founder and CEO of Opportunity Alabama. We see tremendous potential across the Black Belt, and we are thrilled that  thanks to Congresswoman Sewell's support  we will have the resources necessary to bring more projects to market.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-sen-sanders-130-members-congress-urge-trump-administration", "Rep. Sewell, Sen. Sanders, 130+ Members of Congress Urge Trump Administration to Reverse Food Assistance Rule", "2019-08-08", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) led a group if 19 Senators and 120 U.S. Representatives urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to rescind his department's disastrous rule to restrict Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for an estimated 3.1 million Americans.\nThis plan would disproportionately punish working families who are already struggling to put food on the table and make ends meet, the lawmakers wrote. Families with children are more likely to face food insecurity, and in 2017, the number of families facing food insecurity rose for the first time since the Great Recession.  Additionally, schools rely on SNAP enrollment when determining eligibility for free school meals, so households could be penalized twice: once with the loss of household SNAP benefits and again with the loss of free school meals for children. In fact, USDA estimates 500,000 children will lose their automatic eligibility for free school meals.\nSewell and Sandersalso slammed the Administration' claim that some states allow families to receive SNAP benefits who would otherwise not qualify and for which they are not entitled, explaining that fraud is virtually non-existent in the program.\nFamilies must already go through a robust vetting process to verify income eligibility. USDA's assertion that families can simply receive an informational brochure in order to qualify for SNAP is simply not true. Perpetuating this lie breeds distrust in a successful program that lifted 8.4 million people out of poverty in 2015, the lawmakers argued. In reality, fraud is virtually nonexistent in this program; just 0.2 percent of benefits mistakenly go to households with net incomes above the poverty line. Further, there are many more people who qualify for SNAP that are not enrolled in the program. USDA's resources would be better spent focusing on increasing participation among all who are eligible, rather than trying to limit participation among people who are already struggling.\nOver 800,000 Alabama families and 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families. More than 73 percent of Alabama SNAP participants are families with children and nearly 35 percent are families with members who are seniors or have disabilities. Moreover, the program successfully lifted 195,000 Alabamians out of poverty, including 86,000 children, per year between 2009 and 2012.\nNot only is the program instrumental in providing nutrition to families and children who might otherwise go hungry, estimates show $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.70 in economic activity, benefitting local economies and businesses.\nThethe lawmakers' letter available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-jones-and-collins-lead-colleagues-in-new-push-to-repeal-military-widows-tax-", "Senators Jones and Collins Lead Colleagues in New Push to Repeal Military Widow\u2019s Tax", "2019-08-05", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are leading a new effort to ensure that the Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019 will be included in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nThe senators today sent a bipartisan letterco-signed by 64 of their Senate colleaguesto the chairmen and ranking members of both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees calling on them to ensure the House-passed provisions to repeal the Military Widow's Tax remain in the final version of the NDAA conference agreement. The final bill is currently being negotiated between the House and the Senate.\r\nThere has never before been more bipartisan support in Congress for repealing the SBP-DIC offset. Currently, there are 75 co-sponsors of legislation to repeal the widow's tax in the Senate and 371 co-sponsors in the House, the senators wrote. We have an obligation to make sure that we are taking care of our military families who have sacrificed so much. This problem goes back decades, but this year we can finally solve it once and for all. It is our time to do our duty not only to support the brave men and women of our military, but also to support their families.\r\nIf signed into law, this legislation will repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though retirees elected to pay into the program.\r\nLegislation to repeal the Military Widow's Tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate over the past 18 years, but has reached an unprecedented level of support under Senator Jones's leadership. With Senator Jones as the lead sponsor, the bill has earned a record-high 75 cosponsors in the Senate. In addition to encouraging continued support of this legislation in the Senate, Senator Jones has continuously engaged his House counterparts at the leadership and committee level to ensure support for the bill and its inclusion in the House version of the NDAA.\r\nText of the letter can be found below and a pdf can be found here:\r\nAugust 5, 2019\r\nThe Honorable James Inhofe                    Chairman                                 Committee on Armed Services                  228 Russell Senate Office Building                Washington, D.C. 20510                     \r\nThe Honorable Jack Reed  Ranking Member  Committee on Armed Services  228 Russell Senate Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20510\r\nThe Honorable Adam Smith                    Chairman                                 Committee on Armed Services                  2216 Rayburn House Office Building              Washington, D.C. 20515                     \r\nThe Honorable Mac Thornberry  Ranking Member  Committee on Armed Services  2216 Rayburn House Office Building  Washington, D.C. 20515\r\nDear Chairman Inhofe, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Reed, and Ranking Member Thornberry:\r\nWe write to ask you to include House-passed provisions which repeal the Survivor Benefit Plan  Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (SBP-DIC) offset, the so-called widow's tax, in the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) conference agreement. The widow's tax prevents more than 67,000 surviving spouses of servicemen and women who die of service related causes from receiving the full SBP annuities they deserve.\r\nAs a result of the widow's tax, tens of thousands of surviving spouses are prevented from collecting the full insurance benefits from the Department of Defense for which their military retiree spouses paid because those benefits are offset by the DIC payments they receive from the Department of Veterans Affairs. On average, this offset means that surviving spouses are denied more than $11,000 per year in SBP benefits. In response to this unfairness, thousands of military widows have become grassroots advocates, working in many cases for more than 30 years to right this wrong for their own families and the entire military family community.\r\nThere has never before been more bipartisan support in Congress for repealing the SBP-DIC offset. Currently, there are 75 co-sponsors of legislation to repeal the widow's tax in the Senate and 371 co-sponsors in the House. Numerous military and veterans advocacy groups have joined us in this effort.\r\nWe have an obligation to make sure that we are taking care of our military families who have sacrificed so much. This problem goes back decades, but this year we can finally solve it once and for all. It is our time to do our duty not only to support the brave men and women of our military, but also to support their families.\r\nThank you for your consideration of this request.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-praises-cms-policy-help-alabama-hospitals", "Rep. Sewell Praises CMS Policy to Help Alabama Hospitals", "2019-08-02", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today it has finalized changes under the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) toincreaseMedicare reimbursement rates for Alabama's hospitals by addressing longstanding disparities in the Medicare Area Wage Index formula. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), who has worked for years to ensure Alabama's hospitals receive their fair share of Medicare reimbursement dollars by sponsoring legislation to fix this problem and meeting with CMS to urge rulemaking changes, praised the new policy.\nFor years, I've been working with Alabama's hospitals and the delegation to advocate for increased Medicare reimbursements for Alabama's hospitals, which are currently reimbursed at the lowest rates in the country. Today's announcement is great news for Alabama's hospitals, especially those in rural areas of the state where every dollar counts, Sewell said. With over 88 percent of rural Alabama hospitals operating in the red, it is critical that we do everything we can to help our hospitals provide the services needed to keep Alabamians healthy. Recalculating the way Medicare reimburses Alabama hospitals is a crucial step in achieving that goal.\nThe fight to improve Alabama's health care system is far from over, Sewell continued. Governor Ivey and the state legislature must put Alabamians first and partisan politics aside by expanding Medicaid to help shore Alabama's rural hospitals and improve health care affordability, access and quality across the state. Study after study shows Medicaid expansion is a life or death issue. Just last week, we learned that more than 15,000 deaths could have been prevented if all states had expanded Medicaid. Earlier this week, further analysis highlighted that rural hospitals in non-expansion states are disproportionately operating in the red and the most likely to close. These are trends we can no longer afford to ignore. Seeing as Alabama's hospitals have the second lowest margin of profitability in the country, our Governor and legislature must act.\nCurrently, the CMS reimbursement formula considers the area wage index for hospitals when formulating reimbursement rates, skewing reimbursement rates to favor hospitals serving the healthiest and wealthiest parts of the country. These disproportionate reimbursement rates have contributed to some hospitals' inability to keep their doors open. CMS released a rule today to increase the wage index for hospitals with a wage index value below the 25th percentile, which will increase Medicare reimbursement rates for many Alabama hospitals.\nEarly estimates indicate that Alabama hospitals could gain over $43 million under the new rule in the first year of implementation alone, $9.5 million of which would go to hospitals in Alabama's 7th District.\nLast year, Sewell and Sens. Richard Shelby and Doug Jones sat down with CMS Administrator Seema Verma to discuss the ever-growing challenges our medical providers, especially Alabama's rural hospitals, face due to low reimbursement rates and urged her to address the Wage Index Formula.\nIn March, Sewell and the entire Alabama delegation sent aletterto Verma urging CMS to provide hospitals relief from the increasing reimbursement disparities created by the Medicare area wage index.\nAnd the past two Congresses, Sewell introduced theFair Medicare Hospital Payments Act, legislation that would have an effect similar to CMS' proposal by raising the wage index and rate at which hospitals are reimbursed by Medicaid and Medicare.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-speaker-pelosi-members-congress-visit-ghana-and-us-army", "Rep. Sewell, Speaker Pelosi, Members of Congress Visit Ghana and U.S. Army Africa Headquarters", "2019-08-02", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Chair of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on Defense and Warfighter Support, returned from a congressional delegation led by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Ghana to hold high-level discussions with Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghanaian Speaker Mike Oquaye and other senior government officials and visit U.S. Army Africa headquarters in Italy. The historic trip marked the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans landing in America.\nThe delegation's trip to Ghana was deeply informative, humbling and transformative. Returning to our ancestral home with civil rights hero Congressman John Lewis was an emotional experience that I will never forget, Sewell said. So much American progress was built upon the backs of enslaved Africans brought to America 400 years ago. While the United States has come a long way, there is still much work to be done to heal and reconcile the traumas of our past. Visiting the Door of No Return,' where millions of Africans were ripped from their families and homes to sustain an inhumane and cruel practice, reinvigorated my commitment to confronting injustice wherever it exists  at home and around the world.\nBefore our visit to Ghana, the delegation met with U.S. Army Major General Roger Cloutier and top military commanders at U.S. Army Africa Command to discuss the challenges facing African nations  and that threaten the safety and security of citizens around the globe  and how U.S. Forces are working with leaders on the continent to address these challenges, Sewell continued. Overall, our visit to Ghana underscored the strength of U.S.-global partnerships and the importance of maintaining them in the future.\nEarlier this week, the Members paid respects at Cape Coast and Elmina Castles and the Door of No Return, a monument commemorating the transatlantic slave trade, to observe the 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans landing in America. The delegation laid wreaths at both dungeons in remembrance of the millions who lost their lives and freedom in the transatlantic slave trade.\nAt Elmina Castle, Paramount Chief Nana Kwadwo Conduah VI welcomed the delegation back to Africa in a traditional ceremony. Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Karen Bass offered the amanee, the delegation's statement of purpose: to observe the longstanding bilateral relations between Ghana and the U.S. and honor the millions of Africans sent through the middle passage and later enslaved throughout the Americas after arriving in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619.\nOn Tuesday, Cape Coast Paramount Chief Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II welcomed the delegation to Emintsimadze Palace and Obama Hall. Legendary civil rights leader and Troy, Alabama native Rep. John Lewis offered the amanee. Rep. Lewis shared the moving story of the impact of Ghana's quest for independence and democracy on the civil rights movement in the United States.\nPhotos of Sewell's trip are available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-final-medicare-wage-index-rule-will-provide-long-overdue-relief-for-struggling-alabama-hospitals", "Senator Doug Jones: Final Medicare Wage Index Rule Will Provide Long-Overdue Relief for Struggling Alabama Hospitals", "2019-08-02", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, Ala.  U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today applauded a final rule released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that will update the Medicare Wage Index reimbursement formula. The formula has disadvantaged hospitals in Alabama for decades and left them to cover significant costs for uncompensated care.\r\nLast fall, Senator Jones met with CMS Administrator Seema Verma, Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) to share his serious concerns about the unfair rate and to ask for CMS to take steps to address it. This spring, he also joined the full Alabama congressional delegation in sending a bipartisan letterto Administrator Vermaurging her agency to provide relief for Alabama hospitals by increasing the reimbursement rate.\r\nToday's final rule will provide much-needed relief for Alabama's struggling hospitals by fixing the Medicare Wage Index formula. For two decades, Alabama has been fighting the unfair Medicare reimbursements and today receives a rate that is just 67 percent of the national average, said Senator Doug Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. I am grateful that after meeting with Administrator Verma, Senator Shelby, and Congresswoman Sewell last year, CMS finally heard our concerns and took action to find a solution that better serves our hospitals and rural communities. This was a top priority for me when I came to the Senate last year, and I am proud that we were able to make this long-overdue change a reality.\r\nAlabama currently has the lowest wage index according to the Alabama Hospital Association, and approximately 88 percent of Alabama hospitals are currently operating in the red and cannot cover the cost of delivering care. Thirteen hospitals in Alabama have closed their doors since 2011, seven of which were in rural areas.\r\nSenator Jones has been a vocal advocate in favor of reforming the Medicare Wage Index formula as well as expanding Medicaid, both of which would help shore up Alabama hospitals that are facing serious financial challenges. Medicaid expansion would bring an estimated $2 billion of Alabamians' tax dollars back to the state in just the first year after expanding and provide health coverage to 326,000 Alabamians.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-cosponsors-new-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-access-to-rural-health-care-for-new-and-expecting-moms", "Senator Doug Jones Cosponsors New Bipartisan Bill to Improve Access to Rural Health Care for New and Expecting Moms", "2019-07-31", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Doug Jones today cosponsored the bipartisan Rural MOMS Act to understand the root causes of maternal mortality and to develop solutions to improve maternal care in rural America.\r\nAs I've traveled around Alabama to hear directly from women and health care providers about how we can improve maternal health outcomes in the state, they consistently raise concerns about the shortages of doctors and hospitals in rural areas, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. This legislation provides real solutions by expanding care through telehealth grants, and other programs to increase the number of health care providers in rural areas, and takes important steps to address our unacceptable rate of maternal mortality in this country.\r\nTheRuralMOMSActwould:\r\n \r\nImprove Rural Maternal and Obstetric Care Databy directing the Centers for Disease Control to coordinate efforts with respect to maternal mortality and morbidity, to report on women's health conditions according to sociocultural and geographic contexts, and to emphasize research on pregnancy-related deaths.\r\nAward New Rural Obstetric Network Grantsto establish regional innovation networks to improve maternal mortality and morbidity as well as birth outcomes.\r\nExpand Existing Federal Telehealth Grant Programsto include birth and postpartum services as part of telehealth networks and to allow federal funding to be used for ultrasound machines, fetal monitoring equipment, and other pregnancy-related technology.\r\nEstablish a New Rural Maternal and Obstetric Care Training Demonstrationto support training for family medicine physicians, obstetricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, midwives, doulas, and other professionals to provide maternal care services in rural community-based settings.\r\nReport on Maternal Care in Rural Areasto identify the locations of gaps in maternity care,disparities in maternal health in rural areas by race and ethnicity,recommendations to standardize data collection on maternal mortality and morbidity, and activities to improve maternal care in rural areas.\r\n \r\nSenator Jones has taken a number of actions to increase access to quality, affordable health care and specifically to improve maternal care in Alabama, including:\r\n \r\nIntroducing legislation to incentivize Alabama to expand Medicaid;\r\nSuccessfully making the case to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to change the unfair Medicare wage index, which disproportionately hurts Alabama's financially strained hospitals;\r\nIntroducing a bipartisan bill to address the nursing shortage in rural areas;\r\nIntroducing legislation to ensure women can access affordable health care coverage during and after pregnancy; \r\nIntroducing a bill to stop the maternal mortality crisis for black women.\r\nCosponsoring a bill to expand Medicaid coverage for mothers for one year postpartum.\r\n \r\nYou can view the bill here.\r\nSenator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the bill and Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) joined Senator Jones as cosponsors.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-jones-provision-to-provide-new-funding-for-roads-and-bridges-included-in-historic-highway-bill", "Senator Jones\u2019 Provision to Provide New Funding for Roads and Bridges Included in Historic Highway Bill", "2019-07-30", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today unanimously approved the most substantial highway bill in history, called America's Transportation Infrastructure Act, which includes a new infrastructure funding program similar to legislation authored by Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.).\r\nThe bill establishes a new programcalled PROTECT grantsthat would provide $1 billion each year for competitive grants and $4 billion in formula funding for improving road and bridge infrastructure, and includes provisions from Senator Jones' Be SAFE Act. Senator Jones introduced the Be SAFE Act in March in an effort to bring more federal dollars to Alabama to invest in life-saving evacuation routes and repair and improve roadways in the state's small and rural communities.\r\nThe new PROTECT grants could provide a much-needed source of federal revenue for the Mobile Bay Bridge, our aging rural roads, and other vital infrastructure projects across Alabama, said Senator Jones, who has criticized recent Mobile Bay Bridge toll proposals and pledged to search for additional federal resources for the bridge. Communities that receive these grants would not only benefit from federal investments to improve, replace, or build new roads, bridges, and evacuation routesbut they could also bring a huge economic boost. I'm proud that the committee built on a program that I introduced and I look forward to seeing all the ways it could benefit Alabama communities in the future.\r\nThe PROTECT grants program includes two components that were priorities for Senator Jones in making sure the program serves Alabama's small and rural communities:\r\n Funding for planning grants to help cash-strapped communities offset the high cost of technical assistance needed before they can even apply for actual infrastructure funding, which can sometimes cost as much as $40,000;\r\n A 25-percent set-aside for grants to rural communities with populations under 200,000, which Senator Jones negotiated with committee members. This will ensure that smaller Alabama communities won't have to compete with larger cities in other states for the same funds.\r\nThere are three categories of PROTECT grants:\r\n Resilience Improvement Grants to improve or replace existing surface transportation infrastructure at risk from extreme weather events and natural disasters;\r\n Community Resiliency and Evacuation Routes to improve or establish roads for better and safer evacuation during severe weather events; and\r\n At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure Grants to strengthen, stabilize or elevate highways and bridges subject to long-term risk of natural disasters, storm surges, coastal erosion or coastal flooding.\r\nThis is the latest in a continued effort by Senator Jones to secure federal investments in Alabama's infrastructure and to increase disaster preparedness across the state.\r\nThe bill will now advance to the full Senate for consideration.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/calling-all-job-seekers-8th-annual-job-fair-aug-8", "Calling all job seekers - 8th Annual Job Fair on Aug. 8!", "2019-07-29", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "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-statement-new-trade-deal-negotiations", "Rep. Sewell Statement on New Trade Deal Negotiations", "2019-07-26", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and one of nine Democratic Members of Congress chosen by Speaker Nancy Pelosi to negotiate improvements of U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, released the following statement today following the working group's meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer:\nThe working group is making significant progress in our negotiations with Ambassador Lighthizer.My goal has always been to ensure that Alabama manufacturers, farmers, workers and consumers benefit from changes to the current NAFTA.\nToday, we had a productive discussion about ensuring the new agreement is fully enforceable, which, to me, is one of the most important issues we face in negotiations with the Administration. It is critically important that NAFTA 2.0 is fully-enforceable and labor standards are raised so Alabama manufacturers can fairly compete.\nThe Speaker and the Democratic Caucus have identified labor, the environment, access to medicine and enforcement as the four key areas of the agreement that must be improved to attract broad bipartisan support. During the July work period, we met with Ambassador Lighthizer on four separate occasions in order to articulate our principles, discuss specific concerns and propose solutions to address these concerns.\nThe ball is now in Mr. Lighthizer's court, and we look forward to his responses and counter proposals.The working group is eager to make these critical improvements to the new agreement and expects progress to continue during the August recess.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-sewell-reed-introduce-legislation-help-finance-local-infrastructure", "Reps. Sewell, Reed Introduce Legislation to Help Finance Local Infrastructure Projects", "2019-07-25", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a former bond lawyer, and Tom Reed (NY-23), both members of the House Committee on Ways and Means, introduced the Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation to help local governments, non-profits, schools, hospitals, universities and other entities reduce costs associated with infrastructure and development projects.\nWhen it comes to infrastructure and community revitalization projects in Alabama and across the country, the need is constant, but too often local governments and non-profit entities struggle to obtain the financing necessary to move forward with these endeavors, Rep. Sewell said. Expanding the availability of bank-qualified bonds will help local governments and nonprofits afford critical construction projects and stimulate their economies, all while providing significant savings for Alabama taxpayers.\nBank qualified bonds save tax dollars, said Rep. Reed. Using local bonds keeps the control, financing and benefits of capital improvements at home to boost jobs and facilities all across Western New York.\nThe Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2019 will expand access to low-cost capital for municipalities and non-profits.\nThe legislation will increase the annual limit for municipal bank qualified bond borrowing from $10 million to $30 million for each and indexes this level to inflation going forward. The $10 million limit was set in 1986 and in today's dollars is not sufficient to fund most community projects, making many local projects more expensive than if they were financed under bank-qualified tax-exempt loans.\nThe legislation also applies the bank qualified debt limit on a borrower-by-borrower basis, rather than aggregating all bank qualified bonds issued by a conduit issuer, so that schools, hospitals and other community organizations can more easily access capital.\nMore information about Alabama projects that have been funded by tax-exempt municipal bonds is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-questions-special-counsel-robert-mueller", "Rep. Sewell Questions Special Counsel Robert Mueller", "2019-07-24", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence interviewed Special Counsel Robert Mueller about his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a senior member of the Committee, focused her questioning on the June 9, 2016 Trump Tower meeting between the President's son, Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law, Jared Kushner, campaign manager, Paul Manafort and at least five Russian nationals.\nSenior members of the Trump campaign met with the Russian delegation after being promised damaging information about Hillary Clinton. The meeting has become a central component of the Committee's counterintelligence investigation, as it is against the law for a political campaign to accept anything of value from a foreign government.\nIsn't it against the law for a presidential campaign to accept anything of value from a foreign government? Sewell asked. \nGenerally, speaking, Mueller said, yes.\nSo, to be clear, Sewell said. Top Trump campaign officials learned that Russia wanted to help' Donald Trump's campaign by giving him dirt on his opponent. Trump Jr. said he loved it.' Then he and the senior officials held a meeting with the Russians to try to get that Russian help. But they were disappointed because the dirt wasn't as good as they had hoped. Did anyone, to your knowledge, in the Trump campaign ever tell the FBI about this offer?\nI don't believe so, Mr. Mueller said.\nSir, is it not the responsibility of political campaigns to inform the FBI if they receive information from a foreign government? Sewell continued.\nI would think that's something they would and should do, Mr. Mueller said.\nIn a sweeping and systemic fashion, Russia launched an attack on the 2016 presidential election to help Donald Trump win the presidency. The Committee today highlighted multiple instances in which the Trump Campaign, including candidate Trump, knew about the attack, welcomed Russia's help and built their campaign messaging around Russia's attack.\nA rush transcript of Sewell's questioning is below, and video is available here.\nRep. Terri Sewell\nHouse Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence\nJuly 24, 2019\nRep. Sewell: Mr. Mueller, I'd like to turn your attention to the June 9th Trump Tower meeting. On SLIDE #2 which should be on the screen now, is part of an email chain between Donald Trump Jr. and a publicist representing the son of a Russian oligarch. The email exchange ultimately led to the now infamous June 9, 2016 meeting.\nThe email from the publicist to Trump Jr. reads, in part: The Crown prosecutor of Russia offered to provide the Trump campaign with some official documents and information that would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and is a part of Russia and its government's support for Mr. Trump\nIn this email, Donald Trump's son is being told that the Russian government wants to pass along information meant to hurt Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump. Is that correct?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: Yes.\nRep. Sewell: Now, Trump Jr.'s response to the email is slide 3. He said, quote, [I]f it's what you say I love it especially later in the summer. Then, Trump Jr. invited senior campaign officials Paul Manafort and Jared Kushner to the meeting, did he not?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: He did.\nRep. Sewell: This email exchange is evidence of an offer of illegal assistance, is it not?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: I cannot adopt that characterization.\nRep. Sewell: But isn't it against the law for a presidential campaign to accept anything of value from a foreign government?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: Generally, speaking, yes. But, generally the cases are unique.\nRep. Sewell: Well, you say on page 184 in Volume I that federal campaign finance laws generally prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions, etc., and then you say that foreign nationals may not make a contribution or donation of money or anything of value. It says clearly in the report itself.\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: Thank you.\nRep. Sewell: Now let's turn to what actually happened at the meeting, when Trump Jr. and the others got to the June 9th meeting, they realized that the Russian delegation didn't have the promised dirt. In fact, they got upset about that, did they not?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: Generally, yes.\nRep. Sewell: You say in Vol. I, p. 118 that Trump Jr. asked, What are we doing here, what do they have on Clinton? And during the meeting, Kushner also texted Manafort, saying it was a  quote  waste of time  unquote. Isn't that correct?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: I believe that is in the report along the lines you've specified.\nRep. Sewell: So, to be clear: Top Trump campaign officials learned that Russia wanted to help Donald Trump's campaign by giving him dirt on his opponent. Trump Jr. said he loved it. Then he and the senior officials held a meeting with the Russians to try to get that Russian help. But they were disappointed because the dirt wasn't as good as they had hoped.\nSo, to the next step. Did anyone, to your knowledge, in the Trump Campaign ever tell the FBI about this offer?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: I don't believe so.\nRep. Sewell: Did Trump Jr. tell the FBIthat they received an offer of help from the Russians?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: That's about all I'm saying on this subject.\nRep. Sewell: Wouldn't it be true, sir, that if they had reported it to the FBI, or anyone in the campaign had, during the course of your two-year investigation you would have uncovered such a --\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: I would hope so, yes.\nRep. Sewell: Sir, is it not the responsibility of political campaigns to inform the FBI if they receive information from a foreign government?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: I would think that's something they would and should do.\nRep. Sewell: Well, not onlydid Trump Jr. or any of the campaign officials not tell the FBI, they sought to hide the existence of the June 9th meeting from you for over a year. Is that not correct?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: On the general characterization I would question it. If you're referring to later initiative that later flowed from the media, then --\nRep. Sewell: No, what I am suggesting is that you said in Vol. II, page five, On several occasions, the President directed aides not to publicly disclose the emails setting up the June 9 meeting\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: Yes, that's accurate.\nRep. Sewell: Thanks. Sir, given this illegal assistance by the Russians, even given that, you did not charge Trump Jr. or any of the other officials with conspiracy. Is that right?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: Correct. You're talking about other officials, you're talking about attendees of the June 9th meeting?\nRep. Sewell: Yes, that's right. Mr. Mueller, even though you didn't charge them with conspiracy, don't you think that the American people would be concerned that those three senior campaign officials eagerly sought a foreign adversary's help to win the election, and don't you think reporting that is important? That we don't set a precedent for future elections?\nSpecial Counsel Mueller: I cannot accept that characterization.\nRep. Sewell: Well, listen, I think that it seems like a betrayal of American values to me, sir, that not being criminal, it is definitely unethical, and wrong. And I think that we should not set a precedent that political campaigns should not divulge information if it's foreign government assistance.\nThank you, sir.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-terri-sewell-praises-passage-legislation-fix-multiemployer-pension", "Rep. Terri Sewell Praises Passage of Legislation to Fix Multiemployer Pension Crisis", "2019-07-24", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives passed the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act, more commonly known as the Butch Lewis Act, to address the nation's worsening multiemployer pension crisis. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), a member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, praised its passage.\nAt least 10,000 workers in Alabama  including Teamsters, steel workers, and mine workers in my district  are at risk of losing the hard-earned benefits they have worked for throughout their lifetimes, Sewell said. Many of these workers, including those who spent decades working in our coal mines, risked their lives to provide for themselves and their families. Many sacrificed wage increases throughout their careers to pay into their pension and save for retirement. If we do not act now, an estimated 1.5 million American workers, retirees and their families will suffer as a result. Today's bill gives us the opportunity to protect American workers' retirement savings and guarantee pension benefits into the future, preserving financial security for millions.\nUnder the proposal, private investors would be able to purchase long-term Treasury bonds backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. A new office within the U.S. Treasury Department, called the Pension Rehabilitation Administration (PRA), would administer loans to troubled pension plans using the money from the sale of the long-term bonds. These loans will allow multiemployer pension plans to remain solvent, grow their assets, and pay promised benefits. Additional assistance is also available to those plans that need it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-and-chairman-neal-discuss-barriers-health-care-alabama", "Rep. Sewell and Chairman Neal Discuss Barriers to Health Care with Alabama Stakeholders", "2019-07-23", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Birmingham, AL Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, invited Chairman Richard Neal (MA-01) to UAB Hospital Monday to meet with Alabama stakeholders about precision medicine and the state of rural hospitals. Leadership from UAB's Alabama Genomic Health Initiative, the Southern All of Us Program and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science presented on precision medicine, an approach to patient care that allows doctors to select treatments that are most likely to help patients based on a genetic understanding of their disease, and ongoing efforts to tackle health disparities across the country. Additionally, Chairman Neal and Rep. Sewell met with hospital administrators from across the 7th District and the Alabama Hospital Association to discuss solutions to address health disparities and tackle the rural hospital closure crisis.\n\nChairman Neal has spent his entire career fighting for expanded access to quality health care and resources for medical research and innovation. I was proud to introduce him to the health care stakeholders in the 7th District who work every day to improve health outcomes in Alabama, from health disparity researchers at UAB to hospital administrators in the Black Belt. UAB is home to some of the most cutting-edge research and medical developments taking place in the world, but many rural and underserved Alabamians may never access that innovation because of cost and access barriers that we are working to address,said Rep. Sewell.Chairman Neal and I agree that every single American deserves the highest quality health care available and that universal health coverage must be a central legislative priority. As the Ways and Means Committee continues to work on these issues, Chairman Neal and I will take into consideration all that we learned from Alabama's health care stakeholders to guide the Committee's approach to these issues.\n\nAccording to the Alabama Department of Public Health, minority populations in Alabama often have poorer access to care, preventative services and health insurance coverage. As a result, minorities often have higher rates of chronic disease, higher mortality and poorer health outcomes than Caucasians.\n\nLast week, Chairman Neal announced the creation of the Committee's new bipartisan Rural and Underserved Communities Health Task Force. As a co-chair of the task force, Rep. Sewell is committed to working with her colleagues to identify innovative solutions to the ongoing coverage and access issues plaguing Alabama's rural and underserved communities. Meeting with stakeholders from all corners of the health care ecosystem in Alabama is central to addressing these issues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-confirmation-of-secretary-of-defense-mark-esper", "Senator Doug Jones Statement on Confirmation of Secretary of Defense Mark Esper", "2019-07-23", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today released the following statement on his support for Mark Esper's confirmation to serve as the next Secretary of Defense:\r\nDr. Esper is well qualified to serve as Secretary of Defense by virtue of his experience serving in the Army, his numerous positions as a Congressional staffer in both the House and Senate, his experience working in private industry, and his service in various roles at the Pentagon, including most recently as Secretary of the Army. As Secretary of the Army, Dr. Esper has demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being and preparedness of our troops and has also shown himself to be a man of character, integrity, and intelligence.\r\nAfter months without a confirmed Secretary, Dr. Esper will bring much-needed stability to the Department as it works to fulfill its national security mission and maintain a strong presence in various strategic locations around the world. I believe that he will also uphold the commitment that he made to me to keep the Department of Defense apolitical and to always stand up and give his candid, honest advice to the President and other members of the administration. I'm grateful for all of the assistance that he provided me as Secretary of the Army, and I'm proud to have voted for Dr. Esper's nomination. I believe he will be an excellent Secretary of Defense.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-supports-final-passage-of-9/11-victim-compensation-fund-extension", "Senator Doug Jones Supports Final Passage of 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Extension", "2019-07-23", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today voted to pass the Never Forget the Heroes Act to permanently reauthorize the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which provides compensation for individuals who were injured during the 9/11 attacks or debris removal efforts, and for the families of those killed in the attacks. The fund was set to stop taking new claims in December 2020.\r\nThe heroic first responders who answered the call of duty after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 deserve nothing less than the full support of the United States government, said Senator Jones. These men and women are the very definition of American patriots, and our nation will forever owe them a debt of gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice. The permanent extension of this program will ensure that every survivor, first responder, and family member gets the care and compensation they are entitled to.\r\nThe House of Representatives passed the Never Forget the Heroes Act last week. The bill will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law. Senator Jones had previously cosponsored similar legislation in the Senate to permanently reauthorize this program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-joins-bipartisan-call-for-implementation-of-program-to-alleviate-border-crisis", "Senator Doug Jones Joins Bipartisan Call for Implementation of Program to Alleviate Border Crisis", "2019-07-19", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending letters to President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan and Attorney General William Barr to urge the implementation of Operation Safe Return  a pilot program that uses existing law and authoritiesto rapidly, accurately and fairly determine and process credible fear claims. This is a first bipartisan step in trying to address the current crisis at our southern border.\r\nWe write to urge you to use authorities in use as of June 30, 2019, to implement Operation Safe Return, a pilot program to rapidly, accurately, and fairly determine those families who have crossed the southern border that clearly do not have a valid legal claim and safely return them to their home countries,the senators wrote.Through this program, we expect that we can meet our commitments to humanitarian protections while ensuring proper efficiency, timeliness, order, and fairness in the credible fear screening process. We also expect that Operation Safe Return will help us examine current process deficiencies, identify required increases in capacity, and understand the drivers of migration.\r\nSenator Jones said the following about the letter:It's clear that there is a true humanitarian crisis happening at our southern border, and implementing Operation Safe Return is a good bipartisan step forward to address some of the most pressing challenges our immigration system faces today. This program would help make sure that the process at our border is as humane and efficient as possible.\r\nIn addition to Senator Jones, the letter was signed by Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).\r\nThe senators' letter can be foundhereand below.\r\n\r\nPresident Donald J. Trump  The White House  Washington, D.C. 20500\r\nDear Mr. President,\r\nWe write to urge you to use authorities in use as of June 30, 2019, to implement Operation Safe Return, a pilot program to rapidly, accurately, and fairly determine those families who have crossed the southern border that clearly do not have a valid legal claim and safely return them to their home countries. Through this program, we expect that we can meet our commitments to humanitarian protections while ensuring proper efficiency, timeliness, order, and fairness in the credible fear screening process. We also expect that Operation Safe Return will help us examine current process deficiencies, identify required increases in capacity, and understand the drivers of migration.\r\nAs you know, the United States is facing unprecedented challenges at our southern border. The number of family member units and unaccompanied alien children crossing the southern border is overwhelming our immigration system, putting children and adults at serious risk. In fiscal year 2014, when 137,000 family member units and unaccompanied alien children crossed into the United States and were apprehended at the southern border, President Obama declared a humanitarian crisis. In the first eight months of fiscal year 2019, more than 389,000 family member units and unaccompanied alien children already have entered the United States and been apprehended at the southern border, averaging over 3,000 each day in May 2019 alone.\r\nWe have worked with your agencies to develop a streamlined process to rapidly, accurately, and fairly determine those family units that do not have a valid legal claim and safely return those individuals to their home countries. The process would use existing authorities, but surge necessary resources to a limited, particular location on the southern border. Operation Safe Return would involve the following steps:\r\n \r\nProgram enrollees shall comprise inadmissible family units, including all members of the family unit identified when taken into custody that were encountered between the ports of entry through the duration of the program within a limited area of U.S. Border Patrol jurisdiction with the exception of individuals with a serious medical condition which would inhibit their ability to participate in the legal proceedings. Individuals that have unlawfully reentered the United States, were removed or departed voluntarily while under an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, or those convicted of one or more aggravated felonies shall be excluded from this pilot program.\r\nWithin approximately 1 to 3 days of being encountered between the ports of entry at a selected pilot location, U.S. Border Patrol should conduct detailed, fair and accurate interviews with the participants regarding their reasons for coming to the United States. U.S. Border Patrol should have access to adequate translation services to ensure effective communication. Family member units that do not claim fear and therefore are not referred for a credible fear screening will be subject to immediate, expedited removal to their home country.\r\nFamily member units that do claim fear will be told they will receive a credible fear interview after at least a 48-hour waiting period that the participant can waive, and will be provided with Form M-444 describing the credible fear process and a list of pro bono legal counsel. If migrants do not speak English, Form M-444 shall be provided to the family unit in their native language or language of fluency. DHS officials shall confirm that the migrants comprehend the information provided.\r\nWithin approximately 4 days of being encountered between ports of entry, family units (including both parents if encountered together as a family unit, unless doing so would be contrary to the well-being of the family) should be processed and receive a medical exam within 12 hours of arrival at the appropriate facility; children must be screened by a pediatrician, pediatrician physician assistant, pediatric nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse who has access to the facility at all times. Family units shall be provided fair access to available non-governmental attorneys or waive access within 48 hours.\r\nAs soon as possible, but within approximately 9 days after being encountered, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Asylum Officers shall conduct a credible fear interview, prioritizing in-person interviews as resources allow. Adequate translation services shall be provided to all family units and no interviews shall be conducted without appropriate translation services. The initial interview by the U.S. Border Patrol shall be considered by the asylum officer, but is not by itself determinative.\r\nWithin approximately 1 day of the credible fear interview, the credible fear interview determination should be transmitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice.\r\nThe Department of Justice should ensure prompt and complete review of any negative credible fear determination requested by a family unit within approximately 2 to 4 days of receiving the file. The initial interview by the U.S. Border Patrol shall be considered by the immigration judge, but is not by itself determinative.\r\nWithin approximately 15 days after being encountered, the Department of Homeland Security should remove family units whose negative credible fear determinations are affirmed by the immigration judge.\r\nFamily units who are found to have a credible fear during the process will be referred for removal proceedings, which include an opportunity to file an asylum claim, and shall be enrolled in an alternatives to detention program as resources allow, unless an individual presents a danger to persons or property, are a threat to the national security, or pose a risk of flight.\r\nThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs weekly about the Department's ability to meet the specified removal timeframes.\r\nThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall work with appropriate consulate offices to ensure the expedited processing of travel documentation for those to be removed.\r\nSignificant modifications to this process should be made in consultation with the committee.\r\n \r\nThe Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice in consultation with the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs should develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of Operation Safe Return and share the data on a weekly basis with Congress. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, working with your agencies and this committee, should carry out a review and analysis of Operation Safe Return concurrent with its implementation.\r\nThank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Kennedy on Chairman Johnson's staff and Eric Bursch on Senator Sinema's staff.\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-named-co-chair-ways-means-committee-s-rural-and-underserved", "Rep. Sewell Named Co-Chair of Ways & Means Committees Rural and Underserved Communities Health Task Force", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  The Ways and Means Committee announced the creation of the Rural and Underserved Communities Health Task Force this week. The bipartisan task force will convene members and experts to discuss the challenges of delivering health care in rural and underserved areas and explore holistic policy options that could improve outcomes and care in those communities.\nRep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) will lead the new effort. The group plans to hold its first meeting on Thursday, July 25.\nIn the wealthiest nation in the world, it shouldn't matter where you live or how much money you make  every American should have universal access to quality, affordable health care. I am honored to be a part of the House Ways and Means Committee's new bipartisan Rural and Underserved Health Task Force. The health access and quality issues that plague rural and underserved communities will not solve themselves over night. I look forward to working with the task force and Chairman Neal to tackle these issues and advance meaningful and transformative policies that improve medical access and address health disparities in rural and underserved communities like those I represent, said Rep. Sewell.\nI am proud to co-chair this important, bipartisan task force with three other Members of the Ways and Means Committee to examine effective policies and programs to remove barriers to receiving quality health care for citizens in all areas of our country, said Rep. Davis.\nAs a doctor representing both rural and underserved areas in Congress, I know that rural patients are lacking access to medical providers. I am eager to work together to find bipartisan solutions that improve the access, quality, and cost of health care in our rural areas, said Rep. Wenstrup, D.P.M.\nThere is no question that our country is facing a serious crisis in ensuring that rural Americans have the same access to quality care and medical services as their urban and suburban counterparts, with over 90 rural hospitals closing their doors in the past three years, including two in my District in the last year alone. That is why, now more than ever, it is critical we develop sustainable solutions to support those living in America's breadbasket and energy basin so that we, as a nation, can continue to maintain a safe, affordable and abundant supply of food and energy, said Rep. Arrington.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-doug-jones-and-tim-scott-urge-usda-to-immediately-implement-heirs-property-provisions-secured-in-2018-farm-bill-", "Senators Doug Jones and Tim Scott Urge USDA to Immediately Implement Heirs\u2019 Property Provisions Secured in 2018 Farm Bill", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) are urging the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to immediately implement provisions in the 2018 Farm Bill that would benefit owners of heirs' property. Heirs' property is land that has been informally passed down within families, often for several generations, and can often lead to legal complications and prevent landowners from qualifying for federal assistance.\r\nThe letter focuses on a provision that would allow heirs' property owners to obtain USDA farm numbers and gain fair access to the department's programs, removing a significant barrier to federal resources that African-American farmers and ranchers have long faced. Senators Jones and Scott introduced that legislation, the Fair Access for Farmers and Ranchers Act (S.3117), last year and were successful in their efforts to include it in the recent farm bill.\r\nHeirs' property overwhelmingly impacts African-American land ownership, of which 60 percent is projected to be heirs' property. Because a significant portion of U.S. minority-owned rural land was passed down through generations as heirs property, often without a legal title, these farmers and ranchers have been unable to obtain farm numbers and subsequent access to a multitude of USDA programs, the senators wrote.\r\nThe inability to participate in USDA programs has not only contributed to a startling negative trend in African-American land ownership but has also hindered African-American farmers and ranchers from experiencing economic equality, the letter continues. As representatives of states that are largely considered to be ground zero for this issue, timely and efficient implementation is paramount for heirs' property owners.\r\nThe letter also calls for USDA to follow through with a farm bill-mandated study about the impact of unresolved legal issues have on the ability of heirs' property owners to operate their farms and ranches.\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter can be found below and here.\r\n  July 18, 2019\r\nThe Honorable Sonny Perdue\r\nSecretary of Agriculture  U.S. Department of Agriculture  1400 Independence Avenue, SW  Washington, DC 20250\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\nWe write to urge you to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expeditiously implement a key provision in the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (PL 115-334): Sec. 12615 Eligibility for Operators on Heirs' Property Land to Obtain a Farm Number by Developing Official Directives to be Used by Field Offices. Specifically, this provision ensures fair access to USDA programs for farmers and ranchers operating on land with undivided interests, thereby bolstering rural land value and leveling the playing field for countless minority farmers and ranchers who have been locked out of our federal support programs for far too long.\r\nHeirs' property overwhelmingly impacts African-American land ownership, of which 60 percent is projected to be heirs' property. Because a significant portion of U.S. minority-owned rural land was passed down through generations as heirs property, often without a legal title, these farmers and ranchers have been unable to obtain farm numbers and subsequent access to a multitude of USDA programs. The inability to participate in USDA programs has not only contributed to a startling negative trend in African-American land ownership but has also hindered African-American farmers and ranchers from experiencing economic equality. As representatives of states that are largely considered to be ground zero for this issue, timely and efficient implementation is paramount for heirs' property owners.\r\nIn addition, Section 12607 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 authorized USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service to study the various ways in which unresolved land tenure issues preclude heirs' property interest holders from successfully operating farms and ranches. Proper implementation of this provision will finally provide us with critical data deciphering the challenges still facing some of our nation's most vulnerable agricultural producers.\r\nThank you for your time and attention to this matter, we look forward to your response.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nDoug Jones Tim Scott\r\nUnited States Senator United States Senator\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-intelligence-authorization-act", "House Passes Intelligence Authorization Act", "2019-07-17", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019 and 2020 to authorize funding and enable comprehensive congressional oversight of elements of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). The bill includes key provisions aimed at understanding and countering Russian and other foreign interference in U.S. and foreign elections, countering domestic terrorism and adapting the IC to operate in a strategic environment of rapid technological change, among other important provisions.\nAlso included in the IAA are provisions authored by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), chair of the Intelligence Subcommittee on Defense and Warfighter Support, aimed at improving federal campaign election security and improving the IC's ability to attract and retain a diverse workforce.\nWhen it comes to securing our elections, nothing less than our democracy is at stake. The Intelligence Community agrees that unless the United States acts, Russia and others will continue to attack our elections, Sewell said. Providing our federal campaigns and the public with the knowledge and resources to best protect themselves from cyber-attacks is a commonsense step to protect the integrity of our elections.\nThis legislation also continues the Committee's longstanding and bipartisan work to promote increased diversity within the Intelligence Community's workforce, Sewell continued. Today's bill directs the Intelligence Community to expand its annual demographic hiring report by adding grade level, years of service, career category, gender identity and sexual orientation reporting categories. This change will improve the IC's ability to track how well it retains and promotes employees with diverse backgrounds.\nSewell's campaign security provision would require the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to work with the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to make available an advisory report on foreign counter-intelligence and cybersecurity threats to election campaigns for federal offices. Additionally, it would require the DNI work jointly to publish a summary of best practices that federal campaigns can employ to counter such threats.\nIn the event that Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis jointly determine that a federal election campaign is subject to a heightened foreign counterintelligence or cybersecurity threat, the provision would allow them to make available additional information to those campaigns to help thwart outside interference.\nThe IAA now heads to the Senate for consideration.\nVideo of Sewell's floor remarks on the IAA is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-6-million-federal-grant-local-re-entry-programs", "Rep. Sewell Announces $6 Million Federal Grant for Local Re-Entry Programs", "2019-07-17", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM, AL  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $6 million in federal grant funding to the Dannon Project. The Dannon Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Birmingham, Alabama, helps non-violent offenders who have been involved in the criminal justice system with re-entry, by providing valuable resources such as short-term training, certifications, job placement and case management, beginning six months prior to release. The grant money will be allocated to two distinct programs, with $4.5 million going to the Re-entry Project for Young Adults and $1.5 million going to Re-entry for Adults in Birmingham and Montgomery.\n\nThe Dannon Project is a truly invaluable resource to the community that works to fill in the gaps left by the criminal justice system by providing practical resources and networking opportunities to our most at-risk community members, so that they have a real chance to build better lives for themselves and their families, Sewell said. I know that the Dannon Project will put this money to good use to provide hundreds of Alabamians with the tools necessary to thrive in the Birmingham and Montgomery communities.\n\nThe Re-entry Project for Young Adults, which received $4.5 million, supports men and women age 18-24 in targeted low-income areas in Jefferson County and the City of Montgomery who are currently or previously justice-involved or who have dropped out of high school. A projected 563 participants will be impacted. The Re-entry Program for Adults, which received $1.5 million, supports recently incarcerated (within the last 180 days) men and women age 25 and older in targeted low-income areas of Birmingham and Jefferson County.\n\nThe Dannon Project is thankful to receive these awards and for the opportunity to make an impact in each of these communities, said Dannon Project Executive Director KerriPruitt. Under both programs, enrolled participants will have the option to follow one or more of three job training tracks: Industry-Recognized Credentials; Pre-Apprenticeship; or Career Pathways. The first two opportunities focus on training and job placement in employment sectors predicted to have the greatest job growth and/or high demand for skilled workers within the major industries of Birmingham's regional economy. The third option, Career Pathways, will focus on facilitating participants' enrollment at post-secondary institutions to attain educational credentials for their desired areas of employment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-host-8th-annual-job-fair-selma-al-august-8", "Rep. Sewell to Host 8th Annual Job Fair in Selma, AL on August 8", "2019-07-16", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  \n\tJuly 16, 2019\n\nCONTACT:\nEllen Gomory\nEllen.Gomory@mail.house.gov\n(205) 254-1960\n\nRep. Sewell to Host 8th Annual Job Fair in Selma, AL on August 8\n\nSELMA, AL U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) will host her 8th Annual Job Fair at Wallace Community College Selma in Selma, AL on August 8, 2019. The Annual Job Fair is a chance for Rep. Sewell to bring employers and job seekers together, increasing opportunity and future economic development across the 7th Congressional District.\n\nOur annual Job Fair is one of the most important events that we host all year,said Rep. Sewell.This year, we return to the Black Belt to host our 8th Annual Job Fair. Each year we alternate between urban and rural parts of the district and this year I'm excited to be returning to my home town of Selma.\n\nI am deeply committed to providing greater economic opportunities to all of my constituents, especially those in the Black Belt, and a key component to that begins with the dignity of a job, said Rep. Sewell.We are thrilled to connect job seekers with over 70 employers from 13 industry sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, automotive, healthcare and state and local government. I remain committed to helping all of my constituents access the resources they need to secure better economic opportunities.\n\nDETAILS for 8th Annual Job Fair in Selma, AL:\n\nThursday, August 8, 2019\nWhat: 8th Annual Job Fair\nWhere: Wallace Community College Selma; 3000 Earl Goodwin Pkwy, Selma, AL\nWhen: 10:00 a.m.  2:00 p.m.\n\nThe 8th Annual Job Fair in Selma, AL is free to the public. \n\nPre-registration is strongly encouraged. \n\nThis year's job fair will feature over 70 employers including Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc., Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Regions Bank, the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, the State of Alabama Personnel Department, Vaughan Regional Medical Center, the Alabama Department of Corrections, Bush Hog, Coca Cola Bottling Company United, Inc., Tekpak Inc., Austal USA, GD Copper, Alabama Power and many others. The Annual Job Fair reflects Rep. Sewell's ongoing commitment to increasing opportunity and growth across the Black Belt and the entire 7thDistrict. The Annual Job Fair is Rep. Sewell's largest constituent event of the year.\n\n\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-senator-doug-jones-commemorates-the-50th-anniversary-of-the-apollo-11-mission-and-alabamas-role-in-the-historic-mission", "VIDEO: Senator Doug Jones Commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission and Alabama\u2019s Role in the Historic Mission", "2019-07-16", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today spoke on the Senate floor to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and Alabama's vital role in making the mission a success.\r\nIt was a remarkable feat made possible by the sheer determination and grit of the American space program and all of those who participated in it, Senator Jones said of the 1969 lunar landing. It was a unifying time. It was a unifying force at a time when America needed it.\r\nWe're still building on this legacy in space in Huntsville, Alabama, Senator Jones continued. And we're going to inspire a new generation and more generations to come of Alabamians and Americans -- people all across this country -- to reach even loftier heights.\r\nAlabama played a crucial role in our country's effort to land on the Moon. The effort to build Saturn V, the rocket that launched the Apollo 11 mission, was led by Werhner von Braun out of Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The success of Apollo 11 gave Huntsville national attention for its role in the Moon landing  earning the city the nickname the Rocket City. Today, a replica of the Saturn V rocket stands outside the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.\r\nSenator Jones secured millions of dollars in funding for space projects based in Alabama in the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the Senate in June. He has also been an advocate for the U.S. Department of Defense to choose Huntsville as headquarters for the new Space Command mission.\r\nVideo of his remarks is available here.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-2019-congressional-app-challenge", "Rep. Sewell Announces 2019 Congressional App Challenge", "2019-07-12", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Terri Sewell", "S001185", "sewell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BIRMINGHAM, AL  U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) is thrilled to participate in the 2019 Congressional App Challenge which is now open to middle and high school registrants throughout Alabama's 7th Congressional District. Registrants in Alabama will compete with students across the country, encouraging increased engagement in computer science and STEM. Winners will receive prizes, recognition and an invitation to #HouseOfCode a springtime computer science fair and reception in Washington, D.C. Registration for the Congressional App Challenge ends November 1, 2019.\nI love this challenge because it encourages creativity and allows students to enhance their skills in science, technology, engineering, and math, Sewell said. Today's economy is constantly evolving to reflect new advancements in technology. Encouraging students to learn coding and computer science early is crucial if we want them to remain competitive. It is always inspiring to see what students from the 7th District develop and I can't wait to see the new and innovative ideas this year's students will submit.\nThe contest is designed to encourage all applicants to participate, not only those with an advanced understanding of coding. For that reason, the judging criteria is intentionally broad. Apps are rated based on participants' understanding of computer programming skills; the quality of the idea; and the application of the idea.\nLast year's winners from the 7th Congressional District, Alexis Perry, Corbyn Boyd and Diante Thomas of Hudson Middle School designed an app called Snackable,\" which allows students to purchase snacks from their school to help fundraise for various school activities, including R.B. Hudson's Robotics Club.\nInterested applicants can register now at www.congressionalappchallenge.us.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-senator-doug-jones-applauds-house-passage-of-the-widows-tax-elimination-act-of-2019", "Senator Doug Jones Applauds House Passage of the Widow\u2019s Tax Elimination Act of 2019", "2019-07-12", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "AL", "Doug Jones", "J000300", "www.jones.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -- Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today released the statement below on the news that the House of Representatives has passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which included his bipartisan legislation to eliminate the Military Widow's Tax.\r\nSenator Jones has continuously engaged his House counterparts at the leadership and committee level to ensure support for the legislation and its inclusion in the House version of the NDAA.\r\nBy passing this bill, the House of Representatives has taken an important step forward toward eliminating the Military Widow's Tax once and for all. It's long past time that Congress does its duty to these families and repeals this unfair law, said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure this bill makes it in to the final defense bill so we can finally get this done for our Gold Star families.\r\nThe bill now heads to conference committee, where the discrepancies in the Senate and House versions of the bills will be reconciled. The conference bill will then need final approval in both the Senate and the House before it can go to the President to be signed into law.\r\nLegislation to repeal the Military Widow's Tax has been repeatedly introduced in the Senate over the past 18 years, but has reached an unprecedented level of support under Senator Jones's leadership. With Senator Jones as the lead sponsor, the bill has earned a record-high of 75 cosponsors in the Senate.\r\nIf signed into law, this legislation will repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 65,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation are forced to take prorated annuities from the Survivors Benefits Plan, even though they elected to pay into the program.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 284, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "AL", "p2": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 284, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 284, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "AL", "label": "AL", "count": 284, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 284, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-07-12,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ejones~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2F-senator-doug-jones-applauds-house-passage-of-the-widows-tax-elimination-act-of-2019", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=AL&year=2019&_next=2019-07-12%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ejones~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2F-senator-doug-jones-applauds-house-passage-of-the-widows-tax-elimination-act-of-2019&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 136.30136009305716, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}