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368 rows where chamber = "House", state = "AL" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending

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  • 2016 · 368 ✖

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  • AL · 368 ✖

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  • House · 368 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-look-back-at-2016 A Look Back at 2016 2016-12-25 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy As we look forward to 2017, I want to take a moment to look back at some of the highlights of the past year. It was a busy year with over 25 town hall meetings in each of the six counties that make up Alabama’s First Congressional District, in addition to town halls online and over the phone. My office responded to over 6,000 pieces of mail and assisted over 1,400 local residents with issues relating to federal agencies. Without a doubt, the biggest moment of 2016 was the election of Donald Trump on November 8th. His election represents a fundamental shift away from liberal, big government policies toward new, conservative reforms. No event on the list will likely have as big an impact as this monumental election. Another big victory for 2016 came in the passing of the 21st Century Cures Act. This bill, which passed with broad bipartisan support, was signed into law on December 13th. The bill brings health research, the drug approval process, and mental health programs into the 21st Century and gives much needed hope to millions of Americans who suffer from various diseases. Sadly, not all news in 2016 was positive. There were terrible tragedies as the world continues to battle radical Islamic terrorism.  The horrible events in Brussels, Nice, Orlando, and just recently in Berlin, highlight the dangerous challenges we face. There were also tragic incidents where members of law enforcement were targeted, including the sniper attack that claimed the lives of five police officers in Dallas. We should never lose respect and appreciation for our police officers. We lost many iconic figures in 2016, but none was felt more locally than the loss of Harper Lee in February. Through her writing, the Monroeville native taught us all important life lessons about tolerance and acceptance, and she will be sorely missed. We made some important progress on local priorities. I worked hard throughout 2016 to stop efforts by the Obama Administration to cut our military, including the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) that we build in Mobil… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-alabama-s-electoral-college-vote Aderholt Statement on Alabamas Electoral College Vote 2016-12-19 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Robert Aderholt A000055 aderholt.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement after attending the vote of Alabama’s nine members of the Electoral College where they cast their votes for Donald Trump and Mike Pence. “I was both honored and humbled to be in attendance today as the nine Alabama members of the Electoral College cast their votes.  Also, I appreciated the opportunity to speak on behalf of the other members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation at the Capitol in Montgomery. As expected, the nine electors cast their votes for Donald J. Trump for President of the United States and Mike Pence for Vice President of the United States. “Watching the electoral process playout is truly like having a front row seat to watching the United States Constitution work and perform just as our Founders intended more than 200 years ago. John Adams summed up the reasoning behind our system of electing Presidents when he wrote about his fear of ‘tyranny of the majority.’ The Electoral College is in place to assure that the voices in small to medium sized states are not drowned out by the wishes of the largest states.  The Founders’ system works. “Now the hard part begins. With the election of Mr. Trump, the voters gave marching orders.  Those orders are clear and come January, I will work with my Republican colleagues to see that a new agenda for the American people is our top priority.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-alabamas-electoral-college-vote Aderholt Statement on Alabama’s Electoral College Vote 2016-12-19 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Robert B. Aderholt A000055 aderholt.house.gov aderholt https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement after attending the vote of Alabama’s nine members of the Electoral College where they cast their votes for Donald Trump and Mike Pence. “I was both honored and humbled to be in attendance today as the nine Alabama members of the Electoral College cast their votes. Also, I appreciated the opportunity to speak on behalf of the other members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation at the Capitol in Montgomery. As expected, the nine electors cast their votes for Donald J. Trump for President of the United States and Mike Pence for Vice President of the United States. “Watching the electoral process playout is truly like having a front row seat to watching the United States Constitution work and perform just as our Founders intended more than 200 years ago. John Adams summed up the reasoning behind our system of electing Presidents when he wrote about his fear of ‘tyranny of the majority.’ The Electoral College is in place to assure that the voices in small to medium sized states are not drowned out by the wishes of the largest states. The Founders’ system works. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:09:43Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-few-christmas-thoughts A Few Christmas Thoughts 2016-12-18 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy With Christmas fast approaching, I want to take time to reflect on two important thoughts: the need to count our blessings and the importance of sharing those blessings with others. Last week, I stopped by the WKRG studios in Mobile to donate a few toys to their annual toy drive. I was blown away to see a warehouse packed full of toys that will make their way to children in need. It was a truly heartwarming experience to know so many from Southwest Alabama came together to help spread joy this Christmas season. One of my favorite things about Christmas is the spirit of giving. The opportunity to see neighbors helping neighbors and people lending time or money to those they may not even know. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to ring the bell for the Salvation Army in downtown Fairhope. It is always really special to see people – young and old – dropping money in the bucket in an effort to bring a smile to someone else’s face. You know, the holidays are a fun and exciting time, but for many of us, they can also be a busy and even stressful time of year. Christmas shopping can sneak up on you, family tensions can run high, and work and school demands can increase leading up to Christmas. I want to encourage all of us to slow down this Christmas, take a moment to reflect on the true reason for the season, spend time with loved ones, and remember our many blessings here in the United States of America. As we count our blessings and share them with others, I hope you will keep two other groups of people in mind. I hope you will remember the Christians around the world who face persecution each and every day simply for what they believe. Particularly in the Middle East, Christians are forced to secretly carry out their religious practices for fear of attack or ridicule. The freedom to freely exercise our religion is something we too often take for granted as Americans, so I hope you will join me in saying a special prayer for those facing religious persecution throughout the world. I’m also reminded of our milit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/spreading-joy-hope-peace-christmas Spreading the Joy, Hope & Peace of Christmas 2016-12-16 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy If you’re like me, life can get pretty busy with Christmas right around the corner: the errands to run, meals to cook, friends and family to visit, gifts to give – go down the list. It is easy to become distracted from what really matters at Christmastime.   I hope we can all make a special effort this year to demonstrate the true spirit of the season by spreading joy, hope, and peace in a sometimes troubled world. In particular, I hope you’ll join me spreading these blessings among those who will spend the holiday season in more difficult circumstances than most of us.   I am mindful of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces stationed overseas who won’t be able to experience the joy of spending Christmas at home with their families. Recently, I took part in the annual effort by the American Red Cross to write holiday greeting cards to our active duty military personnel stationed around to globe. For me, sitting down to pen individual messages of gratitude puts in very real, personal terms the scarifies made by our service men and women and their families, particularly during the holiday season. You and your family can take advantage of this opportunity to send joy to our heroes overseas as well by visiting www.RedCross.org/HolidayMail.   We must also make sure to remember the less fortunate among us and do our part to offer hope by way of a helping hand. For those who are having a hard time financially, are battling an illness, or have emotional struggles, the holiday season can be the loneliest time of all. There are many worthy organizations who help connect those in need to others with the means to help: charities, shelters, food banks and the like. Some local efforts might include teaming up with others to make sure families can simply enjoy a nice Christmas meal or have toys for their children. If you aren’t able to give monetarily, there are many ways to give of your time by volunteering. The Alabama Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is a great resource to find ways you… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-navy-s-355-ship-goal Byrne Statement on Navys 355 Ship Goal 2016-12-16 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Navy’s latest Force Structure Assessment. The new statement recommends a 355 ship fleet and calls for the full complement of 52 Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), which are built in part by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. Byrne said: “The Navy is absolutely correct in their call for a 355 ship Navy fleet. The evolving threat environment coupled with the buildup of other navies around the world is a clear indication that we must rebuild and upgrade our fleet. I am especially pleased to see the Navy reaffirm the need for 52 Littoral Combat Ships, which are critically important to our efforts in the Pacific and around the globe. I stand ready to work with the incoming Trump Administration to provide the Navy with the resources they need to deter aggression, maintain the flow of commerce, and defend our nation.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/roby-defends-f-35-program-reassures-community Roby Defends F-35 Program, Reassures Community 2016-12-13 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) on Monday defended the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program and reassured the Montgomery area community about the possibility of landing the F-35 mission after a tweet from President-elect Donald Trump criticized the new aircraft’s long and costly history.   Roby, who has been working to bring the F-35 assignment to the 187th Fighter Wing at Montgomery’s Dannelly Field, told WSFA 12 News she welcomed President-elect Trump’s concerns about spending, but explained that cost concerns for the F-35 were mostly in the past.     “The F-35 issues took place mainly in the research and development phase of the program, and that’s over and done – and paid for. The F-35 is in production,” Roby said.   “I think what President-elect Trump said was less about the F-35 and really more of a message to the Pentagon that this is something we’re going to take on to ensure that we don’t have these costs overruns with future programs.”   Last week, the Air Force announced that the Montgomery-based 187th Fighter Wing is on the short list of five Air National Guard units being considered for the F-35 assignment. The Air Force’s is expected to make a final selection of two Air National Guard units for the prestigious assignment in Spring of 2017.     Roby’s full statement is below.   "I don't think the President-elect was necessarily threatening the F-35 program itself, but rather using the cost overruns in years previous to send a message to the Pentagon about future procurements.   "There’s no question our Armed Forces need a next-generation aircraft to replace the F-16, and that aircraft is the F-35. What’s important to know about the F-35 is that the cost concerns mostly came in the development stage, which is in the past and already paid for. At this point it would be a mistake to throw away the significant investment already spent on developing this aircraft that is now battle-ready and in production.  But, again, I don’t think that’s what he’s talking … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-washington-dc-office-moves Rogers: Washington, D.C. Office Moves 2016-12-13 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC)— Congressman Mike Rogers announced today that his Washington, D.C. office has moved to a new location and is now open at: 2184 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. “I have always said my door is open to the people of the Third Congressional District,” Rogers said. “I am excited about our new location in Washington and hope local citizens will continue to come by and visit when they are in our nation’s capital.”                                                                                    - ### - 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/early-picks-show-priorities-of-trump-administration Early Picks Show Priorities of Trump Administration 2016-12-11 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Over the last few weeks, reporters with television cameras have stood watch in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City to see who is coming and going from meetings with President-elect Donald Trump. Most of the visitors are there to talk to the President-elect about opportunities to serve in his administration, and based on the announcements so far, it is safe to say that President-elect Trump is putting together a great team. I have made clear my strong support for Alabama’s own Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General. It was one of the first announcements President-elect Trump made, and it shows that he is going to be serious about enforcing the rule of law and cracking down on illegal immigration. If you haven’t read about General James Mattis, you definitely should. Donald Trump made a fantastic choice in selecting him to lead the Department of Defense. He has a clear record of serving our nation with steadfast leadership, unwavering integrity, and selfless dedication. I know General Mattis will help lead the charge toward a stronger, more capable military. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with him to rebuild our military and defeat radical Islamic terrorism. One of the first friends I made upon being elected to Congress was Tom Price, a congressman from Georgia. I was so thrilled to see him selected to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. As an orthopedic surgeon, he understands better than most how Obamacare is ruining our nation’s health care system. Dr. Price has served as chairman of the House Budget Committee for the last couple of years, so he also understands the need to pursue policies that help reduce federal spending and balance the budget. He will do a fantastic job overseeing the repeal and replacement of Obamacare. Elaine Chao, who served as Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush, has been selected for Secretary of Transportation. We have numerous important transportation projects here in Southwest Alabama, and I look forwa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/congress-ends-term-legislative-victories Congress Ends Term with Legislative Victories 2016-12-09 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy As the sun sets on the 114th Congress, I’m proud to report some noteworthy legislative victories: the Iran Sanctions Act extension, the National Defense Authorization Act, and the 21st Century Cures Act each received final passage by the House and the Senate and are set to become law. Each of these bills faced significant legislative hurdles over the past year or more, and I’m pleased we were able to come together and secure final passage before the year’s end.   These bills have something else in common: they each saw opposition from the White House at some point, including veto threats from President Obama. In the end, both the House and Senate were able to build broad bipartisan coalitions to secure the kind of majorities that all but ensure the president will sign these crucial bills into law.   As I’ve previously written, the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA) reauthorization extends for ten years some of our nation’s most meaningful tools for keeping Iran and its ambitious weapons program in check. Now more than ever, we need to keep the upper hand with Iran, and these sanctions will better position the incoming Trump Administration to do just that.     I’ve also written about how the 21st Century Cures Act will provide funding and policy improvements to help battle rare diseases, fight our nation’s opioid epidemic, and improve mental health care. Once signed into law, it will enable our country to make real progress towards finding cures for the millions who suffer from various cancers, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other rare, deadly diseases.      As you may know, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is annual legislation that authorizes funding and policy for our military. In most years, enacting the NDAA has been a smooth process. In fact, for 55 consecutive years Congress has successfully passed and the president has signed the NDAA. However, disagreements over certain policies and the veto threat from the White House put this year’s bill in jeopardy.   As someone who repr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/roby-votes-against-water-bill Roby Votes Against Water Bill 2016-12-09 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) voted against a federal water policy bill this week, citing the removal of a provision from current law encouraging the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia to negotiate a water sharing agreement between them.   S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, passed the House of Representatives on Thursday, but not without significant opposition from members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation over eliminating an existing mandate from Congress for the states’ governors to settle their water sharing disputes. The bill currently awaits action by the Senate, where it is expected to see similar opposition from Alabama’s senators.     “The states need to be negotiating water agreements,” Roby said. “When that provision was removed, this bill lost my support.”     For decades, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida have fought the “water wars,” legal and political battles over the proper allocation of water resources along the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa and Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river systems. Both river systems originate in north Georgia, but significantly affect agriculture, industry, fisheries and community usage downstream. Alabama and Florida officials have long argued that the over consumption of water in the Atlanta metropolitan area threatens downstream interests, particularly in times of severe drought.   In its 2014 federal water policy authorization law, Congress directed the states’ governors to reinitiate negotiations for an equitable water sharing agreement, warning that Congress could intervene if governors failed to reach a compact on their own.   Roby’s district includes both river systems, bounded by the Chattahoochee River to the West and including major portions of the Alabama River. She said removing the negotiation provision from current law sends "exactly the wrong message” to state governors.   “Removing this provision sends exactly the wrong message to the states at a … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-brooks-acts-block-chinas-purchase-critical-us-semiconductor Brooks Acts to Block China's Purchase of Critical U.S. Semiconductor Firm 2016-12-09 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) joined a group of bipartisan lawmakers in sending a letter to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), pushing back against the purchase of Lattice Semiconductor, the third-largest American producer of critical technology for U.S. military applications, by an American shell company financed by China’s communist government. Congressman Brooks said, “In an alarming report, an American programmable-chip maker, Lattice Semiconductor, is to be purchased by a venture capital firm with ties to the Chinese government.  The acquisition is a serious national security threat to the U.S. military supply chain and it is essential the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States bar this egregious attempt to harvest American technology by China.” Brooks concluded, “China is attempting to steal valuable intellectual property, gravely endangering both America’s national security and economic interests.  Moreover, the U.S. military relies on Lattice technology for critical military applications and the purchase could lead to a reliance on foreign-sourced technology.  It is confounding that in our current state of global uncertainty CFIUS would unwisely allow this acquisition to move forward.  CFIUS should act decisively against this purchase and continue to protect American companies, employees, and technology from being usurped by foreign governments.” For the full text of the letter, please click HERE.        ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-colleagues-no-pardon-for-bowe-bergdahl Byrne, Colleagues: No Pardon for Bowe Bergdahl 2016-12-08 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, led 27 of his House colleagues in sending a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to reject requests to pardon Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl. Byrne said: “Our message to President Obama is clear: do not pardon Bowe Bergdahl. A pardon would be a slap in the face to all of our nation’s service members who put their lives on the line each and every day. Instead, we need to let the court martial process play out in accord with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” News reports indicate that Bergdahl’s lawyers have contacted the White House to request a pardon. Bergdahl’s court-martial is currently scheduled to begin in May. The letter was signed by Representatives Ralph Abraham (R-LA), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Dave Brat (R-VA), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Doug Collins (R-GA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jody Hice (R-GA), Sam Johnson (R-TX), Walter Jones (R-NC), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Steve Pearce (R-NM), Martha Roby (R-AL), Austin Scott (R-GA), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Lamar Smith (R-TX), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT). The text of the letter can be found below.   President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write to urge you to reject any requests to pre-emptively pardon Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl.  As you are aware, Sergeant Bergdahl left his outpost in Afghanistan without permission, allegedly in an act of desertion.  After a thorough investigation by the Army, General Robert Abrams, Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, determined that Sergeant Bergdahl should face a general court-martial on charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.  Every indication is that the process afforded Sergeant Bergdahl has been fair and in accord with the Uniform Co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-andy-puzder Byrne Statement on Andy Puzder 2016-12-08 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and a former labor/employment attorney, issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Mr. Andy Puzder, chief executive of CKE Restaurants, to serve as Secretary of Labor. Byrne said: “Andy Puzder is the perfect choice to lead the Department of Labor as we advance commonsense policies that actually benefit American workers. As a businessman, he has seen firsthand how the policies of the last eight years have thwarted economic growth and hurt American families. I am confident that under his leadership we can swing the pendulum of power away from Big Labor bosses and back in favor of American workers, and I look forward to partnering with him to advance that goal.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/montgomery-based-187th-fighter-wing-short-list-f-35 Montgomery-Based 187th Fighter Wing on Short List for F-35 2016-12-07 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Montgomery-based 187th Fighter Wing is among five Air National Guard units throughout the country being considered to house the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Air Force officials announced Wednesday.   The F-35 is the military’s most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 currently flown by the 187th. Today’s announcement moves the Air Force one step closer to its final selection of two National Guard units to which the F-35 will be assigned. The final selection is expected in the Spring of 2017.   U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) has been promoting the 187th and Dannelly Field as an “ideal fit” for the F-35 assignment.   “Alabama’s 187th Fighter Wing is an excellent candidate for the F-35 program, which is evident by its placement on this short list. The F-35’s next-generation capabilities will give American aviators unquestioned air superiority in combat situations around the globe, and I have no doubt the men and women of the 187th will excel in their mission if selected for this program.   “This is exciting news for Montgomery and the State of Alabama. The 187th Fighter Wing has long been a point of pride for our state, from its impressive combat track record in recent conflicts to its proud history as the legacy unit of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. I look forward to working alongside my Alabama delegation colleagues and community partners to make the case to the Air Force for why the 187th and Dannelly Field remain an ideal fit for this program." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-navy-right-to-stand-up-for-larger-fleet Byrne: Navy Right to Stand Up for Larger Fleet 2016-12-07 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to a Navy Times report that the Navy is rejecting efforts by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to downsize the fleet in the 2018 budget. Byrne said: “I applaud our Navy leadership for standing up against these ill-conceived cuts from a lame-duck administration. Secretary Carter’s efforts to cut our fleet size and capabilities have always been misguided. I think the Navy is right to plan for President-elect Trump, who has made clear his desire for a 350 ship Navy. Anything less than that would be short-sighted.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-alabama-awarded-two-five-army-community-partnership-awards Alabama Awarded Two of Five Army Community Partnership Awards 2016-12-06 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) attended the Department of the Army’s award ceremony, hosted by the Honorable Patrick Murphy, Under Secretary of the Army, to congratulate the Alabama Army National Guard, Team Redstone, and their community partners as 2016 recipients of an Army Community Partnership Award. The award, given to five U.S. Army installations and neighboring communities, recognizes successful partnerships that have resulted in improved readiness, energy efficiency, and cost savings.   Rep. Brooks with Redstone and community partners receiving 2016 Army Community Partnership Award at the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon. High-resolution photos from the event are available HERE   Congressman Brooks said, “Alabamians have much to be proud of today as Team Redstone and the Alabama Army National Guard took home two of the five inaugural 2016 Army Community Partnership Awards.  In a time of budget constraints, these partnerships between Army installations and local agencies have fostered growth across Alabama and provided important cost savings for the state and the Department of Defense.” Brooks continued, “For those from North Alabama, the Redstone Arsenal’s 2016 Army Community Partnership Award will come as no surprise.  I am immensely impressed with the successful collaboration of Redstone with the City of Huntsville, Madison County, State of Alabama, and the Tennessee Valley Authority to enhance readiness for our military personnel.”  COL Tom Holliday, Garrison Commander, Redstone Arsenal stated, “Redstone Arsenal is striving to become the ‘garrison of the future.’‎  We cannot reach that goal without our friends and neighbors of the Tennessee Valley.  The partnership we enjoy is beneficial to the Army, but goes beyond the fence line of our post.  This community is an example of what can happen when people work together... they can achieve anything.”   Rep. Brooks with Alabama Army National Guard and community partners receiving   2016 Army Community Partnership Award at the Hall o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-bill-that-can-save-lives A Bill That Can Save Lives 2016-12-04 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy I met a young boy named Gabe Griffin a few years back at Battleship Park in Mobile. His family and friends had organized a cross country bike ride that started in Oregon and ended on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The goal of the ride was to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare disease in young boys that causes your muscles to weaken rapidly. Despite suffering from Duchenne, Gabe was thrilled that day to be greeted by the University of South Alabama mascots, the Azalea Trail Maids, and local firefighters. I will never forget the smile on Gabe’s face on that special day. Gabe was on my mind last week as I cast my vote in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act. This bill brings health research and the drug approval process into the 21st Century in order to boost research into diseases, like Duchenne, that impact far too many families. The bill provides the National Institutes of Health with over $4 billion in new funding. Over $1 billion will go toward the new Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into diseases, over $1 billion will go toward cancer research, and over $1 billion will go toward the BRAIN initiative to improve understanding of diseases, like Alzheimer’s. The 21st Century Cures Act also allows for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the approval process for breakthrough medical treatments, drugs, and devices. These reforms help cut through the red tape and bureaucracy that has limited the potential for important medical breakthroughs. The bill encourages innovation and research through a number of new strategies. For example, 21st Century Cures authorizes innovation prize competitions to advance biomedical science for diseases that are serious and represent a significant burden. The bill also creates a new “Next Generation of Researchers Initiative” to encourage younger students to enter the field of medical research. Another important reform is that 21st Century Cures empowers patients to take part in research and clinical trials. This change allows patients to volun… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/21st-century-cures-act-brings-hope 21st Century Cures Act Brings Hope 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy Part of what set the United States apart as the world's preeminent nation in the 20th century was the incredible way we were able to marshal resources and talent to meet seemingly impossible challenges. The moonshot and our triumphs in world wars come to mind as examples, but Americans have also contributed extraordinary gains in health care by developing medicines that have dramatically improved the longevity and quality of life around the globe. However, as the 21st century rolls on, I am increasingly concerned that too much government regulation and a lack of focus are inhibiting us from taking the next step in treating and curing the awful diseases that plague us.   There are 10,000 known diseases in the world. 7,000 of them are considered rare, and we only have treatments for 500 of them. This leaves millions of Americans suffering from thousands of rare and deadly diseases without answers, solutions, cures, or hope. For the greatest country in the world – the country that cured smallpox, polio, yellow fever, and more – with all our incredible potential, these numbers are completely unacceptable.     It is past time for the United States to once again lead the world in medical research and innovation – to diligently work towards finding treatments and cures for these 10,000 diseases. Last week, the House passed the H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, and I’m excited to report that I believe this legislation puts us on that path.   The 21st Century Cures Act provides much needed funding and policy improvements to help battle rare diseases, fight our nation’s opioid epidemic, ensure support for those struggling with mental health issues, and rightfully reforms Medicare and Medicaid to reduce overpayments and provide reimbursements. The bill also modernizes electronic health records to allow for faster, more efficient delivery of care.   Bottom line: the 21st Century Cures improves medical treatment discovery, development, and delivery for those who need it most. The bill improves treat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/roby-ndaa-increases-strength-agility-our-military Roby: NDAA Increases Strength, Agility of our Military 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today released a statement following House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual legislation needed to authorize funding and policy for our military.   “The National Defense Authorization Act allows us to make real progress towards increasing the strength and agility of our military,” Roby said. “Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution instructs Congress to ‘provide for the common defense,’ and this legislation enables us to fulfill that responsibility.”   After today’s House passage, the Senate is expected send the bill to the President for signing, marking 55 consecutive years that the NDAA has been signed into law.     Specifically, the National Defense Authorization Act: Contains $619 billion total for national defense     Provides  $5.8 billion in supplemental funding for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe Supplies  an additional $3.2 billion for Readiness Stabilization Funding in an effort to stop additional reductions of the military Includes critical funding for Army helicopters $882 million for 52 AH-64 Apache helicopters $755 million for 36 new UH-60M multiuse Black Hawks for the Army and National Guard $126 million for the  Improved Turbine Engine Program – a program essential to the development of a next generation engine for Blackhawk and Apache helicopter platforms Supports  the Littoral Combat Ship program (LCS) by providing $1.1 million for two new Littoral Combat Ship Provides a 2.1% pay raise for our troops Maintains the current Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), including for dual military families Improves access to health care for our troops and their families Prohibits the transfer of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the United States, prohibits closure of the facility, and prohibits the transfer of the naval base to Cuba Provides the resources to combat Islamic extremists and to assist foreign security forces, such as the Kurds and Sunnis, t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-brooks-applauds-house-final-passage-2017-defense-bill Brooks Applauds House Final Passage of 2017 Defense Bill 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted in support of the conference report to S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017.  The NDAA authorizes programs for America’s national defense and passed the House by a 375-34 bipartisan vote.  This legislation is the conference report to H.R. 4909, which passed the House in May, and S. 2943 which passed the Senate in June.    The FY17 NDAA topline funding increased by $7 billion, to $611.2 billion, authorizing, amongst other things, $551.7 billion for the Department of Defense base budget as well as $59.5 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations.  Brooks highlighted significant achievements for Alabama and notable provisions he worked on with members of the House Armed Services Committee to incorporate in this legislation.    Congressman Brooks said, “In recent years, budget cuts have slashed vital funding for training and equipment, creating a readiness crisis.  The FY17 NDAA protects programs critical to ensuring our warfighters have the training and weaponry needed to protect America.  Specifically, the legislation increases ground and aviation training and replenishes depleted munitions inventories.  In addition, the FY17 NDAA fully fund’s Israel’s missile defense requirements and rejects cuts to TRICARE, Housing Allowances, and Commissary benefits for service members and their families.  The FY17 NDAA also includes the largest pay raise for our troops in six years.”   Brooks added, “On a local level, the FY17 NDAA promotes key provisions benefiting Redstone Arsenal and North Alabama.  Notably, the FY17 NDAA helps Redstone Arsenal’s Army Space and Missile Defense Command assist ground warfighter’s exploitation of space capabilities.  The Tennessee Valley specializes in small satellite technology development and the NDAA prioritizes and accelerates this growth.  In particular, the NDAA includes my language to develop three-dimensional high-resolution light detection and ranging systems.  This force multiplier ha… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-general-james-mattis Byrne Statement on General James Mattis 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense. Byrne said: “General Mattis has a clear record of serving our nation with steadfast leadership, unwavering integrity, and selfless dedication. He has shown both a great appreciation for the true toils of conflict and the clear ability to defeat an enemy. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working with him to rebuild our military and defeat radical Islamic extremism.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-annual-defense-policy-bill House Passes Annual Defense Policy Bill 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today voted in favor of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes spending and sets policy for the nation’s military. The bill passed by a vote of 375 to 34. The House and Senate passed separate versions of the NDAA earlier this year, so a Conference Committee of House and Senate members was convened to work out the differences. Today’s vote was on the compromise bill, and the Senate is expected to take up the bill next week. During a speech from the House floor in support of the bill, Congressman Byrne highlighted the important reforms included in the bill, as well as efforts to address the military’s readiness crisis. Byrne said: “This NDAA stops the drawdown of the military and authorizes critical funding for the operation and maintenance of our military. The bill authorizes important funding for training, helps rebuild outdated infrastructure, and ensures our military men and women have the munitions they need for ongoing operations.” Despite passage of the NDAA, Congressman Byrne noted that Congress must still pass a funding bill to actually put the money in place. Byrne also expressed his support for additional defense funding to meet all the needs of the military. Byrne said: “This is a good bill. But it alone will not be enough to turn the tide back in favor of the fully trained, fully capable, and fully equipped military that we need. I look forward to working with Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Smith, the appropriations committee, and the incoming administration to get this funding bill taken care of as soon as possible next year. Because without supplemental funding, we will leave the job half-done.” A complete transcript of Congressman Byrne’s remarks in support of the legislation can be found below. Byrne said: “This marks the 55th consecutive year that the House and Senate are coming together to pass a bill to authorize spending and set policy for our nation’s military. “Just as impor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-deadline-approaching-apply-congressional-nomination-us-military-service-1 Rogers: Deadline Approaching to Apply for Congressional Nomination to U.S. Military Service Academies 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, DC)---Congressman Mike Rogers reminds any graduating high school seniors for 2017 interested in receiving a Congressional nomination to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies to complete an application, which is available at http://mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/academy-nominations, and mail it to one of his district offices soon. To be considered for a nomination for appointment to any of the service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marines Academy, seniors must complete Rogers’ application material and mail the completed packets to one of Rogers’ district offices. The applications can be sent to: Congressman Mike Rogers Attn:  Service Academy Application 1129 Noble Street, Suite 104 Anniston, Alabama 36207 or Congressman Mike Rogers Attn: Service Academy Application 701 Avenue A, Suite 300 Opelika, Alabama 36801 The deadline for receipt of these applications is December 15, 2016. Please visit www.mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/academy-nominations with any questions, or call Rogers’ Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261.                                                                                     -###- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-passage-ndaa-0 Rogers on Passage of NDAA 2016-12-02 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy Rogers on Passage of NDAA Dec 2, 2016 (WASHINGTON, DC)—Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2017 passed the House of Representatives. “I am pleased the NDAA passed the House today with my strong support. This is a critical piece of legislation that helps take care of our brave men and women in uniform. This bill will strengthen our military, provide for vital installations like the Anniston Army Depot and authorize the funding needed to keep America safe. It will also give our service members the pay raise they deserve that they have not gotten in the past four years,” Rogers said. Rogers served as a Conferee for the NDAA, is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee.                                                                                         - ### - 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-brookslipinski-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-seeking Brooks/Lipinski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Seeking Balanced Trade 2016-12-01 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today in a bipartisan effort, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL-05) and Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03) filed House resolution H.Con.Res.175, calling for a national goal of balanced trade, with a special emphasis on manufacturing and goods. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-giving-back-across-east-alabama Report from Washington: Giving Back Across East Alabama 2016-12-01 2016 2016-12 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.)—The Christmas season has begun and folks across the Third District are giving of themselves and their time for their fellow Alabamians. Each year around the holidays, I like to take the opportunity to highlight a few of the great works going on across our area. The following examples are just a sampling of people giving of their time and gifts this year. On December 10th in Clay County, the Inter Se Club of Lineville and Modern Culture Club of Ashland will host the annual Soup Luncheon for DHR to raise money for local children in need. In Randolph County, the Pilot Club and the Roanoke Police Department both participated in Toys for Tots. In April, Piedmont High School seniors in Calhoun County participated in a community service day called “Seniors Helping Seniors.” They spent the day helping with yard work, household tasks and minor repairs of homes belonging to the elderly in the community. In Tallapoosa County, members of Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama worked weekly throughout the year at the Alexander City Recycling Center, donating every dollar earned from the recyclables to local nonprofit organizations. The physically demanding work created the need for a hydraulic lift, which two Alexander City Councilmen purchased for the recycling center as a thank you to the volunteers for their dedication to the community. In Macon County, the Tuskegee Housing Authority and Macon County Ministerial Alliance both hosted a food bank. In Chambers County, the Christian Service Center held a food bank and a drive for clothing and toys. These are just a few of many generous acts happening right now across East Alabama. The spirit of giving is definitely alive in our great state. As always, my office and staff are here to serve you. Please contact my office with any concerns or thoughts you may have or take advantage of my Mobile Office Hours in your county each month. For more information visit my website at www.mikerogers.house.gov. You can also sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting my websi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/roby-21st-century-cures-act-gives-hope-patients-families Roby: 21st Century Cures Act Gives Hope to Patients, Families 2016-11-30 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today celebrated the House passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation providing needed funding and policy improvements to help battle rare diseases, fight the nation’s opioid epidemic, and improve mental health care.   H.R. 34, 21st Century Cures Act, provides $4.8 billion in discretionary funding to the National Institute of Health (NIH), $1 billion for grants to states to fight opioid abuse, and $500 million to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to speed up delivering lifesaving drugs and devices to patients. The bill also modernizes electronic health record policies to allow for faster, more efficient delivery of care.   “The 21st Century Cures Act fosters innovation in medical technology and research, eliminates regulations that hinder competition, provides resources to combat the growing opioid epidemic, ensures critical support for those struggling with mental health issues, and rightfully reforms Medicare and Medicaid to reduce overpayments and provide reimbursements.” Roby said. “The bill improves medical treatment discovery, development, and delivery for those who need it most.”   The 21st Century Cures Act improves:   ·      Discovery – by providing the NIH with fully offset funding to advance the Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variations of disease; speed up cancer research; and invest in the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s. ·      Development – by turning 21st Century scientific advancement and research into FDA-approved treatments and cures through modernizing clinical trials; putting patients at the center of the regulatory review process; streamlining regulations to foster innovation in health care software and mobile medical apps; incentivizing pediatric drug development and empowering the FDA to be more flexible in reviewing medical devices and technologies; and providing the FDA with $500 milli… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-brooks-addresses-house-support-president-elect-trump Brooks Addresses House to Support President-elect Trump Assertion of Voter Fraud 2016-11-30 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) addressed the House floor to support President-elect Trump’s assertion of voter fraud in the most recent election and challenged left-wing media efforts to silence serious discussion on the problem of noncitizens illegally voting in U.S. elections. Brooks stated, “In January of 2016, the United States Election Assistance Commission approved Alabama’s proof of citizenship voter registration requirement.  The League of Women Voters then challenged proof of citizenship laws in the Washington, D.C., federal courts.  In an astonishing ruling in September of 2016, a mere six weeks before the election, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia entered a preliminary injunction that barred Alabama, Kansas, Georgia, and, indirectly, any other state, from requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote.”Brooks continued, “Now what does all of this mean?  It means that, right before the presidential election, federal courts created a massive legal hole that empowers noncitizens to register to vote and, once registered, to vote in America’s elections with impunity, thereby undermining and diluting the vote of lawful Americans and striking at the very heart of our democracy.” Brooks concluded, “Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, we will never know for sure if hundreds of thousands or millions of noncitizens voted in the 2016 elections.  Worse yet, if the left-wing media and pundits continue to summarily dismiss and turn a blind eye to the problem, it will be harder to stop future elections from being stolen.” or on the image above. Text of Congressman Brooks’ remarks: Mr. Speaker, President-elect Donald Trump opined in a tweet on November 27 that “In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.”  As would be expected, a circus of left-wing, media pundits immediately pounced on President-elect Trump’s opinion in an effort to silence serious discussion of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-supports-major-medical-research-legislation Byrne Supports Major Medical Research Legislation 2016-11-30 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today voted in favor of legislation to improve our nation’s medical research programs, spur medical innovation, fight the nation’s opioid addiction crisis, and boost mental health programs. The legislation, known as the 21st Century Cures Act, has been years in the making. The bill brings health research, the drug approval process, and mental health programs into the 21st Century and gives much needed hope to millions of Americans who suffer from various diseases. The bill allows the Food and Drug Administration to expedite the approval process for breakthrough medical treatments, drugs, and devices. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 392 to 26. Byrne said: “It is not often that Congress passes legislation that can actually save lives, but this bill has the potential to do that by bringing our nation’s medical research programs and drug approval process into the 21st Century. These reforms and the additional funding will help spur medical innovation as we look to find cures and treatments for diseases that impact far too many American families. “Mental health reform has long been a priority for me, and I am especially pleased this legislation includes provisions to strengthen our nation’s mental health programs. These reforms will go a long way toward changing the way we treat mental illness in America. “I applaud Chairman Fred Upton for his leadership and determination to help push this bill through, which is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation passed in this Congress. I look forward to its speedy passage in the Senate.” 21st Century Cures provides the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with over $4 billion in new funding. Over $1 billion will go toward the new Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into disease, over $1 billion will go toward cancer research, and over $1 billion will go toward the BRAIN initiative to improve understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s. The bill also includes funding to help states address the opioid prescription dru… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-elected-republican-steering-committee-0 Rogers Elected to Republican Steering Committee 2016-11-30 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy Rogers Elected to Republican Steering Committee Nov 30, 2016 (WASHINGTON, DC)—Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after being elected to the Republican Steering Committee this week by his colleagues. The Steering Committee recommends Members of Congress to serve as Full Committee Chairmen based on their background, level of expertise and seniority as well as each Member’s committee assignments. This is Rogers’ second term on the Steering Committee. He is the first Alabamian to serve on the prestigious committee in over a decade. “I am honored to have been elected to this committee again. As the Steering Committee representative for the Alabama and Tennessee delegations, I look forward to advocating on their behalf before the House Republican Conference. And as one of the representatives of Southern states, I look forward to working on bringing regional balance to chairs and committee assignments,” Rogers said. Rogers was selected as the Region V representative. Region V encompasses Alabama and Tennessee. The appointment is for the upcoming 115th Congress.                                                                                          - ### - 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/house-acts-give-veterans-more-choices-health-care House Acts to Give Veterans More Choices in Health Care 2016-11-29 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today applauded House passage of the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016.   “The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016 is a commonsense piece of legislation that offers veterans more choices in planning for their healthcare needs," Roby said. "This bill rightly enables veterans to choose the best health care options for themselves and their families, and I am proud to support it."   H.R. 5458, the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016, allows TRICARE-eligible veterans the ability to participate in employer-sponsored health savings account (HSA) programs. Under current Department of Veterans Affairs policy, veterans eligible for TRICARE, the military’s healthcare system, are not allowed to participate in HSAs unless they permanently opt-out of TRICARE benefits, limiting the choices of many veterans who enter the workforce after their military service. H.R. 5458 corrects this problem by allowing TRICARE-eligible veterans to simply pause their TRICARE benefits if they want to participate in HSA programs, which are popular and effective tools used to pay for medical expenses.   "I appreciate my colleagues, Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), for recognizing this problem with the VA’s policy and sponsoring legislation to correct it. We need policies and services that properly serve the needs of all veterans, including the most recent generation. I’m pleased that the House has taken action this week on a slate of bills meant to modernize and streamline benefits to better serve veterans’ interests."   Additional veterans service or policy bills slated for a vote this week include:   ·      H.R. 5600 – No Hero Left Untreated Act, cosponsored by Roby, which calls for a pilot program to test the effectiveness of EEG/EKG-guided resonance therapy for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome; ·      H.R. 5166 - WINGMAN Act, which enhances Congressional employees' ability to track cases on behalf of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-sewell-applauds-uab-6m-americas-promise-job-driven-grant Congresswoman Sewell Applauds UAB for $6M America's Promise Job Driven Grant 2016-11-29 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AL Terri Sewell S001185 sewell.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell applauded the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) for being awarded a $6 million America’s Promise Job Driven Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Congresswoman Sewell helped UAB secure the maximum allowed amount of $6 million, which will fund Innovate Birmingham, a partnership led by UAB and composed of 27 regional employers and 14 consortium partners. “Innovate Birmingham’s consortium partners are among the most successful corporate, academic, and non-profit citizens in Alabama, all of whom realize that our national and global competitiveness is only as strong as our local workforce pipeline,” said Rep. Sewell. “President Obama’s Administration is committed to reforming our nation’s skills infrastructure to meet both the workforce needs of employers and the training needs of job seekers. With this vital funding from the Department of Labor, Innovate Birmingham will be able to meet the demand of the second fastest growing IT workforce in the country by educating and training 925 Birmingham-area disconnected youth for high-wage, high-demand jobs in the industry.” “The main focus of this effort is to offer new educational opportunities for the young adults in our community to provide them with training and expertise that will enable them to have prosperous, bright futures,” UAB President Ray Watts said. “It will positively change their futures and the futures of their families and communities.” BACKGROUND ON AMERICA’S PROMISE GRANT More information on the America’s Promise Grant to Strengthen, Expand Regional Job Training Partnerships can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20160606 ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/america-must-keep-upper-hand-iran America Must Keep the Upper Hand with Iran 2016-11-28 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy Recently the U.S. House of Representatives took up and overwhelmingly passed the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, which reauthorizes for another ten years the economic penalties the United States has used to deter the Islamic Republic of Iran from further developing its unconventional weapons program, including ballistic missiles and supporting terrorism.   Originally enacted in 1996, these sanctions have been some of the most meaningful tools in bringing Iran and its ambitious weapons program to heel. Extending them for another ten years is the right decision, and I was proud to vote in favor of the bill’s passage.   Also last week, House Speaker Paul Ryan sent a letter to President Obama urging him to abandon any plans for new concessions to Iran during his final days in office. The letter asked that President Obama “take no further actions designed to bolster international investment in Iran, or otherwise change or alter the existing sanctions regime within international organizations through the use of waivers or through administrative actions…”   The House vote and Speaker Ryan’s letter comes amid reports that the Obama Administration plans to take additional steps to aide Iran’s economy in attempt to save the president’s legacy nuclear agreement.   You may remember that last year, despite significant opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike in Congress, President Obama negotiated an executive nuclear agreement with Iran. I said at the time that the executive agreement was a bad deal because negotiators failed to achieve their very own stated objectives on inspections, verifications, and sanctions. Then in January, the Administration released a $1.7 billion payment to Iran coinciding with the release of five Americans held prisoner by Iran, in violation of longstanding U.S. policy meant to protect our national security interests.   I’m afraid the Obama Administration’s baffling behavior toward Iran is weakening what was once a very strong hand in dealing with this rouge nati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/sessions-perfect-pick-for-attorney-general Sessions Perfect Pick for Attorney General 2016-11-27 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy I have known Jeff Sessions for almost 40 years, and I have always considered him to be a person of the highest level of integrity, so I could not have been happier with the recent announcement that he has been selected to serve as the next U.S. Attorney General under President-elect Donald Trump. Jeff Sessions is the perfect pick for this critical role. His time as a U.S. Attorney, service as Alabama’s Attorney General, and time on the Senate Judiciary Committee give him the experience he needs to take on this tough job. As Attorney General, Senator Sessions will be the highest law enforcement official in the United States and will oversee the Department of Justice. He will be responsible for ensuring the law is upheld and followed throughout our country. While I know his legal experience and steadfast defense of the rule of law will make him a perfect fit, I also believe his career has been shaped by his humble roots in Southwest Alabama. Jeff grew up in the Hybart community, near the Monroe and Wilcox county line. After attending school at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Jeff obtained a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1973. I got to know Senator Sessions when he moved to Mobile to practice law. As a young lawyer in Mobile, I quickly realized what an asset Jeff would be to our local community. He served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama before being nominated by President Reagan to serve as the U.S. Attorney for Alabama’s Southern District, a position he held for twelve years. He does not get nearly the credit he deserves for cleaning up corruption in Mobile County during his time as U.S. Attorney. In the 1980s, both city and county government in Mobile were riddled with corruption. Jeff showed great courage by standing up to those powerful individuals and sending over half a dozen people to jail. Without his willingness to stand up for the law and root out corruption, I am not sure our area would be where we are today. Having a competent, ethical local … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/roby-decision-overtime-rule-victory-states-businesses Roby: Decision on Overtime Rule a Victory for States, Businesses 2016-11-23 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today released a statement in response to a decision by Judge Amos L. Mazzant III, a U.S. District Judge in the Eastern District of Texas, to block the Department of Labor’s overtime rule, which was set to be implemented on December 1:   “This decision is a conservative victory for the 21 states and dozens of business groups who challenged that this new rule handed down by President Obama’s Department of Labor would increase government costs while costing private employers millions of dollars.   "We all want incomes to rise, but top-down government mandates that ultimately cost workers are not the way to make it happen. We need 21st century workforce policies that offer workers choices and flexibility, and we need to enact them properly through Congress. I'm pleased that the courts have once again rejected the Obama Administration's attempt to circumvent Congress and legislate by executive fiat. This decision and others like it will help return our country to constitutional order."   The rule, championed by President Obama’s Department of Labor, would raise the salary threshold for workers to qualify as exempt from overtime pay requirements from $455 to $913 per week – from $23,660 to $47,476 per year – while increasing the current minimum salary requirements for employees exempt from overtime pay under the “highly-compensated” exemption from $100,000 to $134,004 per year.   According to a report by the American Enterprise Institute, if implemented, the rule was predicted to cost the economy and hurt workers by cutting hours, further adding to the problem of underemployment without doing much to improve pay for low and middle income workers. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-overtime-rule-injunction Byrne Statement on Overtime Rule Injunction 2016-11-23 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, issued the following statement in response to a federal judge blocking the Department of Labor’s proposed overtime rule. The rule was set to take effect on December 1st. Byrne said: “This rule was never what the Obama Administration wanted people to believe it was. Instead, the rule would have hurt American workers by moving them from salaried to hourly employees and greatly reducing opportunities for advancement. The rule would have been especially damaging for schools and non-profits, who couldn’t just increase costs to offset the added expenses. I appreciate Judge Mazzant’s decision and look forward to working with the Trump Administration to pursue policies that actually benefit American workers.” Earlier this year, Congressman Byrne voted in support of legislation to delay the proposed rule for six months. In a speech in support of the legislation, he gave real world examples of how the rule would hurt workers, businesses, and organizations in Alabama. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/roby-congratulates-sessions-us-attorney-general-appointment Roby Congratulates Sessions on U.S. Attorney General Appointment 2016-11-22 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy Roby Congratulates Sessions on U.S. Attorney General Appointment Nov 22, 2016 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today congratulated U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) upon the announcement that he will serve as United States Attorney General in the Trump Administration.   “There is no one more capable and qualified to serve our country as Attorney General than Senator Jeff Sessions. President-elect Trump has selected a leader with remarkable depth of knowledge and experience who cares about Americans and will fight for what’s right.   “I am very proud for Senator Sessions on this achievement. He has been a kind mentor to me, and I have valued his guidance and leadership over the last six years. Although I hate to see him leave the Legislative Branch, I am confident this new role will enhance Senator Sessions' ability to change our nation’s course for the better.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/much-to-be-thankful-for Much to Be Thankful For 2016-11-22 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Many of us went to the polls a few weeks ago to elect the leaders of our country, state, and counties. This ability to select the members of our government is a unique tradition that we often take for granted. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that the right to vote was not always guaranteed. Many people worked, fought, and died to ensure every American has the opportunity to cast their vote. This is a freedom that we should never take for granted as it is the cornerstone of our democracy. So, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself thinking back to the many blessings in life that we sometimes take for granted, like the right to vote. Thanksgiving is a special time of the year. It is a time when fall begins to turn into winter, leaves crinkle and fall to the earth, and the air outside becomes crisp. It is a time to reunite with old friends and visit loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family. My wife, Rebecca is an amazing woman who dedicates herself to her family and her community. I am also thankful for our four children, who have achieved so much and make us proud each and every day. I’m also blessed to be a grandparent and to experience all the joys that come with it. I am thankful to live in a part of the country that is unlike any other. From our beautiful environment to the incredibly warm and hospitable people who call it home, there is something truly special about Southwest Alabama. I am thankful for the opportunity to represent the First District of Alabama.  I am so honored to be your voice in Congress and to fight for you every day.  From contributing to our Navy fleet with the LCS to improving our infrastructure with the I-10 bridge, we have accomplished so much and there is so much more to come. I am thankful for my Congressional staff who are committed to improving the lives of those who live in Southwest Alabama. My staff in D.C. often work long hours in an effort to ensure our area has a strong voice in our nation’s … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/sessions-right-pick-attorney-general Sessions is the Right Pick for Attorney General 2016-11-18 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy Alabama got the news many were anxiously anticipating late last week when President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate our own Senator Jeff Sessions to be Attorney General of the United States.   There is no one more capable and qualified to serve our country as Attorney General than Senator Sessions. While he is mostly known for his conservative record in the Senate, Senator Sessions also brings significant prosecutorial experience to the job. He served as a United States Attorney in the Southern District of Alabama for 12 years and was Attorney General of Alabama before being elected to the Senate. President-elect Trump has selected a leader with remarkable depth of knowledge and experience who cares deeply about Americans and will fight for what’s right.   I’m very proud for Senator Sessions on this achievement. He’s been a kind mentor to me, and I have valued his guidance and leadership over my six years in Congress. Senator Sessions has been a dedicated fighter for the conservative cause for many years now, and no one deserves this honor more. I do hate that we will lose him in the Legislative Branch, but I’m confident that this new role will enhance his ability to change our nation’s course for the better.     Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, critics started attacking Senator Sessions’ record and character even before his nomination was confirmed. These attacks are unfair and without merit. It’s really a shame that anyone would attempt to tarnish the name of such a good man.   We’ve seen these attacks before. Washington liberals kept Senator Sessions from an appointment to the federal bench during the Reagan Administration using these same tactics.   I’m reminded of former Senator Arlen Spector who said that in all his years of service the vote he regretted most was the one he cast not to confirm Jeff Sessions for the bench. He said that because he came to know Jeff Sessions and understand his character.   I’m also reminded of how Senator Sessions made it a … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-brooks-statement-appointment-senator-jeff-sessions-us Brooks' Statement on Appointment of Senator Jeff Sessions to U.S. Attorney General 2016-11-18 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. –  Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) today remarked on the historic appointment of the first U.S. Attorney General from Alabama, Senator Jeff Sessions. Congressman Brooks said, “While Senator Sessions will be sorely missed in the United States Senate, he is an outstanding choice to be America’s next Attorney General.  With decades of distinguished service on the Senate Judiciary Committee, as Alabama Attorney General, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, President-elect Trump could hardly have made a better choice to lead the Justice Department.  Senator Sessions’ commitment to the rule of law and to the Constitution will mean progress for American jurisprudence, and I congratulate him on this historic appointment.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-senator-jeff-sessions Byrne Statement on Senator Jeff Sessions 2016-11-18 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement regarding reports Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) has been tapped to serve as the U.S. Attorney General in the Trump Administration. Byrne said: “I have known Jeff Sessions for almost 40 years, and he has always been a person of the highest level of integrity. As a U.S. Attorney in Mobile, Senator Sessions led the charge to clean up corruption in our local government. He earned respect from everyone in our community by always conducting himself in a professional and fair way. “In the Senate, Senator Sessions has a clear track record of defending the law and advocating for a smaller, less invasive federal government. Just as important, he has always been willing to partner with other members of our Congressional delegation to support Alabama projects and priorities. “The people of Alabama will miss the service and leadership of Jeff Sessions, but I have no doubt he will be an excellent Attorney General for the United States.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-sessions%E2%80%99-appointment-attorney-general Rogers on Sessions Appointment to Attorney General 2016-11-18 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy Rogers on Sessions’ Appointment to Attorney General Nov 18, 2016 (WASHINGTON, DC)—Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after President-elect Trump announced Senator Jeff Sessions as his choice for U.S. Attorney General. “Jeff Sessions is a man of the greatest integrity and character. He will do an outstanding job as the Attorney General of the United States. He has served Alabama with the utmost distinction, boundless vigor and endless determination. He will bring those same qualities and more to the Department of Justice to enforce the law. “Alabama has every right to be extremely proud. I also want to congratulate President-elect Trump on this exceptional choice.”                                                                                  -###- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-statement-senator-jeff-sessions Palmer Statement on Senator Jeff Sessions 2016-11-18 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Gary J. Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov palmer https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper November 18, 2016 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921 Palmer Statement on Senator Jeff Sessions Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) offered the following statement: “Today President-elect Trump made an excellent choice for United States Attorney General by nominating Senator Jeff Sessions to serve our nation in his Administration,” said Palmer. “As a former U.S. Attorney in Mobile and Alabama’s Attorney General, as well as a United States Senator, Senator Sessions defended the Constitution and held firm to our founding principles. Over the past 20 years, Senator Sessions has proven himself to be an intelligent, trustworthy conservative in the Senate becoming a voice for millions of Americans who felt ignored by Washington. His track record of success and sound decisions make him the best possible candidate for the job. I truly believe that Senator Sessions is the right man to restore the public's confidence in our justice system.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:07:19Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/news-release-brooks-introduces-legislation-reform-tps-program Brooks Introduces Legislation to Reform TPS Program 2016-11-17 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) introduced the TPS Reform Act (H.R. 6345) to bring much needed reform to the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program.  The TPS program was established as a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of a country because of ongoing armed conflict or an environmental disaster, among other reasons.  However, “Temporary” Protected Status is de facto permanent, as under current law, it is almost certain to be repeatedly renewed every 12 or 18 months.  The TPS Reform Act would shift authority from the Executive and empower Congress to designate a nation’s participation in the TPS program, and it would set strict but reasonable maximum lengths for TPS duration.  Original cosponsors of the TPS Reform Act include Congressmen Louie Gohmert (TX-1), Steve King (IA-4), Paul Gosar (AZ-4), Walter Jones (NC-3), Dave Brat (VA-7), and Brian Babin (TX-36).  The TPS Reform Act is endorsed by NumbersUSA and the Federation for American Immigration Reform.   Congressman Brooks said, “Temporary Protected Status is not meant to be permanent.  My bill, the TPS Reform Act, would remove TPS protection from illegal immigrants, strip the Executive Branch of the authority to designate TPS, and give that power back to Congress.  More than 300,000 illegal aliens may reside in the United States under the description of TPS.  They are often granted extensions to their ‘temporary’ status giving them many benefits such as work permits, Social Security Numbers, driver’s licenses, and more.  Congress must put American citizens first and take back control of our immigration system.” Rosemary Jenks, Director of Government Relations at NumbersUSA praised the TPS Reform Act and commented, “The Executive Branch has been abusing this temporary, humanitarian program for 26 years, using it as a de facto amnesty program.  This bill would restore critical oversight by Congress.” The Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, Mark Krikorian, stated, “The government's site say… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-looking-ahead-east-alabama Report from Washington: Looking Ahead in East Alabama 2016-11-17 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.)—After enduring what seemed to be a never-ending election season, I am hopeful for what is in store for America as President-elect Donald Trump gets ready to take office and Republicans will be in the majority in both chambers of Congress for next year. We can also rest assured that a conservative voice will soon be appointed to the Supreme Court to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The people of East Alabama and across the United States made sure their message be heard loud and clear on the direction they want our country to be headed. As the current Congress comes to a close and we get ready to start the 115th Congress in January, much work will need to be done. Now it is up to Congress to get busy. I believe repealing and replacing Obamacare will be one of the first items on the agenda as Congress works to find quality and affordable healthcare options that will help hardworking families instead of hurting them. Strengthening our national defense and making sure our country remains a superpower will also be on the table. On the homeland security front, securing our border will remain at the forefront of our priorities as we deal with our illegal immigration situation. During this Thanksgiving season, I hope all of us across East Alabama will take time out of our busy lives to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in the United States and pray for the future of our great country and our new leaders as we move forward. As always, my office and staff are here to serve you. Please contact my office with any concerns or thoughts you may have or take advantage of my Mobile Office Hours in your county each month. For more information visit my website at www.mikerogers.house.gov. You can also sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting my website. To stay up to date on social media, like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com, on Medium at RepMikeRogersAL03 and subscribe to my You… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/turning-election-energy-results Turning election energy into results 2016-11-16 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy It has now been just a week since the 2016 election, which will certainly go down as one of the most consequential in modern American history. In the early morning hours when the race was finally called, I offered my sincere congratulations to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence, and expressed how eager I was to get to work putting our country back on track. There’s no question that in electing Donald Trump president and maintaining Republican majorities in the House and Senate, Americans sent a clear message that we must turn away from the top-down, big-government, Washington-knows-best approach of the Obama era to a more conservative, sustainable path. After six years in Congress of playing defense against the Obama Administration, I’m looking forward to playing offense with a Republican-led House, Senate and White House and hopefully being able to get more done. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve another term and, no matter what, I will continue fighting on behalf of the people of the Second District and maintaining my focus on the issues that matter to you. I have been asked many times lately what I believe are the most important issues facing our country as we move forward. From my perspective, our most pressing issue is stopping the financial squeeze that so many middle class families are facing. One takeaway from this election I want to press with Republican leadership in Congress is how so many working people feel marginalized in a country where the outcomes seem predetermined and the deck is stacked against them. Whether it is on trade or taxes or immigration or health care, we need to be crafting policies that address the real problems facing the American worker and their families. I feel like sometimes we talk a lot about how conservative policies will help the person that owns the factory, but we need to spend more time explaining how they will benefit the men and women working inside it. I'm eager to carry that message back to Washington. On health care, I’m looki… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-blocking-of-persuader-rule-a-win-for-american-workers Byrne: Blocking of Persuader Rule a Win for American Workers 2016-11-16 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, issued the following statement in response to a federal judge issuing a permanent injunction against the Department of Labor’s “persuader” rule. Byrne said: “Today’s ruling is a win for American workers, who would have seen their access to important information greatly reduced. All along, this rule was nothing more than an effort to tilt the scales even further toward Big Labor bosses through administrative decree, and I am pleased the rule has been permanently blocked.” Byrne led the charge in Congress against the “persuader” rule. He introduced House Joint Resolution 87, which would have blocked the rule through the Congressional Review Act process.  The Education and the Workforce Committee approved Rep. Byrne’s legislation on May 18th.  Click here to learn more about the “persuader” rule. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-terri-sewell-opposes-appointment-steve-bannon-white-house Congresswoman Terri Sewell Opposes the Appointment of Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist 2016-11-16 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AL Terri Sewell S001185 sewell.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) joins 169 of her Congressional Colleagues in signing a letter addressed to President-elect Donald Trump   opposing the appointment of former Breitbart News executive Steve Bannon as White House Chief Strategist: “The appointment of Steve Bannon, who has promoted views of bigotry, divisiveness, and fear throughout his career, is both disturbing and dangerous. Donald Trump built his campaign on misinformation and bigotry.  Unfortunately, his appointment of Steve Bannon is a clear indication that he will govern as he campaigned. As a daughter of Selma and the Representative of the 7th Congressional District of Alabama, I am painfully aware of the damage that hateful rhetoric and prejudice has on the American people. We simply cannot go back to times that divided and weakened our country and our progress.  “President-elect Trump should reconsider his appointment of Steve Bannon and move forward to staff his administration with people who seek to uplift all Americans with truth and respect. After one of the most hateful and polarizing election cycles in history, now is the time to show true leadership by working to unite this country and diminish the flames of dissension and fear.”      ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-donald-trump-winning-presidency Aderholt Statement on Donald Trump Winning the Presidency 2016-11-14 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Robert B. Aderholt A000055 aderholt.house.gov aderholt https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 19.0px Calibri; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}span.s1 {font-kerning: none} Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement to congratulate Donald Trump and Governor Mike Pence on being elected to the Presidency of the United States. “I want to congratulate Donald Trump and Governor Mike Pence on their decisive victory in Tuesday’s election. Donald Trump began a movement in June of 2015 that had been boiling just beneath the surface in our country. People who felt left out, left behind and sick of eight years of failed liberal policies delivered a revolution at the ballot box. “Voters across America, from the South, to the West, from the Rust Belt to the Sun Belt, delivered a mandate of change by putting Republicans in charge of the White House and both Houses of Congress. We now must deliver on the promises we have made to the people during this election cycle. “In addition to repealing and replacing Obamacare, tackling immigration reform and once and for all securing our border, we need to provide relief for the American worker. Coal miners and farmers are being crushed by EPA regulations. Steel workers are losing jobs to bad trade deals. And a majority of Americans, even those who voted for Secretary Clinton, believe our country is headed in the wrong direction. It’s time to change course. “The voters gave marching orders at the polls on Tuesday. Those orders are clear and I will work with my Republican colleagues to see that a new agenda for the American people is our top priority.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:07:19Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/the-election-is-over-now-what The Election is Over. Now What? 2016-11-13 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Last Tuesday, the American people went to the polls to elect the people they want to lead our country, and the outcome of the election was pretty clear. Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, and Republicans will continue to control both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Complete Republican control of the federal government has only happened 16 out of the past 100 years. After years of divided government, it is important we take advantage of unified government and push forward with major reforms. Donald Trump really struck a chord with the American people by talking about putting America first and looking out for the American worker, so I hope our agenda follows those principles. One of the first items on the agenda should be to address Obamacare. I am optimistic we will be able to get a bill through Congress and signed into law that repeals Obamacare once and for all. Just getting rid of Obamacare won’t be enough though. We need to follow up with patient-centered health care reforms that actually lower costs and improve care, while ensuring every American has access to health care. Another item toward the top of the agenda will be finally securing our border. I look f0rward to working with President-elect Trump to increase border security and crack down on illegal immigration. We must also end amnesty policies and ensure our immigration policies reward immigrants who follow the system to enter our nation legally. There are also a number of commonsense reforms we can push through early in the Trump Administration to cut back on overregulation. President-elect Trump will be able to quickly end some of these actions that were implemented through executive orders, but other changes will require Congressional action. For years now, I have heard from countless small business owners and employees who are drowning in red tape. By cutting out the bureaucratic mess, our businesses will be able to grow and expand. This benefits every single American in the form of a stronger economy. Rebuilding… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-terri-sewell-issues-statement-observance-veterans-day Congresswoman Terri Sewell Issues Statement in Observance of Veterans Day 2016-11-10 2016 2016-11 Democrat House AL Terri Sewell S001185 sewell.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11th: “Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have laid down their lives to keep our country safe.  These individuals – men and women, fathers, wives, sons and daughters – have fought and died to protect the values we hold dear as a nation,” states Representative Sewell.  “We owe them a sincere debt of gratitude for their tremendous bravery and selfless sacrifice.” “That is why it is critically important for Congress to continue to support and provide needed resources to the Veterans Administration (VA) to ensure that our veterans and their spouses or widowers have access to quality health care, good-paying jobs, affordable housing, and other benefits they have rightly earned. We should not deny the very liberties to these American heroes and their families that they have fought to protect.”   ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/local-schools-are-making-a-difference Local Schools Are Making A Difference 2016-11-06 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy There is something really fun and exciting about visiting with students in our local schools. From the elementary student who just wants you to read a book with them to the high school student looking for college advice, the visits are always special. With the House out of session for the month of October, I had the pleasure to spend quality time in a number of our local schools. I visited Clarke County High School in Grove Hill to talk with students and learn more about their new workforce training center. At Saraland High School, I attended the induction ceremony for students joining career and technical education student organizations. I also visited the Chickasaw School System in Mobile County, where the students welcomed me with impressive handmade signs. I spent time at Magnolia School in Foley and Robertsdale Elementary School in Baldwin County to share some stories with some of the students. I believe it is important we all find time to volunteer and support our local school systems, and reading to students is a great way to make a difference. At each of my school visits, I have been blown away by the work our teachers and administrators are doing. Their job is certainly not easy. Due to budget issues at the state level, many teachers are facing unique challenges. For example, I talked with teachers who spent personal money in their classrooms in order to support students’ needs. Teachers wear many different hats. Teachers are more than just instructors. They often serve as mentors and friends to the students they teach. For some students, they provide much needed stability for what may be a very complicated home life. Education in Alabama is making important progress, and that is a testament to our teachers and administrators. For example, the high school graduation rate in Alabama is now at 89%, a new record high. However, more challenges remain. As a parent, former member of the Alabama State School Board, and education advocate, I am committed to doing everything I can to support our students, teacher… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/drought-adds-challenges-facing-our-farmers Drought adds to challenges facing our farmers 2016-11-04 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy As you know, Alabama is in the midst of a drought of historic proportions. The latest assessment from the National Drought Mitigation Center showed that more than 65 percent of the state is now in extreme or exceptional drought. Such a serious drought affects nearly all Alabamians in some way. Shifting soil can cause busted water mains and dried up reservoirs can force water restrictions for consumers. The threat of wildfires has become dangerous, as more than 12,000 acres statewide have burned in the last 30 days with no substantial rainfall predicted.   However, no one is more drastically affected by a lack of rain than our state’s farmers and ranchers, whose livelihoods depend on our weather conditions. I recently met with several producers from a wide range of agriculture products in Houston County for a roundtable discussion about some of the challenges they are facing. The dry soil has certainly impacted crop production, but it has also caused a serious shortage of hay that ranchers use to feed their cattle.   Farmers take great financial risk every time they put a crop in the field. Their ability to be successful is critical, not just for their own livelihoods, but for the benefit of our state and country. Agriculture, forestry, and related industries contribute more than $70 billion and 580,295 jobs to our state’s economy. From a national perspective, we must always avoid a geopolitical position in which the United States must depend on foreign imports for our food supply.   As we monitor drought conditions, my office will remain in contact with partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries to make sure producers get the relief they need.     We need policies that help agriculture producers be successful, rather than heavy-handed regulations that make their jobs more difficult. That’s why I was proud to help deliver the most recent Farm Bill that repealed outdated programs and cut unnecessary regulations – all while saving t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-receives-navy-distinguished-public-service-award Byrne Receives Navy Distinguished Public Service Award 2016-11-04 2016 2016-11 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today received the United States Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award from Navy Secretary Ray Mabus. The award is the highest honor that can be given to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy. Byrne said: “Being an advocate for a strong, capable naval fleet is a significant part of my service in Congress because I understand the important role the Navy plays in our national defense strategy. I appreciate Secretary Mabus for presenting me with this honor, and I pledge to continue standing up for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps throughout my time in Congress.” The award presentation occurred during a lunch organized by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. Prior to the lunch, Secretary Mabus and Congressman Byrne visited Austal USA and addressed the workforce. The award citation reads: “For exceptional service to the Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the House Armed Services Committee. Representative Byrne’s dedicated service to our Sailors and Marines ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the Nation’s interests around the globe. His strong leadership as a member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower ensured the Navy-Marine Corps team was the most capable force in history. Through his tireless efforts, he guaranteed the highest levels of sustainability for our combat forces and directly impacted the quality of life for the men and women of the Department of the Navy. With grateful appreciation for his public service to the Nation and for his outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps, the Honorable Bradley Byrne is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/nothing-affordable-about-the-affordable-care-act Nothing Affordable About the Affordable Care Act 2016-10-30 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy In 2008, then Senator Barack Obama famously said, “In an Obama administration, we will lower premiums by up to $2,500 for a typical family per year.” You don’t have to be a health insurance expert to know that was a lie.  All around the First District of Alabama, I talk to folks who are hurting because of the burdensome cost of health insurance under Obamacare. Perhaps Bill Clinton put it best, “You’ve got this crazy system . . . people are out there busting it, sometimes sixty hours a week, wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half. It’s the craziest thing in the world.” Unfortunately, things are only getting worse.  This week, 2017 premium rates were released for the Obamacare exchanges.  Across the country, enrollees will see a shocking average premium increase of 25.6 percent.   But, this is only the average of all exchanges.  For Alabamians, rates will increase a whopping average of 58 percent. The Obama Administration was quick to say this will not affect most people on the exchanges because, under Obamacare, as premiums increase, so does the share of the premium the government picks up. It is as if these folks do not realize where the government gets the money to pay for these premiums – from the taxpayers.  In 2016, taxpayers subsidized the exchanges to the tune of $42 billion.  Already, these subsidies were expected to jump to $106 billion by 2026 and a 25% increase in premiums is likely to add at least $8 billion to the taxpayer’s bill for just 2017. More importantly, the Obama Administration doesn’t account for the millions of people who receive no subsidy because their family income is 400% above the federal poverty line.  With that in mind, I decided to log into the Alabama exchange to see what I could find. I selected a family of 4 with parents in their mid-thirties, two young children, that do not smoke.  Without a subsidy, the cheapest plan on the exchange for Mobile County carried a premium of $982.45 a month with a deductible of $12,900 a year! So, under Obamacare, two m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/clinton-email-saga-continues Clinton Email Saga Continues 2016-10-28 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy Clinton Email Saga Continues Oct 28, 2016 Late last week, FBI Director James Comey announced that his agents have begun analyzing new evidence in the investigation of Hillary Clinton’s use of an unsecured, private server to conduct government business during her time as Secretary of State. In his letter to Congress, Director Comey said the FBI “learned of the existence of emails that appear to be pertinent to the investigation.” According to sources who spoke to The New York Times, the existence of new emails comes from devices confiscated in the investigation into former Congressman Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of top Clinton aide Huma Abedin.   Of course, back in July, Comey announced that he would not be recommending charges be brought against Clinton, which seemed to run counter to evidence that the letter and spirit of federal law were broken. I said at the time that it was a sad day for the rule of law in our country and that, while it was hardly surprising that Clinton evaded prosecution, many who still believed the idea that no one is above the law were rightfully disappointed.   Many are seeing this re-opening or deeper dive into the Clinton case as a second chance of sorts for the FBI after the initial episode produced a troublesome precedent. However, it is too early to say what this new evidence will produce or how the FBI will proceed with it. Setting aside the obvious political implications, I believe the Clinton email scandal offers an opportunity to improve policy.   Generally speaking, I want federal prosecutors to take violations of our national security laws and protocols more seriously, no matter who commits them. That’s why four weeks ago, in the wake of the FBI’s Clinton decision, I introduced legislation that would strengthen those laws and protoc… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-new-fbi-probe-hillary-clinton-s-private-email-server Aderholt Statement on New FBI Probe into Hillary Clintons Private Email Server 2016-10-28 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Robert Aderholt A000055 aderholt.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement in regard to the news the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server.   “I was not surprised to learn that the FBI has launched a new investigation into the private server of Secretary Clinton.  Clinton has repeatedly put her own need for secrecy ahead of protecting our own national secrets.   “Director Comey made the correct decision to reopen this case without regard to the current political environment.  Doing what is right should never take a backseat to whether an election is 11 days away or 111 days away.   In Washington, Congressman Aderholt serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the powerful House Appropriations Committee; he is also a member of the Committee’s Defense Subcommittee, the Committee’s Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, and the Helsinki Commission.   For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit: www.aderholt.house.gov. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-new-fbi-probe-hillary-clintons-private-email-server Aderholt Statement on New FBI Probe into Hillary Clinton’s Private Email Server 2016-10-28 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Robert B. Aderholt A000055 aderholt.house.gov aderholt https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement in regard to the news the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server. “I was not surprised to learn that the FBI has launched a new investigation into the private server of Secretary Clinton. Clinton has repeatedly put her own need for secrecy ahead of protecting our own national secrets. “Director Comey made the correct decision to reopen this case without regard to the current political environment. Doing what is right should never take a backseat to whether an election is 11 days away or 111 days away. In Washington, Congressman Aderholt serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the powerful House Appropriations Committee; he is also a member of the Committee’s Defense Subcommittee, the Committee’s Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, and the Helsinki Commission. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:04:55Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-recap-from-the-road A Recap from the Road 2016-10-23 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy What do dehydrated fruits and vegetables, a new workforce training center, six town hall meetings, and the University of Alabama have in common? They were all a part of my busy week on the road in Southwest Alabama. Some of my most valuable time is spent traveling across the First Congressional District talking directly to the people I represent in Congress. With the House out of session until after the upcoming election, there have been many great opportunities to listen to the ideas and concerns of my constituents. I kicked things off Monday morning with a visit to Spring Hill College in Mobile to speak with students, tour the campus, and meet with President Christopher Puto. Spring Hill is an important part of the education system in Southwest Alabama, and their impact is felt all across the United States. Next, I headed to Mobile’s Providence Hospital to meet with community partners who serve those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We had an important conversation about the ways federal policy can help those with Alzheimer's, as well as family caregivers. I finished the day with a Veterans Town Hall Meeting at Battleship Memorial Park. I heard from a number of veterans who are still frustrated with the quality of care they are receiving from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). I outlined my support for the new VA clinic in Mobile and explained why I believe every veteran should be given a card so to receive care from private doctors and hospitals in their local community instead of being forced into the failed VA bureaucracy. On Tuesday morning, I headed to Foley to celebrate the grand opening of Bon Secour Valley Ingredients. The new operation will bring a state-of-the-art fruit and vegetable dehydration and roasting facility to Baldwin County. This is just the latest in a long line of businesses George Woerner and his family have brought to our area. After having lunch with some members of the Gulf Coast News Today team in Summerdale, I headed up to Flomaton in Escambia County for a town hall meet… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/shopping-local-supports-jobs-quality-life Shopping Local Supports Jobs, Quality of Life 2016-10-21 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy This past week I met with leaders from Alabama’s retail industry as they launched their “Shop Alabama” campaign – an effort to encourage consumers to shop at locally-owned or Alabama-based retailers. I was proud to lend my voice to this promotion, which supports thousands of home-grown Alabama businesses and the jobs they sustain.     The retail industry employs more than 400,000 people in Alabama, making the industry as a whole the largest private sector employer in our state. Dollars spent shopping and dining help fuel our state’s economic engine by adding an enormous $19 billion to our economy annually. The impact is just as great on our state budgets, as retail sales tax account for $2 billion in revenue to fund critical state services. When we shop local, we support the livelihoods of our friends and neighbors and make it possible for government to function properly.   But, it isn’t all dollars and cents. There are intangible benefits that may be hard to measure, but are nonetheless valuable to our quality of life.     Retail really can represent the heartbeat of a community. I have appreciated how so many cities and towns throughout the 2nd Congressional District have revitalized downtowns and other commerce districts to bring back shoppers and community life. All you have to do is walk down the street in Troy, Dothan, Andalusia, Abbeville, Prattville, Enterprise, Eufaula, Greenville, Ozark and others places to see how thriving local retail makes for a vibrant community. In my hometown of Montgomery, a renaissance of retail has breathed new life into downtown and helped fuel a tourism boom for our Capital City.   Local retailers also engage in the community in unique ways.  Whether it is sponsoring a little league team or helping host the high school drama club fundraiser, local shops play an important role in civic life. In fact, my son, George plays on a baseball team sponsored by Welle Studio, a boutique clothing store in Cloverdale that is owned and operated by friends of ours. T… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/agriculture-matters Agriculture Matters 2016-10-17 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Despite Alabama’s growth in manufacturing, agriculture remains the top industry in the state, as well as the top industry right here in Alabama’s First Congressional District. The economic impact of agriculture in our state is over $70 billion. Here in Southwest Alabama, over 102,000 jobs are connected to agriculture and forestry. In Congress, I have made it a top priority to support agriculture. From voting in favor of the 2014 Farm Bill to helping push back against costly regulations, I am constantly looking for ways to make life easier for our farmers and foresters. In order to better understand the issues facing the industry, I recently held my second annual “Ag Matters” tour of farms and forests in Southwest Alabama. I was honored to be joined on the tour by Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture John McMillan and representatives from the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Forestry Association. We kicked things off in Baldwin County at Sirmon Farms near Belforest. I checked out their sweet potato and hydroponic lettuce operations, visited one of their cotton fields, and rode in the cotton picker. From there, we headed over to Canfor/Scotch-Gulf’s lumber mill in Mobile. They also have mills in Jackson and Fulton. I learned about the need for the Forest Service to make more timber available for purchase, which is good for the lumber mills but also helps keep the forest healthy. Next, we headed up to Washington County to check out timber harvesting near Chatom. Our foresters continue to face a range of challenges associated with the Endangered Species Act. I believe it is important we reform the Endangered Species Act to make sure it is based in actual science and does not place unnecessary burdens on our foresters. In fact, healthy forest management is actually good for many of these species. After spending dinner with the Baldwin County Farmers Federation, we kicked off the next day at AGRI-AFC in Atmore. When thinking about agriculture, it is easy to forget all the different businesses that support our … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/manufacturing-has-significant-impact-economy-residents-second-district Manufacturing has significant impact on economy, residents of the Second District 2016-10-14 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy National Manufacturing Day was this past week, making this a great time to highlight the strong manufacturing presence in our state and district. From automotive and aerospace to metals and medical, Alabama manufacturers are an economic engine for this state.   By the numbers, Alabama is home to more than 5,200 manufacturing, assembly, and processing facilities, employing more than 300,000 people and accounting for $8 billion in exported products and services. And while those are impressive numbers economically speaking, it is important to remember that every one of those jobs helps someone support their family and make ends meet.   That’s why I have made it a priority in Congress to support the manufacturing industry and the jobs it supports by advancing policies that will keep and grow jobs here in the United States. Specifically, policies affecting trade, taxes, and regulations can particularly affect our manufacturing industry.   Trade with other countries is positive for our state so as long as it is fair trade. We want Alabama products to be sold in growing international markets and ensure America builds its economic advantage globally. With China’s economic emergence, that’s as important as ever, but I don’t want President Obama or the next president to have unilateral trade authority. I believe Congress must retain strict checks and balances as it concerns trade, with a mechanism to shut down bad trade deals that would hard our manufacturing base.   This week I will be visiting the Port of Mobile and meeting with officials from the Alabama State Port Authority to see first hand the work they do to promote our state products worldwide. I’m looking forward to this visit because increasing exports mean mores jobs for Alabamians.   Federal tax policy certainly impacts our manufacturing industry. Pro-growth conservatives have been arguing for years that lowering the United States’ high corporate tax rate would restore American competitiveness and bring back jobs from overseas. Bus… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-statement-trump Palmer Statement on Trump 2016-10-13 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Gary J. Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov palmer https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper Birmingham, AL – Today Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) issued the following statement in regard to his support for the Republican ticket and Donald Trump. “For the last several days, a number of news organizations have misrepresented my position in regard to support of the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. I have said from the beginning of the campaign cycle that I would support the Republican nominee and have never given any indication otherwise. “Last week, it was revealed that 11 years ago, Mr. Trump had made some offensive and inappropriate comments about women. In the statement I issued, denouncing the comments by Mr. Trump, there was nothing to indicate I would not support him in November. But some news outlets have placed me with a group of people who have said they would not support Mr. Trump, when that has never been my position. “Let me be clear, we are looking at two very imperfect candidates, but supporting the Republican nominee – Donald Trump - over the Democratic nominee - Hillary Clinton - is not a difficult choice. Even in recent days, we have seen more evidence from the emails released by WikiLeaks confirming that Mrs. Clinton is a pathological liar; we know that she is guilty of being extremely careless while mishandling classified information, that her actions caused four Americans to lose their lives in Benghazi, and she and President Obama are principally responsible for the disaster unfolding in the Middle East that has left over a half million people dead and millions more as refugees. “Under the Obama Administration, the regulatory burden has crippled the economy and for the first time since the Carter Administration more small businesses are closing than opening, middle and lower income American families have seen their incomes decline, and millions are out of the workforce. Hillary Clinton has promised to continue the status quo, and that is unacceptable. And while I can offer no defense for the reprehensible comments made by Mr. Trump, he has run a conservative campaign and continue… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:04:55Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/some-good-news-for-southwest-alabama Some Good News for Southwest Alabama 2016-10-09 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy If you turn on the national news, it is easy to grow discouraged. From ongoing terrorism issues to the sluggish economy, our nation continues to face a wide range of serious challenges. That said, here in Southwest Alabama, we have had a decent run of positive news lately. I want to highlight some of the encouraging developments that impact every community in our area. I received word last week that the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office is starting a Community Facilities Relending Program to benefit rural areas in Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida. United Bank, headquartered in Atmore, will serve as a lender for the program, and they will be able to issue up to $40,000,000 in loans to local communities. This program targets rural areas with high and persistent poverty rates. Funds from the loan program can be used on a range of essential community facilities or equipment including healthcare facilities, town halls, courthouses, child care centers, fire departments, police vehicles, libraries, food pantries, and more. This is certainly good news as many of our rural communities will be eligible to apply for these low-interest loans. Baldwin County received some good news a few weeks ago when the Economic Development Administration announced a $846,583 grant for the Daphne Innovation and Science Complex (DISC). The DISC project is an important tool to help spur growth in the technology and science industries around Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The Economic Development Administration also announced grants for the City of Atmore to construct an industrial access road and for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce to renovate and modernize the former Threaded Fasteners building. The Poarch Creek Band of Indians in Escambia County was recently awarded a grant from the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Administration. The over $33,000 grant will help with emergency preparedness efforts. In Clarke County, work has started on a new workforce training facility in Grove Hill. This facility is a majo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/health-care-cost-increases-concern-alabamians Health Care Cost Increases Concern Alabamians 2016-10-07 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy It was great to be back on the road last week making several visits around Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, with community and civic club meetings in Enterprise, Opp, Andalusia, Union Springs, Eufaula and Montgomery. Meeting face-to-face with constituents and listening to their concerns helps me be a stronger voice in Washington on the issues that matter to Alabamians.   There is certainly no shortage of issues, from the economy and job creation to national security and the threat of terrorism. One issue that has many Alabamians and many Americans very concerned is the rising cost of health care. Insurance premiums continue to rise, in some cases pretty drastically, making it difficult for families to afford health care coverage and pay for other normal expenses.   It is increasingly clear that The Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, has actually made health care more expensive for many middle class families. This major national problem had largely been overshadowed by other news in recent months, but that all changed when former President Bill Clinton candidly laid out some of the biggest frustrations with Obamacare to an Ohio audience.   "So you've got this crazy system,” the former president said, “where all of a sudden 25 million more people have health care and then the people who are out there busting it, sometimes 60 hours a week, wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half. It's the craziest thing in the world."   While he tried to walk back the gaffe in an attempt at “damage control,” his words ring true with many working Americans who have faced these expensive rate increases. According to health care policy advocate and researcher Avik Roy, median insurance premiums have almost doubled in the four years since Obamacare went into effect.   Over the last six years, I have supported several legislative efforts to scrap this ill-conceived health care law. Not surprisingly, President Obama has blocked any attempt to repeal or meaningfully… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-applauds-loan-program-for-rural-communities Byrne Applauds Loan Program for Rural Communities 2016-10-06 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today applauded an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development regarding their Community Facilities Relending Program. United Bank, based in Atmore, Alabama, has been selected to serve as a lender for the new Community Facilities Relending Program. The program allows USDA Rural Development to make direct loans to community lending institutions who then re-loan the funds to eligible applicants to acquire, maintain, build, or renovate essential community facilities. United Bank’s loan totals $40,000,000, which will now be re-loaned to local communities. This is the largest Community Facilities Relending Program loan in the United States. The program targets rural communities with high and persistent poverty rates. Public bodies, community-based nonprofit corporations, and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply for the loan program. The specific funds will be available to counties in Southwest Alabama and Northwest Florida. Byrne said: “I applaud the efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture to help our rural communities in Southwest Alabama. These rural communities face many distinct challenges, and this loan program will allow them to make critical investments in infrastructure to improve the quality of life for local residents. “I’m especially pleased a local bank, United Bank in Atmore, has been selected to serve as the community lending institution, and I look forward to following the impact the program has on Alabama’s rural communities.” Funds from the loan program can be used on a range of essential community facilities or equipment including healthcare facilities, town halls, courthouses, child care centers, fire departments, police vehicles, libraries, food pantries, and more. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/october-newsletter October Newsletter 2016-10-06 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Gary Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov     legacy As October begins, I am looking forward to spending the entire month back in Alabama's Sixth District. I will be hosting Town Hall's throughout the month across the district. These events are important to me because they are a great opportunity for us to have open dialogue about the issues we all face. I look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming Town Halls.Thanks for reading, Gary Palmer   Read the newsletter here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-statement-supporting-white-house-guidance-promote-diversity Rep. Sewell Statement Supporting the White House Guidance to Promote Diversity in the Intelligence Community 2016-10-05 2016 2016-10 Democrat House AL Terri Sewell S001185 sewell.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement in support of the White House initiative in promoting Diversity in the National Security community. “As the only African American female Member of the House Intelligence Committee, increasing diversity in the intelligence community is quite personal to me. Our nation’s diversity is indisputably one of our greatest assets and is vital to our continued national security interests at home and abroad.  I applaud President Obama’s White House initiative in providing critically important guidance and policies that can help promote and encourage diversity and inclusion in the national security workforce.   “I have been deeply committed to raising awareness to the need for diversity in the Intelligence Community workforce and I have worked to include provisions in the Intelligence Authorization Act that would actually create a pipeline of skilled and diverse talent into the Intelligence Community. Recently, I had the opportunity to host a panel discussion with leaders in the Intelligence Community to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with promoting diversity and inclusion as a national security imperative. The White House guidance is an exciting step in the right direction towards developing a comprehensive plan that would provide guidance on data collection, professional development opportunities and greater accountability efforts to bridge the gap needed to achieve the diversity and inclusion goals. “The reality is that minorities make up only about 35% of the total federal workforce while in the Intelligence Community—minorities total a mere 25%.  The numbers are clear and demonstrate that there is still work to be done. These practical guidelines offered by the White House will make great strides toward ensuring that our national security workforce is reflective of the rich diversity that makes our nation strong.   America’s workforce should look like… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/october-town-hall-notice October Town Hall Notice 2016-10-04 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Gary J. Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov palmer https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper October 4, 2016 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921 October Town Hall Notice Birmingham, AL – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) will host seven Town Halls throughout Alabama’s Sixth District in October. The events are open to the public and will afford the people of the Sixth Congressional District the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinion on current events with Congressman Palmer. Clay Town Hall Monday, October 10 – 6:30pm Clay City Hall 2441 Old Springville Rd Birmingham, AL 35215 Homewood Town Hall Wednesday, October 12 – 6:00pm Homewood City Hall 2nd Floor Council Chambers 2850 19th Street South Homewood, AL 35209 Hoover Town Hall Thursday, October 13 – 6:30pm Hoover City Hall Council Chambers 100 Municipal Lane Hoover, AL 35216 Columbiana Town Hall Friday, October 14 – 8:30am Columbiana Senior Center 110 Mildred Street Columbiana, AL 35051 Kimberly Town Hall Monday, October 17 – 6:00pm Kimberly Senior Center 8013 Warrior Kimberly Road Kimberly, AL 35091 Pelham Town Hall Monday, October 24 – 7:00pm Pelham High School 2500 Panther Circle Pelham, AL 35124 Graysville Town Hall Tuesday, October 25 – 6:30pm Graysville Public Library 315 South Main Street Graysville, AL 35073 ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:04:55Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/roby-welcomes-emily-taylor-congressional-staff Roby Welcomes Emily Taylor to Congressional Staff 2016-10-03 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today announced that Emily Taylor now serves as Press Secretary in her Washington, D.C. office. Taylor, 25, of Montgomery, previously worked as Deputy Press Secretary for Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala). “In Congress I have made a point to surround myself with smart, driven staff members who can help me better serve the people of Alabama’s Second District,” Roby said. “Emily brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to the state of Alabama that make her a great addition to our team.” Taylor expressed gratitude and excitement for the new opportunity. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work for Representative Roby and to support her efforts in fighting for the conservative cause in Washington,” Taylor said. “While it was difficult to leave Senator Shelby’s office, I am excited to continue to serve the people of Alabama and my hometown in this new capacity.” As Press Secretary, Taylor will work alongside Communications Director Todd Stacy to advance Roby’s legislative initiatives and advocacy efforts publicly. Taylor will serve as the primary contact for local, state and national media organizations. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-better-way-for-affordable-health-care A Better Way for Affordable Health Care 2016-10-02 2016 2016-10 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Last week was the third anniversary of the disastrous Obamacare rollout. What followed was a broken website, cancelled health care plans, higher deductibles, and fewer doctors. Three years later, the same problems remain. American families are faced with fewer and fewer health care options, and premiums continue to increase on many plans. Many healthy, younger Americans are content paying the fine for not having health care instead of choosing a plan they cannot afford. In other words, Obamacare appears to be collapsing. The law was written with such haste and without bipartisan input, and now we are seeing the law’s fatal flaws unravel before our eyes, and the American people are suffering. I’ve always said that we need to do more than just be opposed to Obamacare. In fact, it would be irresponsible to only point out the law’s failures without working on an alternative that solves the problems. As House Republicans worked on our “Better Way” agenda over the last year, we decided to focus one of our planks on health care. You see, health care continues to be one of the top concerns facing every American family and small business. Our “Better Way” plan is built around one common principle: in a confident America, everyone has access to quality, affordable health care. First and foremost, our plan acknowledges that Obamacare is beyond repair. We cannot simply try to patch and repair Obamacare’s failures. We must completely repeal the failed law. Our plan puts the emphasis on patient-centered care instead of a larger government bureaucracy. A major component of our “Better Way” plan is to give Americans more choices when it comes to health care. We need to spur competition and innovation, which in turn will help drive down costs. We do this by making health care portable and offering a refundable tax credit to help you buy insurance on the individual market. Our plan would also allow for health insurance to be sold across state lines. Again, this will open up competition and help reduce costs. We must also ensure th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/two-years-after-scandal-progress-hope-central-alabama-va Two Years After Scandal, Progress & Hope at Central Alabama VA 2016-09-30 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy This week marks two years since the former director of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) was fired for mismanagement, after major instances of misconduct, fraud and abuse were exposed. It was an important action to take toward instilling accountability at the VA, but also the first step in the process of rebuilding a health care system that many veterans in Central and South Alabama depend on. That process has been not been easy. Many obstacles have made the path to improving veterans’ care difficult. However, there is significant progress to report.  CAVHCS hospitals once ranked the worst in the country for delays in completing patient appointments. Today, the average wait time for completed appointments has been cut in half, from 16.29 days in April 2015 down to 8.54 last month. Much of the improvement can be can be attributed to the continued recruitment of key health care staff, from nurses and doctors to senior managers. I hope this momentum can continue, particularly in the area of mental health services, where a national shortage of professionals has made it difficult for VA to fill vacancies. I’m also eager to see continued improvement in the Choice program that allows veteran patients to access care via local community providers if they so choose. After two years without a permanent director at CAVHCS, Dr. Linda Boyle has been selected to take the helm. Dr. Boyle is a retired Air Force Colonel who spent 24 years in the military, serving as the Medical Group Commander at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida before joining the VA. She has been working as the Interim Director at the Alaska VA Health System for the past year. Dr. Boyle’s appointment is welcome news. The culture of any organization is set by leadership. I believe no single action is more important toward improving veterans’ healthcare in Central and South Alabama than having a permanent director in place who is committed to serving veterans and empowered to make the necessary changes. I look forward to meeting Dr. Boyle in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-votes-to-delay-costly-regulation Byrne Votes to Delay Costly Regulation 2016-09-29 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, today applauded passage of legislation in the House of Representatives to delay the Obama Administration’s “overtime regulation.” On Wednesday evening, the House passed H.R. 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act. The bill would require a six-month delay of the Obama Administration’s new regulation that would double the salary threshold for overtime eligibility. Congressman Byrne spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation, and he outlined real examples of how the change would negatively impact Alabama businesses, organizations, and families. The bill was supported by a number of groups including the National Federation of Independent Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Association of Community Colleges, American Lodging and Hotel Association, National Restaurant Association, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, International Franchise Association, and Associated Builders and Contractors, The bill passed by a vote of 246 to 177. A transcript of Congressman Byrne’s remarks in support of his legislation can be found below. Byrne said: “I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I rise in support of this legislation to require a six-month delay in the Department of Labor’s new overtime rule. “This is an ill-advised regulation that will result in hardworking Americans losing their jobs and less economic growth. “Don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at what some actual business leaders and organizations had to say about the change. “Richard, a businessman in Birmingham, says that he ‘will cut back on employee hours as much as possible since raising their compensation is not any option.’ “Ability Alliance of West Alabama, which provides assistance to more than 600 intellectually disabled individuals, wrote that ‘the untenable financial pressure resulting from the proposed changes would force us into disastrous service reductions and program clos… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-statement-hr-5303 Palmer Statement on H.R. 5303 2016-09-29 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Gary J. Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov palmer https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper September 29, 2016 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921 Palmer Statement on H.R. 5303 Washington, DC – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016: “Yesterday I voted against H.R. 5303, and in support of the people of Alabama,” said Palmer. “Although the bill has some good provisions, section 113 of the bill would undermine our state’s efforts to resolve the water dispute between Georgia, Florida and Alabama. This provision represents one of many reasons people distrust Congress. It was included without debate and inserts the federal government into a matter that can and should be resolved by the states. This is another occasion where states’ rights only matter to certain members when it benefits them.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:01:54Z
http://roby.house.gov/press-release/va-inspector-general-continues-probe-wait-times-misconduct VA Inspector General Continues Probe into Wait Times, Misconduct 2016-09-28 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Almost two years after the director of the Central Alabama Vertans Health Care System was fired for mismanagement, an Inspector General probe of paitent wait time manipulation and other misconduct within the system is ongoing. U.S. Representative Martha Roby, who recently met with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, said amid all the positive improvements at CAVHCS, holding bad actors accountable is important.  “The Inspector General’s Office confirmed that its investigations are still open – including potential criminal investigations.  “Let me tell you why that’s important: We are finally getting some much-needed improvements, and that’s great. But, the abuses that were allowed for years were unacceptable, and people need to be held accountable so that it never happens again.” During the VA scandal of 2014, Roby worked with whistleblowers and the press to uncover major instances of misconduct, negligence and mismanagement inside the Central Alabama VA, including: In March 2015, Acting Inspector General Richard Griffin told Roby in a hearing that “Our criminal investigative team continues to have open work in Central Alabama.” This week, OIG confirmed to Roby’s office and The Montgomery Advertiser that investigators were “working as quickly as possible but without sacrificing thoroughness on the wait time issues at Montgomery,” and that the criminal probe remains “pending work.”  Roby said she looked forward to working with Dr. Linda Boyle, who was recently announced as the new, permanent director of the Central Alabama VA. CAVHCS has languished without a permanent director for two years, which is not conducive to improving outcomes, Roby said. “After two years, this is welcome news. The culture of any organization is set by leadership. I believe no single action is more important toward improving veterans’ healthcare in Central Alabama than having a permanent director in place who is committed to serving veterans and empowered to make the necessary c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-supports-congress-first-successful-defeat-obama-veto Brooks Supports Congress' First Successful Defeat of Obama Veto 2016-09-28 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted to override President Obama’s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA).  The House passed this measure by a vote of 348-77.  Similarly, the Senate voted today 97-1 to override the President’s veto.  This bipartisan legislation protects the right of families of victims of terror attacks to recover compensation for injuries and loss of loved ones from foreign states that aid and abet terrorist acts on American soil.  JASTA gives victims of terrorism a voice and a pathway to justice.   Congressman Brooks said, “This is the first time that the American people, through their representatives in Congress, have joined in a passionate and bipartisan condemnation of President Obama’s support for foreign state terrorism, resoundingly overriding the President’s veto.  This Administration’s attempt to deny the right of American victims of terrorism to seek compensation from accomplices who aided and abetted terrorism is unconscionable.” Brooks concluded, “By vetoing this legislation, President Obama tried to, with a stroke of his pen, deny families affected by the 9/11 attacks from having their day in court.  The President is not acting in the best interests of American citizens.  Thanks to our system of checks and balances, however, Congress can provide justice to American victims of terrorism, despite the President’s objection.  I stand with the American citizens seeking recourse under the law, and I stand against the President’s attempt to protect terrorism accomplices from American justice.”  ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-adopts-byrne-amendment-supporting-gulf-coast-oysters House Adopts Byrne Amendment Supporting Gulf Coast Oysters 2016-09-28 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy The House of Representatives today approved an amendment from Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) calling for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recovery Assessment. Byrne’s amendment to the Water Resources and Development Act was adopted by a voice vote. Final passage on the legislation is expected later this evening. The oyster industry in Alabama and across the Gulf Coast has been negatively impacted by a range of issues dating back to Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. Recent flooding has also negatively impacted Gulf oyster beds. A transcript of Congressman Byrne’s remarks in support of his legislation can be found below. Byrne said: “My straightforward amendment calls for the Army Corps of Engineers to perform a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recovery Assessment. “Over the last twenty years, the oyster industry on the Gulf Coast has faced some serious challenges. “Hurricane Katrina destroyed so many of our oyster reefs. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill blanketed many oyster growing areas and resulted in substantial harvest reductions. “More recently, flooding in 2011 and earlier this year produced increased freshwater discharges into many parts of the Gulf and threw off the mix of fresh and saltwater that oysters need to thrive.  “In 2001, oyster landings in the Gulf totaled 25.5 million pounds. In 2014, which is the most recent data available, oyster landings in the Gulf were down to 19.9 million. This is a dangerous decline that really impacts our oystermen and the overall coastal economies. “This industry is especially important for the Gulf Coast. The oyster industry generated nearly $100 million in oyster landings by fishermen in the Gulf States in 2014. “And we aren’t just talking about the oystermen themselves. Having a successful oyster industry also benefits processors, restaurants, transportation, tourism, wholesalers, and retailers. “Mr. Chairman, I have visited with our local oystermen, and they are really struggling. It is heartbreaking to hear their stories. This is… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-votes-override-obama-veto-jasta Rogers Votes to Override Obama Veto of JASTA 2016-09-28 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy Rogers Votes to Override Obama Veto of JASTA Sep 28, 2016 (WASHINGTON, DC)— Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement after he voted in support of the veto message to accompany S. 2040, “Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act” (JASTA). “Today I am proud to have voted to override President Obama’s veto of JASTA. This bill is narrowly drafted to apply only to foreign governments that support terrorist acts within the United States. Most importantly, this bill is about justice for the brave families who lost loved ones during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Fifteen years is too long to wait for justice and it is shocking President Obama would put the government of Saudi Arabia ahead of American families still hurting here at home.”                                                                                      -###- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-statement-voting-against-water-resources-development-act Rep. Sewell Statement Voting Against Water Resources Development Act 2016-09-28 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AL Terri Sewell S001185 sewell.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a Member of the Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 5303 – the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. “Today’s vote was vote for the State of Alabama. This bill included troubling language which would undermine Alabama’s ability to negotiate with neighboring states to resolve ongoing water-use conflicts. Alabama’s citizens rely on water that flows from the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System and the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River System for economic development, agricultural use, and public consumption. If water flow is decreased or disrupted by upstream sources, then Alabama communities will suffer significantly.  “While, I was extremely pleased to see that Republicans have finally responded to Democrat’s demand to address the Flint water crisis, the bill falls short in providing immediate and critical financial relief. As the greatest nation in the world, every American should have access to safe and clean drinking water. What has happened in Flint should profoundly disturbing to every American. When thousands of children are being poisoned by lead contamination, it is the obligation of Congress to act. I look forward to voting for a final bill that actually provides funds to address the crisis in Flint.”      ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-short-term-funding-bill-avert-government-shutdown Rep. Sewell Votes for Short-Term Funding Bill to Avert Government Shutdown 2016-09-28 2016 2016-09 Democrat House AL Terri Sewell S001185 sewell.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a Member of the Financial Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after voting yes to the Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution, H.R. 5325, to fund the government through December 9, 2016: “Today I voted in favor of this short term funding bill to ensure that our government continues to provide critical services and resources to Americans across the country. While I had hoped for a long term funding solution, this bill provides vital funding for our military infrastructure, housing, and services for men and women in our Armed Forces and their families. “Additionally, this legislation finally answers the call to address the Zika virus health crisis that has impacted far too many Americans. The funding in the bill will enhance the Administration's efforts to reduce the risk of the virus, particularly in pregnant women, by better controlling the mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus, developing new prevention tools, including vaccines and better diagnostics to protect Americans from the virus, and conducting crucial research projects needed to better understand the virus’s impact on infants and children. “I look forward to continuing to work together in a bipartisan manner to develop a long term funding solution that makes critical investments in our infrastructure, creates jobs, and preserves our national security.” ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-announces-center-point-fire-department-grant Palmer Announces Center Point Fire Department Grant 2016-09-27 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Gary J. Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov palmer https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921 Palmer Announces Center Point Fire Department Grant Washington, DC – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) announced today that the Center Point Fire Department received a $284,532 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for Fiscal Year 2015. The department’s applications competed against thousands through a peer review process for a portion of federal funding. “The men and women in our fire departments put their lives on the line to ensure our families and loved ones’ safety,” said Congressman Palmer. “This grant will allow the Center Point Fire Department to strengthen their ability to safely respond to fires and other related hazards. I am proud to support all of our first responders and the work they do.” Fire Chief Donnie West said this grant will be used to purchase self-contained breathing equipment for each fire/medical apparatus. These specialized self-contained breathing devices allow firefighters to enter smoke filled environments for conducting search and rescue efforts. In addition, these devices will also assist in reducing exposure to carcinogens while firefighters are actively extinguishing various types of fires. Funds awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program are used to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Only the applications most closely conforming to program priorities are considered and scored by peer review panels. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:01:54Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-signing-of-colombia-peace-accord Byrne Statement on Signing of Colombia Peace Accord 2016-09-26 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to the signing of a peace accord between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Byrne said: “The signing of the peace agreement is a huge victory for the people of Colombia and will allow the healing process to move forward.  Colombia is a textbook example of how the United States can help promote peace and democracy through steady and focused diplomacy. “Just because the agreement is signed, our efforts cannot and should not end. The United States must continue to stand with Colombia as they implement the agreement.” Byrne has been a leading voice in Congress on issues relating to Colombia. He has visited Colombia to learn more about the economic, military, and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. In July, he delivered a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the peace process. The peace agreement will now go before the people of Colombia for a vote of ratification. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-to-hold-academy-night-for-high-school-students-0 Byrne to Hold Academy Night for High School Students 2016-09-26 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) will host his annual Academy Night for high school students on October 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile. Academy Night gives local students an opportunity to learn about attending one of our nation’s military service academies. Representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point), and U.S. Naval Academy will be on hand. Byrne said: “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to nominate young men and women to attend our nation’s prestigious military service academies. I encourage all interested students, parents, and teachers to join us on October 3rd to learn more about the nomination process and visit with representatives from the service academies.” In order to attend most of the service academies, students must have a nomination. Congressmen, Senators, the Vice President, and the President are the only ones who can nominate a student to a service academy. That said, just having a nomination will not guarantee that a student is admitted. The event is open to all high school students, parents, and teachers in Alabama’s First Congressional District. If you have questions about the nomination process, please contact Rep. Byrne’s Baldwin County office at 251-989-2664. What: Academy Night 2016 When: Monday, October 3rd, 2016, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal School; Dr. Monte L. Moorer Theatre; 161 Dogwood Lane; Mobile, Ala. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/no-more-ransom-payments-to-iran No More Ransom Payments to Iran 2016-09-25 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy On June 24, 2015, President Obama stood in the Roosevelt Room of the White House and said “I am reaffirming that the United States government will not make concessions, such as paying ransom, to terrorist groups holding American hostages.” This position shouldn’t have been too surprising because it has long been the position of the U.S. government to not pay ransoms to terrorist organizations or groups. The reasoning behind this is that paying ransoms just further encourages kidnappings and puts more Americans at risk. Despite this reassurance, on January 17, 2016, an unmarked cargo plane landed at a European airport. On this plane were wooden pallets stacked with unmarked, foreign currency– $400 million worth to be exact. Who was waiting at the airport to accept this money? The Islamic Republic of Iran. On the same day this payment occurred, several Americans who had been held prisoner in Iran were released. This was clearly a ransom payment and broke the decades old policy of the United States not paying ransom. Making matters worse, the payments did not stop there. All told, the United States paid Iran $1.7 billion. The money was related to a decades old dispute about an Iranian arms sale, but the payment was clearly related tied to the release of U.S. prisoners. I have a slew of concerns with this ransom payment. First, by giving money to Iran, the United States is supporting the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Iran has a clear track record of supporting terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Iran is clearly no friend of the United States or our allies. Second, the United States should never pay a ransom – and this payment was clearly ransom. Some in the Obama Administration claimed the payment was just a “settlement.” If that was the case, then why was the payment made the same day the prisoners were released? Iranian officials have said the payment was a ransom. In fact, an Iranian general is quoted as saying that “the money was returned for the freedom of the U.S. spy and it was not related… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/behavior-toward-iran-baffling Behavior Toward Iran Baffling 2016-09-23 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy As more details surface about the Obama Administration’s decision to pay Iran $1.7 billion in settlement money, arguments that it was anything less than an ill-conceived ransom deal are becoming pretty flimsy.  In January, President Obama announced the United States had reached a settlement with Iran over a decades-long arms deal dispute, in which $1.7 billion would be transferred from a Treasury fund set up to cover court judgments and settlements. Even though the deal directly coincided with Iran’s release of five Americans it was holding hostage, the President and other Administration officials repeatedly denied that this deal was a ransom payment.  However, such denials proved phony when, in August, The Wall Street Journal reported in stunning detail how the first installment actually took place. "Wooden palletes stacked with Euros, Swiss francs, and other foreign currencies were flown into Iran on an unmarked cargo plan,” the story said. The plane reportedly sat on the tarmac until U.S. officials confirmed the release of American hostages. That’s pretty much the definition of a ransom.  Why does it matter? Because paying a ransom would violate long-standing U.S. policy, including President Obama’s own. Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 30, released by the White House in June 2015, states that “It is United States policy to deny hostage-takers the benefits of ransom, prisoner releases, policy changes, or other acts of concession.” Why is it important for our country not to pay ransoms? Because it endangers Americans. As the PPD goes on to say,  “This policy protects U.S. nationals and strengthens national security by removing a key incentive for hostage-takers to target U.S. nationals, thereby interrupting the vicious cycle of hostage-takings, and by helping to deny terrorists and other malicious actors the money, personnel, and other resources they need to conduct attacks against the United States, its nationals, and its interests.” Almost as if to prove this point, since the cash shipment, Iran’s Revoluti… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-applauds-house-passage-bill-prevent-future-ransoms-iran Brooks Applauds House Passage of Bill to Prevent Future Ransoms to Iran 2016-09-23 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted in support of House passage of H.R. 5931, the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act.  Last week, the legislation passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee, of which Congressman Brooks is a member.  H.R. 5931 was introduced in direct response to the Obama Administration’s reckless initial cash ransom payment of $400 million and subsequent payments, totaling $1.7 billion, to the Iranian regime, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.   Congressman Brooks said, “I’m pleased the House expeditiously took up House Foreign Affairs Committee legislation to prevent future ransom payments to Iran.  While the Administration claims the payments are part of a decades old settlement, a Department of State spokesman admitted the cash payment was used as ‘leverage’ to gain the release of American hostages.  However the Administration wants to describe the cash payment, the action undermines American interests and is extremely dangerous.  Not surprisingly, this ransom payment has already led to more Americans and other dual nationals being taken hostage.”[i] Brooks concluded, “This Administration has proved all too willing to skirt the law and put Americans at risk – in this case by sending billions to a rogue regime that chants ‘death to America’ to this day.  I am glad the House passed legislation to prevent future cash payouts to Iran that only serve to endanger Americans and subsidize Islamic terrorism.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-welcomes-msfc-director-todd-may-washington Brooks Welcomes MSFC Director Todd May to Washington 2016-09-23 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) welcomed Marshall Space Flight Center Director Todd May to Washington for a Space Transportation Association (STA) event this week.  STA was founded in 1989 by LTG Dan Graham (US Army, ret.), MG Milnor Roberts (US Army, ret.), and BG Bob Richardson (US Air Force, ret.) with the objective of educating and updating policy makers, industry representatives, and federal government employees on the latest issues in the space community.   Congressman Brooks said, “The Tennessee Valley is grateful for the leadership of Director Todd May and the many individuals at Marshall Space Flight Center whose hard work contributes to America’s space leadership.  Director May manages an annual budget of roughly $2.5 billion, which provides a stellar return on investment of taxpayer dollars, as it results in an overall economic impact of around $7 billion and nearly 38,000 jobs across the country!”   Brooks continued, “Thank you Director May, for your service to our nation, Marshall makes Alabama, and indeed the country, very proud.  In the words of Dr. von Braun, ‘The greatest gain from space travel consists in the extension of our knowledge.  In a hundred years, this newly won knowledge will pay huge and unexpected dividends.’” To watch video of Rep. Brooks’ remarks, click HERE or on the image above.   Hi-resolution photos from the event are available HERE.   Text of Congressman Brooks’ remarks: Before I introduce Todd, I’m not sure if all of you are aware, but I’ve heard that many of you are aware, the Marshall Space Flight Center family had a tragic accident yesterday.  One of the employees, whose attention for whatever reason was probably diverted maybe thinking about other work or what have you, inadvertently left their 7 month old child in the car. And unfortunately the child did not survive the heat of being kept in the car while he was working.  So if we could let’s have a moment of silence for the Marshall Space Flight Center family generally and this family in particular a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-votes-to-end-ransom-payments-to-iran Byrne Votes to End Ransom Payments to Iran 2016-09-23 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted last night in favor of H.R. 5931, the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act. The bill would prohibit future cash payments to Iran until the nation stops sponsoring terrorism and is no longer involved in money laundering. The bill also requires 30-day Congressional notification and review of any future settlements related to the U.S. Iran Claims Tribunal. In a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Byrne helped lead debate on the bill. In his remarks, Byrne outlined a series of concerns with the cash payments to Iran. Byrne said: “Iran is no friend of the United States, and their efforts have resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens and service members. So why in the world is the United States sending them cash payments in the first place? “Ultimately, the United States cannot continue to give in to Iran. Whether it is their nuclear program or their kidnapping of U.S. citizens, we simply cannot keep making ‘deals’ with Iran in which the Ayatollah benefits and the American people suffer.” The legislation passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 254 to 163. Below is a complete transcript of Rep. Byrne’s remarks in support of the legislation. Byrne said: “On June 24, 2015, President Obama stood in the Roosevelt Room of the White House and said “I am reaffirming that the United States government will not make concessions, such as paying ransom, to terrorist groups holding American hostages.” “This position shouldn’t have been surprising. It has long been the position of the U.S. government to not pay ransoms to terrorist organizations, for doing so only encourages further kidnappings and puts more American lives at risk. “Despite this reassurance from President Obama, on January 17, 2016, an unmarked cargo plane landed at a European airport. On this plane were wooden pallets stacked with unmarked, foreign currency– $400 million worth to be exact. Who was waiting at the airport to accept this money? I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/look-ahead-strategic-forces-subcommittee-18 A Look Ahead for the Strategic Forces Subcommittee 2016-09-23 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee, chaired by Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL), will hold a hearing on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. in 2118 Rayburn House Office Building on “National Security Space: 21st Century Challenges, 20th Century Organization.” Chairman Rogers said: “Recently, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a new assessment on the state of DOD national security space acquisition management. The GAO detailed the 60 different stakeholders who are involved in decision making about space programs. No system can function well when so many actors have the ability to say ‘no’ and no one is truly accountable for doing so. As we see serious foreign space threats increasing and a pattern of significantly delayed and over budget national security space programs, we cannot permit this status quo to continue. “Modern warfare is moving to new heights and it is all-too-clear that our military is not organized and prepared to fight and win a war in space. This hearing is the first step in what I anticipate will be a major reform effort leading to the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act.” WHAT: HASC Strategic Forces Subcommittee Hearing: “National Security Space: 21st Century Challenges, 20th Century Organization” WHEN: Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. WHERE: 2118 Rayburn House Office Building                                                                                           -### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-major-grant-for-daphne-project Byrne Announces Major Grant for Daphne Project 2016-09-22 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today announced a major federal grant for the Daphne Innovation and Science Complex (DISC). The grant was awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The total EDA investment will be $846,583. Byrne said: “I am pleased to see yet another federal grant being award to help boost economic development in Southwest Alabama. The DISC project is an important tool to help spur growth in the technology and science industry on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. I am committed to continuing to assist with this project as it moves forward.” The DISC project will help promote job creation in the technology and science sector, as well as enhancing growth in the aviation, aerospace, maritime, and healthcare industries in Southwest Alabama. According to EDA, their grants are awarded through a competitive process based upon the application’s merit, the applicant’s eligibility, and the availability of funds. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-navy-ship-to-be-named-for-mobile Byrne: Navy Ship to be Named for Mobile 2016-09-22 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today announced that a future Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will be named after the City of Mobile. The Independence-variant of the LCS is built in Mobile by Austal USA. Byrne said: “It is such an honor for a future Littoral Combat Ship to be named after the City of Mobile. Our area takes such pride in building these fine ships, just the latest vessel in Mobile’s long history of shipbuilding. I know the spirit and patriotism of Mobile will be encapsulated in this ship. “I appreciate Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus for working with us to make this possible, and I look forward to one day standing in the Mobile waterfront to christen and commission this fine ship.” The announcement came from the Secretary of the Navy today during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Another LCS will be named after the City of Marinette, Wisconsin, where the Freedom-variant of the LCS is built. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-living-dangerous-world Report from Washington: Living in a Dangerous World 2016-09-22 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mike Rogers R000575 mikerogers.house.gov     legacy (WASHINGTON, D.C.)—These days you cannot turn on your television without hearing about the very dangerous world we live in today. Here in the United States, this past weekend, the Chelsea neighborhood in New York City was rattled by a bomb that sent 29 people to the hospital and undetonated bombs were found by a train stop in New Jersey. A young adult of Afghan descent was arrested for this terrorist act as of writing. He was captured carrying a journal praising Osama bin Laden and fantasizing about Jihad. It is unclear how his travels to Afghanistan and Pakistan went unnoticed by intelligence and law enforcement officials. Across the globe, there is unrest in Syria, a continued situation in Ukraine and Kim Jong-un in North Korea testing both nuclear weapons and his neighbors. As a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I attended a Full Committee Hearing this week titled, “Stopping the Next Attack: How to Keep Our City Streets from Becoming the Battleground” and asked state and local law enforcement officers what tools they need to combat the rise of home-grown radical Islamic terrorists. I’m glad that law enforcement officers from across the country had an opportunity to make the case for what they need on the front-lines against terrorism in the United States. And as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Strategic Forces subcommittee and a conferee for the 55th consecutive NDAA, we’ve been working through differences in the House and Senate-passed versions over the past few weeks. It has become abundantly clear that now more than ever we must ensure our men and women in uniform have all of the tools needed to combat the variety of threats we as a country face from the brutal, but sophisticated ISIS to the next generation threats of China and Russia. Our warfighters must be focused on these fights, not the budget fights in Washington. As a member of the conference committee I’m doing everything I can to make sure they have those resources. I will always put the needs of our brav… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-urges-reevaluation-mass-immigration-policies Brooks Urges Reevaluation of Mass Immigration Policies 2016-09-21 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) addressed the House floor to warn of the risks posed to the economy and national security should America continue the massive immigration wave of the last 40 years.  Brooks stated, “America’s population has exploded to 321 million people due primarily to 62 million foreign born people plus their minor children.”  Brooks continued, “Consistent with the above, the Census Bureau estimates that, within seven years, America’s population will have the highest percentage of foreign born people since the Revolutionary War, adding another 74 million people to America’s population over the next 45 years.  Although Americans are supportive or tolerant of legal immigration, they are showing a growing unease in the face of this record-breaking immigration tidal wave that drives up welfare costs, overcrowds schools and hospitals, and increasingly subjects American citizens to growing crime and terrorist attack risk.”Brooks concluded, “America must recognize our challenges and opportunities.  Hence, we must be much more selective in our immigration policies to ensure incoming immigrants are both self-sufficient and are able and willing to be properly absorbed into American society.  If we aren’t, America’s population will explode and America will lose its special place in history.”or on the image above. Text of Congressman Brooks’ remarks: Mr. Speaker, if not for the massive immigration wave of the last 40 years, America’s population would have stabilized or had modest growth.[i]  Instead, America’s population has exploded to 321 million people due primarily to 62 million foreign born people plus their minor children.  As an aside, illegal aliens are estimated to account for roughly 25% of that growth.[ii]  Overall, America’s foreign born population grew from 4.7% of total population in 1970 to over 13% of total population in 2015.  Consistent with the above, the Census Bureau estimates that, within seven years, America’s population will have the highest percenta… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-votes-block-harmful-regulations Brooks Votes to Block Harmful Regulations 2016-09-21 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted in favor of H.R. 3438, the Require Evaluation before Implementing Executive Wishlists (REVIEW) Act, to postpone any federal regulation imposing an annual cost of more than $1 billion until the judicial review process is complete, protecting Americans from being forced to comply with unlawful regulations.  Congressman Brooks is a cosponsor of the REVIEW Act which seeks to roll back the damage caused by the unparalleled expansion of the regulatory state by the Obama Administration.   Congressman Brooks said, “Every week I hear from constituents who are struggling to breathe under the heavy weight of Washington red tape.  While federal regulations are not unique to the Obama Administration, since he took office in 2009, federal agencies have issued more than 20,000 regulations.  American workers know the havoc these regulations wreak on our struggling working class, consumers, and businesses.  The REVIEW Act will postpone these high-impact rules until judicial review is resolved.”  Brooks added, “For emphasis, according to a Heritage Foundation study, the compliance burden for regulations from 43 new major rules in 2015 totaled $22 billion.[i]  The EPA’s Clean Power Plan rule alone has an annual compliance cost of $7.2 billion dollars.[ii]  What’s worse, former Energy Department Assistant Secretary Charles McConnell stated that the Clean Power Plan will, at best, reduce global temperature by a mere one one-hundredth of a degree Celsius.” Brooks concluded, “The callousness of unelected rule makers in handing down onerous proclamations, without relevant industry understanding, is staggering.  The REVIEW Act is an important step in curtailing far-reaching federal regulations, and I was proud to support House passage.” 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-statement-fda-approval-exondys-51 Palmer Statement on FDA Approval of Exondys 51 2016-09-20 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Gary J. Palmer P000609 palmer.house.gov palmer https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper September 20, 2016 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921 Palmer Statement on FDA Approval of Exondys 51 Washington, DC – On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy more than 100 days after the agency’s legally mandated decision date. The drug, Exondys 51 (eteplirsen), is the first of its kind and will benefit patients who have a confirmed mutation of the dystrophin gene amenable to exon 51 skipping. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) offered the following statement: “This was a victory for those affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families,” said Palmer. “With the FDA approval of Exondys 51, some people impacted by Duchenne have new hope for an improved quality of life and a better tomorrow. I applaud all those who have advocated for this medical advancement, including one of my constituents, Gabe Griffin. While this medical advancement does not treat the cause of Gabe’s muscle degeneration, it is a step in the right direction towards creating and approving the drug that will.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T21:01:54Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/keeping-terrorists-locked-up Keeping Terrorists Locked Up 2016-09-18 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Obaidullah is an al Qaeda terrorist operative. He specializes in the creation of improvised explosive devices (IED), which are manmade bombs that have wreaked havoc on U.S. service members and our allies during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obaidullah was captured by U.S. Special Forces during a raid on his compound. During the raid, 23 anti-tank landmines and a number of detonator schematics were found. After his capture in 2002, Obaidullah was locked up in a prison at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The exact place a terrorist belongs. Unfortunately, on August 15, 2016, Obaidullah was transferred out of Guantanamo Bay and released to the United Arab Emirates - a move that potentially puts a terrorist back on the battlefield. The story of Obaidullah has become all too common in recent years as President Barack Obama continues his efforts to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. The President’s pledge to close Guantanamo started as a campaign promise in 2007. After his election, he signed an executive order declaring that the prison would be closed in one year. The President planned to bring the prisoners to a new facility here in the United States. Not surprisingly, no state wanted to be the one selected to house terrorists. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle were up in arms. So, thanks to bipartisan opposition from Congress and resistance by intelligence agencies, efforts to close the prison have so far proved unsuccessful, but that has not stopped the President from continuing to release prisoners to other countries. As we enter the remaining days of the Obama presidency, I fear the President may try a new trick to close the prison, which would diminish our national security and put American citizens at risk. I’m pleased to report the House of Representatives last week passed legislation that would stop all efforts to close Guantanamo Bay and transfer prisoners to other countries. This legislation is necessary and required in order to keep the American people and our allies around the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://roby.house.gov/column/transparency-integrity-needed-regulations Transparency, Integrity Needed in Regulations 2016-09-16 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Martha Roby R000591 roby.house.gov     legacy One of my top priorities in Congress is reining in so-called “backdoor legislating,” which happens when federal agencies issue sweeping rules and regulations beyond their appropriate authority. To be sure, federal regulations are nothing new. Over the years Congress has seen fit to delegate rulemaking responsibilities to various agencies to deal with specific issues and allow for a more responsive government. However, I believe some agencies have taken this authority too far, growing into what many call the “fourth branch” of government. While I realize our country is facing many pressing issues at the moment, I believe more attention should be paid to over-regulation because it fundamentally affects our liberty as Americans. Our laws have legitimacy because they are passed by representatives elected by and accountable to the people. While some rules and regulations can have the same force as law, they were never voted on or ratified by the Congress.  During my time in the House of Representatives I have supported several different measures to rein in the regulatory system, and this past week we took action on another: The Regulatory Integrity Act of 2016 (H.R. 5226). This bill aims to bring more accountability to the regulatory process in two parts. First, it would require each federal agency to publish information about any pending rules and regulations in an easily understandable and searchable format on www.regulations.gov. This resource is supposed to provide a one-stop-shop for business owners, consumers, journalists or just interested citizens to look up pending regulatory action and gain a more clear understanding of what it is and how it will impact them. But, right now the site is difficult to navigate and oftentimes agencies fail to publish this information in the same way that they are required to publish it in the Federal Register. It has been said that the most powerful antiseptic to waste, fraud, and abuse in government is transparency. I believe having the public more aware of impending rules or r… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/rep-brooks-receives-tax-fighter-award-ntlc Rep. Brooks Receives Tax Fighter Award from NTLC 2016-09-16 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Mo Brooks B001274 brooks.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. —  During an awards ceremony in the U.S. Capitol, Congressman Brooks (AL-05) was presented with the Tax Fighter Award from the National Tax Limitation Committee (NTLC) for his support of legislation aimed at simplifying our tax code and providing tax relief for Americans. NTLC President Lewis K. Uhler presented the award to Congressman Brooks in Washington, saying, “Representative Brooks’ votes on tax and spending issues in the 114th Congress earned him an ‘A’ grade and the Tax Fighter Award.  Representative Brooks has been a leader in the battle on behalf of taxpayers to kill the hated death tax, reduce tax rates and the complexity of the tax code, to provide incentives for private savings, investment and job creation, to control the growth of federal spending and to force Congress to act on major, economic growth-inducing tax reform.  Representative Brooks has been a major asset to taxpayers all across America during his congressional service.  He has had the courage to challenge the orthodoxy of Washington special interests.  His leadership is vital to America’s future,” concluded Uhler.   Congressman Brooks said, “It is an honor to receive the Tax Fighter Award from the National Tax Limitation Committee for my work in the 114th Congress.  I remain committed to supporting tax policies that spur economic growth and limit federal government spending and regulation, thereby allowing taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money.”   Rep. Brooks accepts Tax Fighter Award from NTLC President Lewis K. Uhler.   A high-resolution photo from the event is available HERE.   Background: Since 1975 the National Tax Limitation Committee, a 501(c)(4) grass roots taxpayer activist organization, has worked to limit taxes and spending and to reduce the size and scope of government at all levels.  NTLC has led the national movement for constitutional tax and spending limits at the state and federal levels.  NTLC publishes a congressional scorecard at the conclusion of each Congress, as it has for more than t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-september-community-office-hours Byrne Announces September Community Office Hours 2016-09-15 2016 2016-09 Republican House AL Bradley Byrne B001289 byrne.house.gov     legacy Staff members from the Office of Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) will hold office hours throughout Alabama’s First Congressional District between September 20 and September 22. The staff members will be on hand to help constituents with problems they may be experiencing with federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare, and Social Security. Staff members can also assist constituents who need help applying for or receiving a United States passport.   Baldwin County Wednesday, September 21 9:30 to 10:30 am: Fairhope City Hall 11:00 am to 12:00 pm: Daphne City Hall 2:30 to 3:30 pm: Spanish Fort City Hall Thursday, September 22 9:30 to 10:30 am: Gulf Shores City Hall 11:00 am to 12:00 pm: Robertsdale City Hall 2:30 to 3:30 pm: Bay Minette City Hall   Clarke County Tuesday, September 20 12:00 – 1:00 pm: Grove Hill Town Hall 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: White Smith Memorial Library in Jackson   Escambia County Tuesday, September 20 9:00 to 9:45 am – Atmore City Hall 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Flomaton City Hall 2:00 – 2:30 pm: Brewton City Hall 2:30 – 3:00 pm: East Brewton City Hall   Mobile County Wednesday, September 21 10:30 – 11:30 am: Citronelle City Hall 1:00 – 2:00 pm: Semmes City Hall 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Dauphin Island Town Hall   Monroe County Tuesday, September 20 10:00 – 11:00 am: Monroeville City Hall   Washington County Tuesday, September 20 3:00 – 4:00 pm: Washington County Public Library in Chatom Wednesday, September 21 9:00 – 10:00 am: McIntosh Town Hall   For more information on visits to Clarke, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties, constituents should contact Congressman Byrne’s Mobile office at 251-690-2811. For more information on visits to Baldwin and Escambia counties, constituents should contact Congressman Byrne’s Baldwin County office at 251-989-2664. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
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