{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"AL\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/2019-a-year-in-review", "2019: A Year in Review", "2019-12-30", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At this time last year, I predicted that the upcoming year with a Democrat majority in the House would be much different. While most activity in the House centered around efforts to impeach our President, I did not let that stop me from fighting for you and our state.\nOne of our most significant victories this year for Alabama was reforming the Medicare wage index formula. For three decades, hospitals in rural states like Alabama have been underpaid in Medicare reimbursements. Upon taking office, I began fighting for a fix.\nWith the election of President Trump, I found that we had an administration willing to listen and work with us, and as a result, Alabama's hospitals have begun receiving significantly higher Medicare reimbursements. In the past, these dollars were siphoned off towards high population areas like New York and Los Angeles at an unfair rate.\nI was also proud to lead the Trump Administration's school choice bill in the House, the Education Freedom Scholarship and Opportunity Act. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos asked me and Senator Ted Cruz to be their champions in Congress for this Trump policy priority, and support continues growing for our bill.\nIt was an honor to join President Trump several weeks ago in an education roundtable at the White House and to advocate for providing options for students locked into failing schools.\nAs a member of the Armed Services Committee, I'm proud of my record advocating for a strong national defense. This year Congress passed an important National Defense Authorization Act that enables us to rebuild our military readiness after years of stagnation in the Obama administration.\nThe bill allows for continued counter drug enforcement at our border, accelerates programs to counter Chinese and Russian aggression, and authorizes important bipartisan nuclear modernization programs. It also gives our troops the largest pay raise in a decade, repeals the widow's tax, and establishes the Space Force.\nSadly, our Second Amendment rights are under assault like no time in our history. I was proud to lead 120 of my colleagues in filing a brief before the Supreme Court in support of protecting these fundamental American rights.\nThe case, N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. City of New York,will determine if New York's ban on transporting a handgun to a home or shooting range outside city limits is constitutional. Our Constitution is clear that the right to bear arms shall not be infringed, and I am glad to have had so much support from my colleagues in taking a stand against these radical efforts to take away our gun rights.\nFinally, just weeks ago, the House passed President Trump's USMCA trade deal to replace NAFTA. Our state stands to benefit significantly, particularly our automobile manufacturing and agriculture sectors as well as steel, energy and high-tech. The USMCA is projected to create 176,000 new American jobs and raise our GDP by $68.2 billion. We will reap benefits from this deal for years to come.\nOf course, I continued holding constituent town halls throughout Southwest Alabama, and I have now held over 125 since taking office. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate everyone who has participated over the years. We have a great state full of amazing people, and I am glad to be among the leaders in Congress in the number of town halls held.\nThank you for allowing me to represent you in Congress. I will continue fighting for you in 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/reflecting-the-light-of-the-world", "Reflecting the Light of the World", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The first chapter of John's Gospel tells us The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.\nIt often seems as if we live in a dark world, doesn't it? Evil lurks all around us and too often bad things happen to good people. Falsehoods are accepted above truth and reality distorted to unreality. We value the cheap and empty things of the world and disvalue the truly worthy things.\nIt's easy to be discouraged and disappointed to the point of becoming cynical.\nBut that is not the Christmas story, is it? God so loved the world that he became one of us. He literally lowered himself to become a part of His own creation and for the sole purpose of saving us. The babe in the manger became the tortured man dying on the cross  for us.\nHe experienced hate and rejection, betrayal and estrangement, pain and death. All for us.\nWhat kind of a God does that? A God who only wants one thing: love. That's why John talks about light in a dark world, a light which cannot be overcome. The Song of Solomon says that love is strong as death. In Jesus, love was actually stronger than death.\nSo, in the midst of this dark world, as we deal with the difficulties of life, we need to go back to Bethlehem and hear the songs of angels, see the gifts of kings, feel the love of a young mother, and adore the divine baby. We need to go and find the light out there in the darkness. It's there shining brightly and waiting for us to just believe. \nThis has been a hard year and we ended it in Washington on the sad and avoidable note of the impeachment of a sitting president. I've repeatedly made my position on that issue clear, but the fact of the vote and the way in which it was handled was a big disappointment. The nation is worse off and for nothing at all.\nYet, I believe in our country, in our Constitution and in the ultimate goodness of our people. We have come through so much over our history and triumphed every time. We will do so again. \nThat's not me being trite. I really do believe it, because we are what Jesus meant when He talked about the city set on the hill, the lamp that belongs on a stand. And we will continue so long as we reflect the Light of the world in the darkness around us.\nThis Christmas, I hope you will make the most out of quality time with family. Dust off an old photo album or board game. Tell the Christmas story to young children. Ride around the neighborhood and look at Christmas decorations. Never miss an opportunity to share God's love, to reflect the Light of the world in the darkness around us.\nThere is so much to be grateful for, and I hope you will think about all the ways you have been blessed. \nMay God bless and keep you and your family this Christmas season and may God continue to bless the United States of America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners-0", "Byrne Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today announced the winners of the Congressional App Challenge for Alabama's First Congressional District.\nIsabelle Stabler, JaMiyah Peebles, and Hannah Vaccaro of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science won the Congressional App Challenge for their application entitled Cumulative Testing App. The students' app will be displayed in the United States Capitol and will be featured on the House of Representatives' website.\nCongressman Byrnesaid:Congratulations to Isabelle, JaMiyah, and Hannah on winning the Congressional App Challenge. Coding and technology proficiency are increasingly vital skills in our evolving economy. Their skills certainly will prepare them to for dynamic careers with the potential to change the world. I also want to thank their teacher, Mr. Grey Gaillard for encouraging and mentoring his students as they developed their app. His students will forever be impacted by his guidance.\nTo view the winning submission,click here.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in Alabama's First Congressional District. For more information on the competition,click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/sharing-joy-christmas", "Sharing the Joy of Christmas", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and it is easy to get caught up in all the responsibilities that come along with it. These obligations can be quick to distract us from the true meaning behind the Christmas season. With everything happening across our country and around the world, it is inevitable that our attention is focused elsewhere.\nAs we gather with family and friends this year to celebrate, I pray that we do not forget the reason behind this special holiday: the birth of Jesus Christ and His message of hope in a troubled world. This powerful message rings as true today as it did centuries ago for the shepherds and watchmen who gathered to bear witness to Jesus' birth. Although it is easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos of our promises and commitments, the nativity story and this important holiday serve as reminders that there is always a source of hope, no matter the circumstances.\nJesus lived his life on earth displaying love, kindness, and joy to all, regardless of their situation or struggles, and we are called to follow His example and do the same. Many of us are fortunate enough to celebrate in the company of our loved ones. Let's do our best to ensure that everyone in our communities enjoy the Christmas holiday by remembering those who are not as fortunate.\nMy thoughts are with those who are suffering: those who are battling illnesses, fighting financial struggles, or spending Christmas in the absence of loved ones. Many mothers and fathers selflessly serve in our military, and they will not be able to celebrate Christmas at home with their children. We owe much gratitude to these devoted servicemembers for sacrificing time with their family to protect our country.\nIn the spirit of the holiday, I am encouraged by all those who are able to reach out to those in their community who may need a helping hand. Whether you decide to donate toys to children in need, write letters to soldiers overseas, collect food for local food banks, or bake delicious Christmas treats for your neighbors, every heartfelt action makes a difference.\nEach bit of compassion makes the world brighter. Let's spread kindness with every opportunity that comes our way. Joy is contagious, and our efforts will have a positive impact across our communities.\nI am extremely honored to represent the people of the Second Congressional District in Congress. It has been a blessing to have so many unique opportunities over the years to dedicate my efforts to serving the needs of my constituents. I hope that we will all remember to follow in Jesus' footsteps and spread joy this holiday season. From the Roby family to yours, we wish you a wonderful and Merry Christmas.\n###", 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://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-usmca-passage", "Aderholt Statement on USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2014 Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted in favor of the USMCA agreement.\n\n\"I was proud to cast a vote in support of legislation to implement the upcoming USMCA Trade Agreement. This agreement has been a signature priority of the Trump administration, modernizing the 25-year-old NAFTA to make improvements supporting continued economic growth and American jobs.\n\n\"This agreement made significant improvements for the state of Alabama with important provisions benefitting the interests of workers, farmers, and businesses in the agriculture and automotive industries.\n\n\"Alabama is the nation's second largest poultry producing state and I'm glad the Trump administration was able to secure language that will open Canadian markets for our poultry and egg producers. Auto provisions in the agreement will now require more goods and materials to be manufactured in the United States, and that's good for Alabama workers. Both of these provisions are tremendous news for the state of Alabama.\n\n\"President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer have fulfilled their promise to rebalance and modernize our trading relationship with two of our largest trading partners and deliver a high-standard trade deal. I am proud to support this effort as I continue working with this administration to push for improved relationships with our trading partners and a stronger American economy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-colleagues-chief-justice-roberts-senate-leaders", "Congressman Mo Brooks & Colleagues to Chief Justice Roberts, Senate Leaders McConnell & Schumer: Use Federal Rules of Evidence in Senate Impeachment Trial", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Thursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) and 8 conservative House colleagues sent a letter to United States Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging them to adopt the Federal Rules of Evidence for the Senate's President Trump impeachment trial.\nClick HERE to view the letter.\nSigners of the letter:\nPaul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04)\nJeff Duncan (SC-03)\nJody Hice (GA-10)\nTed Yoho (FL-03)\nNeal P. Dunn (FL-02)\nBob Gibbs (OH-07)\nMark Meadows (NC-11)\nDebbie Lesko (AZ-08)\nCongressman Brooks said, The best way for the American people to discern the truth about impeachment is by using evidentiary standards developed by our judicial system over the past two centuries.The Federal Rules of Evidence, used in all federal courtrooms, generally excludes hearsay, gossip, rumor, opinions and otherwise irrelevant evidence from consideration for one simple reason:history has revealed that such evidence is unreliable and makes it harder for judges and juries to determine the truth of a matter.The House's impeachment proceedings have been devoid of evidentiary standards.The Senate should and can do better.\nBrooks continued, In America, everyone has the right to a fair trial presidents included. The formal adoption of the Federal Rules of Evidence would give Chief Justice Roberts a clear-cut standard for deciding admissibility of evidence during the Senate impeachment trial.\nBrooks concluded, An impeachment trial is as consequential as it gets in America's political system. There is simply no room for bad, misleading or otherwise weak evidence our judicial experts know, from experience, should never be considered.Chief Justice Roberts and the Senate should adopt the Federal Rules of Evidence and exclude substandard evidence from consideration during the impeachment trial.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-holding-articles-of-impeachment-puts-exclamation-point-on-sham", "Byrne: Holding Articles of Impeachment Puts Exclamation Point on Sham Process", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) gave fiery remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives tonight after Nancy Pelosi withheld articles of impeachment from the Senate.\nCongressman Byrne said: So for weeks, we were told that we couldn't wait. We had to go forward with impeachment before Christmas, that the Republic was at stake. And then this House passed a purely partisan impeachment yesterday, and the speaker has decided to hold the articles of impeachment.\nThat underscores the word sham.' That puts an exclamation point after the word sham.' That shows what a ridiculous exercise we just went through.\nWe can't dictate to the Senate how they handle their trial. They get to pick that. This shows that they've got cold feet on the other side.\nThey don't have a case, they can't win a fair trial in the Senate and they know it, and they're afraid to send the articles over there. We'll get a fair trial there and not the kangaroo court we had here.\nAnd with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-usmca-major-victory-for-alabama", "Byrne: USMCA Major Victory for Alabama", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after voting for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\nCongressman Byrne said: Alabama scored a major victory today with the long-overdue House passage of USMCA. This trade deal strengthens relationships with two of Alabama's largest trading partners and will benefit businesses and industries large and small throughout the state, particularly in our agriculture, automotive manufacturing, steel, energy and high-tech sectors. And with the continued growth at the Port of Mobile, Alabama stands to benefit more than most.\nMany pundits said renegotiating NAFTA couldn't be done, but President Trump proved them wrong and scored a major victory for working Americans.\nThe USMCA is projected to create 176,000 new American jobs and raise our GDP by $68.2 billion. The agreement raises the amount of made in America products Mexico and Canada will buy with exports to Canada increasing by an estimated $19 billion and exports increasing to Mexico by $14.2 billion. The bill passed today in the House and awaits further action in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1787", "Rogers:  USMCA a Win for America", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers:  USMCA a Win for America \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 19, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n            (Washington, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed the House of Representatives with Rogers' strong support.\r\n Republicans have asked Democrat leadership for months to bring this bipartisan legislation to the House Floor, but House Democrats have been focused on a sham impeachment instead.\r\n I was thrilled to see this important piece of legislation finally be brought to the House Floor. The USMCA is a win for all Americans and I want to thank President Trump for his leadership on this important trade agreement, Rogers said.\r\n In the State of Alabama, over 23,000 producers and manufacturers depend on this trade deal. Alabama's economy will continue to soar under the USMCA, especially when it comes to our agriculture and automobile industries. I am pleased we finally got something done this Congress that will help folks across East Alabama and America, Rogers added.\r\n Rogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.\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-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://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0F8ACA3A-8D5C-4075-B764-129B72664907", "Shelby Applauds Senate Passage of National Security Appropriations Package, Contains Funding for Alabama Priorities", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Richard Shelby", "S000320", "www.shelby.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense, today voted to approve the second of two comprehensive appropriations packages together containing all 12 appropriations measures. The package, H.R. 1158, was passed in the Senate by a vote of 81-11 and completes funding for the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY2020) process. This measure contains funding to support and continue prioritizing Alabama's defense and aerospace sectors.\r\n\r\nThe funding in this appropriations measure provides for our men and women in uniform, ensures Alabama remains at the forefront of space exploration, and allows us to continue preventing current and emerging threats against the United States through cutting-edge technology, said Senator Shelby. Alabama plays a vital role in our national defense, and this legislation will make certain that our state remains a major player in keeping our nation safe. I look forward to the impact this legislation will have on the state and nation. \r\n\r\nThe packages contain the following provisions regarding Alabama: \r\n\r\nImpacting the production and use of missiles and helicopters in the Wiregrass region:\r\n \r\n$1.224 billion for flight training at Fort Rucker, an increase of $142 million from last year to address the Army pilot shortage;\r\n$506 million for Future Vertical Lift research to accelerate development of helicopters flown at Fort Rucker;\r\n$150 million to upgrade Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters;\r\n$407 million for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles;\r\n$292 million for Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGMs);\r\n$562 million for Joint Air-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSMs) and $123 million for Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASMs);\r\n$727 million for Hellfire missiles, an increase of $243 million from FY2019, which are made in Troy and used for training at Fort Rucker; and\r\n$178 million for Javelin missiles for the Army and Marine Corps.\r\n \r\n\r\nImpacting North Alabama:\r\n \r\nArmy Research  $12.5 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion from last year, for investments in transformational technologies to address modern and future Army warfighting needs.\r\nMissile Defense  $10.4 billion for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), including $628 million to support urgent MDA unfunded priorities such as space sensors, hypersonic defense, and cybersecurity.\r\nHypersonic weapons$1.9 billion to support and accelerate offensive and defensive hypersonics research and prototyping efforts, an increase of $362 million from last year. This funding includes $161 million to address an unfunded priority for the Army Hypersonic Weapons System.\r\nCyber $268 million in additional funding to expand and accelerate cyber research across the Department of Defense, and an additional $200 million to support the Department's new 5G program.\r\nMilitary SpaceFully funds National Security Space Launch and Space Command, and includes funding to establish Space Force and Space Development Agency.\r\nCivil Space  $2.586 billion for the Space Launch System (SLS), including $300 million for the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), $44 million to standup the Lunar Lander office at Marshall Space Flight Center (lander program total funding is $744 million), and $110 million for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), of which $80 million is for a flight demonstration mission no later than 2024.\r\nFBI  $485 million for FBI Construction, which supports the ongoing and growing efforts in Huntsville.\r\n \r\n\r\nImpacting Anniston:\r\n \r\n$84.5 million for FEMA's Center for Domestic Preparedness, including $66.8 million for education, training, and exercises, as well as $18.2 million for high priority facilities renovation requirements. In addition, $3 million will be prioritized for competitively awarded FEMA-certified rural and tribal training; and\r\n$250 million for Hydra rockets, which are built in Anniston and fired from Army and Marine Corps helicopters.\r\nFunding for Army Vehicles overhauled and maintained at Anniston Army Depot (ANAD):\r\n\r\n$2.1 billion to continue modernizing M1 Abrams tanks;\r\n$912 million for Stryker vehicles, an increase of $519 million from last year;\r\n$579 million for Paladin Integrated Management artillery vehicles; and\r\n$80 million for M88A2 Hercules Improved Recovery vehicles.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nImpacting Mobile's shipbuilding industry:\r\n \r\nOne additional Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship, as well as $49 million to convert an EPF into an Expeditionary Medical Transport;\r\nFull funding for the FFG(X) Frigate program; and\r\nAn additional $650 million for LHA-9, an amphibious assault ship.\r\n \r\n\r\nOther provisions impacting Alabama: \r\n \r\n$7 million for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Initiative, including $5 million to conduct an independent population assessment of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico;\r\n$5 million to ensure successful implementation of Reef Fish Amendment 50, which delegates federal management of red snapper to the Gulf States;\r\n$2.6 million for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement and enforce the Seafood Import Monitoring Program;\r\n34.5 million to support staffing and operations at the National Water Center (NWC) located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama;\r\n$6 million for remote water sensing research at the University of Alabama; and\r\nFunding and direction to fully staff the NOAA Disaster Response Center in Mobile, Alabama.\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=58DEE3CC-9383-4969-A3EE-5476F1572733", "Shelby Announces Critical Funding for Port of Mobile in FY2020 Appropriations Measure", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Richard Shelby", "S000320", "www.shelby.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today voted to approve two comprehensive appropriations packages that together contain the 12 annual appropriations measures, completing funding for the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY2020) process. One of the packages, H.R. 1865, contains crucial funding to deepen and widen the Port of Mobile. \r\n\r\nThe deepening and widening of the Port of Mobile has the ability to transform Alabama's economy for generations to come, said Senator Shelby. This project is not only of great importance to me, but it will allow for more goods to be shipped and sold from our state, extending benefits throughout Alabama while creating more economic opportunities. I am exceptionally proud that funding is included in this appropriations package, and I look forward to the immeasurable impact this project will have on our state once completed. \r\n\r\nThe FY2020 Energy and Water Development Bill includes a new regional dredge demonstration program for the Central Gulf Coast which will explore innovative ways of executing dredging in a logical and sequenced manner to seek efficiencies, cost savings, and minimize disruptions to critical construction and maintenance dredging requirements across the nation. \r\n\r\nIn the coming year, the Army Corps of Engineers is expected to allocate funding to eligible ports, of which the Port of Mobile qualifies and is well-positioned to receive significant funding. \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=99A95FE0-EEE9-431D-A809-E45E0F2864B9", "Shelby Touts Alabama Priorities in First FY2020 Appropriations Package", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Richard Shelby", "S000320", "www.shelby.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today voted to approve the first of two comprehensive appropriations packages that together contain all 12 Fiscal Year 2020 (FY2020) appropriations measures, H.R. 1865. The legislation, which passed the Senate by a vote of 71-23, contains funding for various Alabama priorities.\r\n\r\nCompleting the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations process is good news for the nation and Alabama, said Senator Shelby. From investing in our state's infrastructure and supporting agricultural development to funding groundbreaking medical research, this package addresses many important priorities. I am proud of this bipartisan agreement and look forward to witnessing the positive impact this funding will have in my home state. \r\n\r\nH.R. 1865 contains the following provisions impacting Alabama:\r\n\r\nAgriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies:\r\n \r\nThe final bill retains the $25 million increase for Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) for a total of $175 million, with a $70 million set-aside for certain projects.\r\nIncludes $20 million for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Building and Facilities improvements for seafood safety to support FDA's Dauphin Island Lab.\r\nContains $5 million for the Rural Water and Waste pilot.\r\nThe bill includes language specifying that Rural Water and Waste Disposal program account that projects utilizing iron and steel shall use iron and steel products produced in the United States.\r\nIncludes $5 million to combat cotton blue disease, $3 million for advanced poultry production technology development, $1.5 million for alternative technologies for poultry waste utilization, $1.2 million to study harmful algal bloom impacts on aquaculture, an additional $1 million for shrimp aquaculture research, and $1 million to explore salmonella exposure in livestock at Auburn University. Auburn will also continue to partner with Agricultural Research Services for training and workforce development of scientists for the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility.\r\nAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service: $1 million increase for Cogongrass Management.\r\nFarm Service Agency: Report language is included that directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify its regulations so that producers of farm-raised fish are eligible for death losses under ELAP and that bird predation and disease be deemed eligible loss conditions.\r\nAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Maintains FY2019 funding for the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program.\r\n \r\n\r\nEnergy and Water Development, and Related Agencies: \r\nCorps of Engineers: \r\n \r\n$378 million recommended in the Construction account for a Regional Dredge Demonstration Program in the central Gulf of Mexico. Mobile Harbor would be eligible for these additional funds.\r\n\r\nIncludes a new regional dredge demonstration program for the Central Gulf Coast which will explore innovative ways of executing dredging in a logical and sequenced manner to seek efficiencies, cost savings, and minimize disruptions to critical construction and maintenance dredging requirements across the nation.\r\n$50 million above the budget request in the Operation and Maintenance account for Donor and Energy Transfer Ports. Funds will benefit Mobile Harbor. \r\n$10.975 million for Coastal Inlets Research Program in the Operation and Maintenance account and report language recommending additional funding to establish a multi-university-led effort for connecting terrestrial and coastal models and to continue work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Water Center in Tuscaloosa on protecting the nation's water resources.\r\nIncludes $16 million for Aquatic Nuisance Control Research in the Operation and Maintenance account for research and development related to harmful algal blooms. \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDepartment of Energy: \r\n \r\n$230 million for a new program to demonstrate Advanced Reactors and an additional $55 million for Advanced Reactor Technologies, including $20 million for the industry-led Advanced Reactor Concepts program.\r\n$25 million for the EPSCoR program and requested language regarding biennial implementation of grant solicitations.\r\nFunding to support the Department of Energy's National Carbon Capture Center in Wilsonville, consistent with the cooperative agreement.\r\n$56 million for Academic Alliances and Partnerships within the National Nuclear Security Administration, and report language encouraging new centers of excellence in materials research.\r\n \r\n\r\nIndependent Agencies: \r\n \r\n$30 million for the Delta Regional Authority, including $15 million for flood control, basic public infrastructure development, and transportation improvements.\r\n$175 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, including $16 million for a program of industrial site and workforce development in Southern and South Central Appalachia, of which $13.5 million is for Southern Appalachia.\r\n \r\n\r\nInterior, Environment, and Related Agencies: \r\n \r\nFish and Wildlife Service Asian Carp  Provides $25 million, an increase of $14 million, to combat Asian Carp and enhance efforts in sub-basins of the Mississippi River, which includes key areas of Alabama.\r\nEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) Technical Assistance Grant Programs  For the two programs for rural technical assistance, one increased to $17.7 million, which is a $2.7 million increase, and a new program is funded at $13 as requested.\r\nOffice of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program - $115 million is included, equal to the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. \r\nUse of Iron and Steel  The bill continues a general provision to ensure that EPA requires the use of American iron and steel in State Revolving Fund projects.\r\n \r\n\r\nLabor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies: \r\n \r\n$41.7 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH):\r\n\r\nIncludes $45 million in NIH for chronic disease centers; and\r\n$50 million for NIH biomedical research facilities.\r\n$6.44 billion for National Cancer Institute (NCI), an increase of $299.4 million, including $200 million in targeted funding for NCI competitive grants.\r\n$832.9 million for NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, an increase of $26.5 million.\r\n$578.1 million for Clinical and Translational Science Award, an increase of $18.4 million.\r\n$500 million for the All of Us precision medicine study, a $161 million increase.\r\n$25 million in targeted funding for the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Act.\r\n$3.8 billion in opioid funding, including $1.5 billion for State Opioid Response Grants.\r\n$3.9 billion for mental health programs, an increase of $328 million.\r\n$50 million in funding for Medical Student Education for states with highest projected physician shortages, including $15 million for supplemental grants and $35 million to fund the remaining 2019 applicants.\r\n$1.3 billion, an increase of $20 million, for Career and Technical Education state grants.\r\n$30 million in continued funding for Department of Labor Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities in the Delta Regional Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission regions.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMilitary Construction: \r\n \r\nFunds three military construction projects totaling $84 million in Alabama:\r\n\r\nIncludes $38 million for an Aircraft and Flight Equipment Building at Redstone Arsenal;\r\n$12 million for a National Guard Readiness Center in Foley; and\r\n$34 million for Enlisted Transient Training Barracks in Anniston.\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTransportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies: \r\n \r\nProvides funding for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. \r\nProvides funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):\r\n\r\nGrants-in-aid for airports;\r\nContract towers;\r\nResearch for advanced materials and structural safety;\r\nResearch on airfield pavement; and\r\nAviation workforce grants. \r\nProvides funding for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) INFRA grants.\r\nIncludes $30 million in funding for Alabama's Appalachian Development Highway System.\r\nIncludes funding for Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) CRISI grants, the Maritime Administration's Small Shipyard Grant Program, and Port Infrastructure grants, and Community Development Block grants. \r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-democrat-impeachment-vote", "Aderholt Statement on Democrat Impeachment Vote", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2014 Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement after House Democrats voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump.\n\nToday is a sad day for the United States. Our duly-elected President, Donald Trump, was impeached by House Democrats compelled by partisanship, not by facts. I was proud to stand with President Trump, joining my Republican colleagues and several Democrats to vote no.\n\nLet's be clear about what has happened. It isn't the President who has abused his power. It is my colleagues on the other side of the aisle who are abusing one of the most powerful tools entrusted to Congress in the Constitution for their own purposes.\n\nProceeding on the record before us threatens grave harm to the future of our country. Twisting the constitution to impeach a President who you fear will be re-elected is a flagrant abuse of the rule of law and an assault on the institution we all swore an oath to. The is one thing that the Founding Fathers were most fearful of.\n\nThis process doesn't just impugn the President - it shows nothing but disdain and contempt for the voters who duly elected him. More than 80 percent of voters in the 4th District of Alabama voted for President Trump in 2016 and they continue to support him. And so do I.\n\nSpeaker Pelosi and the House Democrats have made a mockery of our Democracy and it is past time to get back to work for our constituents and the important issues that face our great nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-socialist-dems-baseless-sham-impeachment-threatens", "Congressman Mo Brooks: Socialist Dems' Baseless, Sham Impeachment Threatens Our Constitution and Republic", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCWednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted No, against Impeaching President Donald Trump. The vote against impeachment was bipartisan, as 3 very courageous Democrats joined every Republican in voting against impeachment.\nCongressman Brooks released the following statement:\nSocialist Democrats have brazenly abused their majority party power in these impeachment proceedings. The Constitution imposes a very high bar that must be cleared before an impeachment can trash the votes of American citizens and nullify an election. Only proof of criminal conduct suffices, to-wit: a high crime or misdemeanor, bribery, or treason.\nOver the past 230 years, American elected officials have defined criminal conduct in thousands upon thousands of city, county, state or federal criminal ordinances and statutes. Notably, the Socialist Democrats' impeachment articles fail to cite a single criminal ordinance or statute they claim President Trump violated. That absence fatally flaws the Socialist Democrats' impeachment efforts.\nThe Socialist Democrats' shameful conduct and motivation is best evidenced by their numerous public statements and promises to impeach President Trump . . . before he was even sworn into office. The Socialist Democrats started their impeachment effort with the Russian collusion scam, but there was no evidence of collusion, so that propaganda fell on its face and is not an impeachment article. Next, Socialist Democrats alleged Donald Trump violated various federal campaign laws. But, there was no evidence of campaign law violations, so that propaganda fell on its face and is not an impeachment article. Finally,Socialist Democrats alleged Donald Trump committed bribery. Yet, they fail to cite in the impeachment articles a single bribery statute President Trump allegedly violated. In effect, the Socialist Democrats' impeachment articles are an admission that President Trump did not collude with Russia, has not violated any federal campaign laws, and has not committed bribery.\nInstead of collusion, bribery, or criminal campaign finance law violations, Socialist Democrats allege in their impeachment articles that President Trump committed Abuse of Power' and Obstruction of Congress'. First, under the Constitution, neither of these allegations are impeachable offenses. Second, if they were, then almost every past president including Barack Obama could have been impeached on one impeachment article or the other.More specifically, Barack Obama abused his power (among many other things) when he gave work permits to illegal aliens in direct contravention of federal law that says you can't do that. Barack Obama also obstructed Congress too many times to count concerning the IRS scandal, the Fast & Furious scandal, the Hillary Clinton violation of classified information scandal, and on and on and on. Republicans didn't impeach Obama for abuse of power or obstruction of Congress. Rather, Republicans went to court and sought court orders resolving legal disputes and compelling the Obama Administration to obey the law. Socialist Democrats, in their rush to judgment, failed to give President Trump, and the American people, the same courtesy.Instead, Socialist Democrats resorted to the political equivalent of nuclear war. That is wrong and America has been, and will continue to, pay a heavy price for the Socialist Democrats' dangerous, radical conduct.\nIn sum, Socialist Democrats have abused their majority power for political reasons to undermine the president and trash the votes of 63 million Americans. It is a dangerous precedent. It is a threat to our Constitution and Republic. The American people ought to punish the Socialists Democrats for this abuse. It's horrible what Socialist Democrats have done.I hope the American people will hold the Socialist Democrats accountable so that no political party will dare abuse the Constitution's impeachment provisions again.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-amendment-exposes-democrat-impeachment-hypocrisy", "Byrne Amendment Exposes Democrat Impeachment Hypocrisy", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) gave an impassioned speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today on his amendment to the articles of impeachment saying, based upon the Democrat majority's standard in pursuing impeachment against President Donald Trump, they should have written articles of impeachment against President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder for their actions during the House investigations into the Obama Administration's Fast and Furious program. His full remarks as prepared are below.\nCongressman Byrne said: Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule and the underlying resolution to impeach President Trump.\nWhen the framers granted the House the power to impeach, they feared that it would be abused. Today, those fears are realized. In record speed, this majority has assembled hearsay, speculation, and presumptions for the purpose of overturning the 2016 election. \nWe are not here today, days before Christmas, because the Majority has assembled a case against President Trump. No, we are here today because the Democrat Majority believes getting impeachment done now will provide their vulnerable members time to distance themselves from their vote. But, I assure you, Mr. Speaker, the American people are watching!\nMany of my colleagues have, from day one, rejected the people's choice of President Trump. But, another President will come along more to the Majority's liking. Our actions here today will be remembered and will set the standard.\nThe second article of impeachment seeks to remove President Trump for failure to produce certain requested witnesses and documents. But, as the Majority knows, every President in history has asserted Executive Privilege!\nThe House has a legal avenue to challenge the President, the courts. But the Majority has skipped that step, showing that this is about impeachment as fast as possible, however possible!\nMost of my friends on the other side of the aisle had no problem backing President Obama when he stonewalled this House for years to block our quest to find out the truth in the Fast and Furious Investigation. That is why I filed an amendment to the resolution, rejected by the Rules Committee, saying, based upon the Democrat majority's standard, they should have written articles of impeachment against President Obama and Eric Holder!\nI wish my colleagues would think about the standard being set. I predict that they will very soon regret it.\nI yield back.\nCongressman Byrne's amendment, the only amendment offered to these historic articles of impeachment, would strike language alleging President Trump attempted to undermine investigations and replace it with language stating the president acted consistently with the previous administration's behavior during congressional probes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-votes-against-impeachment", "Byrne Votes Against Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) voted against the two articles of impeachment in the House of Representatives tonight. Before voting, Byrne gave the following floor remarks.\nCongressman Byrne said: Madam Speaker, in three months, we have gone from receiving an unsubstantiated, hearsay, and discredited whistleblower complaint to the production of articles of impeachment against the President of the United States. Not since Andrew Johnson has the House engaged in such a partisan political stunt!\nFrom the beginning, this has been a sham and this House has been nothing but a star chamber! The Democrat majority literally locked themselves in the basement of this building, hiding from the American people. When my colleagues and I refused to stand for it, Democrats moved to public hearings but denied us questions, denied us witnesses, and denied the President any meaningful opportunity to defend himself.\nWith this complete abuse of process, the Democrat majority has produced the flimsiest and most legally unsound articles of impeachment in the history of this institution. Never before has the House reported an article of impeachment that does not allege an underlying crime, yet this Majority will do so today.\nRead the transcripts! There was no quid pro quo, no bribery, no extortion, no crime, and no abuse of power, and they don't even allege a crime in their articles of impeachment. The President raising Ukrainian corruption is not an impeachable offense.\nIf the dealings of Hunter Biden were so above board, you would think the majority would be just fine looking into this matter. Yet, they haven't moved my resolution asking for an investigation and our subpoenas for Hunter have all been denied. Hunter Biden doesn't get a pass because his dad was Vice President!\nI am proud to have fought against this charade every step of the way and I will proudly vote no today.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-will-vote-no-articles-impeachment-against-president-donald-trump", "Palmer Will Vote \u2018NO\u2019 on Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Gary J. Palmer", "P000609", "palmer.house.gov", "palmer", "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921\n\nPalmer Will Vote \u2018NO' on Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) has announced he will vote \"no\" on both articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. Palmer released the following statement:\n\n\"The vote today to impeach President Trump is not supported by law, facts, or logic. It does, however, circumvent the vision of America's Founders. They imagined that impeachment would occur only under grave circumstances, not due to political differences. Today, my Democratic colleagues have not proven that President Trump is guilty of \u2018treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.' The only thing President Trump is guilty of in this process is governing in a manner that some Democrats disagree with. That's not a standard for impeachment.\n\n\"In impeachment Article I, the allegation is that President Trump abused his power. The primary witness to this article is also the supposed victim of the abuse of power, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. Democrats did not call him as a witness to their hearings, as his testimony is not helpful to their narrative, but this was his statement: \u2018There was no pressure or blackmail from the U.S.'\n\n\"Democrats will not allow facts to get in the way, but facts matter. No foreign nation is entitled to receive money from the United States, and money certainly should not be released without accountability. My colleagues allege that money was withheld to force an investigation into a political rival of the President, but the facts do not support this. The U.S. released the money with no investigation having taken place. This is why, over time, we have seen Democrats shift their narrative. First, they accused President Trump of quid pro quo, then of bribery, and now they accuse him of abuse of power. Undoubtedly, when this process has failed, they will create another narrative. But the truth is clear \u2013 they are frustrated that President Trump has been effective, that the economy is strong, and that people are doing better, because that is not a narrative that will promote their agenda. They are attacking him because they can't attack his results. We know from this process that they only have one agenda \u2013 to impeach the President at all costs, regardless of the facts or the Constitution.\n\n\"In impeachment Article II, the allegation is that the President obstructed Congress. Obstruction of justice is a crime. Obstruction of Congress is not. Fundamentally, this second article is an attempt to charge President Trump with obstructing the Democrats' impeachment efforts. They engaged in a sham process to impeach the President, and they're now alleging he must be removed from office for not becoming complicit in their coup attempt.\n\n\"A president does not lose the right to assert executive or attorney-client privilege simply because an impeachment process is underway. Although Congress has the right to receive documents and other evidence from the executive branch, it has never been protocol that Congress can make demands, set arbitrary deadlines, and then commence impeachment when the executive branch misses a deadline or asserts a Constitutional privilege. Under this approach, every recent president would've been subject to impeachment. For example, former Attorney General Eric Holder refused to comply with a congressional subpoena related to misleading communications because President Obama, claiming executive privilege, instructed Holder not to comply. It would have been preposterous for Congress to immediately start an impeachment process in reaction to this, but that is how the current Congress has reacted to similar actions from President Trump. Democrat coup leaders have misrepresented the facts regarding his exercise of executive privilege in an attempt to mislead the American public. They claim that the Trump Administration officials were unresponsive and did not comply with their subpoenas. In reality, Administration officials did respond, stating that they would not comply, which is their right. Every Administration in recent memory has exercised executive privilege against subpoenas. This is not only not new, it is to be expected.\n\n\"These ambiguous standards for impeachment should not and must not become the norm. Until now, the impeachment process has never been substantially politicized, and God forbid that it ever is again in the future. My Democrat colleagues claim President Trump is a danger to our country. I must ask, is a growing economy or record unemployment a danger? Are rising wages and increased household income threats to our country? Is helping people achieve independence, personal growth, and self-sufficiency what my Democrat colleagues really fear? We are taking the wrong turn today with this vote, but it is my hope that when the Senate has rejected this partisan process, law, logic, and reason might be restored. Because there is no evidence in relation to treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors, I will vote \u2018NO' on the articles of impeachment against President Trump.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-on-swampy-spending-bills-day-of-reckoning-is-coming", "Byrne on Swampy Spending Bills: Day of Reckoning is Coming", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after voting against the Omnibus spending bills brought to the floor this afternoon as part of a deal reached late last night.\nCongressman Byrne said: Yesterday at 5 pm, 2,313 pages containing $1.4 trillion in new spending and unrelated measures were dumped on me. As I slept, hundreds more pages were added to these bills last night. Voting on these bills less than 24 hours later is the definition of the swamp.\nDuring a time of remarkable economic growth, we should be taking steps to reduce the deficit, not throwing billions of dollars in goodies attempting to make an irresponsible spending bill more palatable. It is ridiculous that the greatest country in the world is being run so haphazardly, and a day of reckoning is coming if we cannot restore sanity to our government spending process.\nDespite Byrne's opposition, both funding bills passed the House today and are expected to receive a vote in the Senate this week.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-opposes-2020-spending-package", "Palmer Opposes 2020 Spending Package", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Gary J. Palmer", "P000609", "palmer.house.gov", "palmer", "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: Elizabeth Hance (202)-225-4921\n\nPalmer Opposes 2020 Spending Package\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) has voted \"no\" on the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1158) and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1865). These two \"minibus\" bills authorize continued funding of the federal government through fiscal year 2020, once the current funding resolution expires on December 20. Following their passage in the House of Representatives, Palmer released the following statement:\n\n\"Combined, H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865 add up to a massive 2,313 pages and $1.4 trillion dollars in spending, adding even more to our deficit for this fiscal year and to our long-term debt. These two bills were released less than 24 hours before Members were expected to vote on them, making it impossible to review the bills beforehand.\n\n\"It is always difficult to vote against appropriations for our military. I have long supported increased and robust funding for our military. There is no question that we must make certain that our military is adequately funded both for its present missions and the missions of the future. But the reckless and irresponsible course that we are on in regard to spending will ultimately have a devastating impact on our ability to provide for our national defense. Regardless of which party is the majority, we must find a way to get control of our spending, set priorities for domestic programs and our military, and offer spending bills that fund those priorities and that will set us on a course to fiscal stability.\n\n\"I remain committed to finding solutions to rebuilding our military after years of neglect and to meeting the threats of the future, but these spending bills are not the way to get that job done. It's for these reasons that I voted \u2018no' today on H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["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://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4E466E0B-8678-4B93-878B-C44F868E7460", "Shelby Applauds Passage of FY2020 NDAA", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Richard Shelby", "S000320", "www.shelby.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on defense, today released the following statement regarding Senate passage of the Conference Report to accompany S. 1790, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. Following passage in the House of Representatives last week, the authorizing legislation will now move to the President's desk for his signature.\r\nThis legislation contains major victories for Alabama and the nation's defense and aerospace sectors, said Senator Shelby. This bipartisan, bicameral measure will help provide our troops with the tools necessary to best defend our nation. This is an important step in the process, and I look forward to securing critical funding for the Department of Defense through the appropriations process as soon as possible.\r\nThe Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA Conference Report, which passed by a vote of 86-8, provides a total of $735 billion for national defense priorities. Specifically, the legislation authorizes a 3.1 percent pay raise for members of the Armed Forces, the creation of a new Space Force, resources needed to carry out the most recent National Defense Strategy, reform of military housing, and continued research and development into key technologies.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-2020-funding-nasa-s-current-priorities-and-impact", "Aderholt Statement on 2020 Funding for NASAs Current Priorities and the Impact on Alabama", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement in regard to funding for NASA and the Space Launch System program.\n\nToday is a significant day for Marshall Space Flight Center's continued leadership in our nation's focus on space. There are four main ways that this bill is important:\n\nFirst, the funding bill that passed the House includes $2.586 billion for The Space Launch System. As the most powerful rocket ever made, the SLS will surpass even the Saturn V. We have worked hard to make the SLS, with its new upper stage, the rocket which will take us back to the moon and on into deep space. The great engineers and other leaders at Marshall Space Flight Center have made dramatic advances in manufacturing efficiency for the second rocket, including using both vertical and horizontal construction. I am confident that the work at Marshall on the SLS will be completed and stay on schedule.And that will allow plans for a production and launch tempo to deliver payloads that surpass what even the space shuttle could do.\n\nSecond, as part of the SLS funding, no less than$300 millionis specified for the Exploration Upper Stage, EUS. In development since 2014, it is ready now to advance from design to production. This exciting next step is what secures American leadership in space. Compared to other available or soon to be available rockets, the SLS with an EUS, known as Block1B, will have the largest fairing in the world, and unequaled power to deliver payloads to the Moon and beyond. This means that very large items can be delivered already assembled inside the fairing. That greatly reduces the risk you face with multiple launches and tryting to do assembly in space.\n\nThird, back in August, it was announced that the Human Landing System would be managed at Marshall. Funding for 2020 allowsNASAto make its planned schedule of awards and to continue its planning in order to land the first woman astronaut on the surface of the moon in 2024, the date President Trump has targeted. I look forward to working with the Administration in the upcoming fiscal years.\n\nFourth, this bill funds the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion program $110 million, including $80 million for a demonstration. Following years of research, this demonstration is crucial to including NTP in the planning discussions for the mission to Mars.\n\nWe have positioned Huntsville and all of North Alabama to play a vital role in our push to go back to the moon and on to Mars. I know one thing for sure, without the talents and expertise we have in our state, these goals cannot be achieved.\n\nI'm proud of our team atNASAand the private companies involved in the overall space industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-2020-funding-nasas-current-priorities-and-impact", "Aderholt Statement on 2020 Funding for NASA\u2019s Current Priorities and the Impact on Alabama", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2014 Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement in regard to funding for NASA and the Space Launch System program, which is funded at a total budget figure of $22.6 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion above the FY 2019 level.\n\n\"Today is a significant day for Marshall Space Flight Center's continued leadership in our nation's focus on space. There are four main ways that this bill is important:\n\n\"First, the funding bill that passed the House includes $2.586 billion for The Space Launch System. As the most powerful rocket ever made, the SLS will surpass even the Saturn V. We have worked hard to make the SLS, with its new upper stage, the rocket which will take us back to the moon and on into deep space. The great engineers and other leaders at Marshall Space Flight Center have made dramatic advances in manufacturing efficiency for the second rocket, including using both vertical and horizontal construction. I am confident that the work at Marshall on the SLS will be completed and stay on schedule. And that will allow plans for a production and launch tempo to deliver payloads that surpass what even the space shuttle could do.\n\n\"Second, as part of the SLS funding, no less than $300 million is specified for the Exploration Upper Stage, EUS. In development since 2014, it is ready now to advance from design to production. This exciting next step is what secures American leadership in space. Compared to other available or soon to be available rockets, the SLS with an EUS, known as Block1B, will have the largest fairing in the world, and unequaled power to deliver payloads to the Moon and beyond. This means that very large items can be delivered already assembled inside the fairing. That greatly reduces the risk you face with multiple launches and trying to do assembly in space.\n\n\"Third, back in August, it was announced that the Human Landing System would be managed at Marshall. Funding for 2020, is at $600 million, noted as \"Advanced Cislunar and Surface Capabilities.\" This funding allows NASA to make its planned schedule of awards and to continue its planning in order to land the first woman astronaut on the surface of the moon in 2024, the date President Trump has targeted. I look forward to working with the Administration in the upcoming fiscal years.\n\n\"Fourth, this bill funds the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion program $110 million, including $80 million for a demonstration. Following years of research, this demonstration is crucial to including NTP in the planning discussions for the mission to Mars.\n\n\"We have positioned Huntsville and all of North Alabama to play a vital role in our push to go back to the moon and on to Mars. I know one thing for sure, without the talents and expertise we have in our state, these goals cannot be achieved.\n\n\"I'm proud of our team at NASA and the private companies involved in the overall space industry.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-continued-funding-reconnect-program-rural-broadband", "Aderholt Statement on Continued Funding For ReConnect Program for Rural Broadband", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.\n\nThis office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.\n\nWe encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-efforts-clear-rape-kit-backlog", "Aderholt Statement on Efforts to Clear Rape Kit Backlog", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington \u2014 Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement on his efforts to secure $102 million to assure clearing rape kit backlogs are made a priority in 2020 federal spending. The $102 million will go to the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant program.\n\n\"There is an old legal saying \u2013 \"justice delayed is justice denied.\" For thousands of victims of sexual assault across our country, including Alabama, justice has been delayed because of the wait time for DNA evidence to be examined.\n\n\"The rape kit backlog is currently one of the main obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence. Some estimates show that the arrest rate is nearly three times higher when rape kits are tested. That's why I worked to include in the 2020 Federal Budget, $102 million to specifically help clear this backlog.\n\n\"Every untested rape kit represents a victim denied justice. Every tested rape kit represents that victim's hope for justice. This new funding should provide that hope for many more victims.\n\n\"If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE. Help is available to you today.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/answering-the-call-fighting-a-phony-impeachment", "Answering the Call  Fighting a Phony Impeachment", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This year Democrats finally did what they have wanted to do since November 2016  move to impeach President Donald Trump. This plan was politically motivated from the beginning, and I decided to lead the fight against it.\nThis initial investigation into Donald Trump should never have begun in the first place. During the Obama Presidency, partisan government officials abused their power and used a phony dossier paid for by Democrat political operatives to justify the investigation.\nHow could they run a phony investigation into then-candidate Trump while giving Secretary Hillary Clinton a pass on her many clear violations of the law?\nI introduced a bill called the Investigate the Investigators Act to get the answers the American people deserve. This bill would enable the Department of Justice to determine what President Obama and his Administration knew and when they knew it and why numerous questionable decisions were made in 2016 and beyond.\nAs expected, Pelosi had no interest in bringing to light answers that could undermine her impeachment scheme.\nOne of the key facets of her plan was to hold proceedings in the House Intelligence Committee instead of the Judiciary Committee. The Intelligence Committee is one of the House's smallest committees, where the Speaker essentially handpicks its members.\nPelosi had a ready-made impeachment team loyal to her, led by Chairman Adam Schiff.\nAnother characteristic of the Intelligence Committee is that it often examines classified material and has wide latitude to hold secret hearings to protect classified information.\nSchiff and Pelosi abused this to hold hearings in a classified meeting room called a SCIF, deep in the basement of the Capitol where the public and press could not access the facts.\nEven though the information they reviewed was not classified, the public was kept out.\nSeveral of my colleagues and I had enough. We entered the SCIF to observe the proceedings as we should be entitled to do as the people's representatives.\nAmazingly, Adam Schiff shut down the hearings. But we kept up the pressure. Eventually Democrats agreed to release their secret transcripts.\nLet's not forget what started this whole Ukraine mess  Hunter Biden's shady foreign business dealings.\nWhile Hunter's dad, Joe, was Vice President of the United States, Hunter was making lucrative deals in countries like Ukraine and China.\nIn Ukraine, where his dad was leading U.S. foreign policy efforts, Hunter was serving on the board of a sketchy energy company called Burisma Holdings.\nIn the past, Joe Biden has bragged openly about successfully pressuring the Ukrainian government to remove Ukraine's top prosecutor or risk losing United States assistance. That same prosecutor was allegedly investigating Burisma, the company on whose board Hunter Biden sat at the time!\nPresident Trump recognized the importance of rooting out corruption in a country to which we give millions of dollars in foreign aid, and he was totally justified in being skeptical of a new administration in a notoriously corrupt country.\nIf the same facts in the Biden case occurred with someone named Trump or Byrne, Democrats would have already launched a full-scale investigation. I decided to expose this hypocrisy.\nIn October, I introduced a House resolution calling for an investigation into the Bidens' shady business dealings. Democrats will not consider it. The fact that they are continuing their sham Trump investigation while ignoring the real Biden scandal reveals their political motivations.\nThroughout this investigation, I've continued to lead the charge against Democrats' phony charges and hypocrisy. Democrats will not let up working to remove President Trump from office, even after he is acquitted by the Senate. You can rest assured I will continue to be a strong leader in the fight to protect President Trump.", 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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-introduces-bill-to-fight-drug-cartels", "Byrne Introduces Bill To Fight Drug Cartels", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), along with Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI), has introduced the Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act. This bill would create a new designation, Significant Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), which has more stringent sanctions than the current transnational criminal organization designation. The penalties for Significant TCOs would mirror many of the penalties for entities designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), including sanctions on organization members and their families, travel restrictions, and increased penalties for US citizens who grant them material assistance. Click here for text of the bill.\nCongressman Byrne said: We should not have to tolerate transnational criminal organizations exporting drugs and violence into our country. This bill will enhance our ability to come after these groups and keep our communities and citizens safe at home and abroad. Congress should rally behind this effort and show these groups that there are severe consequences for their actions.\nCongressman Gallagher said: Recent cartel-related violence in Mexico has demonstrated that whatever we're doing to combat these thugs isn't working. Enough is enough. This bill gives the administration the tools it needs to go after significant transnational criminal organizations and ensure they face maximum pressure under the law.\nThe Significant Transnational Criminal Organization Designation Act:\n Enables the federal government to impose sanctions on designated Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), including:\n\tBarring organization members and their immediate families from admission into the United States,\n\tFreezing assets, and\n\tSeeking civil and criminal penalties against individuals providing material assistance or resources to the organization.\n\tRequires the President to submit a report to Congress detailing the government's findings from the November 4, 2019 attack on U.S. cities in northern Mexico, including whether the organization responsible should be designated as a Significant TCO\n Co-sponsors of this bill include:\n Mark Walker (R-NC)\n\tMatt Gaetz (R-FL)\n\tDoug Lamborn (R-CO)\n\tLance Gooden (R-TX)\n\tBob Gibbs (R-OH)\n\tRandy Webber (R-TX)\n\tMichael Cloud (R-TX)\n\tDenver Riggleman (R-VA)\n\tRon Wright (R-TX)\n\tJohn Rutherford (R-FL)\n\tRick Crawford (R-AR)\n\tFrench Hill (R-AR)\n Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) has introduced the Senate version of this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/supporting-our-military", "Supporting Our Military", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This past week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 with a vote of 377-48. This annual bill authorizes the various military programs and defense activities in the Department of Defense. It does not provide budget authority, which will be provided in future legislation.\nThe United States Armed Forces are the world's most powerful military. It is imperative for our country's national security and the performance of our military that Congress provide ample support for our defense. This bill allows us to make progress toward increasing the strength and agility of our military. The FY 2020 NDAA bill provides a 3.1 percent pay raise to our troops, which is the largest pay increase in a decade. The bill will also establish the U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of the military within the U.S. Air Force.\nAs a representative in the U.S. Congress, it is my duty to be a voice for my constituents in Southeast Alabama, and supporting our military is one of my top priorities. The Second Congressional District is home to two of our nation's finest military installations  Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass and Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. Not only do we have a strong defense industry in the Second District, but the state of Alabama's military footprint is largely significant as well.\nSeveral servicemembers and active duty military families reside in our District, so it is vitally important that I commit my support to them. Their sacrifice and dedication to keeping our country safe must never be forgotten.\nBy representing these men and women, I know the extreme importance of providing the members of our military with the best resources possible to ensure they are fit for whatever challenges they may face. From my first day in Congress until my last, I will continue to fight for sufficient military funding to safeguard the security of our nation.\nProviding for our common defense is a fundamental duty of the Congress as laid out in the Constitution. I am proud to have voted in favor of this critical piece of legislation. The decisions and votes I cast in Congress express the overall voice of our District, and I will always advocate for proper support of our nation's defense. By supporting this bill, I believe I am doing what's right by the servicemembers of the Second District. It is truly an honor to represent the remarkable servicemembers and veterans of my constituency. I am thankful for the opportunity to have this unique platform to fight for these men and women who selflessly dedicate themselves to defend and protect our nation.Thank you to all of our men and women in uniform.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-comments-articles-impeachment", "Roby Comments on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) made comments this week during the House Judiciary Committee's markup of H. Res. 755, the articles of impeachment against President Trump.\nThe articles of impeachment before us in this Committee do not meet the necessary requirements nor have they followed an exhaustive pursuit to even find all of the facts of the case, Representative Roby said. The American people deserve a process that puts politics aside. The American people deserve a process that is led by our promise to protect and defend the Constitution. The American people simply deserve better. \nMembers of the Judiciary Committee offered amendments to the articles throughout the debate, and both articles of impeachment were reported out of the Committee with a partisan vote of 23-17. Next week, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the articles of impeachment.\nThe full text of Representative Roby's speech is below.\nI have made clear how woefully incomplete this process has been, how the Minority's right to a hearing has been completely disregarded, how no fact witnesses were called before us, and how staff questioning staff to get the truth was bizarre.\nNo matter what any Member on this side says here tonight, the Majority will unanimously vote to send these articles of impeachment to the House Floor. However, I have a duty to continue to point out how flawed this process has been. All Members of Congress are required to take an oath of office at the beginning of every Congress. By taking this oath, we swearabove all else, to defend the Constitution of the United States.\nI have the distinct honor to represent the hardworking people of Southeast Alabama. They have placed their trust in me to represent their values and be their voice here in Congress. This revered and longstanding oath serves as a guiding principle for every decision I make as a Member of Congress.\nFor the record, let me be clear:\nI believe in the rule of law.\nI believe that no person is above the law.\nI believe process is vital to this very institution.\nI have stated time and time again before this Committee: process matters. Without abiding by a framework that adheres to our Constitution, we are charting a course that does not follow our country's founding principles.\nWhether you identify as a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, whether you agree or disagree with a president's policies, whether you like or even dislike a president, the American people should feel cheated by what has taken place here.\nWe sit here tonight without all the facts of the case because the Majority decided to conduct an incomplete and inadequate pursuit of the truth. Many questions remain.\nWith the consequential decision of impeaching a president, it is our right and duty to the citizens of this country to properly use the powers of congressional oversight, to adjudicate impasses through the courts, and arrive at actual undisputed facts of a case that all Americans, regardless of ideology, can agree are truthful and honest.\nIn the impeachment proceedings of President Nixon, the underlying facts of the case were undisputed. In the impeachment proceedings of President Clinton, the underlying facts of the case were undisputed. Here before us tonight, that is not the case.\nThe articles of impeachment before us in this Committee do not meet the necessary requirements nor have they followed an exhaustive pursuit to even find all of the facts of the case. Therefore, the bar to impeach a sitting president of the United States has not been met.\nFor the sake of our country and for the future trajectory of this body, I implore my colleagues to take a hard look at the course of this investigation. It has severely discounted the tenets of our democratic system.\nTomorrow, we write history: a history that cannot be undone. A dangerous precedent will be set for future Majorities of this body.\nThe American people deserve a process that puts politics aside. The American people deserve a process that is led by our promise to protect and defend the Constitution. The American people simply deserve better.\n###", 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://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/alreportercom-bipartisan-ndaa-passes-house", "ALREPORTER.COM: Bipartisan NDAA passes the House", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/breitbartcom-exclusive-mo-brooks-agricultural-amnesty-attack-blue-collar", "BREITBART.COM: ExclusiveMo Brooks: Agricultural Amnesty an 'Attack on Blue Collar Workers'", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/breitbartcom-mo-brooks-obama-should-have-been-impeached-based-democrats", "BREITBART.COM: Mo Brooks: Obama Should Have Been Impeached Based on Democrats Abuse of Power Standard", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1786", "Rogers Welcomes Constituents to  Mornings with Mike", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, DC)---Congressman Mike Rogers reminded folks today that he is holding weekly events when Congress is in session that are open to any constituents visiting Washington, D.C. Mornings with Mike events take place in Rogers' Washington office in the Rayburn House Office Building.\r\n The meetings offer East Alabamians a unique chance to meet with Congressman Rogers while enjoying coffee and donuts in his office.\r\n I want to remind anyone who will be visiting the DC-area to stop by for a cup of coffee.\r\n      I have always had my offices open to everyone across the Third Congressional District, but these weekly events give folks the chance to come in and share their concerns and visit with my staff and me. I hope people will take advantage of them when in our nation's capital, Rogers said.\r\n The event is hosted in January on the last in-session morning of each week at 9:30 a.m. EDT in 2184 Rayburn. Anyone interested in attending should sign up on Mike's website to ensure enough coffee and donuts are ordered each week. The dates for the January meetings are: January 10th, 16th, 28th.\r\n      Please visit https://mikerogers.house.gov/mornings-with-mike for more information, or call Rogers' Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261.\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-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://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1BB6F069-5862-4CD8-99E4-B6C58E28B432", "Shelby, Jones Honor Alabama Bicentennial  With Senate Resolution", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Richard Shelby", "S000320", "www.shelby.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) today introduced a Senate resolution recognizing and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the entry of Alabama into the Union as the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. This Saturday, December 14, 2019, will officially mark the 200th year of Alabama's statehood. The resolution honors the momentous occasion and the achievements of the Yellowhammer State.\r\nAlabama has transformed over the last 200 years, said Senator Shelby. Our state went from existing as a territory of farmland to being a major player in national defense, space exploration, manufacturing, medical research, and so on. I am honored to introduce this resolution commemorating Alabama's 200 years of statehood. What better time to remember our state's history and celebrate how much we have accomplished over the last two centuries.\r\nAs we commemorate 200 years of Alabama history, we recognize that the history of our state is one of overcoming all odds in pursuit of the American dream, Senator Jones said. We honor and remember all the men and women who helped get us to where we are now, and recommit ourselves to each do our part to continue to move Alabama forward.\r\nThe measure is expected to pass the full Senate unanimously. The celebration, known in the state as ALABAMA 200, is three-year effort to honor the people, places, and events that form Alabama's rich history. Throughout the bicentennial countdown, the commission has invested in schools and teachers, engaged in communities state-wide, and encouraged citizens and visitors to explore and learn more about the state.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/breitbartcom-mo-brooks-obstruction-congress-impeachment-article-pile-poop", "BREITBART.COM: Mo Brooks: Obstruction of Congress Impeachment Article Is a 'Pile of Poop'", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/c-spanorg-washington-journal-representative-mo-brooks-r-al-discusses", "C-SPAN.ORG: Washington Journal: Representative Mo Brooks (R-AL) Discusses Impeachment and Afghanistan", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yellowhammernewscom-mo-brooks-obamas-attack-law-enforcement-tied-spike-0", "YELLOWHAMMERNEWS.COM: Mo Brooks: Obama's attack on law enforcement tied to spike in police killed in the line of duty", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-fights-deadly-socialized-medicine-house-floor", "Congressman Mo Brooks Fights Deadly Socialized Medicine in House Floor Speech", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Wednesday, in a House Floor speech, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) lambasted Socialist Democrats' drug pricing control bill, a Socialized medicine scheme that will result in worse health care at higher costs with longer waits and more dead Americans.\nClick on the above image or HERE for video of Congressman Brooks' speech\n\nFull text of Congressman Brooks' floor speech follows:\nMr. Speaker, 106nearly halfof House Democrats have cosponsored the Socialist's Lower Drug Costs Now Act.[1]\nI will not mince words. Socialized medicine causes worse health care at higher costs with longer waits and more dead Americans.\nAmerica must learn from countries that have experimented with Socialized medicine.\nPer Britain's Royal College of Surgeons, almost a quarter of a million people must wait more than six months  SIX MONTHS  to receive planned medical treatment from the National Health Service.[2]\nWorse yet, more than 36,000 Britons wait more than NINE MONTHS for medical care![3]\nThe photo next to me was taken by a British mother outraged by the health care her ill son received.As this photo shows, her son was treated on a hospital floor!\nDo we want newborn babies kept in cardboard boxes like they are in Socialist Venezuela?\nIs that really what we want in America? I say NO!\nBut that is exactly what America will get if Socialists have their way in this health care debate.\nCanada's Socialized medicine is no better.\nA 2016 survey by Canada's Fraser Institute found a median wait of 20 weeks  almost FIVE MONTHS  for [Quote] medically necessary [End Quote] treatments and procedures.[4]\nBritain's National Health Service data reveals that almost 25% of cancer patients don't start treatment on time despite urgent referrals from their primary care doctors.[5]\nBritain's politicians white-wash this deadly statistic by claiming treatment is [Quote] on time [End Quote] if it is given within 62 days of referral two months of referral.\nSuch long wait periods for cancer treatment can be, and are, deadly!\nFor example, 81% of British breast cancer patients live 5 years after diagnosis[6] compared to 89% for American breast cancer patients.[7]\nStated differently, 8 of every 100 breast cancer patients who live in America would die in Britain's Socialized medicine system.\nAmericans with prostate cancer have a 97% 5-year survival rate.[8] In Britain, it drops to 83%.[9]\nStated differently, 14 of every 100 prostate cancer patients who live in America would die in Britain's Socialized medicine system.\nIt is irresponsible and dangerous for America to copy Socialized medicine . . . yet that is exactly what Socialist Democrats want us to do.\nThe House soon votes on a Socialist drug cost plan that gives the government control over drug pricing while suppressing the invention of life-saving drugs.\nFor example, the Congressional Budget Office warns this legislation results in 15 fewer drugs in the next 10 years.[10]\nThat's 15 drugs that help Americans live longer or more comfortably . . . gone because of Socialist Democrat wishful thinking.\nMr. Speaker, socialized medicine is not the answer. Government price controls are not the answer.\nThe answer is more free enterprise competition that forces health care providers and drug companies to provide their best products at their lowest prices . . . or go out of business.\nI urge the American people to not to fall prey to Socialists who promise taxpayer-funded government healthcare. I urge my colleagues to vote against this Socialist drug pricing scheme.\nMost importantly, I urge America to be wary of propaganda that claims Socialized medicine lowers healthcare costs or saves lives. Socialized medicine does neither.\nRemember the promise that ObamaCare will cut your health insurance premiums by $2,500 per year? That was false propaganda!\nRemember the promise that under ObamaCare you can keep your doctor and health insurance plans if you want? That was false propaganda!\nAmerica, do your homework. Don't fall for the lies . . . again.\nDemand solutions that both lower costs and save lives!\nWhy? Because your very life is at risk.\nMr. Speaker, I yield back.\n###\n\n[1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3/cosponsors\n[2] https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/news-and-events/media-centre/press-releases/nhs-stats-march-2019/\n[3] Id.\n[4] https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/health-care-wait-times-hit-20-weeks-in-2016-report-1.3171718\n[5] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6808659/NHS-urgent-action-clear-hospitals-backlog.html\n[6] https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/concord-2.htm\n[7] Id.\n[8] Id.\n[9] Id.\n[10] https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2019-10/hr3ltr.pdf", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-votes-yes-compromise-defense-authorization-act", "Congressman Mo Brooks Votes \"Yes\" on Compromise Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DCWednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted Yes on the House-Senate Conference Report and compromise FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The compromise FY20 NDAA Conference Report passed the House 377-48.\nCongressman Brooks released the following statement:\nThe FY20 NDAA House-Senate compromise bill is vastly superior to the original House version opposed by a bipartisan Senate and the White House. This compromise NDAAenhances America's national security by:\n \nauthorizing $738 billion in defense funding;\n\testablishing the U.S. Space Force as a sixth Armed Service of the United States (which improves America's ability to acquire, operate, and defend space-based assets);\n\tadequately authorizing funding for the development of all three legs of the nuclear triad;\n\treversing efforts to eliminate funding for the deployment of low-yield nuclear weapons; and,\n\tincreasing funding for development of hypersonic weapons, directed energy weapons, and next-generation helicopters; to name a few.\n \nThe FY20 NDAA House-Senate compromise bill improves the quality of life of America's servicemembers by:\n \ngiving troops a 3.1% pay raise;\n\tphasing out the Widow's Tax;\n\taddressing the military housing crisis and requiring the services to establish a Tenant Bill of Rights; and,\n\tdoubling the reimbursement amount for state licensure expenses for military spouses, who face unique career challenges when they move across state lines and often must pay substantial sums to requalify for nearly identical licenses.\n \nI am pleased by the success my office had in helping to successfully insert into the compromise NDAA the following provisions that are beneficial to America and Redstone Arsenal, including but not limited to:\n \n$38 million authorized for construction of an Aircraft and Flight Equipment Building on Redstone Arsenal;\n\t$40 million authorized for construction of a new air traffic control tower and airport terminal on Kwajalein Atoll;\n\tadditional $161.6 million authorized for the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (located on Redstone Arsenal) for hypersonic weapons development;\n\tadditional $108 million authorized for the development of the Missile Defense Agency's Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor layer to detect and track hypersonic threats;\n\tadditional $2.5 million authorized to develop next generation small satellites;\n\tadditional $7 million authorized for new hypersonic weapons testing facilities;\n\tfully reverses the House Democrats' $50 million authorization cut to the Army Future Command's Assured Position, Navigation, and Timing Cross-functional Team's efforts to develop their Low Earth Orbit space architecture; and,\n\tadditional $75 million authorized to develop Future Vertical Lift platforms.\n \nPerhaps as important as what's in the House-Senate NDAA is what is not in the bill. The bill does not cut border security funding. To be blunt, more Americans have died as a result of America's porous southern border than have been killed in any American military conflict, with the possible exceptions of World War II and the Civil War. Border security is national security. I'm pleased the House-Senate compromise NDAA doesn't hinder President Trump's ability to secure America's southern border and save American lives.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-defense-bill-a-victory-for-alabama-national-security", "Byrne: Defense Bill a Victory for Alabama, National Security", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report which passed the House 377-48.\nCongressman Byrne said: This bipartisan bill is a huge win for our troops, national security, and Alabama. I applaud the conferees for removing House Democrats' numerous unrelated partisan wish list add-ons that prevented me from supporting the previously-passed House NDAA. Providing for the common defense is one of our most important duties in Congress, and it was time the Democrats stopped playing political games with our troops.\nThis NDAA enables us to rebuild military readiness, allows for continued counter drug enforcement at our border, preserves President Trump's transgender troop ban, accelerates programs to counter Chinese and Russian aggression, and authorizes important bipartisan nuclear modernization programs.\nImportantly, this bill gives our troops a 3.1 percent pay raise, the largest increase in a decade, and repeals the widow's tax, a goal I've worked towards for many years. It also establishes the Space Force, a priority of President Trump's that is expected to bring high-paying jobs to Alabama. And I'm particularly pleased this bill maintains long-standing prohibitions on transferring detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the U.S. since my efforts to preserve this ban were blocked earlier in the year.\nWith this bill's passage, we can continue President Trump's mission to rebuild our military might and arm our fighting men and women with the resources they need to combat threats around the globe.\nThe NDAA contains many important benefits to Alabama:\n Authorizes one Guided Missile Frigate FFG(X) contract whichAustal will compete to build in Mobile, including language secured by Byrne reiterating and instructing that cost is a critical factor in the competition\n\tSupports the conversion of Expeditionary Fast Transport ships into medical ships at Austal's Mobile shipbuilding facility\n\tAuthorizes $12 million for a new Army National Guard Readiness Center in Foley\n\tAuthorizes $249.2 million for Stryker Combat Vehicle Lethality Upgradesto take place in Anniston\n\tSupports missile defense programs in Huntsville and Troy as well as cyber and hypersonic weapons advancements\n\tAuthorizes $34 million for the Enlisted Transient Training Barracks at Fort McClellan Army National Guard Training Center in Anniston\n\tAuthorizes $151.6 million for the Army's Future Vertical Lift Helicopter Modernization Program and the Future Long Range Assault Aircraftthat Bell Helicopter will compete to build in Ozark\n With House passage, the NDAA conference report now awaits a final Senate vote before going to the President's desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-remembers-officer-bill-clardy", "Byrne Remembers Officer Bill Clardy", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) gave a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today in memory of Huntsville Police Department Officer Bill Clardy. His prepared remarks are below:\nCongressman Byrnesaid:Mr. Speaker, I rise today with sadness in my heart to honor Officer Bill Clardy III of the Huntsville Police Department.\nOfficer Clardy, a decorated 14-year veteran of the department who also served with distinction in the Iraq War, was tragically shot and killed recently during a drug investigation.\nOfficer Clardy was assigned to a strategic counterdrug team called the STAC team, leading a task force of federal and local law enforcement agencies to make drug busts across north Alabama. \nSadly, the Clardy family knows well the sacrifices of service. Officer Clardy's father, Billy Clardy, Jr., was killed in a car crash while on duty in 1978.\nWe owe it to Officer Clardy not to forget him or his sacrifice. His reputation for service  and for caring for his community  is unmatched.\nHe was a Huntsville hero and he is an American hero, and he will be greatly missed.\nOur thoughts, prayers and support are with the Clardy family.\nWe embrace you with our love, we offer you our support, and we pledge to you we will not forget his sacrifice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1783", "Rogers:  Just More Examples of Unfair Partisanship", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers:  Just More Examples of Unfair Partisanship \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 11, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      (WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after joining his colleagues on a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler requesting a minority hearing into the attempted coup against President Trump.\r\n The original request was made on December 4, 2019, but has yet to be addressed.\r\n The letter reads in part, The House rules do not afford you the ability to deny this request. Though scheduling is left to your discretion, when considering the unprecedented speed at which the majority is moving towards impeaching a duly elected president, a delay under these circumstances is tantamount to a denial of our right to a minority hearing.\r\n     This is just another perfect example of how unfair and partisan this whole sham process has been. Shame on House Democrats for not following House rules and allowing the minority hearing, Rogers said.\r\n A minority hearing is in compliance with Clause 2(j)(1) of Rule XI.\r\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1784", "Report from Washington: The Season of Giving Across East Alabama", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Each Christmas season, I like to highlight a few of the kind things folks across East Alabama are doing for others.\r\n Below is a small sample of ways our fellow Alabamians have cared for each other over the past year. \r\n In Clay County at Central High School, a teacher, Amanda East, gathered the school supplies that were going to be disposed of from the locker clean out. Those items are now set up to donate to students who need them. \r\n In Lee County, The Hallmark Channel is coming to Beauregard to present new homes to the 15 families who lost everything when the EF-4 tornado devastated the area. \r\nHallmark will also serve residents a holiday meal at Providence Baptist Church with Santa and toys for the little ones too.\r\n In Calhoun County, Dara Murphy of Rosa Lee Boutique organized a White Bag Project for individuals to grab a white bag and fill it up for a child in need. They are also taking clothing and furniture to 20 families.\r\n In Lee, Macon and Tallapoosa Counties, Rep. Peeblin Warren assists 400 seniors with gift baskets.\r\n In Randolph County, the Roanoke Police Department is holding its annual toy drive to ensure local children get a Christmas gift.\r\n In Chambers County, the Christian Service Center collects food and toys to donate to families.\r\n In Montgomery County, Woodland United Methodist Church/Town of Pike Road distribute food. Pike Road and Central Alabama Health Care Systems also distribute hygiene items for local veterans.\r\nReading these stories makes me proud to be from East Alabama. It is truly heartwarming to see our brothers and sisters across the Third District taking time to take care for someone who needs it most.\r\nMay we carry this attitude of service to others all year long.\r\nWishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas. Remember the reason for the season.\r\nPlease sign up for my e-Newsletter and the Rogers' Roundup by visiting my recently launched new custom website at: www.mikerogers.house.gov. \r\nTo stay up to date, follow any or all of my social platforms as well. \r\nYou can like my Facebook page at facebook.com/CongressmanMikeDRogers, \r\nfollow me on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page by visiting youtube.com/MikeRogersAL03.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1785", "Rogers Hails House Passage of NDAA", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House passed the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. \r\nThe NDAA establishes the U.S. Space Force in Title 10 as the sixth Armed Service of the United States, under the U.S. Air Force. This was a top priority not only for Rogers, but for President Trump and is the first new branch of the military since 1947. It also recognizes space as a warfighting domain and authorizes the transfer of Air Force personnel to the newly established Space Force. \r\n I was ecstatic that the project my friend Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN) and I have been working on for several years is finally becoming a reality. This is an important step for our national security. Our adversaries are moving quickly in space and this new service will allow us to quickly realign our resources and efforts towards countering them.\r\nI am also pleased we continued the 58-year streak of passing a NDAA to ensure our military is fully funded. This year's NDAA includes many other significant policy provisions that are important not only to our national security, but also our brave men and women in uniform, Rogers said.\r\nThis bill includes a 3.1 percent pay increase for our warfighters and doubles the reimbursement amount for state licensure expenses incurred by military spouses because of frequent moves. It also includes a three-year phased repeal of the Widow's Tax, a fix Rogers has long supported.\r\nThe original House-passed NDAA, that every Republican opposed, included a number of open-border provisions that would have undermined our efforts to secure the Southwest border. I'm pleased Democrats dropped their unreasonable demands that would have tied President Trump's hands by limiting funding for the border wall and restricting the use of DoD assistance, Rogers added.\r\nRogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. Rogers also served as a conferee for the NDAA this year.\r\n\r\n                                  -#-#-#-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/team-three-jefferson-county-students-wins-2019-congressional-app", "Team of Three Jefferson County Students Wins 2019 Congressional App Challenge", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Gary J. Palmer", "P000609", "palmer.house.gov", "palmer", "https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "For Immediate Release\n\nContact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921\n\nTeam of Three Jefferson County Students Wins 2019 Congressional App Challenge\n\nBirmingham, AL \u2013 Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) is pleased to announce Katsuki Chan, Viraj Kacker, and Aniket Pant as the winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge in Alabama's Sixth Congressional District. This contest provides a valuable opportunity for middle and high schoolers to develop their skills in computer coding, math, science, and related subjects by creating an original application. This year's winning team attends Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School, and their app is titled \"Famine Risk Index (FRI) Early Detection System.\"\n\n\"I'm very impressed with Katsuki, Viraj, and Aniket's work for the App Challenge,\" Palmer said. \"They are incredibly talented and have created something valuable for humanitarian aid research that also shows ingenuity and user-friendliness. STEM skills are becoming more important every day and I'm confident these young men will go far. They should be proud of their hard work.\"\n\nThe FRI Early Detection System app is designed to map the relationship between drought and risk of famine in a given area. The system considers factors such as population density, vegetation data, rainfall, and more. Chan, Kacker, and Pant particularly sought to bring attention to famine and malnutrition risks in sub-Saharan Africa.\n\nApplication submissions were judged by Mr. Steven Puckett of the University of North Alabama, Dr. Kathryn Lanier of Southern Research, and Mr. Kris Bishop of Integrated Legacy Solutions. The winning students will receive recognition certificates from Congressman Palmer and will have the chance to present their app at a coding fair in Washington, D.C. in the spring.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["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://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yellowhammernewscom-mo-brooks-remembers-george-washington-carver-ahead", "YELLOWHAMMERNEWS.COM: Mo Brooks remembers George Washington Carver ahead of Decatur historic marker unveiling", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "102 South Court Street\nSuite 310\n\n\nFlorence, AL 35630\n\n  Phone: (256) 718-5155  \n\tFax: (256) 718-5156", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-recognizes-george-washington-carvers-legacy-ahead", "Congressman Mo Brooks Recognizes George Washington Carver's Legacy Ahead of Decatur Historic Marker Unveiling", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Tuesday, in a House Floor speech, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) recognized George Washington Carver's heroic, lasting legacy of scientific advancement and personal achievement made in the face of countless racist hurdles he had to overcome. The speech is a precursor to the George Washington Carver historic marker unveiling at the site of Carver School in Decatur, Alabama on January 5, 2020.\nClick on the above image or HERE for video of Congressman Brooks' speech\nFull text of Congressman Brooks' floor speech follows:\nMr. Speaker, renowned Alabama educator, artist, and botanist George Washington Carver, like many Americans, overcame numerous obstacles to achieve greatness.\nCarver's contributions to science and agriculture made a huge impact that is still felt across the globe today.\nOn January 5th of 2020, Alabama will unveil a historic marker honoring Dr. Carver at Decatur's Horizon School.\nCarver visited Decatur in 1935. Carver Elementary was named in his honor.[1]\nDuring his visit, Carver spoke to an audience of more than 1,000 Decatur residents.[2]\nIn a letter to then Superintendent W.W. Henson after his visit, Carver Washington Carver wrote, The Carver School far exceeds my expectations. It is a most beautiful building and I hope that it will be able in every way to integrate itself into the up-building and the development of the splendid possibilities which lie all around you.  \nCarver was deeply devoted to education.\nDuring the Civil War, George Washington Carver was born in Diamond Grove, Missouri.Shamefully, he was not allowed to attend public schools near his home because he was an African-American.[3]\nBut that did not stop George Washington Carver.He was determined to get an education, so he enrolled at a school 10 miles away in Neosho, Missouri.[4]\nIn Neosho, Carver was befriended by Mariah Watkins, from whom rented a room.\nMariah Watkins advice to Carver was simple. You must learn all you can, then go back out into the world and give your learning back to the people.[5]\nCarver did just that.\nDisappointed in the quality of Neosho's school, Carver moved to Kansas and supported himself through a variety of occupations while he furthered his education as he could.\nAfter earning his high school diploma, he discovered opportunities for college for black men in Kansas were nonexistent.\nSo, George Washington Carver majored in art at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa as their only black student.[6]\nEncouraged by his Simpson professors to focus on botany, Carver transferred to Iowa State, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in science.[7]\nThereafter, in April 1896, Booker T. Washington, recruited Carver to Tuskegee Institute's agriculture school in Alabama, where Carver taught and mentored generations of students for the next 47 years.[8]\nAt Tuskegee, Carver developed revolutionary techniques to improve soils depleted by repeated plantings of cotton.\nTogether with other agricultural experts, he urged farmers to restore nitrogen to their soils by practicing systematic crop rotation, alternating cotton crops with plantings of sweet potatoes or legumes (such as peanuts, soybeans and cowpeas).[9]\nWhile at Tuskegee, Carver trained farmers to successfully rotate and cultivate the new crops.\nCarver developed and established an agricultural extension program for all of Alabama.[10]\nCarver founded an industrial research laboratory, where he and assistants worked to popularize the new crops by developing hundreds of applications for them.[11]\nIn 1916, Carver was made a member of the Royal Society of Arts in England, one of only a handful of Americans at that time to receive this honor.[12]\nThe United Peanut Associations of America invited Carver to speak at their 1920 convention. He discussed \"The Possibilities of the Peanut\" and exhibited 145 peanut products.[13]\nCarver received the 1923 NAACP Spingarn Medal for outstanding achievement by an African American.[14]\nBefore his death in 1943, Carver donated his life savings to establish the Carver Research Foundation at Tuskegee.[15]\nCarver was posthumously inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.[16]\nThe George Washington Carver National Monument was the first national monument dedicated to a black American and the first to a non-president.[17]\nGeorge Washington Carver left a lasting legacy on Alabama schools, and Alabama is proud to have been the home of this renowned scientific leader.\nMr. Speaker, I yield back.\n###\n\n[1] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alabama/articles/2019-09-29/historians-seek-marker-at-former-carver-school\n[2] Id.\n[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver\n[4] Id.\n[5] Abrams, Dennis (2008).George Washington Carver: Scientist and Educator. Chelsea House Publications. p.16.ISBN978-0791097175.\n[6] https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/george-washington-carver\n[7] Id.\n[8] Id.\n[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Carver\n[10] Id.\n[11] Id.\n[12] Id.\n[13] Id.\n[14] https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/george-washington-carver\n[15] https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington-Carver\n[16] https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/george-washington-carver\n[17] Id.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-working-to-bring-more-gomesa-revenue-to-gulf-coast", "Byrne Working to Bring More GOMESA Revenue to Gulf Coast", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after cosponsoring the Domestic Offshore Energy Reinvestment Act of 2019, H.R. 3814, which would increase Alabama's share of qualified Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas revenues under the Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act (GOMESA) of 2006.\nCongressman Byrnesaid:Alabama's Gulf coast is a gem worth protecting, and the GOMESA funds we have received over the years have been indispensable for coastal restoration and hurricane preparedness. This legislation would bolster and expand those efforts by increasing Alabama's share of oil and gas revenue from federal waters.\nI thank my colleagues Cedric Richmond and Garret Graves for introducing this legislation to preserve and protect our coastal communities. I'll continue working to ensure coastal Alabama receives its share of oil and gas revenue.\nUnder provisions in H.R. 3814, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas would split 50% of GOMESA revenues, up from 37.5%. The bill also eliminates the $500 million cap and includes leases that started in FY 2000, whereas right now GOMESA only covers leases beginning in FY 2006. The bill is pending before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. Other cosponsors include Steve Scalise and Mike Johnson of Louisiana and Randy Weber of Texas.\nByrne has a history of supporting GOMESA and fighting to protect GOMESA funds from being diverted from coastal areas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1782", "Rogers on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers on Articles of Impeachment \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 10, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      (WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after House Democrats unveiled two articles of impeachment.\r\nNancy Pelosi and her Socialist horde are in the final stages of their planned coup against President Trump. The lies from Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler form the basis of their treacherous claims. Their actions will be remembered in history as one of the greatest abuses of power in American history.\r\nRogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. \r\n-###-", 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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/empowering-alabama-with-education-opportunities", "Empowering Alabama With Education Opportunities", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Education is an amazing tool. It can transform the lives of both the young and old. A quality education empowers the powerless and provides opportunities in otherwise bleak circumstances. It can provide a path out of poverty.\nI think of Abraham Lincoln, who famously walked miles to borrow books from neighboring towns and farms. Despite being poor, he used what little money he made from farm chores and labor to buy candles. He spent many long nights reading books by dim candlelight to achieve the life he wanted for himself.\nLincoln used his hard-earned education from dogeared textbooks and candlelight to become a country lawyer, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and President of the United States. Today he is remembered and revered as one of the greatest Americans of any generation.\nOf course, the absence of opportunity for a quality education can be devastating. Those without the means to be educated often have difficulty determining a pathway for a productive life. The temptation to fall into crime to escape can be strong, even overwhelming.\nI've seen these challenges firsthand in Alabama. As a former member of the Alabama Board of Education, I've discussed the downside of lack of quality education options with teachers and administrators, parents and students. These are not merely academic issues. They have a real, direct impact on lives.\nAs chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, I saw what can happen when students get stuck in a system that does not prioritize the wellbeing of its students. Immediately upon taking over, I cracked down to remove corruption and install reform-minded leadership throughout our state. Many of those leaders are still in place, and our two-year and technical colleges are among the best in the nation.\nI'm proud to have played a role in ensuring the promise of a quality education to so many Alabamians who wanted the opportunity to gain a career and comfortably put food on their table through education. Offering that opportunity has been a passion throughout my career.\nThat's why I was delighted when earlier this year the Trump Administration asked me to lead their school choice bill in the House. President Trump has prioritized empowering American students through education, and the opportunity to work with him and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on such a critical issue was exciting.\nWorking closely with Secretary DeVos and Senator Ted Cruz, who is carrying our legislation in the Senate, we developed the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. This bill creates a non-refundable federal tax credit for contributions from individuals and businesses to state-identified nonprofits called Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), a program that has already been used successfully in Alabama.\nThe Education Freedom Scholarship and Opportunity Act also provides for the granting of scholarships to expand students' access to a variety of educational opportunities, from advanced or remedial courses to private and home schooling to career and technical education opportunities. The bottom line is this bill increases opportunities for families to make informed decisions that work for them and their individual needs.\nImportantly, our bill allows states to control their SGO programs, not the federal government. As someone who has spent a career in education, I can promise you that the more we allow education decisions to be made at the family and local level, the better off students will be.\nI'm thankful to President Trump for his trust in allowing me to shepherd his education legislative priority in the House, and I am hopeful that both parties can fully get behind this legislation to empower our students and their families to make the education decisions right for them.\nWorking together, we can give students the educational opportunities they deserve. And they won't even have to study by candlelight.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-joins-president-trump-for-white-house-education-discussion", "Byrne Joins President Trump for White House Education Discussion", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement after participating in an educational choice roundtable discussion at the White House with President Donald Trump. Other participants included Vice President Mike Pence, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and Senator Ted Cruz.\nCongressman Byrnesaid:I thank President Trump for his trust in me to lead his school choice bill in the House. Every student deserves a high quality education, and President Trump is making great progress towards improving our education system by putting American students first.\nNo student deserves to be locked into a poor education outcome, and expanding education choices and freedom through this new tax credit will go far towards removing roadblocks to quality education. This bill should have bipartisan support, and I pledge to continue working with Secretary Devos and Senator Cruz to get it passed and signed into law by President Trump.\nPresident Trump invited Byrne to the roundtable to discuss the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act that he introduced earlier this year with the support of the Trump Administration. H.R. 1434 would give students and parents in Alabama and around the country the freedom they deserve to make educational decisions that are right for them by building upon the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) model already used successfully in Alabama.\nCongressman Byrne developed this legislation with Secretary Devos and Senator Cruz to respond to the President's call for increased school choice in his State of the Union Address. H.R. 1434 has 85 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-on-ig-report-government-bureaucrats-abused-power-to-harm-trump", "Byrne on IG Report: Government Bureaucrats Abused Power to Harm Trump", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) Investigator General's (IG) report was released today.\nCongressman Byrnesaid:Today's IG report makes it clear that the FBI, under James Comey's leadership, seriously abused the federal government's FISA power to spy on the campaign of Donald Trump. This flagrant abuse of the very system designed to protect the Constitutional rights of Americans against a candidate for our nation's highest office should be deeply troubling to all Americans.\nAs I have advocated for months, we must investigate the investigators and institute new rules and a new process to prevent this abuse from ever happening again. Rather than wasting time on meaningless, partisan impeachment hearings, Jerry Nadler and Adam Schiff should summon Inspector General Horowitz to testify tomorrow to begin the process of enacting new protections against political abuse at the FBI.\nByrne introduced the Investigate the Investigators Act earlier this year calling for a formal Department of Justice investigation into all the actions taken during the 2016 presidential election as it relates to federal investigations regarding President Trump and Secretary Clinton. The legislation also requires an automatic and independent oversight investigation anytime an investigation of a federal political campaign is opened by the DOJ in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/alabama-daily-news-roby-honored-service-agriculture-award", "Alabama Daily News: Roby honored with service to agriculture award", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Martha Roby on Sunday was given the Alabama Farmers Federation's highest honor  the Service to Agriculture Award  for being a champion for farmers since she was first elected to Congress in 2010.\nThe presentation was part of the opening sessionof the Federation's 98th annual meeting, which brought nearly 1,400 farmers to Montgomery Dec. 8-9.\nRoby, who is not seeking reelection to a sixth term in the U.S. House, played a role in writing two farm bills as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, and also saw farm programs funded as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.\nFederation President Jimmy Parnell said Roby's grit and determination ensured farmers weren't forgotten by other leaders in Washington and earned her the respect of agricultural leaders at home and in Congress.\nShe enjoys a reputation as an outspoken proponent of conservative, Christian values that mirror those of her constituents in Alabama's 2nd Congressional District. Her work as a former member of the House Committee on Agriculture played a pivotal role in passing the 2014 and 2018 farm bills, Parnell said.\nMitt Walker, who runs point in Washington as the Federation's National Affairs Director, went further to praise Roby on both a professional and personal level.\nIn working on two farm bills, Congressman Roby was a strong advocate for the peanut program, seed cotton and catfish inspection, Walker said. She was also a staunch supporter of eliminating rules and regulations that hampered farmers and landowners in her district and across the state.\nOn a personal note, Rep. Roby is one of the most genuine and compassionate people I have ever had the privilege to work with.\nRoby said she was honored by the award, but considered the work on behalf agriculture part part of ther job.\nSince agriculture and forestry are the largest employers in the district and in our state, I take the role as the farmers' advocate very seriously. I have prioritized spending time with farmers over the years. Whether it was standing in a peanut field or meeting with farmers after a disaster, what they have to say is important to me, Roby said.\nRoby also said she benefited greatly from having direct and lasting relationships with the farming community.\nI'm extremely grateful for the time and effort you have all invested in me over the years. Without your input, I could not have effectively done this job. Serving the people of Alabama's Second Congressional District is one of my highest honors. Although my time in Washington is coming to a close, I look forward to continuing to build relationships with members of the agriculture community throughout the state.", 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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-shooting-at-nas-pensacola", "Byrne Statement on Shooting at NAS Pensacola", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after today's shooting at NAS Pensacola.\nCongressman Byrnesaid:Rebecca and I offer our heartfelt condolences to all of those impacted by today's terrible act of violence in Pensacola. We owe our gratitude to the medical and law enforcement professionals whose bravery and quick response prevented further lives from being taken. While we continue the critical process of gathering the facts behind this cowardly act, let's join together in offering our full support to all the victims and their loved ones.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1781", "Rogers:  Senators Running for President Must Recuse Themselves from Impeachment Trial", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers:  Senators Running for President Must Recuse Themselves from Impeachment Trial \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 6, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n        (WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Mike Rogers announced today he was cosponsoring his colleague Congressman Jason Smith's (R-MO) legislation urging the Senate to change its rules on impeachment by requiring sitting U.S. Senators running for president to recuse themselves from an impeachment trial.      This is just common-sense and fair. Clearly, none of the Democrats running for president will be impartial during an impeachment trial and they will all use their involvement in the trial to ramp up their campaigns. As unfair as the House witch hunt has been all along, I am hopeful the upper chamber will be just in their treatment of President Trump, Rogers said.       Rogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.    \r\n                \r\n                                                 -###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/celebrating-200-years-alabama", "Celebrating 200 Years of Alabama", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For many, December 14 will be just another day to cross off the calendar; it's another day closer to the holidays and the new year. For Alabamians, it marks one of the greatest celebrations to date in the history of our state. On December 14, 1819, Alabama was incorporated into the Union as the nation's twenty-second state. From North Alabama all the way down to the Wiregrass, Alabamians join together to commemorate the 200th anniversary of statehood to honor the beloved place we call home.\nThere are many incredible stories to be told about the historical impact made by our fellow Alabamians. The state has deep roots in our nation's history. Many Alabama natives, some temporary and some permanent, were involved in critical turning points in American history. Alabama emerged as the center of the American Civil Rights Movement half a century ago and was home to pivotal events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Ms. Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist and Montgomery native, is widely known as the first lady of civil rights. Montgomery leaders recently unveiled a statue in downtown Montgomery recognizing Rosa Parks for her bravery and to serve as a reminder for future generations to continue down a path of righteousness. Ms. Parks' actions changed the course of history, and her legacy will be remembered forever. Atlanta native Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., served as a pastor at Montgomery's Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and led the fight for equal rights. Parks and Dr. King represent faces of courage, strength, and equality for all. History changed right on our very own Alabama soil.\nNot only is our state widely known for central moments in history, but we are also globally recognized for our presence in industries that are vital components to the success of our country. The agriculture industry is the state's largest industry and is the largest employer in the Second Congressional District. Our state is home to thousands of acres of fertile farmland. Approximately half of the peanuts grown in the United States are cultivated within a 100-mile radius of the city of Dothan, also known as the Peanut Capital of the World. Additionally, Alabama plays an integral role in the aerospace and defense industries with these two industries contributing to over 60,000 jobs in the state. North Alabama is home to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and the Anniston Army Depot, while Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and Fort Rucker are located across the southern region of the state.\nThese are just a few examples of the incredible, rich history that our state has to offer, and I wish I could include them all. One initiative that does honor each of these milestones is ALABAMA 200 which was designed to celebrate the people, places, and history of the state over a three-year time span. Beginning in 2017 and culminating with the state's 200th birthday in 2019, ALABAMA 200 curated events and activities across all 67 counties to engage with Alabamians far and wide. Teachers, students, organizations, and local leaders are among those included in these exciting events bringing local community residents and even visitors together. On Saturday, December 14, the state will participate in a finale commemoration in the Capital City. It will be the largest birthday celebration the people of Alabama have seen, and it is a unique and special opportunity to gather and honor the history and people that make the state of Alabama great. I am extremely excited to join the people of Alabama to celebrate our state's history. If you are able, I highly encourage you and your family to attend the events of the ALABAMA 200 finale celebration. There is no better way to pay tribute to the state we each hold so close to our hearts than by gathering in the Capital City to praise our great state. \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://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/usda-invests-623-million-rural-broadband-infrastructure-alabama", "USDA Invests $62.3 Million in Rural Broadband Infrastructure for Alabama Families", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert B. Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", "aderholt", "https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HAMILTON, Ala., Dec. 5, 2019 \u2013 Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald \"DJ\" LaVoy announced USDA has invested $62.3 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for more than 8,000 rural households, 57 farms, 44 businesses, 17 educational facilities, 14 critical community facilities and three health care facilities in rural Alabama. This is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA's ReConnect Pilot Program investments.\n\n\"Beyond connecting us to our friends and family, high-speed broadband internet connectivity, or e-Connectivity, is a necessity, not an amenity, to do business, access opportunities in education and receive specialized health care in rural America today,\" LaVoy said. \"Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities in deploying this critical infrastructure, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.\"\n\nCongressman Robert Aderholt added, \"When the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee created the Re-Connect program back in 2018 under my leadership, our goal was to help expand broadband to rural areas and help close the \u2018digital divide' that isolates so many parts of rural America. I believed then, and continue to believe now, that the expansion, maintenance and upgrading of broadband service should be of highest priority. This program is beginning to pay dividends in rural Alabama and America. I want to thank the men and women of the United States Department of Agriculture and, of course, Secretary Perdue, for sharing this goal of expanding access.\"\n\nTombigbee Electric Cooperative, Inc. will use a $29.5 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to develop an All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) fiber network in unserved areas of Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Franklin, Winston and Walker counties. This investment is expected to reach 2,152 households, 20 farms, 15 businesses, 10 critical community facilities, five educational facilities and one health care facility.\n\nMillry Telephone Company, Inc. will use a $28.2 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to develop a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Choctaw and Washington counties. This investment is expected to reach 3,797 households, 20 farms, 15 businesses, 11 educational facilities, four critical community facilities and two health care centers.\n\nFarmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. will use a $2 million loan to develop a FTTH network in Jackson and DeKalb counties. This investment is expected to reach 1,676 homes and one educational facility.\n\nNational Telephone of Alabama, Inc. will use a $2.7 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to develop a fiber-to-the premises (FTTP) network in Colbert County. This investment is expected to reach 378 rural households, 17 farms and 14 businesses.\n\nBackground: In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called \"ReConnect,\" including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks. These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload. In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force's findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.\n\nFor more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/usda-invests-623-million-rural-broadband-infrastructure-alabama-families", "USDA Invests $62.3 Million in Rural Broadband Infrastructure for Alabama Families", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Robert Aderholt", "A000055", "aderholt.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HAMILTON, Ala., Dec. 5, 2019  Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald DJ LaVoy announced USDA has invested $62.3 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for more than 8,000 rural households, 57 farms, 44 businesses, 17 educational facilities, 14 critical community facilities and three health care facilities in rural Alabama. This is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA's ReConnect Pilot Program investments.\nBeyond connecting us to our friends and family, high-speed broadband internet connectivity, or e-Connectivity, is a necessity, not an amenity, to do business, access opportunities in education and receive specialized health care in rural America today, LaVoy said. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities in deploying this critical infrastructure, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.\nCongressman Robert Aderholt added, When the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee created the Re-Connect program back in 2018 under my leadership, our goal was to help expand broadband to rural areas and help close the digital divide' that isolates so many parts of rural America. I believed then, and continue to believe now, that the expansion, maintenance and upgrading of broadband service should be of highest priority. This program is beginning to pay dividends in rural Alabama and America. I want to thank the men and women of the United States Department of Agriculture and, of course, Secretary Perdue, for sharing this goal of expanding access.\nTombigbee Electric Cooperative, Inc. will use a $29.5 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to develop an All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) fiber network in unserved areas of Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Franklin, Winston and Walker counties. This investment is expected to reach 2,152 households, 20 farms, 15 businesses, 10 critical community facilities, five educational facilities and one health care facility.\nMillry Telephone Company, Inc. will use a $28.2 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to develop a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Choctaw and Washington counties. This investment is expected to reach 3,797 households, 20 farms, 15 businesses, 11 educational facilities, four critical community facilities and two health care centers.\nFarmers Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. will use a $2 million loan to develop a FTTH network in Jackson and DeKalb counties. This investment is expected to reach 1,676 homes and one educational facility.\nNational Telephone of Alabama, Inc. will use a $2.7 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to develop a fiber-to-the premises (FTTP) network in Colbert County. This investment is expected to reach 378 rural households, 17 farms and 14 businesses.\nBackground: In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure and services in rural America. On Dec. 13, 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the rules of the program, called ReConnect, including how the loans and grants will be awarded to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America. USDA received 146 applications between May 31, 2019, and July 12, 2019, requesting $1.4 billion in funding across all three ReConnect Program funding products: 100 percent loan, 100 percent grant, and loan-grant combinations. USDA is reviewing applications and announcing approved projects on a rolling basis. Additional investments in all three categories will be made in the coming weeks. These grants, loans and combination funds enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 1 Mbps upload. In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force's findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.\nFor more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. # USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-applauds-usda-grant-for-rural-alabama-broadband", "Byrne Applauds USDA Grant for Rural Alabama Broadband", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement in Hamilton, Alabama of a $62.3 million investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for more than 8,000 rural households, 57 farms, 44 businesses, 17 educational facilities, 14 critical community facilities and three health care facilities in rural Alabama.\nByrne said: Today's announcement is fantastic news for Alabama. This significant investment from USDA of $62.3 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure across rural Alabama is critical for economic development, education, healthcare, and quality of life in our state.\nThank you President Trump for your ongoing commitment to improving the lives of rural Alabamians. I also offer my appreciation to Secretary Sonny Perdue for his partnership and support of rural Alabama and to my friend and colleague Rep. Robert Aderholt for his leadership on the Re-Connect grant program. Together with this Administration we are doing great things for rural America.\nThis USDA Rural Development investment will be used to deploy a fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) network that can guarantee quality of service and reliably deliver high-speed Internet, real-time streaming, voice over IP (VOIP), and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) for residents in rural Alabama, many in unserved areas. USDA awarded a loan of $14,097,834 and a grant of $14,097,834 to Millry Communications; a loan of $14,747,626 and a grant of $14,747,626 to Tombigbee Electric Cooperative; a loan of $1,336,455 and a grant of $1,336,455 to National Telephone of Alabama; and a loan of $1,999,439 to Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1780", "Rogers: Pelosi Proceeding with Partisan Coup Attempt Against Trump", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers: Pelosi Proceeding with Partisan Coup Attempt Against Trump \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      December 5, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      (WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the decision to proceed with articles of impeachment.Even after all of Adam Schiff's disastrous lies to the American people, Speaker Pelosi has decided to proceed with the partisan coup attempt against President Trump. The Democrats in Congress should be ashamed of themselves. They are using impeachment as means to try and nullify the 2016 election and erase the votes of almost 63 million Americans just because of their pathetic hatred of our president. In her statement, Speaker Pelosi cited our Founding Fathers and declared no one is above the law. I am curious if she ever asked that question about Hillary Clinton or Joe Biden? Instead of working on behalf of the American people by passing a bipartisan Defense Authorization bill, USMCA or a full year spending bill, Nancy Pelosi has fully surrendered all control of the House to the Socialist horde running the Democratic Party. Their shameful action today casts a stain on our Constitution. The American people will remember their despicable behavior next November. I will continue to stand and defend President Trump.                                                                   -###-", 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://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-praises-trump-administration-rule-requiring-able", "Congressman Mo Brooks Praises Trump Administration Rule Requiring Able-bodied Adults Work Before Getting Food Stamps", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Wednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) praised the Trump Administration for today announcing a final rule that bars able-bodied adults from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (commonly known as food stamps).\nCongressman Brooks said, America suffered a $984 billion deficit in FY 2019. America's accumulated debt has blown through the $23 trillion mark. Every financial guru Congress employs warns that our current financial path is unsustainable and that, as a result, America increasingly risks a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy.\nBrooks concluded, It is wrong to let slackers take roughly $70 billion per year from hard working taxpayers who need that money for their own needs. With unemployment at record lows, with 7 million available job openings, work opportunities are abundant. Able-bodied adults should never be allowed to vote for a living rather than work for one. As such, I fully support the Trump Administration's efforts to bar able-bodied, working age Americans from receiving food stamps, SNAP, or any other food benefits they can and should be paying for with money they earn themselves.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-cost-of-educating-illegal-immigrants-harms-alabama-students", "Byrne: Cost of Educating Illegal Immigrants Harms Alabama Students", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) spoke today during an Education and Labor Committee hearing Democrats called Growing Up in Fear: How the Trump Administration's Immigration Policies Are Harming Children. After stumping the Democrat witnesses on the costs of illegal immigration to our schools, Congressman Byrne criticized the Democrats for attacking President Trump for enforcing immigration laws without asking about the cost of failing to enforce the law.\nByrne's line of questioning highlighted that these costs are borne by states and local school systems and ultimately harm students who are being denied access to quality taxpayer-funded programs. His full remarks are below.\nCongressman Byrne said: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In 2016, the Pew Research Center estimated that 3.9 million  or 7.3%  of kindergarten through 12th grade students in the United States were either here illegally or were the children of at least one parent illegally present in the United States.\nCan anyone tell me how much we spend on public education for that population of students? It's around $60 billion.\nA significant and increasing percentage of these costs represent remedial English education, required by the federal government for students designated as Limited English Proficiency or LEP. In 2016, it was estimated that 9.6% of all students and 17% of kindergarten students were now designated as LEP. Educating those students is expensive. By some estimations, we are spending $59 billion just on ESL and other programs to help children with English language deficiency.\nCan anyone tell me what percentage of teachers in the United States are certified or trained in ESL? It's about 1 percent.\nHow about what percentage of ESL Programs are paid for by the federal government that requires them? Just over 1 percent.\nWho pays for the rest? States and local school systems!\nSo, we require it and we push 99 percent of the costs on state and local school systems. That costs a lot of money for these state and local school systems. Many of them like my state of Alabama just don't have it. But because the federal government requires it, they have to put that money in there to the detriment of other programs.\nAt least 13 states spend over $1 billion per year on limited English proficiency programs in public schools.\nEarlier this year, this committee found that there is a $46 billion public school infrastructure shortfall. Accounting for inflation, teacher salaries are down 1.6 percent since 2000. Classroom sizes are growing. Resources for students are shrinking.\nIt is amazing we are here to talk about How the Trump Administration's Immigration Policies Are Harming Children' but we never, never talk about how illegal immigration is harming our students, teachers, and communities. People who are here legally are being harmed by this.\nThe federal government has mandated that we provide public education to the children of illegal immigrants, but we don't pay for it! States and local school districts do!\nHow is that fair? How is that right that we make the requirement here at the federal government and we put up 1 percent of the cost?\nI'm a former state school board member in Alabama. I have sat across from teachers and superintendents and talked to them about this issue. Dollars that our schools have, they are not unlimited. The states don't print money like we do here in Washington. They have requirements that they balance their budgets. Coming up with the money to fund these K-12 education programs around the country is extremely difficult.\nSo, I think if we are going to sit here and criticize the President for enforcing the law, we need to also think about the cost of not enforcing the law.\nThat cost is not being borne by those of us in Washington. It's being borne by men and women and the states and local school systems around the United States of America. But really the cost is being borne by children who are being denied the programs that they should have. Children who are citizens of the United States, whose parents are citizens of the United States, they're being denied programs because we're forcing their state and local school systems to take on an expense that we should be taking on because we've failed to enforce our own laws.\nWith that, I yield back.\nByrne has been a staunch supporter of President Trump's immigration policies. He visited the U.S.-Mexico border earlier this year to see the crisis firsthand and the progress President Trump's policies are making.\nClick here for a video of Congressman Byrne's questions and remarks before the Committee.", 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.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=BAB72AB4-AE1E-41C4-ABA8-F45524AAFE90", "Shelby Applauds Austin Huffakers Confirmation as U.S. District Judge in Alabama", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Richard Shelby", "S000320", "www.shelby.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that Austin Huffaker of Montgomery, Alabama, has been confirmed by a Senate vote of 89-4 to be a U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama. Huffaker was nominated for the federal judgeship by President Trump in July 2019. Following his nomination, he appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration and was reported out of the committee with bipartisan support.\r\n\r\nToday the Senate confirmed Austin Huffaker's nomination to be a district judge for the Middle District of Alabama, which is great news for Alabama and our nation's federal judiciary, said Senator Shelby. Austin is well respected in the community, and I know that he will uphold the rule of law with the utmost integrity and honor. I was proud to support his nomination and believe that he is the ideal candidate to serve in this prestigious position.\r\n\r\nAustin Huffaker is currently a shareholder at Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A, where his practice focuses on complex commercial, product and lender liability, and professional malpractice litigation. Mr. Huffaker serves as a Commissioner of the Alabama Securities Commission and a member of the Alabama Civil Jury Charge Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree, cum laude, from Vanderbilt University and his Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Alabama Law Review and a Hugo Black Scholar. Additionally, through the local chapter of the Federal Bar Association where he has served as an officer in leadership for over 10 years, Huffaker formed the local non-profit Federal Bar Center to help pro se litigants with their federal court complaints, with the overwhelming majority of them being from underserved communities.\r\nIn addition to Huffaker's confirmation, eight of Alabama's federal judicial nominees have been confirmed in the Senate, each having been nominated by President Trump in 2017.\r\n\r\nHistoric obstruction by Democrats has occurred during this Administration's attempt to confirm judges. The previous six presidents combined faced a total of 24 procedural votes on judicial nominees while President Trump faced more than 100 during his first two years in office. However, in April 2019, the Senate voted to reduce post-cloture debate time from 30 hours to two hours for certain executive and federal judicial nominations, including district court appointments, preventing further delay on confirming hundreds of qualified nominees.\r\n\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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/impeachment-lessons-from-the-distant-past", "Impeachment Lessons from the Distant Past", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The first true test of the Legislative branch's impeachment powers occurred over two centuries ago in 1805. Its parallels with the current impeachment process, and the important precedent it set for determining impeachable conduct, make it worth examining today.\nThat long-ago impeachment battle was waged against Samuel Chase of Maryland, a justice of the United States Supreme Court. The episode is a stern warning against the use of the power of impeachment for political purposes.\nIn 1804, President Thomas Jefferson resoundingly won reelection, and his Democratic-Republican party won large majorities in both the House and the Senate. With his control over the Executive and Legislative branches secure, Jefferson looked to the third branch  the Judiciary.\nThe Supreme Court, comprised at that time of only seven justices, consisted primarily of appointees of George Washington and John Adams, both members of the opposing Federalist party. Jefferson had been angered by several Supreme Court rulings and considered the court an obstacle to his political agenda. He resolved to remove that obstacle.\nJefferson saw Chase, an unabashed Federalist appointed by Washington, as the justice most vulnerable to being removed by a partisan impeachment. Jefferson and his allies blamed Chase's partisanship for several of his rulings against Jefferson. They claimed this conduct was worthy of impeachment.\nHowever, what some of Chase's opponents considered judicial excesses weren't the real issue. Chase's partisan leanings were merely a convenient excuse to eliminate an obstacle to the Democratic-Republicans' unchecked political power.\nOur Founders warned against falling into the trap of impeachment over partisan squabbles. In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton warned of the danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. Therefore, the Constitution makes clear that the only impeachable offenses are Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. Did this disagreement on policy grounds rise to an impeachable offense?\nNevertheless, with Jefferson's directive, the House impeached Justice Chase on a party-line vote in a partisan show eerily reminiscent of today's episode.\nIt would be in the Senate, where Chase's trial was to take place, where the Democratic-Republicans' political motivations would come to a head with the Founders' intentions.\nSome partisans would ignore the intent of our Founders. Senator William Giles of Virginia said impeachment is nothing more than enquiry, by the two Houses of Congress, whether the office of any public official might not be better filled by another.\nOf course, that contradicts what the Constitution clearly says about impeachment.\nYet Chase's opponents would leave no stone unturned in seeking a charge to stick as an impeachable offense. One of his defenders said Chase's footsteps are hunted from place to place, to find indiscretions, which may be exaggerated into crimes.\nDoes this sound familiar?\nThose Senators were keenly aware of the important precedent at stake. Most realized that whatever short-term political gains they might achieve would pale in comparison to the lasting detriment to our young nation if the Constitution and its separation of powers were to be undermined.\nUltimately, after great deliberation, the Senate acquitted Chase, even with the Senate's 24 Democratic-Republicans outnumbering its nine Federalists.\nDespite lacking evidence of an impeachable offense, Democrats have gone too far towards impeaching President Trump to turn back. Never mind that only months ago, Speaker Pelosi said impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path because it divides the country.\nJust like in 1805, one party seeks impeachment to gain political power. This time, a president is targeted. This poses a great threat to our Republic, and I'll continue fighting hard to stop this scheme and protect our Constitution.", 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://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/breitbartcom-mo-brooks-pelosi-risk-losing-her-speakership-considered-too", "BREITBART.COM:  Mo Brooks: Pelosi 'at Risk of Losing Her Speakership' -- Considered 'Too Conservative' by Majority of House Dems", "2019-11-28", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", null, 0, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/thanksgiving-sacrifice-and-america", "Thanksgiving, Sacrifice, and America", "2019-11-28", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Gary Palmer", "P000609", "palmer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As an official United States holiday, Thanksgiving is inextricably linked to our nation's founding and its times of conflict. The earliest Thanksgiving observances were announced by presidents, often during serious wars. These observances served as reminders to be thankful, even during difficulty, and to remember those courageous individuals who were sacrificing much to defend our country.\nThe first official Thanksgiving proclamation was issued in 1777 by the Continental Congress after the American victory in the Battle of Saratoga.The proclamation asked God to, smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties.\nLater, on October 3, 1789, eight years after the surrender of the British army at Yorktown, President George Washington issued a proclamation, to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. In this same address, President Washington assigned a specific day for the purpose of that thanksgiving and prayer: Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation.\nNot until President Abraham Lincoln began issuing a proclamation for a national day of thanksgiving did it become the custom of U.S. presidents to do so. In the midst of the Civil War, the worst war in our nation's history, Lincoln established a permanent observance by calling on the American people to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.\nTo read full Thanksgiving newsletter greeting, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/much-to-be-thankful-for-0", "Much to Be Thankful For", "2019-11-27", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Bradley Byrne", "B001289", "byrne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the year draws to a close and we enter another holiday season, I'm reminded we have much to be thankful for.\nFirst, I'm thankful for those who answer the call to service at home and abroad.\nIt's easy to get bogged down in the never-ending news coverage of political squabbles, but the men and women of our military are doing extraordinary things to keep global threats at bay.\nOur country remains the freest nation in the world because of their sacrifices.\nImagine for a moment living in the volatile Middle East, or in Hong Kong in an escalating battle against China for basic rights, or under an oppressive regime like North Korea. Think of how fortunate we are not only for our military but our system of government!\nJust recently, our military scored a major victory by taking out the top ISIS commander. The American people are safer as a result of their courage and incredible work and planning.\nEarlier this year I visited our Southern border with Mexico. During this eye-opening visit, I gained a new appreciation for the work our law enforcement agencies and military are doing to stem the tide of drugs, human traffickers and other criminals crossing into our country.\nAnd in a world full of danger, our law enforcement keeps our communities safe. Last week, we were tragically reminded of the very real danger our law enforcement officers face every day when Lowndes County Sheriff Big John Williams was killed in the line of duty.\nWe should thank God each day for our military, veterans and law enforcement officers. This great American experiment could not proceed without the daily sacrifices of those like Sheriff Williams. The remembrances and kind words pouring in from across the state have been incredibly moving.\nI'm thankful for my brother Dale. My brother retired from the Alabama National Guard as a command sergeant major. I think of Dale and his selflessness in serving our nation every day.\nThis Spring I was afforded the opportunity to speak at a naturalization ceremony for new citizens. In a speech titled what does it mean to be an American? I discussed the great gifts, and responsibilities, of our representative democracy.It was a treasured experience and poignant reminder of how thankful we should be for this nation.\nI'm thankful for the state of Alabama, its wonderful people, and the opportunity to serve you in Washington. It is a blessing and an honor to represent you in our nation's capital, and I do not take it lightly.\nI could not serve without my dedicated staff who care deeply for our country and the people we serve. I'm thankful for their commitment to the people of Southwest Alabama.\nLittle is more important than family, and I have been blessed beyond measure by mine. My wife Rebecca is an amazing woman, and we are so proud of our children. I'm thankful for the opportunity Rebecca and I have gained in recent years to spoil our grandchildren!\nI'm thankful for the fall season, the changing leaves in Alabama, and football. This time of year reminds me of some of my happiest memories hunting with my boys and spending time with family at the farm.\nMost of all, I'm thankful for my God. I would not be able to accomplish anything without His constant encouragement and blessings.\nThrough the seemingly nonstop bustle of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, it's important to keep the big things big and the little things little. As Philippians 4:6 instructs us, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.\nI pray you have a blessed Thanksgiving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/alabama-political-reporter-roby-introduces-resolution-honoring-alabama-its", "Alabama Political Reporter: Roby introduces resolution honoring Alabama on its bicentennial", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Alabama will have been a state for 200 years on December 14, 2019. Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) and the rest of the Alabama congressional delegation introduced a resolution in Congress marking this historical event.\nLast Tuesday, I led the efforts alongside my Alabama colleagues in introducing a resolution that honors the 200th anniversary of Alabama's statehood, Roby said in an email to constituents. I am privileged to serve Alabama's Second Congressional District as we approach this memorable time in our state's history.\nCongresswoman Robyspoke on the floorof the House of Representatives about this resolution.\nI rise today to highlight an important time in Alabama's history, Roby said. I am proud to lead the effort, joined by my colleagues from Alabama, introducing a resolution today that honors the 2ooth anniversary of Alabama statehood. On December 14, 1819, Alabama was incorporated into the union as the 22nd state. December 14, 1819 will l mark 200 years since our state's incorporation. This is a monumental occasion in our state's history, and we look forward to joining Alabamians in a year full of celebration and commemoration of the bicentennial.\nIt is my greatest honor to represent and serve the citizens of the Second Congressional District which includes Montgomery, our state's capitol, Roby said. Alabama is currently experiencing extreme economic development and job growth across this state which makes this time even more exciting for us all. I join my colleagues in recognizing this milestone in our state's history. I am grateful to represent the people of Alabama as we celebrate the birthday and history of the great state we all call home.\nIn October, the Alabama Department of Labor announced that the unemployment rate in Alabama had dropped to just 2.8 percent, the lowest unemployment in the history of the state. Alabama has a rich and storied history; but persistent and pervasive poverty is also part of the state's history. With the booming economy, every Alabamian who wants to work can find work, and this rising prosperity is open to persons of all races.\nAlabama will celebrate 200 years of statehood with a three-day celebration beginning on Friday, December 13th and concluding Sunday, December 15th. A large portion of the festivities will take place on the day of Alabama's Bicentennial, Saturday, December 14, 2019.\nOn Friday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. there will be a Celebration of Alabama Concert with Bobby Horton at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery.\nThis special benefit concert will open the Alabama 200 Birthday Celebration weekend with renowned musician and music historian Bobby Horton. Horton will paint a musical portrait of life in Alabama from the earliest days of our statehood through the 1850s. Tickets are $12. The poceeds will support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Alabama-Mississippi Chapter.\nOn Saturday, December 14th from 10  11:30 a.m. there will be an Alabama Bicentennial Parade in Montgomery. The parade will proceed from S Perry Street, up Dexter Avenue, exiting on Bainbridge Street. The 70 entries represent communities, cultures, people and places from around Alabama. The parade will conclude with the more than 150 member Bicentennial All Star Band performing an original composition Something in the water. The parade will be anchored by Don Dailey from Alabama Public Television.\nFrom 12 to 12:45 p.m. there will be an Alabama Bicentennial Park Dedication on the Alabama State Capitol Steps. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) and other state dignitaries will unveil the 16 monuments depicting Alabama's 200 years of statehood. Kirk Jay joined by the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Choir and the 151st Army Band of the Alabama National Guard will perform.\nFrom 1 to 4 p.m. the Alabama Bicentennial Festival will be held at the State Capitol Complex. The afternoon will offer exhibitions, performances and open houses in the Capitol Complex, up and down Dexter Avenue and throughout downtown Montgomery. Alabama's State Capitol will play host to several cultural performances. Alabama's exhibit of the state's six constitutions, live music, reenactors, and family activities will be featured at the Alabama Department of Archives & History.\nFrom 4 to 6 p.m. will be the Alabama Bicentennial Concert* & Finale Presentation on the Alabama State Capitol Steps. December 14th will finish with a concert featuring popular musicians from Alabama, sponsored by the Alabama Tourism Department. The concert will be followed by a finale presentation of Alabama history presented in a never-before-seen way, sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.\nOn Sunday, December 15th there will be an Encore Finale Presentation at the Alabama Attorney General Building of the special Bicentennial Finale Presentation of Alabama history presented in a never-before-seen way, sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.\nThe Alabama Bicentennial Commission is chaired by State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur).\nCongresswoman Roby is not seeking re-election.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1779", "Rogers Announces a $4 Million Grant for Anniston Airport", "2019-11-25", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers Announces a $4 Million Grant for Anniston Airport  \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      November 25, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n       (WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the Anniston Regional Airport for receiving a $4 million grant from the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Airport Improvement Program (AIP), funding Rogers said would help rehabilitate the airport's runway.\r\n This project was much-needed and I am thrilled to see this investment being made in the Anniston airport, Rogers said.\r\n Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the AIP.\r\n U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said, The robust economy is enabling more passengers to travel by air so this Administration is investing billions of dollars in America's airports which will address safer operations, fewer airport delays and greater ease of travel for air travelers.\r\n Rogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress as well as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.\r\n-###-", 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://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/fox-business-congressman-mo-brooks-blasts-socialist-dems-use-tax-dollars", "On Fox Business, Congressman Mo Brooks Blasts Socialist Dems' Use of Tax Dollars to Conduct Opposition Research on President Trump", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mo Brooks", "B001274", "brooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC Thursday evening, on Fox Business Network's Trish Regan Primetime, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) blasted Socialist Democrats for using federal tax dollars to conduct political opposition research to win the White House, House & Senate in the 2020 elections.\nClickHERE for video of Congressman Brooks on Fox Business\nFull transcript of Congressman Brooks on Fox Business follows:\nRegan: And now, House Armed Services Committee member Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks. Good to have you here, congressman.\nBrooks: My pleasure.\nReagan: I look at all this stuff, these conspiracy theoriesI mean one after another. Devin Nunes had a good point yesterday. He sort of ticked through them all. I mean starting with the agent of Russia. He's been an agent of Russia for, you know, decades. If we actually spend what 2 1/2 years and many, many millions of taxpayer dollars investigating all that? Conspiracy theories that we are wasting time investigating, you know, I don't see people doing that on the other side. What exactly is going on?\nBrooks:The Democrats are doing their utmost to divert the attention of the American people from the major challenges that we face as a nation. We want the elections to be about, do you want open borders, or do you want border security? Do you want a balanced budget or do you want these huge deficits and accumulated debt that threaten us with a national insolvency and bankruptcy? Do you prefer free-enterprise which is based on liberty or socialism that is based on dictatorial conduct? Do you want your medicine to be socialized? As a consequence of what the Democrats have done through, the attention of the American voter has been to a large degree on things like Russian collusion to help the democrats capture the House in 2018, that argument even though it was totally debunked and false. Now, they're substituting Russian collusion with this Ukrainian mess that has no substance to it whatsoever in hopes of diverting again the people's attention from the challenges we face as a nation. And, unfortunately, the major accomplices of the Democrats are entities like MSNBC, CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times who seemingly have made a trade of being the allies of deception and the enemies of truth. And, that is a real shame, because it's making it very, very difficult for American voters to figure out what the true facts are and what the law really is as we wade through this impeachment mess that the Democrats have foisted upon the American people.\nReagan: Well, representative there is a lot of conjecture right that's been going into all this because they are assuming a lot? They are assuming that the president must have been pulling something behind the scenes, must have been saying, OK, unless you deliver the goods on Biden, I'm not going to give you the 400 million bucks. It's been made clear now that that actually wasn't the case. Why is it that they are trying to spin all this? They are making these leaps. By the way, in a sort of kangaroo courtroom that goes nowhere. Right? Because there is not enough votes in the Senate. I think people have seen through all their efforts and they wouldn't be able to get to first base in the Senate. So why are they doing it? Is it all to hurt him at the ballot box?\nBrooks: Well, as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a number of other Democrats have publicly stated in rather candid moments, this is not about impeaching Donald Trump and removing him from office. Rather, it isabout using taxpayer dollars to help fund an opposition research effort that in turn the democrats believe will help them in the 2020 elections. Now, setting aside for the moment whether it is illegal for the Democrats to abuse taxpayer monies in this regard for political campaign purposes, the key is that the mainstream news media is backing them up by continuing to spread this message that is a very deceptive message. The plain fact of the matter is, President Trump has not committed a high crime, misdemeanor, bribery or treason if you look at those words as they were intended by the people who actually wrote them at the Constitutional Convention.\nRegan: Crazy stuff, and it's a shame.\nBrooks: Notwithstanding that, the Democrats and the mainstream news media continue to push forth this propaganda simply because they dislike Donald Trump on the one hand, and\nRegan: Like I said! You know, Putin knows how to outsource, he has CNN and MSNBC\nBrooks: on the other hand, they don't want the message to be about how strong the economy is.\nRegan: doing the job for him. Very quickly before I let you go. The date is coming up. We heard from Lindsey Graham that December 9th is the day the Horowitz's report on just exactly what when into getting the FISA application done will be released. Any sense of what we are going to see?\nBrooks: No, at this point I hope that we'll see a report that will help divulge the truth about what has been going on with FISA. Time will tell whether that's going to actually happen, but I hope the Senate will call Hunter Biden as a witness and I hope the Senate will actually employ rules of evidence like we have in our judiciary that helps a judge and jury sift through evidence to reach a true conclusion where rumor, hearsay, rank opinions are not admitted, because they are not credible.\nRegan: Congressman Brooks, it's good to see you. Thank you so much.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/time-give-thanks", "A Time to Give Thanks", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Martha Roby", "R000591", "roby.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Each November, Americans gather with family members and friends to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. This special day serves as a time for us to pause as a nation and remember all that we are grateful for. It can be easy to lose sight of our blessings when our attention is focused on all that is happening across the country and around the world. As we congregate around tables full of delicious cooking and conversation with people we love, I hope that we all remember just how blessed we are.\nI am fortunate to have had the opportunity and responsibility to serve the people of Alabama in the United States Congress for the past nine years. It is my highest honor to come to work every day and be an advocate for those I represent. From assisting veterans with casework, setting up tours for families visiting Washington, or corresponding with my constituents, I am thankful to serve the people of the United States and fight for the greatness of our country.\nI am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We owe much gratitude to the men and women in uniform who fight to defend and protect our freedom. Many who serve in our Armed Forces spend their Thanksgiving holiday away from loved ones. Let us remember the servicemembers and their families as they celebrate the holiday apart from those they love, and let us always remember their dedication to our great nation.\nI am especially thankful for my family. My husband Riley and our two children Margaret and George bring me immense joy and happiness each day. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to be their mom, and we are thankful for our parents, families, and friends. I am appreciative to be able to spend Thanksgiving with them each year.\nIn the spirit of the holiday, I want to thank you for allowing me to represent Alabama's Second Congressional District. We are fortunate to call the great state of Alabama our home. Alabama is experiencing extreme economic growth and development, especially with all the new business developments and expansions leading to increased job opportunities over the past year. In fact, our state has reached a record low unemployment rate of 2.8 percent. Additionally, we are approaching a time of celebration and commemoration of the bicentennial anniversary of Alabama's statehood. As Alabamians, we have much to be thankful for.\nMy hope for all on this unique holiday is that we dedicate time to thank God for the ways in which He has blessed each of us. No matter where you are, who you are with, or what your plans are this Thanksgiving, remember that we have many blessings to count. I hope that you all enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday full of your favorite foods and traditions. From the Roby family to yours, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.\n###", 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://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1778", "Rogers Welcomes Constituents to  Mornings with Mike", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "AL", "Mike Rogers", "R000575", "mikerogers.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rogers Welcomes Constituents to  Mornings with Mike  \r\n    \r\n     \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      Washington,\r\n      November 21, 2019\r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      (WASHINGTON, DC)---Congressman Mike Rogers reminded folks today that he is holding weekly events when Congress is in session that are open to any constituents visiting Washington, D.C. Mornings with Mike events take place in Rogers' Washington office in the Rayburn House Office Building.\r\n   The meetings offer East Alabamians a unique chance to meet with Congressman Rogers while enjoying coffee and donuts in his office.\r\n   The holiday season is beautiful in Washington and is the perfect time to visit our nation's capital. I want to remind anyone who will be visiting the DC-area to stop by for a cup of coffee.\r\n  I have always had my offices open to everyone across the Third Congressional District, but these weekly events give folks the chance to come in and share their concerns and visit with my staff and me. I hope people will take advantage of them when in our nation's capital, Rogers said.\r\n    The event is hosted in December on the last in-session morning of each week at 9:30 a.m. EDT in 2184 Rayburn. Anyone interested in attending should sign up on Mike's website to ensure enough coffee and donuts are ordered each week. The dates for the December meetings are: December 6th and 12th.\r\n    Please visit https://mikerogers.house.gov/mornings-with-mike for more information, or call Rogers' Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261.\r\n\r\n-###-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1054, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 770, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 284, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1054, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "AL", "label": "AL", "count": 1054, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 1054, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-11-21,https~3A~2F~2Fmikerogers~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1778", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AL&year=2019&_next=2019-11-21%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmikerogers~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1778&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 669.7716037742794, "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"}