{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"AL\" and year = 2011 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-applauds-administrations-decision-protect-north-alabama-jobs", "Aderholt Applauds Administration's Decision to Protect North Alabama Jobs", "2011-12-29", "2011", "2011-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 29, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, anne_marie.malecha@mail.house.gov or 202.841.0796\n\nAderholt Applauds Administration\u2019s Decision to Protect North Alabama Jobs\n\nChanges to GSP Trade Provision Ensure Manufacturing Jobs Can Remain in the U.S.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement after the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a common-sense policy fix to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP):\n\n\u201cThe changes to GSP announced today, bring great news for jobs in the state of Alabama,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cAmerican sleeping bag manufacturers like Exxel Outdoors, who have struggled with the uncertainty of whether they can continue to afford to do business within the United States, no longer face that fear.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor months Americans have been looking to Washington to allow businesses to retain and create jobs through deregulation and balanced trade agreements that level the playing field for American businesses to compete. Fixing GSP is a great way to start.\"\n\n\"GSP is not just some abstract trade law that affects companies overseas, but an important trade policy that affects jobs right here in North Alabama and allows for companies like Exxel to return good paying jobs back to the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn today's global economy, trade is important to economic growth and success. However, a loophole in GSP has been hurting American sleeping bag manufactures, until today. GSP was designed to be a mutually beneficial trade program between the US and friendly developing nations, and was specifically intended to not harm U.S. domestic manufacturing.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:13:05Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-introduces-rural-postal-service-preservation-act", "Aderholt Introduces Rural Postal Service Preservation Act", "2011-12-21", "2011", "2011-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Introduces Rural Postal Service Preservation Act\n\nLegislation Would Ensure the United States Postal Service Continues Delivery Service to Rural Regions\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement after introducing H.R. 3744, the Rural Service Preservation Act in the United States House of Representatives:\n\n\u201cAs the United States Postal Service\u2019s financial picture continues to grow dim and options of reform are being discussed, I along with so many across the nation are increasingly concerned about the prospect of the postal service ending delivery to rural regions,\u201d said Aderholt.\n\n\u201cAs the postal service looks for reform and cost-cutting solutions, I believe rural Americans should not be singled out for postal cuts. To make sure that does not happen, I\u2019ve introduced legislation that would ensure rural delivery continues and directs the postal service not to target rural postal employees for buy-out retirements.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation is vital to the many rural communities of North Alabama and elsewhere across the country. I hope that my colleagues join me in recognizing the importance of this issue to America\u2019s rural regions and support H.R. 3744,\u201d concluded Aderholt.\n\nDetails of H.R. 3744\n\nEnsures that the current level of postal delivery service continue for five years from enactment.\n\nRequires any buy-out used to cut workforce of postal employees be apportioned 10% rural 90% urban.\n\nRequires that any postal office closures also be made in the same 10% rural, 90% urban differential.\n\nDefines rural areas with reference to the most recent decennial census and definitions of \u201crural\u201d from the 2002 and 2008 Farm bills.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:13:05Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-supports-fiscal-year-2012-conference-report", "Aderholt Supports Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report", "2011-12-16", "2011", "2011-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Supports Fiscal Year 2012 Conference Report\n\nReport Includes Responsible Spending Levels, Calls for Hard Hitting Oversight and Provides Vital Disaster Relief\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the House Committee on Appropriations, today released the following statement in support of the fiscal year (FY) 2012 Conference Report:\n\n\u201cThis Appropriations report was forged out of a very open and transparent debate,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cI am proud to have worked with my colleagues to forge a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that reduces discretionary spending by nearly $94 billion since fiscal year 2010, prevents a potential government shutdown, supports critical domestic programs, reins in government overreach, and puts our nation on a fiscally responsible path, creating a better environment for economic growth and private sector job creation.\u201d\n\n\u201cHomeland security and fiscal discipline are both clear national priorities. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I am pleased to say this report includes critical funding for the Department of Homeland Security, while recognizing that more government and more spending does not necessarily equal more security. It cuts discretionary funding for the Department by $2 billion since fiscal year 2011, prioritizes taxpayers\u2019 limited dollars toward vital security programs, includes meaningful, hard-hitting oversight and provides $8.1 billion for disaster relief across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithin this Appropriations report funding priority is given to frontline operations, including supporting the highest-ever staffing levels for Border Patrol agents, CBP officers and ICE agents. It also funds and provides statutory direction to ICE to maintain a daily detention bed capacity of 34,000 beds, the highest ever in history, to strengthen immigration enforcement and increase removals.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis agreement includes a total of $8.1 billion for disaster recovery efforts and fully funds FEMA\u2019s disaster relief requirements for FY12. This will ensure devastated areas like Joplin, Missouri, numerous flooded communities along the Mississippi River and East Coast, and tornado-ravaged towns in my home state of Alabama will get the full assistance they need to rebuild and get back on their feet,\u201d concluded Aderholt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:13:05Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-middle-class-tax-relief-and-job-creation-act", "Aderholt Statement on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act", "2011-12-13", "2011", "2011-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 13, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Statement on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act\n\nLegislation Cuts Spending, Protects Social Security, Improves Medicare Payments for Doctors, Reforms Unemployment Insurance and Includes Key Job Creation Initiatives\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement in support of H.R. 3060, the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011:\n\n\u201cOver the past year House Republicans have passed more than 25 measures to help America\u2019s job creators, however at nearly every turn Democrat leadership in the Senate has blocked these efforts to reverse burdensome regulations and create an environment for sustainable private-sector job growth,\u201d said Aderholt.\n\n\u201cThis nonsense has gone on long enough. It is time that Congress protect American workers and job creators from further tax increase, job killing regulations and put an end to wasteful Washington spending. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act, does just that. This legislation protects all workers from facing a tax increase in January and does so without borrowing from the Social Security trust fund. Our nation\u2019s seniors and future generations should not be left to foot the bill of the Obama Administration\u2019s failed economic policies.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation further protects the Social Security trust fund by freezing pay for government workers, including members of Congress. It also reforms programs in an effort to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the economy fights to recover, it\u2019s important to continue opening the doors for job creation. This bill directly supports measures that will ultimately aid in the creation of private sector jobs, such as the Keystone XL energy pipeline and blocks the EPA\u2019s job destroying Boiler MACT regulations. Additionally, this legislation addresses the need for reform in our nation\u2019s existing Unemployment Insurance program. Recognizing unemployment services should focus on helping Americans get back to work, the bill uses a two-step process to gradually reduce the number of weeks Unemployment Insurance recipients can receive benefits without finding gainful employment from 99 to 59 weeks, a common sense level that is in line with past recessions and economic downturns.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the past decade, Congress has been operating Medicare\u2019s \u201cdoc fix\u201d payment policy just a few months at a time, providing great uncertainty for Doctors serving patients with Medicare. This legislation includes a two-year doc fix, providing physicians greater stability and paves the way for a permanent solution. Also included with this provision are program updates to further reduce waste, fraud and abuse, as well as a repeal of $8 billion in funding mandated by ObamaCare.\u201d\n\n\u201cBecause Washington must stop spending money our country simply does not have, House Republicans have fully offset the costs of this bill with real, common sense spending cuts. I hope the Senate and the Administration finally answer American\u2019s call to action and swiftly pass this bill,\u201d concluded Aderholt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:13:05Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-supports-farm-dust-regulation-prevention-act", "Aderholt Supports Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act", "2011-12-08", "2011", "2011-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 8, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Supports Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act\n\nLegislation Provides Regulatory Certainty for America\u2019s Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Businesses\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement in support of H.R. 1633, the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act:\n\n\u201cFarming and Agriculture are cornerstones of our nation\u2019s history and our economy,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cBurdensome regulations from the EPA and other bureaucratic red tape are hindering our nation\u2019s farmers ability to provide for their families and America\u2019s food needs. In these already tough economic times, we must carefully scrutinize regulations and what their real world affects will be, before they are implemented. I am pleased to be a supporter of this common sense legislation that will reduce the regulatory burden on farmers, ranchers and rural businesses, without compromising environmental standards in the short and long term.\u201d\n\nH.R. 1633 would temporarily prohibit the EPA from issuing any new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for dust, for at least one year, providing greater certainty to Alabama farmers. The legislation would also limit regulation of nuisance dust areas to where it is not already regulated under state, tribal or local law when nuisance dust causes substantial adverse effects and where benefits of federal regulation outweigh the costs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:13:05Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-fccs-latest-move-proposed-attt-mobile-usa-merger-demonstrates", "Aderholt: The FCC's Latest Move in the Proposed AT&T/T-Mobile USA Merger Demonstrates Yet Another Disconnect Between Administration and the Need for Job Creation", "2011-11-25", "2011", "2011-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 25, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt: The FCC\u2019s Latest Move in the Proposed AT&T/T-Mobile USA Merger Demonstrates Yet Another Disconnect Between Administration and the Need for Job Creation\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement regarding the proposed merger between AT&T and T-Mobile:\n\n\u201cWhile the Obama Administration\u2019s $1.17 trillion stimulus package and failed Solyndra loans clearly demonstrated that the government cannot create jobs,\" said Aderholt. \"The FCC and DOJ are demonstrating that the federal government actually can eliminate them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when millions of Americans are looking for work, it appears that the Administration is looking to stifle job creation in one of the few industry sectors we\u2019re ahead. The record is clear that this merger will allow an American company to purchase a foreign owned company that would create jobs here in the U.S. building and operating the new high-speed, nation-wide wireless broadband network and opening the way for everyone to have access to high-speed wireless broadband, including in rural areas like my district.\u201d\n\n\u201cJust last week the FCC stated that the expansion of high-speed broadband would add 500,000 new jobs across the country, and now they have inexplicably moved to try to block a merger that would generate up to 96,000 new jobs from AT&T\u2019s direct investment alone.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing funding for national commerce and justice-related programs, we should be constantly looking for ways to facilitate cost-effective investment in critical infrastructure to spur job creation and advance America\u2019s global competitiveness, and this merger would accomplish both without costing the taxpayers a dime.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe FCC\u2019s order would condemn Americans to staying in an era of slower speeds, slower deployments of this revolutionary technology, and fewer jobs. While all mergers must be reviewed I think the Administration should rethink this decision and encourage the investment in high-speed wireless broadband, not deter investment by throwing up roadblocks,\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:58Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-super-committee-progress", "Aderholt Statement on Super Committee Progress", "2011-11-21", "2011", "2011-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 21, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Statement on Super Committee Progress\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement as the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the \u201cSuper Committee,\u201d meets before the impending November 23rd deadline:\n\n\u201cThe goal of the Super Committee is simple, reign in wasteful Washington spending and start chipping away at our nation\u2019s $15 trillion debt, so that our children and grandchildren will have the same economic opportunities we did,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cSadly, it looks like that will not happen. Failure by the Super Committee to reach an agreement will be a clear indication of the continued stalemate in Washington and further evidence some Democrats still do not recognize Washington does not have a revenue problem, Washington has a spending problem.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Democrats may blame the failure of the Super Committee on Conservatives unwillingness to raise taxes, the dismal unemployment numbers and failed bailouts and stimulus of the past three years are clear proof we must put an end to Washington\u2019s revolving door of debt, by cutting spending. Our economy is finally showing faint signs of economic recovery, we must capitalize on that momentum. Although there will be disappointment and concern if an agreement is unable to be reached, I am proud my colleagues continue to stand their ground and are fighting to not raise taxes on hardworking Alabama families and small businesses.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the past three years alone, the national debt has increased a staggering 34 percent, under the current Administration. The federal government cannot continue borrowing 42 cents of every dollar spent and expect our economy to turn around. And although it is clear House Republicans may not be able to undo all the damage done, including the many burdensome regulatory and job crushing policies put in place by the Administration over the last three years, I can assure you that House Republican continue to fight tirelessly to try reverse these burdensome regulations and put forth pro-active policies that promote economic growth and private-sector job creation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:58Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-supports-balanced-budget-amendment", "Aderholt Supports Balanced Budget Amendment", "2011-11-18", "2011", "2011-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Supports Balanced Budget Amendment\n\nOpportunity to End to Washington\u2019s Spending Binge, Grow America\u2019s Economy and Create Jobs\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement in support of H.J. Res. 2, the Balanced Budget Amendment:\n\n\u201cFor the first 140 years of our nation\u2019s history, except during times of war, the federal government operated a balanced budget,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cHowever, in 1934 things began to change. Since then, the federal government has only had 12 balanced budgets, resulting in a $15 trillion national debt.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Alabama families and small business continue to tighten their belts and live within their means, the federal government is borrowing 42 cents of every dollar spent. Washington is in a spending-driven debt crisis and a balanced budget amendment would require Washington to live within its means from here on out, no excuses, no gimmicks.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the past three years alone the national debt has increased a staggering 34 percent. If our economy is to recover and grow, our nation\u2019s small businesses are to create sustainable private-sector jobs and our children and grandchildren are to have a prosperous future, the buck must stop here. I am proud to cosponsor this vital legislation and look forward to its passage,\u201d concluded Aderholt.\n\nBill Highlights:\n\nRequires the President\u2019s budget submission be balanced;\n\nRequires a super majority 3/5 vote for total spending for any fiscal year that exceeds total revenue;\n\nRequires a super majority 3/5 vote for any future debt limit increase;\n\nRequires a majority vote for any tax increase; and\n\nIncludes a waiver for war.\n\nThis resolution currently has 242 bipartisan cosponsors also previously passed the House of Representatives in 1995 with 300 bipartisan votes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:58Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-supports-fy12-mini-bus", "Aderholt Supports FY12 Mini-Bus", "2011-11-17", "2011", "2011-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation Includes Support for NASA\u2019s SLS Rocket, Disaster Relief Funding and Provides $7 Billion in Spending Cuts\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), released the following statement in support of the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture; Commerce, Justice and Science; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bills and Continuing Resolution, keeping the government in operation until December 16, 2011:\n\n\u201cThis legislation, also known as the mini-bus, is another step in the right direction of reigning in wasteful spending and getting our economy back on track,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cThis mini-bus fulfills what we have promised: it cuts discretionary spending for the second year running and establishes much needed priorities. Given the state of the economy, now more than ever, it is imperative to institute responsible spending levels, creating a better environment for economic growth and private sector job creation.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased to say that North Alabama is not left out of this spending bill as there is an increase of $60 million in FY12 for the development of the SLS rocket, for a total of $1.86 billion. In addition the bill requires quarterly reports on the SLS project from NASA Headquarters. Specifically this provision limits spending on infrastructure and requires NASA demonstrate sufficient progress on the SLS project, before receiving all commercial crew funding. The continued development of the SLS rocket is a critical to human spaceflight and exploration and important to Alabama\u2019s economy and I look forward to continuing to work on this project,\u201d concluded Aderholt.\n\nBill Highlights:\n\nResponsible Funding Levels \u2013 The bill provides responsible funding for integral federal agencies and departments, maintaining the critical services and programs our citizens rely on. These programs facilitate public safety and health, improve our infrastructure, protect our most vulnerable citizens, and help grow our economy.\n\nThe conference agreement for the three bills upholds the overall regular base discretionary level of $1.043 trillion as agreed to in the Budget Control Act (BCA). This funding level is a decrease of $7 billion from last year, and represents a savings of $93 billion compared to the President\u2019s request.\n\nImportant Policy Items \u2013 This Conference Report contains important policy items that will discourage government overreach in the daily lives of Americans, provide better oversight on the use of precious taxpayer dollars, protect our citizens and our homeland, and tighten the reins on harmful, job?killing federal regulations that make it harder for employers to create jobs. Some of these items include:\n\n- Bolstering Trade and Job Creation \u2013 The report includes language to bolster U.S. trade and strengthen the marketplace, including language encouraging free trade agreements, manufacturing growth, a better import-export trade balance, and repatriation to bring jobs back to the U.S.\n\n- Deportation Funding \u2013 The report provides additional funding for judges to expedite deportation hearings of illegal immigrants.\n\n- \u201cGIPSA\u201d Rule \u2013 The report places restrictions on the implementation of a proposed rule by the Grain Inspection and Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) that would have allowed harmful government interference in the private market for livestock and poultry.\n\n- Second Amendment Rights \u2013 The conference agreement includes numerous provisions that protect the right to keep and bear arms. Three of these protections are made permanent beginning in FY 2012. These three provisions prohibit Department of Justice (DOJ) from consolidating firearms sales records, electronically retrieving the records of former firearms dealers, and maintaining information on persons who have passed firearms background checks. In addition, the conference agreement contains numerous one-year firearms protections, and new language prohibiting DOJ from requiring imported shotguns to meet a \"sporting purposes\" test.\n\n- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Oversight \u2013 The Conference Report includes new oversight reforms at HUD, including: oversight reports on how community development program funds are used, reforms to the mismanaged HOME Investment Partnerships Program, required reports on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse; a 37.5% funding cut for the mismanaged HOME Investment Partnerships Program; and no funding for the unauthorized \u201cSustainable Communities\u201d program.\n\n- Gitmo - The report continues provisions related to Guantanamo Bay \u2013 including a prohibition on the transfer or release of any detainee into the U.S., and a prohibition on the acquisition or construction of any new prison to house detainees.\n\n- Federal Home Loan Reform \u2013 The bill does not increase the maximum loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These entities have been under public scrutiny for their questionable businesses practices and use of billions in federal bailout funds, some of which have been used for extravagant management bonuses. The bill limits the increase in the conforming loan limits to only the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), which is subject to greater congressional scrutiny and oversight.\n\n- Climate Change \u2013 The conference agreement does NOT include funding to establish a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Service. The Administration requested $322 million to establish this new entity within NOAA.\n\nDisaster Funding \u2013 Numerous major natural disasters this year have cost states and communities billions \u2013 requiring historic levels of relief and recovery assistance. Federal agencies are receiving relief requests from nearly every state, and it is critical that Congress provide necessary funds to help families, businesses, and communities recover from these devastating disasters.\n\nAfter close scrutiny of disaster funding needs within the Departments of Transportation, Commerce, and Agriculture, the Conference Report provides $2.3 billion in disaster relief funding for these agencies \u2013approximately $850 million less than the Senate-passed legislation. These funds will be used solely for recovery related to natural disasters and catastrophes and will not grow the underlying budget or size of these agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:58Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-administrations-approval-nationwide-christmas-tree", "Aderholt Statement on Administration's Approval of Nationwide Christmas Tree Tax", "2011-11-09", "2011", "2011-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "USDA Approval of Christmas Tree Tax Reveals Concern About the Administration\u2019s Continued Tax-and-Spend Policies\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today released the following statement in wake of the Administration\u2019s approval of a new 15 cent on all Christmas trees, that is slated to pay for a nationwide, government sponsored ad campaign to promote the benefits of live Christmas trees:\n\n\u201cThe federal government in the midst of the worst budgetary situation in recent history and while Congress looks to make $1.2 trillion in critical spending cuts and implement policies promoting private-sector job growth, the Administration\u2019s new Christmas tree tax and ad campaign is clear evidence of misaligned and misguided priorities in Washington,\u201d said Aderholt.\n\n\u201cAs the House continues to fight for additional spending cuts and free-market solutions, the Administration is once again challenging American liberty and now defaming the real meaning and spirit of Christmas. The size and role of government has already grown to epic proportions over recent years and the Administration\u2019s use of the holidays to promote their goals of increased government intervention and a tax-and-spend agenda is simply unacceptable,\u201d concluded Aderholt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:58Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-floor-statment-god-we-trust", "Aderholt Floor Statment: In God We Trust", "2011-11-01", "2011", "2011-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution reaffirming ``In God We Trust'' as the official motto of the United States of America.\n\nThe motto is more than just a slogan. It defines the sentiments, I believe, of the Founding Fathers. While they never intended there to be an official state religion, they fully endorsed the idea of the acknowledgement of God.\n\nFrom the opening of each day in the House and in the Senate with prayer, to the private prayers of the individual Founders, the Founders indeed did put their trust in God. I believe they knew in their hearts that God had a special place for the United States of America and this new Nation.\n\nAnd while they knew that a Christian and godly Nation could never be achieved by any legislation that Congress could pass, they knew it was the people of the Nation who would individually receive God in their hearts for this to be truly a godly Nation.\n\nSo today, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution that's before us reaffirming our motto ``In God We Trust.''", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:58Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-announces-fourth-congressional-district-ag-and-industry-tour", "Aderholt Announces Fourth Congressional District Ag and Industry Tour", "2011-10-26", "2011", "2011-10", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Announces Fourth Congressional District Ag and Industry Tour\n\nTwelfth Annual Event Showcases Business in Cullman and Walker Counties\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced the dates and locations for the twelfth annual Fourth Congressional District Agriculture and Industry Tour. Taking place on Thursday, November 10th and Friday, November 11th the event will highlight businesses in Cullman and Walker Counties of Alabama.\n\nAmong the business and sites Congressman Aderholt and tour participants will visit are: in Cullman, Cullman Cabinet and Supply, Gold Vine Farms and Stone Bridge Farms; in Jasper, Smith Dam and Hydroelectric Facility; in Bremen, HH Technologies; and in Hanceville, the Burrow Museum for the Fine and Performing Arts at Wallace State Community College.\n\n\u201cNorth Alabama\u2019s various industries, small businesses and agriculture have a vital impact on our region and I believe it is important to support and learn as much about them as possible,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cIn addition to being a wonderful learning experience for me, this tour also gives me the opportunity to meet and visit with constituents from across the district. I encourage anyone who has an interest in participating to call the Cullman district office for further details.\u201d\n\n\u201cFrom farms to fine arts, each of these locations is an example of the economic impact being made in the Fourth Congressional District and the great state of Alabama. At each stop we will take a walking tour and receive an overview of the business at that location. I look forward to another successful, engaging tour.\u201d\n\nThe Fourth Congressional District Agriculture and Industry tour visited sites in Marshall and DeKalb counties in 2010, Walker county in 2009, Marshall and DeKalb counties in 2008, and Cullman and Winston counties in 2007. Congressman Aderholt hosted the very first Ag and Industry tour in 2000 in Blount, Marshall and DeKalb counties.\n\nThe Agriculture and Industry Tour is open to anyone who would like to attend, however space is limited. Anyone interested in attending should contact Jennifer Taylor in the Cullman District Office at (256) 734-6043. The registration fee for the two-day event, which includes transportation, dinner and lunch, is $100, or $50 for only one day.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:51Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-supports-protect-life-act", "Aderholt Supports The Protect Life Act", "2011-10-13", "2011", "2011-10", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Supports The Protect Life Act\n\nLegislation Would End Taxpayer Funded Abortion In Federal Health Care Law\n\nclick here to watch\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act. The bill prohibits federal funding of abortions and abortion coverage under the recently enacted health care law.\n\n\u201cProtection of unborn life is a universal issue that has become one of the most unifying causes over the past several decades,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cThere is one thing a majority of Americans can agree upon and that is that they do not want to see taxpayer dollars used to pay for abortions and I whole-heartedly agree.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe healthcare legislation that was signed into law in 2010 does not protect the unborn and in no way included clear or direct provisions that would prohibit federal funding of abortions, and the President\u2019s Executive Order 13535 on this issue was wholly inadequate. Executive Orders can be rescinded at any time and cannot be relied upon to clarify such a critical matter.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to have cosponsored the Protect Life Act and its passage today is an important step in ensuring the right to life of each and every human being is preserved and protected in our great nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:51Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-passage-trade-agreements", "Aderholt Statement on Passage of Trade Agreements", "2011-10-12", "2011", "2011-10", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 12, 2011\n\nCONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt Statement on Passage of Trade Agreements\n\nHouse Passes Colombia, Panama and Korea Free Trade Agreements\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement after the House passed the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and trade agreements between the United States and Colombia, Panama and Korea.\n\n\u201cThis is a global economy and there has to be a market for Alabama goods such as beef, chicken and agriculture products,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cHowever trade agreements only work if it is equally beneficial to both countries. And lately it seems that the biggest export for the United States has been jobs in the manufacturing and textile industries. Therefore, I voted against the Korean Free Trade Agreement, due to the possibility of even more of these jobs could be sent overseas.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn addition, with the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences in its current form, American sleeping bag manufacturers, like Exxel Outdoors, are now facing a grim reality of whether they can afford to do business within the United States. GSP was designed to be a mutually beneficial agreement between the US and friendly developing nations that would provide lower costs to American operations but also protect our import sensitive industries. However a loophole is hurting American sleeping bag manufacturers like Exxel Outdoors and compelled me to vote no on this provision.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe extension passed today, was passed without addressing GSP\u2019s current flaw and the result of this inaction could mean another 100 plus people could be standing in the unemployment line in North Alabama, a region that has been devastated by natural disaster and is already facing an unemployment rate of over 15 percent.\u201d\n\n\u201cCompanies like Exxel Outdoors that have fought to bring overseas jobs, back to the United States should be celebrated and rewarded for invigorating our nation\u2019s economy, instead with the passage of this provision they are being punished and once again those American jobs could become a thing of the past,\u201d concluded Aderholt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:51Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cybersecurity-task-force-releases-recommendations", "Cybersecurity Task Force Releases Recommendations", "2011-10-05", "2011", "2011-10", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Framework for Legislative Action Unveiled in the House\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 The House Cybersecurity Task Force today unveiled its recommendations to help guide legislative action for the remainder of this Congress and beyond. The Task Force formally delivered its report to the Speaker and Majority Leader earlier this week.\n\n\u201cCybersecurity attacks are a direct threat to our economy and job creation, as well as our national security. The task force has addressed this critical issue in a thoughtful and substantive way, and I look forward to working with our committee chairmen and all our members to examine and act on these recommendations in the coming weeks and months. I particularly want to thank Rep. Thornberry and our members for all of their hard work in putting together this report,\u201d said House Speaker John Boehner.\n\nReflecting a growing concern about malicious cyber activity, House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor formally created the Cybersecurity Task Force in June. They asked Rep. Mac Thornberry to lead the effort and appointed members from nine committees with significant jurisdiction on the issue, as well as three at-large members. They charged the group with making recommendations in four key areas: authorities, information sharing and public-private partnerships, critical infrastructure, and domestic legal frameworks.\n\n\u201cThese recommendations provide sound, concrete steps to help strengthen our cybersecurity now, while also highlighting issues that need more work,\u201d said Rep. Thornberry, who chaired the Task Force. \u201cStarting with incentives, information sharing, and updating some key laws can lead to real progress rather than more gridlock like we have seen with larger proposals,\u201d he continued.\n\nThe recommendations highlight the critical need for the improvement of existing information sharing structures and the development of an active defense capability. Taken together, such efforts would improve security and disseminate real-time information designed to help target and defeat malicious cyber activity.\n\nAlso included in the framework is the adoption of voluntary incentives to encourage private companies to improve cybersecurity, such as the development of voluntary standards through a public-private partnership, utilizing existing tax credits and grant funding to promote increased security, and studying the possible role the insurance industry may play in strengthening cybersecurity. Suggestions for oversight and reporting requirements are also outlined.\n\nThe group mentions several federal laws dealing with cybersecurity that need to be updated with an eye toward reform, including Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) of 1986, as well as other communications laws and criminal statutes.\n\nFinally, the Task Force acknowledges that updating legal authorities is among the most complex issues facing lawmakers. It does recommend certain areas where Congress should begin action on updating these authorities, including the federal government defining a proactive process for Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) and increased support from the Department of Defense to the broader federal government. The group also suggests that Congress should formalize the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s current role in coordinating cybersecurity for federal civilian agencies\u2019 computer and networks.\n\nThe Task Force represents a broad cross-section of the House Republican Conference and the committees of jurisdiction on the issue of cybersecurity. In addition to Rep. Thornberry, Members serving in the group include Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Mike Coffman (R-CO), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Robert Hurt (R-VA), Bob Latta (R-OH), Dan Lungren (R-CA), Mike McCaul (R-TX), Tim Murphy (R-PA), Steve Stivers (R-OH), and Lee Terry (R-NE).\n\nComments from Task Force Members:\n\nRep. Robert Aderholt:\u201cCybersecurity poses some of the most serious economic and national security challenges our nation faces. Additionally, in today\u2019s tight budget environment we must ensure every dollar spent equals security realized. I am proud of the work of the Cybersecurity Task Force and the fiscally responsible policy recommendations we have laid out today. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this vital national security issue going forward.\u201d\n\nRep. Jason Chaffetz: \u201cAmerica is under attack. As a nation we must do a better job of identifying, preventing, and proactively engaging those who would do us harm.\u201d\n\nRep. Mike Coffman:\u201cCybersecurity is a rapidly evolving challenge, and I am confident that our Task Force\u2019s recommendations will put us on the right track in helping to protect our networks from attacks that could threaten both our national and economic security.\u201d\n\nRep. Bob Goodlatte:\u201cI applaud the work of the Task Force and in particular Chairman Thornberry. I look forward to continuing our efforts in this important and vital area. These recommendations provide an excellent framework for the House to craft legislation relating to cybersecurity.\u201d\n\nRep. Robert Hurt:\u201cI appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the Cybersecurity Task Force and to work with my colleagues on cybersecurity policy, and I want to thank Congressman Thornberry for his leadership on this very important issue. Cybersecurity affects nearly every aspect of our lives \u2013 our economy, financial sector, national security, and daily communications \u2013 and it is critical that we take the necessary steps to increase our cybersecurity protections across the country. Together, the Task Force has produced a unified set of recommendations that will help modernize our approach to cybersecurity to keep pace with the evolving threats, while remaining committed to the principles of a limited government, the protection of individual privacy and property rights, a commitment to safety and security, and a partnership with the private sector. As we all work together to implement solutions to address the growing threats of cyber attacks, it is my hope that both the House and the Senate will act on these recommendations.\u201d\n\nRep. Bob Latta:\u201cThe security of our Nation\u2019s information networks is a critical matter of personal privacy and economic competitiveness. The recommendations of the Task Force will be used to educate Members of Congress, as well as constituents, about the gravity of this issue. If 85 percent of the threats to our information systems can be prevented with proper \u201ccybersecurity hygiene,\u201d public knowledge and best practices, we can go a long way to reducing cyber attacks.\u201d\n\nRep. Dan Lungren: \u201cThe world of cyberthreats and cyberwarfare is upon us. We have to establish cybersecurity as a priority sooner rather than later. The consensus among experts is that 85% of current cyberthreats can be thwarted by current cyber hygiene. Public awareness is one or our first priorities.\u201d\n\nRep. Mike McCaul:\"Admiral Mike Mullen has called cyber warfare one of the greatest threats to our national security. Today this task force is ready to move forward to address our most critical needs. Our recommendations echo many of those in the CSIS report we presented to the President when he took office including securing federal networks from theft and espionage, and protecting our critical infrastructure. I look forward to swift progress passing many of the ideas where we have agreement including my Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, which unanimously passed through committee and awaits a vote on the House floor.\"\n\nRep. Tim Murphy: \u201cThe new frontier of national security is cybersecurity. The recommendations unveiled this week were developed out of the experiences and ideas of national security experts, private sector innovators, and our congressional colleagues with an understanding of the dangers that come with electronic vulnerability. Our framework centers on the premise that cybersecurity entails all aspects of our society, from government business to commercial transactions to our national infrastructure.\u201d\n\nRep. Steve Stivers: \u201cThe cyber threat is real and impacts all aspects of our lives, including our jobs, national security, and personal information. As a member of the House Cybersecurity Task Force, I believe the recommendations will ensure the federal government leads by example, protects critical infrastructure, and creates incentives for private sector companies to adopt cybersecurity protection standards. By strengthening a partnership with the private sector, the federal government can step up cybersecurity protections, and at the same time raise awareness for all Americans to do our part to protect ourselves and our way of life.\u201d\n\nRep. Lee Terry:\u201cAfter months of work on the Cyber Task Force, one thing is very clear, and that is that our country is in need of sound policy that will protect us from 21st century attacks to our critical infrastructure. I am confident that the framework we are providing the Speaker will help to shape this needed policy as Committees begin their work in drafting legislative language.\u201d\n\nRead the full Cybersecurity Task Force recommendations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:51Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-bachus-fema-will-not-tear-down-storm-shelters", "Aderholt, Bachus: FEMA Will Not Tear Down Storm Shelters", "2011-10-04", "2011", "2011-10", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) said today that they have been informed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that it will not force the demolition of emergency storm shelters at schools in Alabama.\n\nFEMA officials told Congressmen Aderholt and Bachus that they will work with school administrators on a plan that would enable them to acquire the structures and keep them open to protect students and citizens in the community. Details of the proposal remain to be finalized with the schools, but the congressmen said they have been assured by representatives of FEMA Director Craig Fugate that there is no threat of storm shelters being torn down or moved.\n\n\u201cAfter discussions with FEMA and local officials regarding current storm shelter policy, I\u2019m pleased we are working toward a common sense solution that will benefit our students, communities and taxpayers. FEMA and Administrator Fugate stepped up to the plate, ensuring that the bureaucratic process not stand in the way of safety,\u201d said Congressman Aderholt, who is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security.\n\n\u201cIt never made sense to tear down perfectly good storm shelters, and it\u2019s a relief that is totally off the table. Ensuring that storm shelters are available to protect our children and citizens has been an even greater priority for Alabama since the deadly tornadoes this spring. My hope was always that that this problem could be solved by common sense, rather than by legislation, and from our discussions with FEMA today that is where we are headed,\u201d said Congressman Bachus, who introduced a bill on September 14 to prevent the removal of demolition of the storm shelters.\n\nUnder existing FEMA policy, storm shelters built with FEMA funds to serve portable classrooms can be potentially be torn down once damaged schools have been repaired or replaced. While the structures can be purchased from FEMA at \u201cfair market\u201d rates, the cost is prohibitive for school systems already dealing with storm-related expenses.\n\nThe policy came under sharp criticism from school officials and communities faced with losing a newly-built and fully functioning storm shelter.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:51Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-traveling-help-desk-visit-red-bay-and-double-springs", "Aderholt Traveling Help Desk to Visit Red Bay and Double Springs", "2011-10-04", "2011", "2011-10", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressional Staff On-Site to Assist Constituents with Federal Casework\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that District Field Representative Daniel Tidwell will be in Red Bay and Double Springs on Thursday, October 13, 2011 to provide assistance to those needing help working with federal agencies.\n\n\u201cWith a district that stretches across the state, it can be difficult for people to travel to our district offices when they need help,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cBy bringing district staff to local communities, we can effectively assist those who otherwise would be unable to get support. This is an excellent opportunity for folks to come and discuss their issues with Daniel, who will help me begin the process of finding solutions for them.\u201d\n\nOctober 13, 2011 Traveling Help Desk Hours\n\nRed Bay\n\nDouble Springs\n\nRed Bay Town Hall\n\nDouble Springs Town Hall\n\n9:00 \u2013 11:00 a.m.\n\n1:00 \u2013 3:00 p.m.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:51Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-franks-fortenberry-send-letter-behalf-christian-iranian-pastor", "Aderholt, Franks, Fortenberry Send Letter on Behalf of Christian Iranian Pastor", "2011-09-29", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressmen Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Trent Franks (AZ-02) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) today sent a letter to Iranian Grand Ayatollah Khamenei on behalf of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who has been sentenced to execution as early as today for refusing on four separate occasions to recant his Christian faith.\n\nCongressman Robert Aderholt:\n\n\u201cReligious freedom is one of the most important and fundamental rights a person should have. The conviction and sentencing of Iranian Christian Pastor, Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani because of his religious beliefs is very unfortunate and violates basic human rights and Iran\u2019s international commitments. No one should be persecuted, discriminated against or face death because of their faith and it is my sincerest hope that Iran\u2019s leaders do what is right and release Pastor Nadarkhani and all those facing persecution because of their faith.\u201d\n\nCongressman Trent Franks:\n\n\"I am compelled to remind an ostensibly modernized government that it is shameful and cowardly to kill an innocent person for merely practicing his faith. While Iran's leaders claim to uphold tolerance, the Iranian people deserve to know that their government is hypocritically disregarding one of the most fundamental human rights: the ability of the Iranian people to freely choose a faith of their choice.\n\n\"I appeal to whatever semblance of humanity may remain in the hearts of Iran's leaders and urge the Obama Administration to make it clear, through every channel possible, that such grievous human rights abuses will not stand.\"\n\nCongressman Jeff Fortenberry:\n\n\u201cI am deeply grieved by reports of the apostasy verdict issued in the case of Pastor Nadarkhani. The scope and nature of religious persecution in Iran is deeply disturbing. Leaders in the civilized community of nations must speak out loudly and clearly against such a drastic violation of basic and commonly held human rights norms.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter is attached and available here.\n\nAderholt currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is a member of the Committee\u2019s Commerce, Justice and Science; and Agriculture Subcommittees, and also serves on the Helsinki Commission.\n\nFor more information about Aderholt\u2019s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-floor-statement-fy12-continuing-resolution", "Aderholt Floor Statement: FY12 Continuing Resolution", "2011-09-21", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "(Remarks as Prepared)\n\nclick here to watch\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this must-pass resolution.\n\nNot only does this CR provide the necessary funds and authority to keep the government operating, it also provides an immediate and substantial infusion of vital funding to both FEMA\u2019s disaster relief efforts and the Corps of Engineers\u2019 Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies account \u2013 and it does all of this in a fiscally responsible way.\n\nThis resolution before us today complies with the recently enacted Budget Control Act and also provides the Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate ample time to complete our work on the FY12 budget.\n\nAnd, for hard-hit communities all across the country \u2013 including those in my home State of Alabama \u2013 who have been so badly devastated by fires, flooding, tornadoes, and hurricanes over the past five months, this CR will sustain FEMA\u2019s disaster relief and recovery efforts and help the Corps with additional funding for emergency flood control projects.\n\nAnd the duration of this CR will provide the time to review and scrutinize FEMA\u2019s preliminary damage estimates for Hurricane Irene \u2013 estimates that are based upon historical projections rather than actual data and claims that are still in the process of being collected.\n\nThis oversight will enable the Appropriations Committees the time to properly and responsibly address the Administration\u2019s full supplemental request \u2013 a request that was only submitted to Congress less than two weeks ago.\n\nWhile Congress has an undeniable obligation to thoroughly address our Nation\u2019s disaster relief needs, we can no longer afford to simply throw money at calamities and then ask the hard questions later. We have to get our funding priorities right \u2013 and that is exactly what both Chairman Rogers and I have repeatedly said when it come to appropriations for homeland security.\n\nMr. Speaker, this CR is the right tool at the right time. I urge my colleagues to support this vital resolution and responsibly address our Nation\u2019s most pressing needs.\n\nI thank the distinguished Chairman and yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/continuing-resolution-keeps-focus-job-creation-disaster-relief-and", "Continuing Resolution Keeps the Focus on Job Creation, Disaster Relief and Cutting Government Spending", "2011-09-21", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nAderholt: Continuing Resolution Keeps the Focus on Job Creation, Disaster Relief and Cutting Government Spending\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement today regarding the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) that for a second year in a row cuts spending, adds a much needed $3.65 billion for ongoing disaster relief efforts and keeps the government running until November 18:\n\n\u201cThe Continuing Resolution passed by the House today is a critical piece of legislation that once again cuts spending below last year\u2019s levels, while providing vital disaster relief funding and prevents a government shutdown,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cThe Senate and the President must look past partisan politics, avoid brinksmanship and move swiftly on this measure to ensure uninterrupted government operation.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince the House passed the FY12 Homeland Security Appropriations bill in June, which included an additional $1 billion for FEMA\u2019s disaster relief efforts, continued inaction by the Senate and the Administration has allowed the Disaster Relief Fund to reach critically and historically low levels. On the heels of five months of devastating natural disasters across the country, including tornadoes in my home state of Alabama, the DRF has less than $250 million in its coffers.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecent issues with FEMA\u2019s storm shelter policy have also brought to light the need for additional oversight, to ensure policies and procedures are best benefitting disaster victims and taxpayers alike. The CR provides a much needed, immediate $1 billion infusion, as well as an additional $2.65 billion to fund FEMA\u2019s disaster relief efforts over the next fiscal year. This bill also provides Congress with the time to conduct greater oversight and ample time to evaluate and accurately account for damages from the most recent disaster, Hurricane Irene.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must work together to get our economy back on track and remove government barriers to private-sector job growth. The American people do not want or deserve the dangerous instability of a government shutdown or any more unnecessary holdups in disaster recovery efforts,\u201d concluded Aderholt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-fema-storm-shelter-policy", "Aderholt Statement on FEMA Storm Shelter Policy", "2011-09-14", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement regarding storm shelter policy issues that are affecting Alabama communities and schools:\n\n\u201cI spoke directly with FEMA Director Craig Fugate today, and he acknowledges the problem with this particular situation and over the next thirty days, I\u2019ll be working with him and my delegation colleagues to find a solution. In addition, Congressman Bachus (AL-06) and I introduced legislation today that would make storm shelters available to local governing bodies at no additional costs. Hopefully this will not take an act of Congress to ensure we get this done and get it done right.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-nasa-sls-announcement", "Aderholt Statement on NASA SLS Announcement", "2011-09-14", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement in response the announcement made by NASA today to proceed with development of the Space Launch System (SLS):\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by NASA to move forward with the development of the Space Launch System is a great step forward in maintaining America\u2019s leadership in human space flight. However, it is long overdue and I am eager to see the details of this decision. I will work to ensure that NASA proceeds with the 130-metric ton SLS plan passed by Congress. I am proud that the SLS will be managed in Alabama and will put the best and the brightest scientists and engineers in our great state to work on this critical venture. I will continue to monitor the situation and continue the fight to keep human space flight funded at appropriate levels as an American priority.\u201d\n\nAderholt currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is a member of the Committee\u2019s Commerce, Justice and Science, which provides funding for NASA; and Agriculture Subcommittees, and also serves on the Helsinki Commission.\n\nFor more information about Aderholt\u2019s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/smith-and-aderholt-dhs-provide-information-backdoor-amnesty", "Smith and Aderholt to DHS: Provide Information on Backdoor Amnesty", "2011-09-12", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "CONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876\n\nWashington, D.C.\u2014 Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano requesting information and documents about the development of the administration\u2019s backdoor amnesty for illegal immigrants.\n\nThe letter follows the Obama administration\u2019s recent decision to create a new deportation policy that could open the door to allow millions of illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S. without a vote of Congress. Specifically, political appointees at DHS have announced that they will review illegal immigrants in removal proceedings with a final order of removal and consider allowing them to stay in the U.S.\n\nIn addition to this letter, Chairmen Smith and Aderholt wrote to the Obama administration expressing serious reservations about Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u2019s (ICE) new guidance directing reckless use of prosecutorial discretion in immigration enforcement.\n\nBelow are excerpts from the letter.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security announced that it will initiate a \u2018case-by-case review\u2019 of removal cases of aliens already placed in proceedings and ensure that \u2018appropriate discretionary consideration\u2019 be given to \u2018compelling cases with final orders of removal.\u2019 In addition to our concerns about the administration\u2019s apparent abandonment of immigration enforcement, we also have significant concerns about how this new policy was developed. Accordingly, we write to request information and documents about the development and operation of these new policies.\n\n\u201cThis announcement by DHS seemingly represents the culmination of the administration\u2019s plans to shield millions of illegal immigrants from removal. The initial release on June 17 of two memos by ICE took the historically unprecedented step of relying on \u2018prosecutorial discretion\u2019 to justify the abandonment of immigration enforcement against millions of illegal immigrants deemed a \u2018low priority.\u2019 \u2026 Now, DHS has expanded this policy to cover not only individuals already charged with violating the immigration laws and placed in removal proceedings, but even to illegal immigrants who already have final orders of removal.\n\n\u201cThis new policy is a perversion of our immigration laws \u2026 The Obama administration again chooses to ignore immigration laws under the guise of prosecutorial discretion. Despite the administration\u2019s claims that there is nothing new with respect to this policy, it represents a drastic and unprecedented shift.\n\n\u201cUltimately, these memos may allow millions of illegal immigrants to remain in the United States in violation of existing law and regulations and compete with unemployed American and legal immigrant workers for scarce jobs. In the current environment, this effect is unconscionable. \u201c\n\nTo read the full letter, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-tenth-anniversary-911-attacks", "Aderholt Statement on Tenth Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks", "2011-09-09", "2011", "2011-09", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), who will be honoring our nation\u2019s brave heroes at a ceremony in Cullman, Alabama on Sunday, issued the following statement regarding the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks:\n\n\u201cTen years ago a group determined through hate, challenged a nation,\u201d said Aderholt. \u201cThe United States has long stood as a beacon of freedom and hope. As we have time and time again, Americans responded with resiliency and resolve. America was tested and America prevailed.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen I think of this day every year, I am reminded not only of the moment when I first learned of the attacks, but also of the heroic measures taken by first responders and brave citizens responding to the crisis. On this day we turn our thoughts and prayers to the police, firefighters and first responders who without hesitation, ran into burning buildings, many sacrificing their own lives for others. On this day we remember the victims of these senseless attacks and the families and friends they left behind. On this day we honor the brave passengers of Flight 93, who fought, rather than give up. On this day we remember those across the country and the world that came together, prayed, organized vigils, donated blood and sent supplies and care packages to weary rescue workers. And on this day we draw courage from our heroes and the compassion of our citizens, as we are reminded of the resilience that propels us forward as a people.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile the past ten years has bred new strands of terrorism and it is clear terrorists still have innocent Americans in their sights, our country continues to make great strides in national security and intelligence. However, all of us must remain vigilant knowing that we live in a dangerous world and know that we as a nation must work together so we will not be defeated by those who want to see the destruction of the United States. With that, on this day we also salute the valor of our troops, who fight the enemy each and every day and protect our people and the beacon of hope and freedom that is America. God Bless America,\u201d concluded Aderholt.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T21:12:45Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 24, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "AL", "p1": "2011"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2011", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 24, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2011&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2011", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 24, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2011&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2011", "results": [{"value": "AL", "label": "AL", "count": 24, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2011", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2011", "results": [{"value": "2011", "label": "2011", "count": 24, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 146.7217057943344, "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"}