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://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-legislation-passes-senate,Palmer Legislation Passes Senate,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Legislation Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate passed the Transparency in Federal Buildings Projects Act of 2019 (H.R. 2502) by Unanimous Consent. Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced the bill on May 5, 2019, and it passed the House by voice vote on October 28, 2019. The bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to make publicly available information about federal construction, renovation, and leasing projects. Palmer developed the idea from a Government Accountability Office report which highlights the fact that some federal projects cost 15 to 20% more than private sector project. Opening these projects to Congressional and public scrutiny will hopefully encourage GSA to reduce costs and be more accountable in spending. Following the Senate's passage of H.R. 2502, Congressman Palmer released the following statement:

""I am pleased that the Senate passed my straightforward bill to strengthen transparency and accountability in federal projects,"" Palmer said. ""Ensuring that this information is available on GSA's website will increase its visibility and ensure that it is available to the public and to federal agencies that want to track proposed projects, their costs, and approval timelines. I look forward to President Trump signing the bill into law.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-2021-spending-bill-covid-19-relief-package,Aderholt Statement on 2021 Spending Bill & Covid-19 Relief Package,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement after passage of the 2021 Omnibus Spending Bill and Covid-19 relief package.

""This is a win for the American people and a defeat for left-leaning special interests in our country. This spending bill provides important support for small businesses that have been hurt during this pandemic and provides another round of direct payments to the American people that will help us get through this difficult time and help to shore up our economy. There are important funding increases for NASA, protections for rural hospitals, and increases in rural broadband funding. It also prioritizes our national security and continues to fund the construction of the border wall.

""Concerning NASA, which is so important to North Alabama, I am pleased that after a lot of hard work in the House and Senate, this bill includes an increase for NASA of $642 million over last year, for a total of $23.271 billion. Recent progress of China's space program – a nation still ruled by a ruthless, Communist dictatorship – underscores the fact that access to space and to the Moon is a national security issue, not simply a business development issue.

To that end, this package includes bill and report language directing NASA to proceed with work on the Block1B version of the Space Launch System (SLS), with a view to a Block1B flight in 2025.

SLS Block1B is designed to transport our astronauts and ten metric tons or more of cargo on the same flight. That is a unique, government-secured capability, and we must press ahead on this program as we also fund our science programs and commercial programs.

$400 million of the $2.586 billion appropriated for the SLS is for the Exploration Upper Stage and related work for the Block1B rocket.

""Just as important as the items included in this bill are the things that were not included. The Democrats wish list items of defunding the police, restricting Second Amendment rights and taxpayer funded abortions have all been eliminated. Also, Democrats pushed hard for bailouts for states that have mismanaged their economies and they expected taxpayers in states like Alabama to foot the bill. Republicans successfully removed all of these items.

""I'm disappointed that it has taken Democrats so long to finally negotiate a deal that helps the American people. They held on to their liberal wish list for far too long. This should have been done months ago. I'm hopeful that in the future we can get spending bills completed on time and within regular order.""

List of Wins for America and North Alabama:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-supports-appropriations-covid-19-relief-bill,Palmer Supports Appropriations & COVID-19 Relief Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Supports Appropriations & COVID-19 Relief Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2021. This bill funds the federal government through fiscal year 2021, and provides an additional $900 billion of funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following its passage in the House of Representatives, Congressman Palmer released the following statement:

""This bill includes additional COVID-19 relief funding, which includes additional Payroll Protection Program (PPP) dollars, vaccine development and distribution funding, and deductibility for businesses that utilized the first rounds of PPP loans,"" Palmer said. ""It also contains provisions based on legislation that I introduced, including allowing families with unused funds in Flexible Spending Accounts to carry over those funds to 2021 instead of losing them at the end of 2020, requiring states to set more stringent safeguards against fraudulent unemployment claims, and extending the length of time for states to utilize the funding they received in the CARES Act that was set to expire on December 30th.

""This legislation authorizes $900 billion in relief spending, but over $560 billion of that is repurposed funding that had already been appropriated,"" Palmer continued. ""From the very beginning of the negotiations, I advocated for utilizing $137 billion of unused PPP funds and $429 billion of unused Main Street Program funds being held by the Treasury Department to reduce the amount of new spending.

Palmer concluded, ""Additional relief should have been passed months ago, but Speaker Pelosi held it hostage, despite the great harm to American families and businesses. Throughout this process, Pelosi has used American families and businesses for political advantage, and people across the country have paid a high price. Pelosi and her Democrat colleagues should pay the price for what they did.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/team-two-students-alabama-school-fine-arts-wins-2020-congressional-app,Team of Two Students from Alabama School of Fine Arts Wins 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Team of Two Students from Alabama School of Fine Arts Wins 2020 Congressional App Challenge

Birmingham, AL – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) is pleased to announce Ethan Forrest and Aaron Piya as the winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge in Alabama's Sixth Congressional District. This contest provides a valuable opportunity for middle and high schoolers to develop their skills in computer coding, math, science, and related subjects by creating an original application. This year's winning team attends the Alabama School of Fine Arts, and their app, titled ""Quizmo,"" acts as a learning tool for English language and standardized test studies.

""I'm thoroughly impressed with Ethan and Aaron's creation for the App Challenge,"" Palmer said. ""They have created a valuable study tool for learning environments while showcasing innovation and user-friendliness. STEM skills are increasingly important in today's work and academic environments, and this app is an easy indicator that these young men will go far. They should be proud of their hard work.""

""Quizmo"" is an app designed to make learning a more enjoyable experience by way of a game function. It uses sounds to harness reward sensations in the user while also incorporating a competitive aspect through a scoreboard feature within the app.

Application submissions were judged by Mr. Steven Puckett and Dr. Shane Banks of the University of North Alabama, Mr. Kris Bishop of Integrated Legacy Systems, and Mr. Ralph Stevens of C-Spire. The winning students will receive recognition certificates from Congressman Palmer and will have the chance to present their app during a coding fair in spring 2021.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-applauds-scotus-ruling-will-benefit-locally-owned-community,Aderholt Applauds SCOTUS Ruling that Will Benefit Locally Owned & Community Pharmacies,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement applauding the United States Supreme Court in its unanimous ruling Thursday that will benefit locally owned and community pharmacies who are such a vital healthcare link in rural areas, but who have struggled to stay open.

""Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously (8-0) decided a case (Rutledge v. PCMA) that will have a significant impact on the community pharmacists who serve our rural areas and their patients. For many years, I've heard from community pharmacists around the 4th District who simply want to serve their patients without being financially harmed by the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the middlemen that manage prescription drug benefits for health insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, and large employers.

""According to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), ‘At issue was the extent to which the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), which regulates private employee benefit plans, preempts the states from regulating the amount that PBMs pay pharmacies to dispense prescription drugs that are covered by an employer-sponsored health plan.'

""Again, I applaud the Supreme Court for protecting these pharmacists and their patients from these abusive payment practices. With this decision, States are now empowered to protect these small-town pharmacies and their patients by providing drug pricing transparency, increased pharmacy access for patients, improved freedom of choice, and better healthcare for our citizens both during and after the pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-support-texas-attorney-generals-election-lawsuit-supreme-court,Aderholt Support for Texas Attorney General’s Election Lawsuit Before the Supreme Court,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.

This office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line.

We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-votes-favor-ndaa,Palmer Votes in Favor of NDAA,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Votes in Favor of NDAA

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement today after voting in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

""It is critical that we continue to fund and strengthen our military, especially at this crucial time when China in particular is an ever-growing threat,"" Palmer said. ""This legislation is substantially different from the bill that passed in the House earlier this year. It will aid instead of bring harm to our troops, and it provides needed stability for our military. There is obviously still room for some reforms, such as maintaining instead of eliminating the Chief Management Officer position and evading budget caps through OCO, but these aspects are insufficient to warrant opposition.""

The NDAA passed the House today by a vote of 335-78.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-tests-positive-covid-19-asymptomatic,"Aderholt Tests Positive for COVID-19, is Asymptomatic",2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) released the following statement after learning he has tested positive for COVID-19.

""As I had previously mentioned last week, my wife Caroline found out she was positive for COVID-19. (She has since recovered.) So, I have been isolating again. As part of the isolation process, I received a COVID test Thursday to see if I could end my quarantine under the new, shortened CDC guidelines, and resume voting on the House floor. I fully expected to receive a negative test, because I have felt, and continue to feel fine and have no symptoms. Unfortunately, I received word Friday morning that my test came back positive. After speaking with the Attending Physician for Congress, I will continue to isolate.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-criticizes-pelosi-prioritizing-marijuana-americans-struggle,Palmer Criticizes Pelosi for Prioritizing Marijuana as Americans Struggle,2020-12-04,2020,2020-12,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Criticizes Pelosi for Prioritizing Marijuana as Americans Struggle

Washington, D.C. – This week in Washington, Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the House of Representatives into session, prioritizing votes on legislation that would legalize marijuana and ban private ownership of exotic animals. Congressman Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement:

""Speaker Pelosi and her clueless Democrat colleagues have proven over and over again that their top priorities do not include the hardworking Americans who need help to get through this pandemic,"" Palmer said. ""This week, their prioritization of pot legalization while people are struggling is a stunning display of partisan politics and shows just how out of touch Democrats are with the American people. The timing of this bill not only reflects a disregard for the businesses that need further relief funding, but also for the rampant mental health and drug overdose issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

""Federal surveys show that since the coronavirus arrived in the U.S., depression and anxiety have been on the rise, with a concerning 75% of young adults now struggling with at least one mental health or drug problem,"" Palmer continued. ""The Center for Disease Control has also predicted that the U.S. could see 75,500 drug overdose deaths in 2020 if recent trends hold. Pelosi's pot bill is even more unconscionable with these concerning facts in mind, especially as it ignores common sense safety measures around marijuana use, and also funnels taxpayer dollars to the marijuana industry and convicted drug dealers. In short, the bill would grant easier access to a gateway drug for already vulnerable and struggling people.

""Furthermore, at a time when we should be helping people with employment opportunities, this bill would move us in the wrong direction. Companies with drug-free work environments, many of them also hazardous work environments, should not and will not employ people who might come to work drug-impaired, endangering themselves and others. I hope we don't waste more opportunities next week for needed relief.""

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) passed the House today by a vote of 228-164.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-introduces-broadband-focused-extend-act,Aderholt Introduces Broadband Focused EXTEND Act,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: November 24, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement in regard to his new rural broadband legislation, the Enabling Extra Time to Extend Network Deployment (EXTEND) Act.

""The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased the critical need for efficient and reliable rural broadband. Teleworking, telemedicine, and virtual classrooms have been our reality for the better part of eight months, and it could continue into the new year. Since Congress has passed stimulus funding for Coronavirus relief, I believe states should be allowed to use that money to address this dire need.

""That is why I introduced a bill today to do just that, secure the ability for states to expand their rural broadband infrastructure with Coronavirus relief funds. This bill will help those rural areas that have been left behind by providing a pathway for states to determine which areas are particularly underserved, while also preventing overbuilding in areas where broadband access is widespread.

""I am hopeful that this legislation will set a precedent for future funding bills, ensuring that rural areas have access to funds to build out the broadband infrastructure they need, while also preventing waste and abuse.""

""It's clear that adequate funding is needed now more than ever, and ensuring states the option to use Congressionally approved stimulus money for this issue is a step in the right direction.""

Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH5), the lead co-sponsor on the EXTEND Act, added, ""When Americans can't access the Internet, they aren't able to participate in our 21st century economy, learn remotely, or communicate with others outside of their communities, all of which have become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic,"" said Rep. Bob Latta. ""The EXTEND Act works to support the buildout of broadband infrastructure in areas that do not currently have broadband capabilities. It ensures funds from the CARES Act, which I supported earlier this year, can be granted by states for the deployment of broadband so all Americans, including people living in rural communities, have reliable internet connectivity. I'd like to thank my colleague Rep. Aderholt for his attention to this critical issue, and I am encouraged that with this bill, we are working towards a more connected future.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-adds-new-staffer-promotes-two-others,"Aderholt Adds New Staffer, Promotes Two Others",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. —Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt, (AL-04) announced the hiring of new Legislative Assistant Ryan Diffley and the promotions of Aspen Frederick and Laura Titus.

""I'm pleased to announce that we have hired Ryan Diffley to be a new legislative assistant. Ryan is coming to us from former Representative Tom Graves' office. Working for a fellow member of the Appropriations Committee, Ryan gained a great deal of experience working directly with the appropriations process. Rep. Graves served the district directly east of mine in Georgia, so Ryan also has a great knowledge of the needs of a rural, Appalachian district.""

(Diffley replaces Gregor Catto who recently left to take a position at the British Embassy in Washington.)

""I'm also happy to announce that our legislative correspondent, Laura Titus, is being promoted to a legislative assistant in our office. Our current staff assistant, Aspen Frederick, will become our new legislative correspondent. Laura and Aspen have both done wonderful jobs and have gone above and beyond during this difficult and trying year.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-elected-serve-second-term-republican-policy-committee-chairman,Palmer Elected to Serve Second Term as Republican Policy Committee Chairman,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Elected to Serve Second Term as Republican Policy Committee Chairman

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) has been elected by his colleagues to serve again as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee (RPC) for the 117th Congress. Congressman Palmer released the following statement:

""I'm grateful to my colleagues for their support and look forward to serving them in this role again,"" Palmer said. ""Problem solving and practical solutions have always been the strength of the Republican Party, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to make the RPC a reliable resource on a broad range of issues for the House Republican Conference.

""Going forward, I'm committed continuing to build the RPC as a dependable in-house think tank for House Republicans. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve our conference once again as part of our leadership team, and to collaborate with all our colleagues as we work together to advance sensible policy ideas that benefit all Americans.""

The Republican Policy Committee was established in 1949, and Congressman Palmer was elected as its 18th Chairman during the 116th Congress. It serves as an advisory committee to House Republicans and provides them a forum for discussion of policy ideas and current legislation before the House.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-miss-votes-week,Aderholt to Miss Votes this Week,2020-11-15,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: November 15, 2020

""A few days ago I was in close contact for several hours with someone who has since tested positive for COVID-19. While I did not have symptoms, upon learning that this person tested positive, I immediately went into quarantine. I subsequently had a rapid test and it came back negative, and I still have no symptoms.

""Over the weekend, I discussed my situation with the attending physician of the House of Representatives. He advised me to remain in quarantine and get another test later this coming week. Unfortunately, this also means I will have to miss votes this week, but the safety of my staff and colleagues is far more important, and I could possibly still expose someone. Therefore, I plan to remain here in Alabama in self quarantine, rather than travel to Washington.

""This virus continues to impact us all as the numbers spike here and around the world. However, I'm confident that a vaccine will begin to be distributed soon, that Congress can agree on a new COVID-19 relief package, and we can move beyond this trying and unsettling time in our history.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-president-elect-joe-biden,Senator Doug Jones Statement on President-Elect Joe Biden,2020-11-07,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Birmingham, Ala. U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today released the following statement in response to the projected results of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election:
For the forty years I've known Joe Biden, I have only ever seen him focused on two things: taking care of his family and serving others. In doing so, he has earned the admiration and respect of people of all political stripes and from around the globe. Joe is the right person to begin to heal the deep divisions that have been exposed and exploited over the past several years. But more than that, I know he is a man of integrity to his core and cares deeply about our country and its people.And when he says that he will represent all Americans  even those who didn't vote for him  I know from personal experience that he means it. It is important for the people of this country to know that about him,andI am confident he will make us all proud by continuing to demonstrate the leadership and compassion that have become his trademark.
I'm proud to congratulate my friend Joe today, and I can't wait to see him get to work.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-current-status-us-presidential-election,Aderholt Statement on Current Status of the U.S. Presidential Election,2020-11-06,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: November 6, 2020

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) statement on the current status of the U.S. Presidential Election.

""Three days since election day, we still do not know the final outcome of our Presidential Election. And, since it is more than a month before the Electoral College meets, there is no reason to rush to a conclusion.

""If our Democracy is to last, then every legal vote should be counted. And every vote cast in error, or illegally, should be thrown out. Period. Also, when the vote counts in states are extremely close, TV networks and news agencies, in a race to be first, should not take it upon themselves to coronate winners, while hundreds of thousands of votes have yet to be counted.

""To that point, there is also no excuse for so many votes to still not have been counted days after the election. It is very clear, that many of the states in our country are painfully in need of more efficient ways to count ballots. Frankly, the slowness of this process is an embarrassment to our election process. We are almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century, but in some states, their vote counting is reminiscent of the 19th century. When states are slow to count votes, and when that slowness is centered around Democrat leaning counties, it leads to questions that undermine people's faith in our election process. Americans must have faith in the outcome of the election. They would do well to look at our voting system here in Alabama, which our Secretary of State John Merrill has made, in my opinion, the best in the country.

""Those improvements in other states will unfortunately come too late for Election 2020. That's why until the votes are finally counted, we must remain vigilant that every American who casts a legal vote, has their vote counted. This process should not be considered complete, until we have a clear winner.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-justice-amy-coney-barrett,Aderholt Statement on Justice Amy Coney Barrett,2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: October 27, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement in regard to Justice Amy Coney Barrett becoming a member of the United States Supreme Court.

""I don't think there is any doubt that Amy Coney Barrett will make a great addition to the Supreme Court. Her confirmation is a win for all the American people no matter their political views, as I think she will interpret the law as it is written as opposed to what she thinks it should be. She does not see the Supreme Court as a mini legislature, but sees it as it was intended, to strictly interpret the letter of the law.

""I also believe that President Trump's most lasting legacy as President will be the number of vacancies he has filled throughout the federal judiciary. This legacy of conservative appointments will last for decades to come.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-applauds-confirmation-new-supreme-court-justice-amy-coney,Palmer Applauds Confirmation of New Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Applauds Confirmation of New Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the newest Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement:

""I send my heartiest congratulations to the new Justice Barrett,"" Palmer said. ""President Trump could not have chosen a better candidate for the Supreme Court. Her impeccable legal record, faithfulness to the Constitution, and steady demeanor during her Senate hearings all indicate that she will serve our country with distinction and integrity. The confirmation of an eminently qualified, fair, and constitutionalist justice should instill confidence in the American people. I believe that Justice Barrett will refrain from being swayed by the political winds, and that she will enforce the laws as written, reserving the act of legislating to the Congress. I look forward to her service on our nation's highest court and extend my congratulations to her and her family.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-the-confirmation-of-amy-coney-barrett-to-the-united-states-supreme-court,Senator Doug Jones Statement on the Confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama released the following statement after voting against the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court:
This process has been perhaps one of the most blatantly hypocritical in the history of the Senate and has further eroded trust in the independence of the Supreme Court in the eyes of the American people. By forcing this vote only eight days before an election, Mitch McConnell has prioritized temporary political gain over the long term integrity of both institutions. I also believe his decision to force through this confirmation instead of negotiating a bipartisan COVID relief package is an insult to the millions of Americans who are suffering as a result of this pandemic.
I voted no today because I refuse to be a party to Mitch McConnell's power grab, to the hyper-politicization of the Senate and the courts, and to denying the American people a voice in this process while voting for the next President is already underway.
Now that Justice Barrett has been confirmed, it is my sincere hope that she will rule in a way that protects our institutions, our democracy, and the rule of law.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-applauds-signing-of-historic-veterans-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-bill,Senator Doug Jones Applauds Signing of Historic Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Bill,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today applauded the signing ofbipartisanlegislation he cosponsored, theCommander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, into law. The legislation will bolster the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) mental health workforce and increase rural veterans' access to care.
Too many veterans  in Alabama and across the country  lack access to affordable, compassionate and effective mental health care. Through increased access to local and innovative treatment options, this new law will help veterans get the life-saving mental health services they may need,said Senator Jones, a member of the Armed Services Committee.
According to the VA, it is estimated that more than 20 veterans die by suicide every day. Of those, 14 have received no treatment or care from VA.
TheCommander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which was introduced by Senators Jerry Moran of Kansas and Jon Tester of Montana, will improve outreach to veterans and their mental health care options in six key ways:
Bolstering VA's mental health workforce to serve more veterans by offering scholarships to mental health professionals to work at Vet Centers, and placing at least one Suicide Prevention Coordinator in every VA hospital.
Improving rural veterans' access to mental health care by increasing the number of locations at which veterans can access VA telehealth services.
Implementing a pilot program to provide veterans access to complementary and integrative health programs through animal therapy, agritherapy, sports and recreation therapy, art therapy and post-traumatic growth.
Establishing a grant program that requires VA to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This collaboration will result in earlier identification of veterans who are at risk of suicide and will provide the ability to intervene with preventative services.
Studying the impact of living at high altitude on veterans' suicide risk and diagnostic biomarker research to identify depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other conditions.
Holding the VA accountable for its mental health care and suicide prevention efforts by examining how the Department manages its suicide prevention resources.

This law honors the legacy of Commander John Scott Hannon, a member of the Navy SEALs who served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. Scott Hannon received treatment for his invisible wounds of war while helping other veterans find their own paths to recovery. Scott died by suicide on February 25, 2018.

From his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jones has been a vocal advocate on behalf of all whoserve or have served in our nation's armed forces.Senator Jones has also secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for Alabama's military installations and service members, and he led a successful fight to repeal a decades-old law that hurt surviving military spouses, called the widow's tax, last year.He also recently introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent veteran suicide by designating one week per year as Buddy Check Week to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-applauds-passage-of-bill-to-provide-international-trade-opportunities-for-alabama-businesses,Senator Doug Jones Applauds Passage of Bill to Provide International Trade Opportunities for Alabama Businesses,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAMU.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today announced thatlast week,the Senatepassed the House of Representatives version ofhis bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) until 2030. Under the agreement, Caribbean businesses are incentivized to use American textiles  many of which are made in Alabama  during production.
This trade agreement has been crucial for our economy, both in Alabama and across the country. Reauthorizing this deal is important to ensure that markets are available for Alabama's cotton growers and textile producers, who were already facing hard times in the global trade landscape even before the COVID pandemic began. We need to do everything we can to support our businesses during these challenging economic times,Senator Jones said.
The CBTPA is a trade agreement that provides duty-free access for certain textile goods from 23 Caribbean countries that are made with U.S. yarns, fabrics, and threads. Many companies in Alabama, including those in the cotton industry, benefit from this agreement.
Preferences under the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act extended by this bill were enacted by Congress in 2000 and extended in 2010. Without reauthorization, the legislation would have expired.
The legislation was also sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio of Florida and Ben Cardin of Maryland. Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Alabama is the lead sponsor in the House of Representatives, where the bill passed unanimously. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-congratulates-judge-amy-coney-barrett-scotus-nomination,Palmer Congratulates Judge Amy Coney Barrett on SCOTUS Nomination,2020-09-26,2020,2020-09,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Congratulates Judge Amy Coney Barrett on SCOTUS Nomination

Washington, D.C. – Upon President Donald Trump's nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement:

""President Trump has made an excellent choice in nominating Judge Barrett to the Supreme Court, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her and her family,"" Palmer said. ""Judge Barrett has a stellar record of faithfully interpreting the law, training young lawyers, producing brilliant scholarship, and upholding the Constitution. Her devotion to her family, and her dedication to her students during her years as a law professor, are also commendable. There is no question that she is highly qualified and will make a fantastic Justice. I urge the Senate to confirm her quickly.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-signs-discharge-petition-fight-small-businesses,Palmer Signs Discharge Petition to Fight for Small Businesses,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Signs Discharge Petition to Fight for Small Businesses

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) added his signature to a discharge petition that would force a vote on H.R. 8265, which would allow unused Paycheck Protection Program funds to be made available for small businesses. There is an estimated $137 billion remaining in the program that could be immediately available. The Paycheck Protection Program has kept thousands of small businesses open since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are still in need as the economy continues to recover. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has repeatedly refused to hold a vote on further common-sense pandemic-related relief, holding American workers and businesses hostage until she gets trillions of dollars for far-left priorities.

""Speaker Pelosi has made her objectives abundantly clear,"" Palmer said. ""We could have negotiated and delivered immediate aid for small businesses and individuals weeks ago, but her leftist agenda always comes first. Many businesses are barely hanging, on anxiously awaiting the extension of the Paycheck Protection Program, but Pelosi is determined to hold them hostage to get her way. She would like to bail out states that were bankrupt before the pandemic and further a welfare agenda that is harmful to the economy. Today, I proudly signed a discharge petition to circumvent Pelosi's control of the House floor and force a vote on a bill that would bring real relief to businesses struggling to survive the pandemic. It's time for Members of Congress to stand up for small businesses and American workers since the Speaker clearly won't. Small businesses across the country can't wait.""

A discharge petition on H.R. 8265 was filed today by Rep. Jaime Herrera Butler (WA-03), and 218 signatures are needed to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. H.R. 8265 was introduced on September 16 by Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-01).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-filling-the-supreme-court-vacancy-just-weeks-before-presidential-election,Senator Doug Jones Statement on Filling the Supreme Court Vacancy Just Weeks Before Presidential Election,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAM U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's passing:
Justice Ginsburg was a role model and an inspiration. She was a brilliant and tireless advocate, a champion for fairness and equality, and her efforts have brought our country closer to the ideals upon which it was founded.
It is a poor reflectionofthe state of our national politics that, just hours afterJustice Ginsburg'spassing, we were thrust into a divisive partisan fight over her successor, denying the nation the time to mourn this extraordinary American's death. Just weeks from a national election, we are confronting a blatant power grab by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the President that will undermine the court and subvert the will of the American people.
Just four years ago, Leader McConnell held open a Supreme Court seat for ten months before a presidential election because he said time and again that, in an election year, we must let the American people decide. If confirming a Supreme Court justice ten months prior to a presidential election would have denied the American people a voice,then isn't he now denying the American people a voice by rushing to confirm a justice just weeks before a presidential election?
I believe the answer to this question is a resounding YES.This is especially true given the urgent legislative work we have yet to do.
Leader McConnell should turn his focus instead to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the American people by bringing a new bipartisan COVID-19 relief package up for a vote.We also need to pass theNational Defense Authorization Actto support our military.We need to pass our annual funding bills instead of kicking the can down the road with yet another costly continuing resolution.We need to pass theJohnLewisVoting RightsAdvancementAct, whichhas languished in this Senate,in order to protect the right of all Americans to vote and participate in our democracy.
Consequently, under these circumstances, I will not support the confirmation of any Supreme Court justice nominee before the election. We should not force the country into a brutal and divisive partisan confirmation fight while Americans are already voting to choose the next President.
If President Trump is re-elected, I will evaluate any pending or future nominee on their merits and vote for or against the nominee based solely on their qualifications.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-legislation-aims-state-flexibility-spending-remaining,Palmer Legislation Aims for State Flexibility in Spending Remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Legislation Aims for State Flexibility in Spending Remaining Coronavirus Relief Funds

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) has introduced the Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility Act (H.R. 8360), which would allow states to determine how to spend remaining Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars, which were issued under the CARES Act. States and localities were provided $150 billion through the relief fund for mitigation and response to COVID-19, and it is now estimated that approximately $80 billion remains unspent. H.R. 8360 would allow state legislatures to determine how to utilize these remaining funds, with measures to encourage infrastructure development and future COVID-19 preparedness.

""The initial legislation was perhaps too restrictive,"" Palmer said. ""What we hope to do with this legislation is not only create some flexibility to prevent waste but to incentivize states to use the funds towards much needed infrastructure. The one-size-fits-all nature of the underlying measure fails to consider how each state is responding to the pandemic differently, so this legislation would put the spending decisions in the hands of those on the ground in the states who have a better understanding of their specific needs. If we pass this bill, we will give states a much needed boost for infrastructure and an extended period to determine how to address continued COVID-19 related expenses, instead of rushing to spend the funds with a looming deadline.""

The Coronavirus Relief Fund Flexibility Act would prohibit funds from being spent on government employee bonuses, lobbying expenses, or budget shortfalls predating the pandemic, while providing a 50% match for funds spent on infrastructure projects begun in the next year. It would also require states to hold 25% of their remaining relief funds in trust for future COVID-19 expenses.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-leads-bipartisan-bill-to-help-combat-veteran-suicide,Senator Doug Jones Leads Bipartisan Bill to Help Combat Veteran Suicide,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabamatodayintroduced a bipartisan bill to help combat veteran suicide. The bill, which is also cosponsored by Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, would designate one week per year as Buddy Check Week to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks.
Service men and women give so much to our country, and we have a solemn obligation to do everything we can to support them,said Senator Jones,a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.It's so important that we destigmatize mental health issues, especially for veterans. This bill would help connect veterans with the resources available to them and ensure that they get the support they need.
Our most sacred responsibility as a nation is to care for our fellow men and women who have served this nation with honor. The American Legion has long had aBuddy Check Week,'asking our Legionnaires to conduct veteran outreach as part of their daily routine,said James W. Bill Oxford, National Commander for The American Legion.The American Legion'sBuddy Check'program has been a great tool for our members, and we strongly support legislation that expands this program to VA.
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives also passed Senator Jones' bill, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, to help prevent veteran suicide by providing to $174 million during the next five years to state and local organizations that provide suicide-prevention services to veterans and their families. That bill previously passed the Senate and will now go to President Trump to be signed into law.
From his position on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jones has been a vocal advocate on behalf of all whoserve or have served in our nation's armed forces.Senator Jones has also secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for Alabama's military installations and service members, and he led a successful fight to repeal a decades-old law that hurt surviving military spouses, called the widow's tax, last year.
Background:
The bill will designate one week per year as Buddy Check Week to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks and recognize signs of suicide risk among fellow veterans. The bill is modeled after the American Legion'sBuddy Check National Week of Callingto connect veterans to better ensure that they receive the care they need.
Specifically, the bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), in consultation with veterans, non-profits that serve veterans, mental health experts, and members of the Armed Forces, to develop and implement collaborative education opportunities for veterans to learn how to conduct wellness checks.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-introduces-legislation-to-encourage-investments-in-banks-that-serve-minority-communities,Senator Doug Jones Introduces Legislation to Encourage Investments in Banks that Serve Minority Communities,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today introduced legislation to encourage investments in financial institutions that serve minority communities.
The bill would help increase investments by changing current rules to allow minority-owned banks, community banks with under $10 billion in deposits, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to accept brokered deposits, or investments with high interest rates, which would bolster these institutions and encourage them to invest and lend in their communities.It also allows low-income and minority credit unions to access the NCUA's Community Development Revolving Loan Fund.
One of the biggest hurdles for minority entrepreneurs is access to capital,saidSenator Jones, a member of the Senate Banking Committee.That's why this bill is so important. Increasing access to capital at the banks that serve minority communities will help expand financial opportunities for individuals and business owners in those communities.
Commonwealth National Bank would like to thank Senator Jones for his leadership in introducing theMinority Depository Institution and Community Bank Deposit Access Act.As a small Alabama home grown institution, this proposal will allow us to accept needed deposits without the current limitations that hinder our ability to better serve the historically underserved communities that our institutions were created to serve.We support your efforts and encourage you to keep fighting the good fight for all of America,said Sidney King, President and CEO, Commonwealth National Bank.
TheMinority Depository Institution and Community Bank Deposit Access Actis a welcomed first step in helping Minority Depository Institutions like our National Bankers Association member banks develop the kinds of national deposit networks that allow our institutionsto compete for deposits with larger banks and to better meet the credit needs of the communities we serve.The National Bankers Association commends Senator Jones' leadership on this issue, and we look forward to continuing to engage with him on the ultimate passage of this proposal,saidKenneth Kelly, Chairman, National Bankers Association.
During his time in the Senate, Senator Jones has been an advocate for minority-serving financial institutions. In April, he urged the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury to take emergency measures to support CDFIs and minority-owned banks that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. He also supported efforts to negotiate additional funds for small community banks, minority-owned banks, and CDFIs in the recent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) replenishment, giving small businesses and minority business owners better access to the PPP program through small community banks and CDFIs.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-the-passing-of-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg,Senator Doug Jones Statement on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,2020-09-18,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAM U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama tonight issued the following statement on the news of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death:
This news is a devastating loss for our country and for all those who have been inspired by the inimitable Justice Ginsburg during her long and historic career. Justice Ginsburg led a life guided by principle and filled with purpose. A true trailblazer in the legal field in her own right, she inspired generations of young women to reach for heights that previously felt impossible. Through her quiet dignity, her willingness to bridge political divides, and her steady pursuit of justice, she was a standard-bearer for positive leadership.
Her bold dissents in theLedbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.andShelby County v. Holdercases are particularly meaningful to me, and to so many in Alabama and across the country. She stood for what was right and for the constitutional principles of equality and democracy that she held dear, even if it meant she was in the minority on the Court. As only the second woman to ever serve on the Court, she made full use of her opportunity to serve as a voice for women on the bench.
Beyond her legal acumen, Justice Ginsburg will also be remembered for her sharp wit, her tireless advocacy for voting rights, and her historic role in fighting for a more equal society for women across the country. She will be greatly missed.
Louise and I extend our sincerest condolences to Justice Ginsburg's loved ones. We're praying for them as they grieve this tremendous loss.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-legislation-seeks-fraud-reduction-pandemic-unemployment,Palmer Legislation Seeks Fraud Reduction in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Legislation Seeks Fraud Reduction in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) introduced the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Integrity Act (H.R. 8284), which aims to decrease fraud and improper payments within Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a program created by the CARES Act for independent contractors, the self-employed, and others not typically eligible for benefits. H.R. 8284 would require individuals to submit documentation verifying employment in order to receive PUA benefits. Congressman Palmer released the following statement:

""As it stands, the PUA program only requires applicants to self-certify that they have lost income due to COVID-19 to receive benefits, which has resulted in widespread fraud,"" Palmer said. ""My bill aims to correct that by requiring verification. It is important that individuals struggling with the economic fallout of the pandemic have the resources to weather the storm, but we must ensure that only those eligible are receiving benefits. These are common sense measures that would guard valuable taxpayer dollars from waste and improper use.

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Integrity Act was introduced today as companion legislation to S. 4275, introduced by Senator John Thune of South Dakota.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-favor-sweeping-education-legislation-fulfill-promise,Rep. Sewell Votes in Favor of Sweeping Education Legislation to Fulfill the Promise of Equity in Our Schools,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- This week, Congresswoman Terri Sewell voted in favor of H.R. 2639, the Strength in Diversity Act of 2020 and H.R. 2574, the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act (EIEA). The Strength in Diversity Act passed the House of Representatives 248-167 on Tuesday and the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act (EIEA) passed 232-188 on Wednesday. The Strength In Diversity Act helps fulfill the promise of equity in education by offering support to districts that are developing, implementing, or expanding school diversity initiatives, whereas The Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act takes steps to hold federally funded programs, including schools, accountable for their responsibility to provide all students with equal opportunity for a quality education.
As the proud product of Alabama's public schools and the state's first Black Congresswoman, I am profoundly aware of the equalizing power of a good education. Segregation and discrimination in public schools robbed generations before me of academic and economic opportunity, the long-term effects of which are still evident in our most vulnerable communities, Rep. Sewell said. While we have seen many strides forward in the 66 years since Brown v. Board of Education, the remnants of discrimination and inequality can still be seen today in school districts across the country, including the Black Belt. No child's education should be relegated by race or income lines in America, but it has unfortunately been the reality for generations of students. The time is now to provide the long overdue equality and justice all children deserve to grow up with. This legislation directly confronts injustice with solutions for District 7, where due to school funding policies enacted over a century ago the state is spending upwards of $5,000 less per pupil in the majority-Black Birmingham City School system than neighboring school districts with lower poverty rates. As the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to further widen achievement gaps for our most vulnerable children, I stand with our public schools who are currently forced to do more with less in passing the Strength in Diversity Act and the Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act.
Background Information:
The Strength in Diversity Act (H.R.2639):
 Establishes a grant program that provides federal funding to support voluntary local efforts to increase diversity in schools.
	Supports the development and maintenance of best practices for grantees and experts in the field of school diversity.
	Grant funding would be available to school districts, independently or in collaboration with neighboring districts, as well as regional educational authorities and educational service agencies.
 The Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act (H.R. 2574):
 Restores the private right of action for students and parents to bring disparate impact claims under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
	Creates Title VI monitors to ensure that every school district and institution of higher education has at least one employee to specifically responsible for investigating any complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
	Creates an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Education to coordinate and promote Title VI enforcement in education.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-rep-sewell-hosts-discussion-2020-census-local-officials-upcoming,VIDEO: Rep. Sewell Hosts a Discussion on the 2020 Census with Local Officials in Upcoming Terri Talk,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Birmingham, AL- Yesterday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell hosted a special edition of her weekly Terri Talks to discuss the importance of Alabama District 7's participation in the 2020 Census with a panel of local officials including Alabama Partnership Coordinator for the U.S. Census Bureau Carletta Singleton; Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner Jr; Sumter County Commissioner Marcus Campbell; and Wilcox County Commissioner John Moton.
""Ensuring an accurate count in the 2020 Census is critically important to all of us. It is more challenging than ever in the midst of a pandemic. However, the pandemic and the inequities it has brought to light make an accurate Census count more important than ever. There are so many resources our community depends upon that are based on population.,"" said Rep. Sewell, ""The Federal funding that we receive is immense: for every one dollar the State of Alabama sends, we receive two dollars and it's based on population. When I think about all the needs in Alabama's 7th Congressional District, we can ill-afford to not be counted in the Census.""
""Today, we received sobering news. Alabama is now LAST in the nation in Census response with only 62% of all Alabama households having responded. The news is even more sobering for Alabama's 7th Congressional District because we are at 6.8% below the State of Alabama in our return. In our District the return rate for the 14 counties is 53.8%. Devastating. The time for Alabamians to be counted is running out with the Census deadline being moved up to September, 30. According to a George Washington University study each Alabamaian that is not counted represents $1,600 so it is vital you and everyone in your household is counted. The reason we have these three County Commissioners here with us today is because some of the lowest rates are in the Black Belt and we want to discuss what we can do in these communities to increase the rate of return,"" stated Rep. Sewell.
To watch the full Alabama District 7 COUNTS in the 2020 Census Terri Talk, click here.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
 There are three ways to complete your 2020 Census:
  Complete it online at www.my2020census.gov. (Note: The Census ID number included on your original invitation letter is not required to complete the census online.)
	Call the U.S. Census Bureau toll-free 844-330-2020. Telephone assistance is also available in multiple languages: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/planning-management/memo-series/2020-memo-2019_18.html
	Return the paper form included with your invitation letter
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-proposes-bipartisan-loan-forgiveness-legislation-for-disaster-hit-small-businesses,Senator Doug Jones Proposes Bipartisan Loan Forgiveness Legislation for Disaster-Hit Small Businesses,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S Senate Doug Jonesof Alabamaand Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced theDisaster Relief for Southeastern Small Businesses Act of 2020.This bill would forgive small business loans made under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security(CARES)Act.The Disaster Relief for Southeastern Small Businesses Actestablishes an easy process for businesses in counties with major disaster declarations from Hurricane Sally to seek forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
As folks across South Alabama begin the work to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Sally, Ibelieve Congress should be assisting them in any way we can,said Senator Jones.That's why I'm joining Senator Kennedy, from our neighbor Louisiana, to introduce bipartisan legislation that ensures small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Sally and Laura can benefit from loan forgiveness for COVID-19 relief programs. Alabama's Main Street businesses have struggled already during the pandemic, and Hurricane Sally is yet another devastating hit. This legislation will cut through government red tape and allow forgiveness of business loans received as part of our CARES legislation as they continue to re-open and re-build. It is one way we can help them survive these compounding disasters and continue to serve our communities and create jobs.
Impacted businesses must provide their lenders with an attestation form stating that the business used the loans as intended in order to receive loan forgiveness. In order to prevent fraud and ensure transparency, the Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator would have the authority to review and audit forgiven loans.
The Paycheck Protection Program(PPP)closed at the end of August 8, 2020. As a result, the SBA is no longer accepting applications from participating lenders. Alabama businesses received 70,331 PPP loans totaling $6.245 billion.As of August 8, 2020, a total of 41,243 EIDL loans totaling $1.84 billion have been issued by the SBA to small businesses in Alabama.
BACKGROUND
From his seat on the Senate Banking Committee,Senator Jones has been astrongadvocate forAlabama's small businessesbefore and throughouttheCOVID-19pandemic. In May, hecalledfor increased guidance and loan forgiveness for small businesses who have applied under thePPPandsupportedlegislation toreplenish PPP funds and ensureadditional reliefwould be available to Alabama'ssmall businesses.He also introduced legislation to fund the payrolls of eligible businesses  called thePaycheck Security Act to keep businesses afloat and workers paid during the pandemic.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/bipartisan-space-weather-research-bill-beneficial-marshall-space-flight-0,Bipartisan Space Weather Research Bill Beneficial to Marshall Space Flight Center Passes U.S. House,2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice vote S. 881, the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow Act (the PROSWIFT Act).
S. 881 is sponsored by Senator Gary Peters of Michigan and it passed the Senate on July 27th. Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) teamed with Democrat sponsor Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) to pass H.R. 5260, a companion bill identical to S. 881, through the House Science, Space, and Technology committee in January, clearing the way for House consideration of Peter's Senate bill.
S. 881 now heads to the President's desk to await his signature.
The PROSWIFT Act seeks to enhance America's scientific understanding of the potential consequences of severe space weather phenomena and establishes a forecasting regime for severe space weather events.
By way of background, though little understood, space weather is a collection of physical processes, beginning at the Sun with solar winds and ultimately affecting human activities on Earth and in Space.
Notably, Congressman Brooks ranks #2 out of 15 Republican members on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
Congressman Brooks spoke in favor of S. 881 on the House floor during debate.
Click the image above or HERE for video of 
Congressman Brooks' House Floor speech
Space weather can cause great damage to our infrastructure and our economy, and we need to make sure we are all working together to have the best research and prediction capabilities possible, said Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07). This legislation will better coordinate federal research investments with our operational forecasters who provide warnings to impacted industries and ensure our academic, international, and commercial partners are working hand in hand to improve space weather forecasting, including with some of the best laboratories and research institutions on space weather right here in Colorado.

Text of Congressman Brooks' remarks:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I support the Promoting Research and Observations of Space Weather to Improve the Forecasting of Tomorrow Actcalled the PROSWIFT Act.
I thank Congressman Perlmutter for his leadership on this important issue and for working with me in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee to advance this Senate bill which is identical to the House version we have work so long and hard on.
The PROSWIFT Act advances America's understanding of potentially severe weather events and damaging consequences.
Space weather is a collection of physical processes beginning at the Sun with solar winds and ultimately affecting human activities on Earth and in Space.
Humanity needs better understanding of these solar winds and their interaction with Earth's atmosphere.
The PROSWIFT Actis a step towards that better understanding.
Alabama's Marshall Space Flight Center scientists and engineers are at the forefront of space weather research.
Under the PROSWIFT Act, their enhanced research will advance our understanding of, and ability to forecast, space weather.
The PROSWIFT Act recognizes that space weather not only impacts us on Earth, it can and will impact us in deep space exploration.
For example, before we launch NASA's Artemis manned Moon missions that pave the way to Mars missions, it is best and we should better understand how space weather phenomena impacts life in space, satellites, and other space instrumentation.
It is critical that we properly forecast space weather and prepare for and protect astronauts from the dangers of solar radiation.
I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Perlmutter, for his leadership on space weather and his partnership on the PROSWIFT Act.
I encourage my colleagues to vote for S. 881 and send it to President Trump to sign.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-and-republican-colleagues-unveil-plan-better-america,Palmer and Republican Colleagues Unveil Plan for Better America,2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer and Republican Colleagues Unveil Plan for Better America

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) joined his Republican colleagues yesterday in a press conference to share their vision for a better future for America. Their plan centers on commitment to all American citizens and to policies that ""restore, renew, and rebuild"" the country. Congressman Palmer released the following statement:

""I am proud to join my colleagues in declaring our commitment to the American people, restoring our way of life, rebuilding our economy, and renewing the American dream. This is a firm commitment. Like everyone else, my colleagues and I are fed up with the division and destruction we are witnessing in our cities. We are fed up with the destructive rhetoric attacking the legitimacy of our law enforcement, and with policies that degrade our quality of life, diminish our economy, and dismantle the constitutional safeguards that protect our liberties,"" Palmer said. ""We are committed to defeating the COVID-19 virus and to ensuring that every American has access to a safe and effective vaccine.

""We're also committed to making health care affordable, including expanding telehealth services. We want people with preexisting conditions protected, transparency in health care costs, and an end to surprise medical billing. We are committed to rebuilding the American economy by helping local businesses, adding 10 million good paying jobs, and providing training for all who want to acquire new skills to improve job prospects. We are committed to getting our supply of critical materials and medicines out of China, and to investing in critical infrastructure, including making broadband available to all Americans. And Americans can count on our commitment to do all we can to make our cities safe again. We are committed to bringing hope to parents and children trapped in failing and dangerous schools by giving parents the right to choose the school that is best for their children.

""Our motivation in making these commitments is that, like the rest of the country, we are fed up with a dysfunctional Congress that is failing our nation. We are committed to changing that and to doing all we can to reunite our nation by passing legislation that is good for all Americans.""

Read more about the Republican plan and Republicans' commitment to America here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-on-government-watchdogs-recommendations-to-improve-administrations-tariff-exclusion-process,Senator Doug Jones on Government Watchdog’s Recommendations to Improve Administration’s Tariff Exclusion Process,2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabamatodayissued a response tothe Government Accountability Office's(GAO)recommendations to the U.S. Department of Commerce on how to improve its tariffexclusion request process andthe need to follow through witheconomic impact reviews of tariffs. In 2018, Senator Jones, along with Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.),requestedthat the GAO review the Commerce Department's tariff exclusion process.

TheGAO reportindicated that the Department of Commerce, when deciding whether to grant an exclusion, often gave disproportionate weight to the objections of domestic producers, even if the producer did not provide evidence that they could domestically provide the needed steel or aluminum within a reasonable timeline. This finding raises significant questions about the fairness of the Section 232 tariff exclusion review process.

The GAO's findings affirm what thousands of businesses around the country have known to be true: the administration's rush to enact tariffs was a costly mess,said Senator Jones.Its tariff exclusion process stood up by the Commerce Department was quickly overwhelmed and backlogged, leading American businesses to pay tariffs they shouldn't owe and to spend months trying to resolve their claim with the Department. While this report isn't surprising, I hope this serves as a wake-up call for the Administration to reevaluate its tariffs that have been hurting our own economy, while failing to hold bad actors like China accountable.
Steel and aluminum tariffs, which were dubiously justified with a claim of national security,' have cost American consumers billions of dollars and the state of Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs,said Senator Toomey.The administration should eliminate these taxes altogether. In addition, the Commerce Department should quickly adopt GAO's recommendations for reducing applicant errors and making exemption decisions faster. Furthermore, it's long past time for the Commerce Department to comply with the law that required them to release the 232 auto report by January 19, 2020.
Unfortunately, yesterday's report from GAO confirms what my staff and I have heard from too many Delaware manufacturers who have been seeking relief from these misguided tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration. There have been, rightfully, bipartisan concerns about the convoluted and lengthy exclusion process that the Commerce Department created, but what is equally concerning in light of this report are GAO's findings that the Commerce Department failed to apply its own review criteria consistently. Combined with concerns raised by the Commerce Department's Office of Inspector General in October of last year regarding improper influence in the review process, these findings raise significant questions about the fundamental fairness of the exclusion process. The workers and businesses that drive our economy are already facing enough extraordinary challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. The federal government should be doing everything possible to provide more certainty and predictability for manufacturers seeking relief  not playing favorites,said Senator Carper.I want to thank the men and women at GAO, our government's independent watchdog, who conducted this review. It is my sincere hope that the Commerce Department will finally conduct and publish the economic impact analysis of these tariffs that is long overdue and implement GAO's thoughtful recommendations so as to not negatively impact American manufacturers any further.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-commitment-america,Aderholt Statement on the Commitment to America,2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: September 15, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement in regard to the Commitment to America, a plan put forth by House Republicans to lead us through the remainder of 2020.

""The future of our country will be determined in the next few months. Make no mistake about it, what we do right now will have a ripple effect for many years to come. That's why I fully support and endorse the Commitment to America, because the clear path toward a bright future is paved with a restoration of our way of life, the rebuilding of the greatest economy in history, and a renewal of the American Dream.""

""First and foremost, we need to restore our way of life. We are well on the way to defeating the virus and deploying a vaccine. This also means we need to stop the rioting, defend the police, and help people feel safe again. Second, we must restore what was once the greatest economy the world has ever seen. We will support local businesses and spur activities to create new jobs. And it's time for us to bring manufacturing back to America and hold China accountable for their unfair trade practices, their theft of intellectual property, and their crackdown on human rights. Finally, we must renew the American Dream and ensure it returns to the pedestal it belongs on. This starts by giving every family a choice in where to send their kids to school, taking care of and hiring our veterans, and promoting opportunities for workforce development.""

""This Commitment to America is the right path to take as a country, and I would encourage my colleagues across the aisle to work with us as we enter the final stretch of 2020. Restoring, rebuilding, and renewing our country is critically important right now, so let's get to work.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-calls-for-unity-on-57th-anniversary-of-birmingham-church-bombing,Senator Doug Jones Calls for Unity on 57th Anniversary of Birmingham Church Bombing,2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today took to the Senate floor to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama and to call for unity in the wake of civil rights protests this summer. As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, Senator Jones successfully prosecuted two of the former Klansmen responsible for the bombing.
Four young girls were killed in that blast. Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Denise McNair, and Carole Robertson. Killed senselessly simply because of the color of their skin,Senator Jones said.
He continued:That bomb woke the conscience of America. The horrors of Jim Crow and segregation came home to roost, came home to the television sets across this country, and people stood up and made their voices known and said enough is enough  not just to Birmingham and the South, but enough is enough in this country.
We cannot overlook the historic moment that we are in today, where once again our conscience is getting the best of us, where we see the images of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and Jacob Blake, but we also see something else. We see the images of violence. We see looting. We see the images of two police officers in Los Angeles who were brutally, brutally attacked while just sitting in their car,Senator Jones continued.It is incumbent upon us all to do something about it to have the frank discussions about what we know is going on in law enforcement, but also the violence that we see in the streets. And it's got to stop.
We have to come together. We have to do what John Lewis talked about and make sure that love conquers hate,he concluded.We need to remember our faith, folks. We need to remember who we are as a country.
You can view Senator Jones' speechhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-on-hurricane-sally-emergency-declaration-take-all-possible,Byrne on Hurricane Sally Emergency Declaration: Take All Possible Precautions,2020-09-14,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement regarding Hurricane Sally.
Byrne said:Hurricane Sally poses a serious threat to Southwest Alabama, and I thank the Trump Administration for offering the full support of the federal government by granting Governor Ivey's request for an emergency declaration. Residents in the projected path of the storm should take all possible precautions and remain informed as this powerful storm makes landfall. In addition to high winds, Sally will bring significant rainfall and storm surge, so all residents in the path of the storm should take this threat seriously and listen to advice from experts. I will continue working closely with the White House, National Weather Service, FEMA, and state and local leaders as we proactively mobilize to deal with this storm and its aftermath.
Hurricane Sally, now a Category 2 storm, is currently projected to make landfall late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Byrne has proactively worked with local emergency management agencies and elected officials and encouraged coastal residents to make hurricane preparations. Last week he held a Facebook Live discussion with National Weather Service meteorologist Jeffrey Medlin.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/we-will-never-forget,We Will Never Forget,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"No American will ever forget where they were and what they were doing on the morning of September 11, 2001. The world changed in an instant before our own eyes, and it is hard to believe these tragic events took place nearly 20 years ago.
Like many, I remember watching the horror unfold on television. I had a feeling of helplessness knowing that people were suffering and dying right before our eyes. No one that experienced the sheer terror of this day will ever forget the feelings that came with it. Though this solemn anniversary brings many terrible emotions with it each year, we all remember the resilience of the American people when we think back to this day and the days that followed. Our people responded in unity, with determination to defend this land and one another.
The victims of that fateful day and the heroes who emerged will live forever in the hearts of the American people. Today and every day, we remember their brave sacrifice. I hope Alabamians will join me in marking this day by remembering those we lost: the first responders who ran into flaming buildings, the soldiers who volunteered to serve in the aftermath, the bystanders, and many more. My deepest prayers remain with the families of those who lost loved ones. 
Although this day brings about grievous memories, I am reminded today of the well-known photograph of three New York City firefighters raising the American Flag at Ground Zero of the World Trade Center following the attacks. During the country's darkest hours, the American Flag served as a symbol of hope for a heartbroken nation. This image still stands as a reminder that our country will always persevere, no matter what may come our way.
I encourage you to take some time today to reflect on how our world has changed and to renew our commitment to work together as Americans to ensure the United States remains a nation of greatness, strength, and resilience.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/update-close-summer-2020,Update at Close of Summer 2020,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Gary Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"""I appeal to you again to constantly bear in mind that with you, and not with politicians, not with Presidents, not with office-seekers, but with you, is the question, Shall the Union and shall the liberties of this country be preserved to the latest generation?'  Abraham Lincoln 
This quote strikes me as being as relevant today as it was when President Lincoln first spoke it on February 11, 1861. Two months later, on April 12th, the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina. For the next four years, American suffered through a bloody Civil War that took the lives of over 655,000 men. Many wondered if the country could endure it and emerge as one country. Though we are not in a Civil War today, I think many people are experiencing similar doubts about our ability to maintain our Union. The ongoing violence and anarchy in major U.S. cities continue to remind us of deep division of opinion and uncertainty about the future. Whether or not we can preserve our Union is ultimately up to each individual citizen because it is the citizens who choose those who will govern. Each of us must make a choice starting with the choice to register to vote and then show up and cast our vote. The people who live in the cities that have, and still are, dealing with riots and looting, without interruption by local government, are getting the government they voted for. This is true for every election at every level of government. You get what you vote for.
To read full newsletter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-360-march-2-2020,"Guide 2 Grants Issue 360-March 2, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-361-march-17-2020,"Guide 2 Grants Issue 361- March 17, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-362-april-1-2020,"Guide 2 Grants-Issue 362-April 1, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-363-april-15-2020,"Guide 2 Grants-Issue 363 April 15,, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-364-may-1-2020,"Guide 2 Grants- Issue 364, May 1, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-365-june-15-2020,"Guide 2 Grants-Issue 365-June 15, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-366-july-15-2020,"Guide 2 Grants-Issue 366-July 15, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-367-august-1-2020,"Guide 2 Grants-Issue 367-August 1, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/grants/guide-grants/guide-2-grants-issue-368-september-1-2020,"Guide 2 Grants-Issue 368-September 1, 2020",2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"908 Alabama Avenue
Federal Building, Suite 112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7959A29E-56A7-4C79-A0BB-5F720802D23B,Shelby Announces DOT BUILD Grant Awards in Tuscaloosa and the Wiregrass Region,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded two Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants to fund efforts for infrastructure improvements in Alabama. One BUILD grant is for $15 million to the City of Tuscaloosa to improve access to the Riverwalk area in West Tuscaloosa. The second BUILD grant provides $450,000 to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission to fund the technical and economic feasibility study related to transportation projects in the Wiregrass region.

I am proud to announce that Alabama has been awarded two BUILD grants, one to improve infrastructure investments in Tuscaloosa and a planning grant to assist the Wiregrass region, said Senator Shelby. ""Both BUILD grants will provide important federal resources that will improve infrastructure and promote increased economic development opportunities in Alabama. I would like to thank Secretary Chao, the Department of Transportation, as well as the local communities for their work on these projects.

The BUILD grant for the City of Tuscaloosa will improve access to the Riverwalk area in West Tuscaloosa by improving the Black Warrior River barge mooring, constructing a bicycle and pedestrian path, and completing a pedestrian bridge. The mooring improvements will allow the abandoned lock structure to be used for the construction of the shared-use path. The pedestrian bridge will cross the new Jack Warner Parkway, and the bicycle and pedestrian path will run from the new pedestrian bridge to the existing riverfront park to the east, with lighting and security elements.

The BUILD grant awarded to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission will fund the technical and economic feasibility study of two projects located in the Wiregrass region. The first project would widen approximately 24 miles of State Route 167 in Alabama from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway from the Alabama State Line to U.S. Route 84. The second project would widen approximately 13 miles of State Route 52, extending a segment from Geneva to Dothan that is currently being widened to State Route 167. Both of these projects could receive construction funding in the future.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-backs-blue-signing-heritage-action-police-pledge,"Congressman Mo Brooks Backs the Blue by Signing Heritage Action ""Police Pledge""",2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Wednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) announced he has signed Heritage Action for America's Police Pledge. Heritage Action for America is the political arm of the conservative powerhouse thinktank the Heritage Foundation.
The pledge reads:
A lawful societyfree from mob rule and violent insurrectionis not possible without Law Enforcement.
Police Officers have chosen a noble profession. They dedicate their lives to upholding the law and protecting the sacred rights of their fellow citizens. As a profession, they deserve support and respect.
I stand with America's Police and pledge to oppose any bill, resolution, or movement to Defund the Police.
Congressman Brooks said, I back the blue. Unfortunately, Socialist Democrat elected officials beholden to criminal elements who they rely on for votes undermine law enforcement at every turn. As for me, I support law enforcement in their daily struggle to hold the thin blue line between order and anarchy, peace and violence. By signing the Police Pledge', I redouble my commitment to stand with law enforcement as they endure dangerous and unwarranted attacks from the left.  
	
Brooks concluded, The Socialist Democrats' plan to Defund the Police' is dangerous. Without law enforcement, societies decline into anarchy. America must not allow the lawlessness to take hold. We've seen firsthand in Socialist Democrat-run cities like Seattle, New York, Portland, Minneapolis, among others, what happens when elected officials turn their back on law enforcement. Violence and chaos ensues. As a former prosecutor in both Tuscaloosa and Madison Counties, I have worked hand in hand with law enforcement to defend against our communities' seedy underbelly. As congressman, I remain steadfastly committed to making our communities safer. That begins with supporting law enforcement and providing them the resources they need to be successful, not defunding them.
  
	###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-announces-military-service-academy-nomination-applications-now-available,Senator Doug Jones Announces Military Service Academy Nomination Applications Now Available,2020-09-08,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAMU.S. Senator Doug Jonesof Alabamatoday announced the portal for students interested in applying for amilitary serviceacademy nominations is now open.Last year, 23 Alabamians who received nominations from Senator Jones were accepted into the U.S. military service academies. 

Anyeligibleindividual interested in attending one of the academies must first apply directly to the academy. To complete the admissions process, the applicant must also receive a nomination from a member of Congress or the Vice President in order to be offered an appointment to anacademy.

As a U.S. Senator, I have the honor of nominatingmotivatedyoung adults toattendournation's prestigiousmilitary service academies. Attending a militaryserviceacademyis an incredible privilege reserved for our best and brightest, and I'm proud to have supported dozens of Alabamians in their pursuit of this honor. I look forward to nominatinga new class of talentedstudentswho will go on to represent Alabama and serve our country well,said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

For more information about the nomination process, please visit:https://www.jones.senate.gov/help/academy-nominations.If you're ready to start an application,please click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/celebrating-american-workers,Celebrating American Workers,2020-09-04,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"America's essential workers continue to work tirelessly and selflessly throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Over 55 million workers in various industries are deemed essential at this time. Almost half  48.7 percent  of Alabama's labor force works in essential industries. From doctors, nurses, first responders, and law enforcement officers to grocery store employees, manufacturers, truckers, educators, and many more, these frontline laborers continue to put forth their best efforts to keep the American economy going, and they are true American heroes.
Labor Day recognizes and honors the contributions that American workers have made to the strength and prosperity of our country. As we celebrate Labor Day this year, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each and every frontline worker across the Second District, the entire state, and our nation. There are no words that can adequately express my gratitude for all who have contributed generously to our communities during this difficult time. Without their hard work, our country would not be on the current path we are on right now. Many cities and towns across the country have designated a moment in the evening to collectively applaud and cheer on essential workers. I encourage you to show your appreciation to these special workers in your community.
These essential workers deserve recognition every day. They take care of us and our loved ones, and they fight continuously to keep our communities healthy and safe. Our frontline workers go to work each day with the knowledge and understanding that they are risking their lives for the sake of others. We are eternally grateful for those who are willing to sacrifice their own well-being to help move our nation forward during this health crisis. I am confident we will continue to make much progress together and see healing among our communities.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-praises-restore-act-grant-for-mobile-s-three-mile-creek-greenway,Byrne Praises RESTORE Act Grant for Mobiles Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail,2020-09-03,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement after the Department of Treasury's Office of Gulf Coast Restoration announced plans to award a RESTORE Act grant of $9,989,313 to the City of Mobile to construct the Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail. The grant will be distributed to the City of Mobile through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).
Byrne said: Today's announcement is big news for both Mobilians and tourists to Southwest Alabama. This significant investment of RESTORE Act funds from Treasury will add usable greenspace that furthers the beautification of the City of Mobile. I offer my appreciation to Secretary Stephen Mnuchin and the Trump Administration for this grant award.
The Three Mile Creek Greenway Trail will be a linear park system that spans a seven-mile portion of Three Mile Creek. The trail, part of the larger Mobile Greenway Initiative, will include a system of shared paths, trailheads, sidewalks, and bike lanes. It will diversify transportation options to include walking and biking and offer opportunities for increased water based recreational opportunities for Mobile residents and tourists. Construction activities funded through the grant include actual trail construction, sitework, bridge and pedestrian crossings, lighting, landscaping, and trail amenities including water fountains, benches, and signage.Additional funding for the project is being provided by the Federal Highway Administration Transportation Alternatives Program.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-librarian-of-congress-discuss-pandemic-education-challenges,"Byrne, Librarian of Congress Discuss Pandemic Education Challenges, Library Resources",2020-09-02,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) recorded a Facebook Live discussion with the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, on the education challenges facing parents, students, and teachers during the coronavirus pandemic and Library of Congress digital resources available to help. Also joining to discuss the library's extensive digital resources is Lee Ann Potter, director of the library's Office of Learning and Innovation.
Congressman Byrnesaid:We are all concerned with making sure that our children get the education they need and deserve as we go through this pandemic, and I'm extremely grateful to Dr. Hayden and her staff for offering resources to help make sure our children get the very best education possible.
Dr. Hayden said: We understand that this is a challenging time in this new digital environment and so we want to make sure the Library of Congress' resources were developed and available in ways that are engaging but also that will give everyone an opportunity to get into this treasure chest. 
The recorded video includes discussions of positive steps schools have taken to adapt this fall and how can the library can assist them, resources to help parents struggling to balance jobs and childcare, and the multiple library resources for teachers.
Some of the Library's extensive digital resources discussed include:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-on-ppe-shipment-trump-administration-working-hard-for-safe-school,Byrne on PPE Shipment: Trump Administration Working Hard for Safe School Return,2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement announcing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide over 2.4 million masks to Alabama schools.
Byrne said: The loss of a year of in-class instruction can cost a student tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime earnings, and students from lower and middle income households are the most vulnerable. It is critical we do all we can to ensure the safe return of students to a classroom setting, and I thank the Trump Administration for its vigilance in ensuring our schools have the resources they need.
HHS will provide up to 125 million cloth face masks, half adult sized and half youth sized, to states for distribution to schools. These masks will be allocated according to the share of students from low-income families in each state. The cloth face masks will be distributed in two shipments, starting in early September 2020.
The U.S. Department of Education has also provided $216.9 million to Alabama for elementary and secondary education, in addition to providing $48.9 million from the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund. So far this year, Alabama has received 2.2 million N-95 masks, 2.6 million surgical and procedural masks, 120,000 eye and face shields, 660,000 isolation and surgical gowns, and 880,000 medical gloves through private sector, state, and federal collaboration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=508D6434-9377-4BB0-ABDD-84CD1C3C55D6,Shelby Announces $10.1 Million for Improvements to Airports in Alabama,2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that four airports across the state of Alabama will receive a total of $10,109,066 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants for improvements to airport infrastructure. The grant funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), has been made available through annual appropriations measures, as well as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020.

I am pleased to announce that the FAA is awarding over $10 million to four Alabama airports for infrastructure improvements, said Senator Shelby. This funding is significant for the state and will increase economic development opportunities in these communities as well as improve safety at these airports. 

The FAA grants are administered through Fiscal Year 2020 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) annual and supplemental awards. Additionally, funds provided through the CARES Act serve as the local match for the infrastructure grants.

A total of five grants were awarded in Alabama, amounting to $10,109,066 for the following airport projects:

 

Auburn University Regional Airport, Auburn, Alabama  $656,477 to rehabilitate a runway


Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International, Birmingham, Alabama  $2,680,614 to rehabilitate both a runway and a taxiway


Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International, Birmingham, Alabama  $407,640 to acquire land for noise compatibility


Jack Edwards National, Gulf Shores, Alabama  $6,135,367 to construct a contract tower


Montgomery Regional (Dannelly Field), Montgomery, Alabama  $228,968 to update the airport master plan or study

 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-deposed-suit-protect-alabama-congressional-seats,Congressman Mo Brooks Deposed in Suit to Protect Alabama Congressional Seats & Electoral College Votes,2020-08-28,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Huntsville, ALThursday afternoon, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) was deposed in the federal suitState of Alabama & Mo Brooks vs. U.S. Census Bureau & U.S. Department of Commerce. In May 2018, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, on the State of Alabama's behalf, and Congressman Brookssued to force the U.S. Census Bureauto abide by the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause and one man-one vote principles by not including illegal aliens in the apportionment of Congressional seats and Electoral College votes that elect the president of the United States.
President Trump highlighted the importance of the case when in Julyhe signed an Executive Orderthat excludes illegal aliens from the part of the 2020 Census count that determines America's representation in Congress.
Congressman Brooks being deposed virtually yesterday in his Huntsville District Office
Congressman Brooks said,""I was deposed yesterday in my ongoing legal battle against illegal alien counts determining how many Congressmen and presidential electoral college votes each state has. The attorneys who deposed me represented various illegal alien sanctuary parts of the country that hope to gain political power at the expense of Alabama and other law-abiding states. I steadfastly defended the Constitutional rights of Alabamians in the face of those who seek to undermine the rights of American citizens in favor of illegal aliens. The conclusion of this deposition makes us one step closer to a final judgement in this important case.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-grant-award-for-jack-edwards-airport,Byrne Announces Grant Award for Jack Edwards Airport,2020-08-28,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a grant of $5,371,831 to the City of Gulf Shores to construct an air traffic control tower facility at Jack Edwards National Airport.
Congressman Byrnesaid:Jack Edwards National Airport has played an increasingly critical role in the Southwest Alabama economy, and this $5.3 million grant to construct a new air traffic control tower  long a priority in our area  will enable the airport and our region to take another leap forward. The increased service enabled by this tower will benefit not just customers of the airport but the entire Baldwin County economy. I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for awarding these funds, and I am eager to see the effects as the airport and our region continue their growth.
Provisions in the CARES Act, passed in March, will increase the government contributions to this project from 90 percent to 100 percent. Jack Edwards Airport has the second most landings and takeoffs of all airports in Alabama.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/now-time-be-vigilant,Now is the Time to be Vigilant,2020-08-28,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Recently, the number of daily new Coronavirus cases has declined nationwide. Several experts credit an increase in mask wearing for this recent decrease. Governor Kay Ivey implemented the statewide mask order on July 16, and Alabama has seen a sharp drop in the percentage of positive tests over the past month. The number of daily confirmed cases in Alabama has gone from over 2,100 new cases a day at its peak in mid-July to an average of about 728 new cases per day this past week. These statistics display the dedication Alabamians have put forth to follow guidelines adopted by state and local officials, as well as our determination to slow the spread of Coronavirus among Alabama communities.
Although the state is currently headed in the right direction, this virus remains a significant threat to the health and well-being of many, and Alabamians must continue to heed advice from public health officials. Governor Ivey on Thursday extended the current Safer at Home order which is now set to expire on Friday, October 2, at 5:00 pm. This extension includes the statewide mask ordinance, enforcing individuals to wear a mask or facial covering in public. The order also requires students and employees at K-12 schools and colleges to wear a mask.
Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated Thursday the mask mandate is the first order that has brought significant improvement statewide since the onset of the pandemic in March. Dr. Harris said the daily number of cases, Coronavirus-related deaths, and hospitalizations due to the virus have tremendously decreased since Governor Ivey's mask order was put into effect.
With Labor Day weekend right around the corner, it is vital to the progress we've made that you continue to be vigilant by practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. As we move forward on the road to recovery, please continue to listen and adhere to all guidance and orders given by our state leaders and public health officers. Your participation is crucial to protect your families and those around you. Every decision our state and local leaders are making throughout the course of this pandemic prioritize the health and safety of all Alabamians, and they will continue to always put the people of Alabama first.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-helps-lead-fight-against-communist-chinese,Congressman Mo Brooks Helps Lead Fight Against Communist Chinese Confucius Institutes,2020-08-27,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Thursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) announced he has cosponsored bipartisan H.R. 7601, the Concerns Over Nations Funding University Campus Institutes in the United States (aka CONFUCIUS) Act.
Sponsored by Democrat Congressman Donna Shalala (FL-27), the CONFUCIUS Act establishes requirements for colleges and universities that receive federal funding and have contracts or agreements with Communist Chinese Confucius Institutes. The contracts or agreements must include clear provisions that (1) protect the academic freedom of the institutions; (2) prohibit the application of foreign law on the institutions' campuses; and (3) grant full managerial authority of the institutes to the institutions, including full control over teaching plans, activities, research grants, and employment decisions.
An identical bill, S.939 sponsored by Senator John Kennedy (LA), passed the Senate by unanimous consent on June 10, 2020.
Congressman Brooks said, ""The Communist Chinese Party is America's economic, military, and health foe. It is an open secret that the Communist Chinese Party's #1 foreign policy goal is to help assist with and manage America's economic and military decline. To their credit, the Communist Chinese are creative and clever in their infiltration and subversion of American institutions. In that vein, the so-called 'Confucius Institutes' at Troy University and Alabama A&M University are nothing more than propaganda and spying units of the Communist Chinese Party. So far, forty-five patriotic American universities from 30 different states have already shut down their Confucius Institutes since 2014. It is a tragedy that the State of Alabama has not joined in that patriotic effort.""
Brooks continued, ""The evidence against Communist China is overwhelming. The American Association of University Professors has decried the threat Communist China poses to academic freedom and the Director of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division has warned of Communist China's efforts to conduct espionage through Confucius Institutes. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo designated the Confucius Institute U.S. Center as a 'foreign mission,' recognizing CIUS for what it is: an entity advancing Beijing's global propaganda and malign influence campaign on U.S. campuses and K-12 classrooms.""
Confucius Institutes are funded by the [People's Republic of China] and part of the Chinese Communist Party's global influence and propaganda apparatus, Pompeo said in a statement. The United States wants to ensure that students on U.S. campuses have access to Chinese language and cultural offerings free from the manipulation of the Chinese Communist Party and its proxies.
Brooks added, ""The Communist Chinese Party cannot be allowed to gain influence over America's education system or undermine American national security. America must wise up and fight back against Communist China's egregious espionage and propaganda on American soil.""
Brooks concluded, ""As students head back to college campuses, please remember there are two Alabama universities that have refused to follow the lead of 40+ patriotic universities across America by closing their Confucius Institutes. The two aiding and abetting the Chinese Communist Party? Troy University and Alabama A&M. Last month, I formally requested that Governor Kay Ivey and other state leaders be patriotic and heed the warnings about Confucius Institutes. To date, the State of Alabama has done nothing to help America on this issue, thereby letting Communist Chinese Party espionage and propaganda units continue to infiltrate our university system, sow the seeds of discord and dissent, and spread anti-American lies. I'm taking action in Congress to fight back against Communist China. I would hope that Alabama leaders would join me and other patriotic states and Americans and do the same.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-announces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-improve-recruitment-and-retention-of-women-and-minority-service-members,"Senator Doug Jones Announces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Women and Minority Service Members",2020-08-27,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAM, ALA.U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today announced he will introduce new legislation tocodify amendments included in theHouse-passed version of theFiscal Year 2021National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to improvediversity and inclusion within the armed services. Congressman Anthony Brown (MD-04) introduced bipartisancompanion legislation in the House of Representatives yesterday.
Although we've made progress, there is still work to be done to ensure that our military fosters an inclusive environment that can attract, retain, and advance our nation's top talent. I am proud to lead this legislation in the Senate and to advocate for continued efforts to diversify and strengthen our armed forces. We have the greatest military in the world, and this effort will ensure we can tap into the strengths of Americans who for too long have been underrepresented throughout our ranks,saidSenator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In 2011, the Military Leadership Diversity Commission submitted recommendations that are the basis for many of these measures. The inclusion ofthese provisionsin the Diversity in Defense Act andinthe FY21NDAAare someof the most significant steps towards diversity and inclusionin our militarysince the desegregation of the armed forces in 1948.
From his positiononthe Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jones haspushedfor policies and investments that will help increase diversity and expand support forfemale andminority service members, who are often underrepresented in elite units and in the military's upper ranks. He alsochampionedlegislation that was included in the FY20 NDAAto address the shortage ofmilitarypilots and lack of diversity inthe pilot corps.

TheDiversity in Defense Actincludes the followingkeyprovisions:

 
Establishment of Mentoring and Career Counseling Program.Directs the Department to create a mentoring and career counseling program that ensures that all military occupational specialties and career fields reflect the demographics of thearmed forces.
 

 
Diversity in Selection Boards.Requires membership of selection boards to represent the diversity of thearmed forcesas a whole.
 

 
Redaction of Personally Identifiable Information from Records Furnished to a Promotion Board. Requires the Secretary of each Military Department to redact any personally identifiable information from records furnished to a promotion board.
 
 
Plans to Increase Female and Minority Representation in the Armed Forces.Directs the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of each Military Department will develop plans to increase female and minority representation in recruiting, retention, and ranks above the grade of E-7.
 

 
Establishment of Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council of the Department of Defenseto provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters concerning diversity and inclusion in the Department of Defense.
 

 
Diversity and Inclusion Reporting Requirements.Sets forth specific criteria and requirements for reports related to diversity and inclusion that are to be submitted to Congress.
 

 
Chief Diversity Officers.Establishes a Chief Diversity Officer for the Department of Defenseand requires that the Chief Diversity Officer report directly to the Secretary of Defense. Establishes a similar Officer and reporting structure for the Departmentsof the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.
 

 
Report on Demographics of Officers Appointed to Certain Grades.Requires each Secretary of a Military Department to submit a report to the Armed Services Committees summarizing the gender and race of each individual who received an appointment under section 531 or 601 of Title 10 during the immediately preceding fiscal year.
 

 
Establishment of Special Inspector General for Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Armed Forces.Creates a Special IG look into racial and ethnic disparities in the military and in the military justice system. The Special IG would have the authority to make recommendations for improvements, and the Special IG would also be able to look into recruitment and promotion processes, as well as investigate white supremacist activity.
Plan to Improve Responses to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Members of the Armed Forces and Employees of the Department of Defense. Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to ensure members of the Armed Forces who are pregnant or recently gave birth will not have their careers unduly affected.
 
 
Pilot Program for the Temporary Issuance of Maternity-Related Uniform Items.Directs the department to carry out a pilot program to enable the establishment of offices to issue maternity-related uniform items to pregnant members of the Armed Forces on a temporary basis at no cost to the servicemember.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-lipinski-walker-introduce-bipartisan-school-choice-now-act,"Byrne, Lipinski, Walker Introduce Bipartisan School Choice Now Act",2020-08-25,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressmen Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), and Mark Walker (R-NC) introduced the School Choice Now Act today to protect students whose families have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The bill would allocate a portion of coronavirus relief funds to help low-income families struggling to pay their students' private-school tuition or other educational expenses and create a permanent tax-credit scholarship program to protect students' continued access to the schools of their choice. 
Congressman Byrnesaid:A high quality education has the power to expand opportunities to those who through no fault of their own face extremely difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, the pandemic has created additional roadblocks for countless students, overwhelmingly and disproportionately those with limited education opportunities, and many schools across our nation are even at the point of closure. With so many of our children's futures at stake, it is absolutely crucial we act now to expand education choices and freedom to ensure children at risk of permanently falling behind can achieve the education necessary to unlock the door to a brighter future.
With so much disagreement and political posturing in Washington lately, surely we can put politics aside to take concrete action to help schoolchildren and give hope to struggling communities.
Congressman Lipinskisaid: As a former teacher, I know how critical it is that students continue their education despite the pandemic. I was proud to support emergency federal funding for K-12 students earlier this year, but more is now needed. We must focus on ensuring that we help all students, including the nearly 6 million who attend private schools. Many of these schools, especially those run by Catholic institutions in urban areas like Chicago, serve low-income and minority communities particularly hard hit by COVID-19. The School Choice Now Act is the best way to help these students, since funding would be provided to state-certified SGOs (scholarship granting organizations), which already exist in many states, including my own state of Illinois. By supporting SGOs, Congress can help families who are now facing the gut-wrenching task of having to take a child out of their school because they can no longer pay tuition. If we don't act now, not only will these children lose access to their schools, but public schools will face a massive influx of new students resulting in over-crowded schools, an increased burden on taxpayers, and greater hardships for already-struggling communities. By creating the permanent tax credit in this bill, we will also help more Americans provide scholarships that support vulnerable students and their families.
Congressman Walkersaid: Providing our children with the opportunity to succeed in the face of adversity is vital to securing their bright futures in life. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a wrench into the schooling plans for millions of Americans. I am proud to support the School Choice Now Act to expand their education choices and continue fighting for their success not only in the classroom, but beyond.
By no fault of their own, schools around the country are permanently closing their doors  already more than 60 Catholic schools and countless other private institutions have permanently shuttered, forcing vulnerable students into unfamiliar educational settings in the middle of a global pandemic. The School Choice Now Act would help address challenges seriously exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic to give students and parents around the country the freedom they deserve to make educational decisions that are right for their children. The legislation would:
 Provide for an emergency appropriation for scholarship-granting organizations to fund scholarships for students struggling to attend the school of their choice.
	Provide for a permanent dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, capped at $5 billion per year.
	Allow states to administer their own scholarship programs that work for the needs of students in their state.
 This bill is an updated companion to legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-democrat-postal-service-bill-new-low-for-political-posturing,Byrne: Democrat Postal Service Bill New Low for Political Posturing,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement opposing the House Democrats' alarmist U.S. Postal Service bill designed to sow discord before the November election.
Byrne said:Speaker Pelosi has reached a new low for political posturing in a Congress that will be forever known for Democrats' total and complete focus on defeating Donald Trump, not solving problems for the American people. Today's bill is in response to an imagined crisis that would undo changes at the Post Office that have already been undone and spend money the Post Office does not even need right now. Instead of going through the proper committee processes and actually making reforms to the bloated, antiquated Postal Service, Speaker Pelosi is throwing more taxpayer money at her allies and once again seeking to undermine President Trump. The American people deserve better than a House of Representatives that totally abdicates its responsibility to govern in order to seek more political power.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/back-school,Back to School,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Students of all ages from kindergarten to college are starting back to school, whether with in-person instruction or virtual learning. Every school across the state continues to adapt to accommodate students' return, all while keeping them as safe as possible during this pandemic. Although the start to this school year looks quite different than most, it is beneficial for our students to be back learning and continuing their education, even if it calls for following unique and new routines.
With updated guidance and restrictions in place for students, faculty, and staff to have the ability to interact on a school campus, I am reminded of how dedicated and determined our teachers are to educating our youth. We have seen the hard work of so many essential workers across the country throughout the entirety of this pandemic. I would like to give my continued thanks to each of you, especially our educators, as we kick off this unprecedented school year. Not only do teachers increase children's knowledge and understanding, but they give children purpose and inspire them to succeed.
With students across the state participating in virtual learning, access to necessary resources and tools is essential to ensure their education is as effective as it would be in the classroom. Last month, Governor Kay Ivey announced the allocation of $100 million in federal funding through the CARES Act to increase internet access for K-12 students participating in distance learning. Reliable high-speed internet is a necessity, especially for children who are completing their education remotely, and there is much room for improvement on more permanent broadband infrastructure across our state.
For parents of those students who are back in school for in-person instruction  please remember to adhere to all orders and guidelines to help your children and their classmates stay safe. The current Safer at Home public health order expires on August 31 at 5:00pm, or until further notice from Governor Ivey. Please continue to do your part and wear a mask, follow social distancing instructions, and make smart choices about congregating in groups. Your participation helps to keep you, your families, and your communities healthy.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-votes-favor-delivering-america-act-protect-united-states,Rep. Sewell Votes in Favor of the Delivering for America Act to Protect the United States Postal Service,2020-08-22,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act, which provides $25 billion in critical emergency funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to maintain its high level of service. The American public depends on the USPS as not only a critical pathway to vote by mail, but to send and receive crucial packages, including prescriptions and paychecks during this pandemic.
In the recent weeks, we have seen this administration push forward sweeping new operational changes that degrade postal service, delay the mail and threaten to deny the ability of eligible Americans to cast their votes through the mail in the upcoming elections in a timely fashion. President Trump has made it clear that he is willing to derail the Postal Service for the purpose of undermining the upcoming election,Sewell said. As a proud daughter of Selma, I have made it my mission in Congress to continue the unparalleled legacy of my friend, mentor and hero, Congressman John Lewis. I will continue to fight tirelessly to eradicate voter suppression and this is no exception.
Across Alabama, USPS employs nearly 8,000 men and women who are currently serving on the front lines of this pandemic to ensure the vital postal needs of the American public are met,Sewellcontinued. I am proud to stand with these essential workers in supporting this legislation, which contains critically important measures to provide security and additional support for the postal service, and all Alabamians impacted by this pandemic.
H.R. 8015 includes a number of critical provisions that would protect the USPS from catastrophic operational changes as well as provide necessary fiscal relief for the agency:
Includes $25 billion in emergency funding requested by the Postal Service with the unanimous support of the bipartisan Postal Board of Governorsall of whom were appointed by President Trump.This funding was also included in the Heroes Act, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed this request three months ago as part of the Heroes Act.
Additionally, H.R. 8015 would prohibit any changes that would:
 Generally affect service on a substantially nationwide basis.
	Revise existing service standards, prevent the USPS from meeting its service standards, or cause a decline in performance measurement.
	Consolidate or reduce hours of any postal office or postal facility or prohibit overtime pay.
	Delay mail delivery or increase volume of undelivered mail.
	Require the Postal Service to treat all official election mail as First-Class mail.
	Prohibit the removal of mailboxes and the removal, decommissioning, or other stoppage of mail sorting machines, other than for routine maintenance; Explicitly reverse any changes already implemented to the operations or policies of the Postal Service that delay mail delivery.
 Video of Sewell on the importance of the U.S. Postal Servicehere.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-blasts-propaganda-and-lies-surrounding-post-office,Congressman Mo Brooks Blasts Propaganda and Lies Surrounding Post Office Election Rigging Hoax,2020-08-21,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCFriday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) announced he will vote No Saturday on Speaker Nancy Pelosi's conspiracy-theory-based postal bill.
Congressman Brooks said,With lies and propaganda, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Socialist Democrats seek to deceive America into believing President Trump somehow undermines the November election by opposing yet another $25 billion Postal Service bailout. The Fake News Media obediently echoes the Socialist fraud. All voters have the right to go to the polls on Election Day and vote. That's the way it's been for centuries in America and it has worked well. It worked during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920. It works today.
Brooks added, The Post Office has operated in the red for more than a decade. Where were Socialist Democrat cries in election years 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, and 2008? The absurdity of the Socialists argument is glaringly obvious via the smallest amount of thought. I ask voters to ponder how many pieces of junk and other mail they get in their mail boxes each week. Socialists claim the Post Office can't handle one...ONE... additional piece of mail (mailed ballots) coming into mailboxes in a limited number of states that allow vote-by-mail. This argument is absurd. One...ONE...additional piece of mail in a limited number of states is not going to sink the Post Office nor is it something the Post Office can't handle. Plus, in addition to what the Post Office normally receives, the Trump Administration has already loaned the Postal Service $10 billion in CARES Act money in 2020.
Brooks concluded,I pray America will see the truth and not fall Socialist Democrat deception. The election rigging hoax is just another in a long string of hoaxes perpetrated against the American people by Socialist Democrats. They lied in the Russia collusion witch-hunt. They lied about President Trump during impeachment, thereby undermining the U.S. Constitution. Now they lie via an absurd the 'Post Office will collapse' conspiracy theory. In Socialist Democrats' minds, the ends justify the means. Like in George Orwell's1984, 4+4=5 to Socialist Democrats. The American people deserve better.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-votes-against-hr-8015-condemns-democrats-usps-conspiracy,"Palmer Votes Against H.R. 8015, Condemns Democrats’ USPS Conspiracy",2020-08-21,2020,2020-08,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Votes Against H.R. 8015, Condemns Democrats' USPS Conspiracy

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Democrats passed H.R. 8015, which would prohibit operational changes to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) until 2021. This legislation was introduced amidst widespread misinformation about the USPS and its capacity for an expected high volume of mail-in ballots for the November elections. Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement after voting ""No"" on H.R. 8015:

""The Democrats have invented this crisis to attack the President,"" Palmer said. ""The USPS has $14 billion in current funds which are sufficient to maintain operations well into next year. The CARES Act also included $10 billion that is available should the USPS need additional funds. Together that amounts to $24 billion that is immediately available to the USPS. Yet, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have created a conspiratorial crisis out of thin air and are demanding American taxpayers fork over another $25 billion. This is a farce, another attempt to dupe Americans with an election hoax, only this time, instead of Russia, it is the USPS.

""USPS has been implementing badly needed reforms for years,"" Palmer continued. ""Yet, Pelosi and the Democrats are intentionally misleading people to believe that operational changes at the USPS have just begun. That is a lie. Nonetheless, USPS officials have confirmed that the operational changes, some of which were agreed to by Democrat members, have already been halted until after the elections. Plus, the fact that Pelosi has called Congress into session to pass a bill with another $25 billion for the USPS, before having a committee hearing or markup on the bill is another example of how dysfunctional the House has become under her leadership. Instead of helping the USPS, by bypassing the committee process where Democrats and Republicans work together to implement needed reforms, Pelosi is actually setting the USPS back and making it harder to sustain itself in carrying out its mission without more massive bailouts from the taxpayer.

Palmer concluded, ""Every American should take note that Speaker Pelosi has called Congress back into session to perpetuate a conspiracy theory to discredit the President that she and her Democrat colleagues have fabricated, but she won't call a session to work on an economic recovery strategy and relief for struggling Americans.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yellowhammernewscom-trump-admin-touts-support-alabama-amid-pandemic-strong,YELLOWHAMMERNEWS.COM: Trump admin touts support for Alabama amid pandemic  Strong State-Federal partnership,2020-08-19,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"102 South Court Street
Suite 310


Florence, AL 35630

  Phone: (256) 718-5155  
	Fax: (256) 718-5156",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/celebrating-100-years-women-s-suffrage,Celebrating 100 Years of Womens Suffrage,2020-08-14,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Office     
          
504 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

    
          Phone: (202) 225-2901  
	Fax: (202) 225-8913    
  
      
           Andalusia Office     
          

City Hall
505 E. Three Notch Street, Suite 322


Andalusia, AL 36420

    
          Phone: (334) 428-1129  
	Fax: (334) 222-3342    
  
      
           Dothan Office     
          
217 Graceland Drive, Suite 5

Dothan, AL 36305

    
          Phone: (334) 794-9680  
	Fax: (334) 671-1480    
  
      
           Montgomery Office     
          
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 160

Montgomery, AL 36104

    
          Phone: (334) 262-7718  
	Fax: (334) 262-8758",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-mcconnells-decision-to-adjourn-the-senate-until-september-without-a-covid-relief-deal,Senator Doug Jones Statement on McConnell’s Decision to Adjourn the Senate Until September Without a COVID Relief Deal,2020-08-14,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAM U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today released the following statement on the news that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has adjourned the Senate until September 8thwithout securing a deal on a COVID relief package:
Mitch McConnell's decision to adjourn the Senate without any further efforts to fulfill the Senate's obligation to the American public during a healthcare and economic crisis demonstrates an unconscionable failure of leadership. Congress acted swiftly in March as the pandemic took hold and every American who put their lives on hold and stayed home for weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 did so out of a patriotic duty and a belief that it would give our government leaders time to implement a plan to get this virus under control. Now, it's been five months and not only do we still have no national strategy, our nation is facing some of the highest rates of coronavirus spread in the world, over 167,000 Americans dead, unprecedented housing and eviction crises on the horizon, and we are slowly coming out of the worst economy since the Great Depression and the highest level of unemployment ever recorded.

The House of Representatives passed a relief bill on May 15th  three months ago  because it was clear even then that this virus would be with us longer than we had hoped and that more support to American businesses and American citizens would be needed to save lives and save livelihoods. Sadly, however, instead of using this legislation as a framework for a bipartisan relief package, Mitch McConnell buried it in his office and sat on his hands, letting vital programs expire without even participating in efforts to reach agreement.
His decision to send the Senate home for the next three weeks is an insult to every sacrifice made, every job lost, every small business that has had to close its doors, every person who had to say their final goodbye to a loved one over Facetime, and every graduation or wedding or birth celebrated over Zoom instead of in person.The American people have done their duty, and today Mitch McConnell has thrown in the towel and given up on doing his.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-coronavirus-aid-grant-to-southwest-alabama,Byrne Announces Coronavirus Aid Grant to Southwest Alabama,2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement announcing that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $400,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission of Mobile. This grant will be used to support regional economic development in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Byrne said:Supporting the health and economic security of the people of Southwest Alabama has been my top priority during the coronavirus pandemic, and this $400,000 CARES Act grant to help weather the economic storm is welcome news for all our residents. I'll continue fighting for Southwest Alabamians as Congress considers additional coronavirus aid measures. If anyone needs help, I hope they will call my office.
The CARES Act, signed into law by President Trump on March 27, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-praises-arcelormittal-expansion-southwest-alabama-competing-on-a,Byrne Praises ArcelorMittal Expansion: Southwest Alabama Competing on a Global Scale,2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement praising ArcelorMittal's announcement that it will build an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel making facility at AM/NS Calvert, bringing 200 direct and 100 indirect jobs to Southwest Alabama.
Byrne said:This announcement is great news for the South Alabama economy and further proof that our working men and women can compete on a global scale. It is another example of the success of President Trump's trade agenda, expanding domestic manufacturing in the critical American steel industry. I appreciate ArcelorMittal for their ongoing commitment to our area, and I thank our local leaders and our workforce that have worked to strengthen this partnership.
Slab currently used at the AM/NS facility is largely imported into the United States. This expansion will add another critical component to the domestic manufacturing process to the facility in Calvert, Alabama.Click here for more information on the Calvert expansion from ArcelorMittal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-tariff-decision-huge-for-airbus-mobile-southwest-alabama,"Byrne: Tariff Decision Huge for Airbus Mobile, Southwest Alabama",2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that they will maintain the decision to not impose tariffs on component parts imported to Airbus Mobile's facilities.
Congressman Byrnesaid:This is another huge win for Airbus Mobile, the thousands of workers connected to it, and the entire Southwest Alabama economy. The American jets manufactured by the men and women at Airbus Mobile are one of the most state of the art in the world, and I thank the Trump Administration for this decision andcontinuing to putAmerican workers first. I have no doubt we will seethe fruits of this decision as Mobile continues on the path to being a worldwide center of aviation excellence.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-urges-usps-to-fix-delays-and-avoid-cost-increases-ahead-of-election_,Senator Doug Jones Urges USPS to Fix Delays and Avoid Cost Increases Ahead of Election,2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAMU.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama, alongside a group of his colleagues,isurgingU.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to provide answers regarding reports of recent changes to long-standing practices at the United States Postal Service that would result in increased delivery times and costs for election mail, and urged him not take any further action that makes it harder and more expensiveto vote by mail.
Despite reports from across the country of slow delivery, mail left sitting in facilities overnight,and challenges delivering absentee ballots on time to election officials, DeJoy has refused to provide Congress with satisfactory answers on his actions he has taken and continues to assert that election officials must pay the First Class rate for election mail to be prioritized. This letter follows previous requests from the lawmakers that demanded answers from DeJoy after he refused to answer whether reported changes restricting mail delivery came at his direction. DeJoy has sinceconfirmedchanges in delayed mail came at his direction.
Like voting itself, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is vital to our democracy. Since you assumed the role of Postmaster General, there have been disturbing reports regarding changes at USPS that are causing significant delays in the delivery of mail. Under normal circumstances, delayed mail is a major problem  during a pandemic in the middle of a presidential election, it is catastrophic,the senators wrote in the letter to Postermaster DeJoy .
The senators continued,Despite our continued efforts, Congress has so far only provided states with $400 million in emergency funding for electionsbillions short of what experts say is needed to keep voters safe this year. As election officials across the country plead with Congress to authorize additional election funding, reports suggest the Postal Service could implement changes that suddenly increase costs for Americans to safely vote. That is wrong and unacceptable.
As Postmaster General, you have a duty to our democracy to ensure the timely delivery of election mail. Millions of Americans' right to vote depends on your ability to get the job done. We urge you not to increase costs for election officials, and to direct all Postal Service employees to continue to prioritize delivery of election mail,they wrote.

Full text of the letter can be foundhereand below:

Dear Postmaster DeJoy:

We write to express significant concern regarding reports that you are implementing policy changes that will increase the cost for timely delivery of election mail, and to urge you not to take any action that makes it harder and more expensive for Americans to vote.
Like voting itself, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is vital to our democracy. Since you assumed the role of Postmaster General, there have been disturbing reports regarding changes at USPS that are causing significant delays in the delivery of mail. Under normal circumstances, delayed mail is a major problem  during a pandemic in the middle of a presidential election, it is catastrophic. Instead of taking steps to increase your agency's ability to deliver for the American people, you are implementing policy changes that make matters worse, and the Postal Service is reportedly considering changes that would increase costs for states at a time when millions of Americans are relying on voting by mail to exercise their right to vote.
The National Voter Registration Act of 1993(NVRA) allows state and local officials to send materials authorized or required under the Act, such as absentee ballot applications, at USPS Nonprofit Marketing Mail prices. These prices are lower than the regular USPS Marketing Mail prices and election officials across the country rely on the lower rates to send voters important election mail in a cost-effective manner. Absentee ballots themselves are not specifically covered under the NVRA; however, many jurisdictions receive the lower rate for ballots as well because they utilize the Undeliverable As Addressed (UAA) information from returned ballots for list maintenance activities prescribed under the NVRA. The practice of mailing out ballots as Marketing Mail has been formalized to the degree that the 2020 Official Election Mail Kit (Kit 600) sent to election officials in January 2020 includes advice on how to decide whether to send ballots by First Class or Marketing Mail.
While First Class mail normally has a delivery standard of 2-5 days, and Nonprofit Marketing Mail has a delivery standard of 3-10 days, it has been the practice of USPS to treat all election mail as First Class mail regardless of the paid class of service.Reports from the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) support the fact that USPS has traditionally prioritized election mail. An OIG report on the 2018 elections found that 95.6 percent of election and political mail was delivered within the 1-3 day service standard applied to First Class mail.That is extremely close to the USPS overall goal of delivering 96 percent of First Class mail within the 1-3 day service standard and clearly indicates that election mail was being processed across the country as if First Class service standards applied. In addition, the OIG also conducted interviews in which area and facility managers stated that they treat all election mail as First Class mail.
We have received reports that in the last several weeks, the Postal Service sent letters to state election officials that indicate that the Postal Service will not automatically treat all election mail as First Class. If any changes are made to longstanding practices of moving election mail just months ahead of the 2020 general election, it will cause further delays to election mail that will disenfranchise voters and put significant financial pressure on election jurisdictions. Many state deadlines allow voters to request absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots within a few days of Election Day, so it is vital that standard delivery times remain low and pricing remain consistent with past practices to which election officials and voters are accustomed.
As you know, state laws set deadlines for voter registration, absentee ballot requests, and ballot postmarking and/or delivery. Changes to previous practices regarding election mail would upset these timelines. Furthermore, changing any policy for election mail only months before Election Day does not give election officials sufficient time to respond by changing deadlines set in law, especially since many state legislatures have adjourned.
Although some election jurisdictions may be able to send their election mail at the First Class rate, the overwhelming majority of jurisdictions simply do not have sufficient resources to do so. Election officials are coping with budgets that are severely strained by the increase in requests for absentee ballots and other costs associated with the pandemic. Despite our continued efforts, Congress has so far only provided states with $400 million in emergency funding for electionsbillions short of what experts say is needed to keep voters safe this year. As election officials across the country plead with Congress to authorize additional election funding, reports suggest the Postal Service could implement changes that suddenly increase costs for Americans to safely vote. That is wrong and unacceptable.
As Postmaster General, you have a duty to our democracy to ensure the timely delivery of election mail. Millions of Americans' right to vote depends on your ability to get the job done. We urge you not to increase costs for election officials, and to direct all Postal Service employees to continue to prioritize delivery of election mail.
We understand you have committed to being more forthcoming and transparent with Congress and the American people regarding your work as Postmaster, including the Postal Service's plan to successfully deliver election mail during the 2020 elections. Accordingly, we ask you to publicly release this plan and provide answers to the following questions no later than August 25.
1. Prior to 2020 it was the practice of the Postal Service to prioritize the delivery of all election mail, including voter registration materials, absentee ballot request, and ballots, to meet the equivalent of First Class delivery times no matter what class of mail was used to send it. Will the Postal Service commit to continuing this practice?
2. Will the Postal Service commit to continuing its longstanding practice of allowing election officials to mail ballots to voters at Nonprofit Marketing Mail Rates?
3. Has USPS headquarters staff provided any guidance, formally or informally, in writing or verbally, regarding the service standards to be applied to election mail not sent at the First Class rate? Please provide copies of any such guidance.
4. Please provide copies of any letters or guidance sent to state or local election officials regarding the service standards that will be applied to election mail.

Sincerely,


###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/whntcom-ceremony-held-celebrate-completion-highway-43-widening-project,WHNT.COM: Ceremony held to celebrate the completion of Highway 43 widening project,2020-08-11,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"102 South Court Street
Suite 310


Florence, AL 35630

  Phone: (256) 718-5155  
	Fax: (256) 718-5156",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/celebrating-the-nineteenth-amendment,Celebrating the Nineteenth Amendment,2020-08-11,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"On August 18, the U.S. will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to our Constitution which guaranteed women's right to vote. The women's suffrage movement in our country began in the 1840s as women abolitionists saw the parallels between the effort to free enslaved Americans and their own desire to vote. A convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York in 1848 which produced an organized group led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, among others.
The two movements worked together until women suffragists became angered over the fact the Fifteenth Amendment gave freed slaves the right to vote but didn't extend that right to women. Over the next 50 years women suffragists labored to gain the franchise. One bloc worked to pass a constitutional amendment at the national level while another focused on the individual states. The Wyoming Territory was the first to give women the right to vote in 1869, followed by the Utah Territory and Idaho.
Momentum built in the 1910s when Washington state, California, Oregon, Arizona, Kansas, the Alaska Territory, Montana, and Nevada gave women the right to vote. But, states in the East and South were reluctant to do so and the effort to add a constitutional amendment picked up speed. While Republicans were generally supportive, Democrats weren't. President Woodrow Wilson preferred a state by state approach, but suffragist leaders kept up the heat, even sneaking a banner challenging him into his speech to a joint session of Congress.
When the US entered World War I some wanted the suffragists to back off, but they indignantly fought on with the argument that the fight for freedom and democracy in Europe should be paralleled at home with a constitutional amendment enfranchising the one half of the U.S. population denied the right to vote. By 1918, President Wilson changed his mind. The House passed the amendment, but the Senate couldn't get the two thirds required vote even after Wilson took the unprecedented step of addressing them on the Senate floor.
Suffragist pressure finally swayed enough votes to get Senate passage in 1919, and ratification was achieved with Tennessee's vote on August 18, 1920. It's hard to imagine that my two grandmothers, both adult women with families of their own, weren't allowed to vote until that year. The Nineteenth Amendment is too often a forgotten part of our history, but I hope we will use this anniversary to remember how important it continues to be.
When I look around Alabama, I see the fruit of the suffragists' labor. We have a female governor in Kay Ivey and two female members of Congress, Martha Roby and Terry Sewell. Women serve as Federal judges, state appellate and court judges, district attorneys, and in the Legislature. I work with women county commissioners, mayors, and city council members across the First District. They, each of them, make great contributions to our quality of life and the administration of justice.
My little granddaughter, Ann-Roberts, is a very smart and active girl. I have no idea what she will do when she grows up, but she'll be darn good at whatever that is. Imagine telling her she can't vote or hold public office. I can't. And, I'm glad my grandmothers finally got to vote. It took far too long to give it to them. Let's remember this important anniversary and the value to all of us of our previous right to vote.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/checking-and-august-updates,Checking In and August Updates,2020-08-11,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Gary Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
The words of Winston Churchill should encourage us as we continue to address the challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nation, I know we have the courage, conviction, and ability to mitigate the spread of this virus and to ultimately persevere until we have a vaccine. With news that a vaccine might be close and with the evidence that therapeutic treatments are having great impact,we have good reason to be optimistic that the pandemic will soon be abated.
To read full newsletter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-host-project-ready-2020-navigating-job-market-during-covid-19,Rep. Sewell to Host Project R.E.A.D.Y. 2020: Navigating the Job Market During the COVID-19 Era,2020-08-10,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Birmingham, AL Thursday, August 13, 2020, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) will host Project R.E.A.D.Y. (Realizing Everyone's Ability to Develop Yourself), a series of three virtual workshops intended to prepare job seekers to apply for jobs during the age of COVID-19. The workshops will train attendees to write a cover letter and resume; navigate virtual job fairs; get results from online applications; prepare for virtual and recorded job interviews; and network virtually. Project R.E.A.D.Y. comes ahead of Rep. Sewell's Annual Job Fair which will also be held virtually this year.
I am so pleased that despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we will still be able to hold Project R.E.A.D.Y., this year with an emphasis on applying for jobs in the digital age,said Rep. Sewell.As more and more employers are shifting their business online, it is essential that the people of Alabama's 7th Congressional District be prepared to navigate a digital job market. When I first ran for Congress, I made a commitment to connect job seekers and employers across our district with an annual job fair and with its sister event, Project R.E.A.D.Y., and I am excited that this year we will still be able to hold both events virtually. Now more than ever, with rising unemployment due to the pandemic, we need to continue to provide employment access to my constituents.
Workshops:
 10:10 am CST:Ready to Work Training and Adult Education Programs in the Virtual Erawith Gindi Prutzman, Executive Director, Central Alabama Works  Region 5
  This workshop will focus on skills training and certification programs that will provide participants with the vocational and business skills needed to obtain gainful employment.
  10:45 am CST:Tips and Techniques on Job Searching, Resume Writing and Job Interviewing in the Virtual Erawith Vivian Black, Career Facilitator, Alabama Career Center
  This workshop will provide participants with helpful tips for job searching, cover letter and resume writing, as well as preparation for conducting successful job interviews on virtual platforms.
  11:30 am CST:Successful Business Networking in the Virtual Erawith Brittany Pieper, Site Marketing Coordinator, Capstone On-Campus Management
  This workshop will highlight the best ways to use online tools and social media platforms to build and strengthen professional networks.
 Please sign up for Project R.E.A.D.Y. athttp://www.sewell.house.govor byclickingthis link.
Details for Thursday August 13, 2020:
WHAT:Project R.E.A.D.Y. 2020: Navigating the Job Market During the COVID-19 Era
WHEN:10:00 am  12:00 pm CST
Where:Sign up athttp://www.sewell.house.govor byclickingthis link.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-statement-on-president-trumps-recently-announced-executive-orders,Senator Doug Jones Statement on President Trump’s Recently Announced Executive Orders,2020-08-08,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAMU.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama has released the following statement on the news that President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders in lieu of continuing to pursue a bipartisan legislative COVID relief package:
""While the President is attempting to give the appearance that he is leading the cavalry coming to the rescue of the American people, these executive orders are anything but that. The executive order to extend the now-lapsed emergency unemployment assistance will cut benefits by $200 a week or more for Alabamians and asks states, whose budgets have already been burdened by the pandemic, to footpart ofthe bill. The payroll tax collection moratorium is a way for President Trump to follow through with his promise to defund Medicare and privatize social security by putting the solvency of these programs at risk while still leaving open the possibility that those taxes may need to be paid in a lump sum next year.
By signing these executive orders that are more for show than actual help for the American people, President Trump has confirmed that his Administration has not acted in good faith and had no intention of reaching bipartisan agreement on legislation that would benefit all Americans. The Senate, which absolutely should not have recessed without passing a relief package, needs to immediately return to Washington to pass legislation that provides adequate support for the Americans who are suffering as a result of this virus as well as our economy. We need to come to a bipartisan compromise that deals with the full slate of urgent issues facing our country: we need a national strategy for COVID testing and contact tracing, to extend federal eviction moratoriums, to provide much-needed funding for state and local governments, and to ensure schools have the resources they need to reopen safely  among so many other needs.
It's completely inexcusable that Mitch McConnell waited over two months after the House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act to begin negotiations on this relief package, knowing full well that many of the programs that Americans have relied on during this crisis would expire at the end of July. The failure to negotiate an adequate bipartisan deal speaks to a broader breakdown in leadership in Washington, and I strongly urge my colleagues to put partisanship aside to come together to pass a relief bill as soon as possible. Lives and livelihoods are at stake, and each day we spend arguing over politics is another day that our institution fails the American people.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-leads-fight-alabama-cares-fund-flexibility-improve-rural,Aderholt Leads Fight for Alabama CARES Fund Flexibility to Improve Rural Broadband,2020-08-07,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release: August 7, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement after leading a bipartisan Congressional letter with Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) to House and Senate leadership urging them to take immediate and necessary actions regarding rural broadband funding from the CARES Act.

""The Coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on the unacceptable reality of rural broadband in America. I have been fighting to solve this problem for years, and while we have made lots of progress, there is still a long way to go. To be clear, this issue is far from new, but we are in a time now when access to high speed, reliable broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. For America to thrive we must not leave rural communities behind in a digital divide. It is high time we get rural broadband done.

That's why I am leading a letter to House and Senate leadership urging that CARES Act funds be eligible for permanent rural broadband infrastructure and that Congress provides additional time for the buildout of new infrastructure. Currently, state and local governments can only spend CARES funds on temporary broadband solutions. I believe it's necessary to invest in permanent broadband solutions so we can meet immediate needs caused by the continued COVID disruption. To me, this is a no brainer, and the bipartisan support for this issue is evident from my colleagues across the aisle who joined me in sending this letter. We all know that rural America deserves solid broadband, and I will continue to fight for this issue until it is done.""

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined Rep. Aderholt in calling on Congressional leadership to take action, saying, ""Improving access to broadband across Alabama has long been a priority of my Administration, and with the support of the Legislature, we have taken steps forward. However, when this pandemic hit and as many Alabamians worked remotely from their homes for both work and school, the need for greater connectivity in Alabama was highlighted even more. I urge Congress to provide flexibility in funding for states to be able to implement a permanent solution for our broadband infrastructure. I thank Congressman Aderholt and the other members of our House delegation for continuing to fight on this important issue.""

Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh added, ""I would like to thank Representative Aderholt and the other members of the Alabama delegation for their diligent work on this effort in the House of Representatives. Alabama is fortunate to have a representation in Congress that understands that Broadband connectivity in today's world is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. I look forward to continuing to work with our delegation as we push for greater broadband accessibility for families across the state.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-new-chief-of-staff,Byrne Announces New Chief of Staff,2020-08-07,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today announced that Seth Morrow will serve as his Chief of Staff.
Byrne said: As we enter the last half of 2020, my office remains busy assisting constituents and advancing our legislative priorities. I know Seth shares my focus on finishing out my term in Congress strong, and he is well prepared to move into the Chief of Staff role. My staff and I will continue working hard every day to fight for the people of Southwest Alabama and advance our conservative agenda.
Morrow, a native of Guntersville, Alabama, has worked for Congressman Byrne since June 2014, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director.
Morrow said: I am grateful for this opportunity, and I'm committed to ensuring our office maintains our first class service to the people of Southwest Alabama. Congressman Byrne has always had the hardest working team on Capitol Hill, and I know we will keep that tradition going.
Congressman Byrne's former Chief of Staff, Chad Carlough, is leaving after previously serving as Legislative Director and Chief of Staff.
Byrne said: Chad has very ably led our Congressional team over the last few years, and I join the people of Southwest Alabama in thanking him for his dedicated service to our state and our country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/stay-prepared-during-hurricane-season,Stay Prepared During Hurricane Season,2020-08-07,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"It's hard to believe that we have reached the month of August, and summer will be ending soon. Although many schools have delayed start dates or chose to begin the school year virtually, students across the state will soon be back to school in some form or fashion. Typically, we are gearing up this time of year for the start of college football season. The current health pandemic has pushed back many of our most anticipated fall events, but there is one season that will persist regardless of the coronavirus: hurricane season.
Hurricanes are one of nature's most powerful and destructive forces. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday released an annual August update stating the 2020 hurricane season is expected to be an extremely active season, one of the most active seasonal forecasts NOAA has produced in its 22-year history of hurricane outlooks, according to the agency. NOAA predicts 19 to 25 named storms this season, which began on June 1 and runs through November 30. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or the Gulf of Mexico, and there have already been nine so far this season. Last week, Tropical Storm Isaias swept across the East Coast, leaving millions without power. Alabama Power sent several lineworkers and support personnel to assist FirstEnergy, an electric utility company.
As we navigate a path forward to combat the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, it is also important to remember to stay aware of any severe weather and implement a plan to keep you and your family safe. Now is the time to organize plans and make any necessary preparations; do not wait until danger approaches, and it is too late. Below are suggested questions to discuss with your family from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help prepare:
Another important factor to keep in mind during hurricane season is making sure you and your family understand National Weather Service (NWS) forecast language. There's a difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning, and it's essential to have a strong understanding of the two. Read about this by visiting www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww.
I hope you will share this information with loved ones during this time of year, especially as we continue to focus on the impacts of Coronavirus and how to move forward. In many cases, planning and preparation can make a huge difference. I encourage you to prepare now and remind your friends and family to do the same.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-announces-over-35-million-trio-grant-funding-colleges-alabama,Rep. Sewell Announces Over $3.5 Million in TRIO Grant Funding for Colleges in Alabamas 7th Congressional District,2020-08-07,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Birmingham, ALRep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced $3,504,985.00 in federal TRIO Grant funding for seven colleges and universities across Alabama's 7thCongressional District. These grants are part of the Federal TRIO Programs,designed to provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities for academic development and assistance with basic academic requirements. Grants were awarded to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, George Corley Wallace State Community College Selma, T.A. Lawson State Community College  Birmingham Campus, the University of Alabama, the University of West Alabama, T.A. Lawson State Community College  Bessemer Campus, Miles College and Alabama State University.
I am thrilled to announce this substantial round of TRIO Grant funding for colleges and universities across Alabama's 7thCongressional district,said Rep. Sewell.I know first-hand the transformative power of a good education and remain committed to ensuring that every child across our district is given the academic tools they need to thrive. I am especially excited to see that much of this funding will go toward our HBCUs who are in desperate need of support. Our district's HBCUs are vital to our culture, our economy and our children's future, and I remain committed to ensuring their continued vitality.
We are delighted to receive these highly competitive grants which are particularly important to the 7thDistrict,said Tracy Lyons, Executive Director of Undergraduate Student Success and Retention, UAB.Our district is both urban and rural and our baccalaureate attainment rates are comparatively low.For these reasons, Congresswoman Sewell is passionate about TRIO funding and annually hosts proposal writing workshops to help grantees in the district.We are grateful to her office for their continuous outreach and assistance in securing this funding.
""The Student Support Services Fedral TRIO Program at Wallace Community College Selma is extremely excited about being awarded a grant totaling $2,530,750 over a five-year period from the U.S. Department of Education,said Herbert Thomas, Director of Student Support Services, Wallace Community College, Selma.We are very appreciative of the efforts and support provided by congresswoman Terri A. Sewell and her staff in helping us in the grant process. These much needed funds will allow us to continue serving first generation and low income college students. Our goal is to make a positive impact on their academic trajectory at Wallace Community College Selma and beyond.""
We are grateful for the unwavering support Congresswoman Terri Sewell provides to Miles College,""said Bobbie Knight, Miles College President.""This multi-year grant provides vital resources that will strengthen our student success infrastructure, supporting our efforts to increase academic standing, student retention and graduation rates. We meet each student where he or she is, diagnosing their needs and connecting with them in a way that changes their lives. Funding of this size builds upon our success.
On August 5th, Alabama State University received notice of its $294,725 award for the Student Support Services 2021-25 grant competition administered through the Department of Education,said Acquanetta Pinkard, TRIO Grants Director at Alabama State University.This amount is awarded each year for a five year cycle. We are thankful to the TRIO champions on Capitol Hill such as Representative Terri Sewell, for her efforts in supporting TRIO programs at Alabama State University and assisting in securing this funding.Amid thispandemic, this is a great accomplishment for our institution and needed service for underrepresented students at Alabama State University.

Alabama's 7thCongressional District TRIO Grant Recipients
				University of Alabama at Birmingham
				
			
			
				Birmingham, AL
			
			
				$1,016,230.00
			
		
				George Corley Wallace State Community College, Selma
				
			
			
				Selma, Alabama
			
			
				$506,152.00
			
		
				T.A. Lawson State Community College  Birmingham Campus
				
			
			
				Birmingham, AL
			
			
				$398,062.00
			
		
				The University of Alabama
				
			
			
				Tuscaloosa, AL
			
			
				$354,106.00
				
			
		
				University of West Alabama
				
			
			
				Livingston, AL
			
			
				$338,972.00
			
		
				T.A. Lawson State Community College  Bessemer Campus
				
			
			
				Bessemer, AL
			
			
				$334,850.00
			
		
				Miles College
				
			
			
				Fairfield, AL
			
			
				$261,888.00
			
		
				Alabama State University
				
			
			
				Montgomery, AL
			
			
				$294,725.00",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-way-forward-on-coronavirus-relief,A Way Forward on Coronavirus Relief,2020-08-06,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week was pretty frustrating in Washington. While the House frittered away at useless Democrat messaging bills which have no chance of passage in the Senate, Speaker Pelosi refused negotiations with the Senate on a $1 trillion dollar bill to address the nation's ongoing needs as a result of COVID-19. At the end of the week, she and Senator Schumer refused offers from the White House to extend for four months the extra $600 a week those on unemployment insurance received as a result of the CARES Act we passed in March.
What's all this about? We are in the middle of a historic pandemic and there are critical national needs to be addressed and last week in the House we just wasted time while the Democrat leadership played games. What is their game? By now, it's all too obvious. They believe they have an opportunity to run the table in the November elections, take both houses of Congress and the Presidency. Then, with an obviously weakened and limited Joe Biden as president, Pelosi and Schumer hold all the power, and in January they wield that power for their benefit and the benefit of the powerful special interests that fund them.
If this sounds raw and cynical that's because it is. They don't mind putting the entire country through unnecessary pain for months if that means it enhances their power, because that's all this is about  their power. They can confidently rely on the support of a national news media that is institutionally and culturally leftist to amplify their message to the detriment of the average person in this country. Just last week I e-mailed one of these news reporters to point out things sheleft out of a story she wrote. Did I get a reply? No, of course I didn't get a reply, because the information I provided didn't help her pre-ordained message. Such is the state of modern so called journalism.
So, what is the way forward? First, let's continue in our legislative work to focus on the disease. More money for testing and rapid turnaround of results. More money for those healthcare providers on the frontline. More money for domestically produced PPE and for effective therapies. And continued support for vaccine development and ultimate distribution. Second, protection for those laid off through no fault of their own and up to 70% of their state's average pay. Third, more help for struggling small businesses to keep their workers employed and just stay alive, which means extending the Paycheck Protection Program and expanding allowed uses of those funds. Fourth, more help for schools to open. Fifth, liability protection for all  there is simply no excuse for allowing a small group of lawyers to profit off this crisis. 
I know I'm hearing from many of you about these priorities, and I'm sure Democrat members are hearing from their constituents as well. But Pelosi's hold on many of them is very strong, and she is feeling heat from the far-left interest groups that now dictate the policy positions ofthe Democrat Party. Based on the polls I've seen, the average Democrat is not as far left as this regressive group of neo-Marxists, but they have the money that Pelosi needs to win elections and she's all about that. 
Meanwhile, like robots we are called to the House floor in groups to vote on bills on which we've had no input, and then hurried out of the room by the floor staff.  This isn't a republic anymore, and certainly not what the framers had in mind. It's all controlled by one person and her special interest cronies, smug in their assurance the national media will paint only the most positive picture of the charade. 
But, in the end, the people still hold the real power in this country. My hope is this November they won't continue in supporting the Pelosi regime, or elect a toady for her as president. The way forward is a House of Representatives whose members think for themselves and are allowed to be the real crafters of legislation. Then, we can solve our national problems the way the framers of our Constitution intended and do the people's business the way they want us to.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-applauds-plan-to-relocate-commercial-air-traffic-to-brookley,Byrne Applauds Plan to Relocate Commercial Air Traffic to Brookley Aeroplex,2020-08-06,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement regarding the Mobile Airport Authority's plan to build a new terminal and move commercial air traffic from the Mobile Regional Airport to the Downtown Brookley Aeroplex. Byrne was instrumental in acquiring Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of this project.
Byrne said:This plan is welcome news both for air passengers and the local economy. Moving commercial flights to a more convenient location will further propel downtown Mobile's revitalization, make travel more convenient for Baldwin County residents, and provide more economic opportunities throughout Southwest Alabama.
I have been actively working with the FAA on this issue for years, particularly towards assuring that this move would gain the necessary federal approvals. As we move to the next phase of this project, I will make it a priority to work with the FAA, the Mobile Airport Authority, and other local leaders to secure the 80% federal funding and make this project a reality.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-praises-executive-order-expanding-medicare-access,Palmer Praises Executive Order Expanding Medicare Access,2020-08-04,2020,2020-08,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: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Praises Executive Order Expanding Medicare Access

President Trump recently signed an executive order designed to expand access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those in rural areas. In response, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule that would permanently add certain services to those eligible to be delivered via telemedicine. Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) made the following statement in support of the Executive Order:

""The Executive Order signed by the President will be a lifeline for rural communities that often lack meaningful access to care,"" Palmer said. ""The unprecedented expansion of telehealth services overseen by the Trump Administration during the pandemic will have lasting benefits for patients and I'm pleased to see some of these changes made permanent. These changes, combined with investments in the infrastructure necessary for their delivery, will ensure patients receive the care they need without having to travel long distances to be seen by a provider and I believe it will save lives.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-doug-jones-and-cory-gardner-introduce-the-american-dream-down-payment-act-of-2020,Senators Doug Jones and Cory Gardner Introduce the American Dream Down Payment Act of 2020,2020-08-04,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Doug Jones of Alabama and Cory Gardner of Colorado today introduced theAmerican Dream Down Payment Act of 2020. The bipartisan legislation would help prospective homeowners save for a traditional 20-percent down payment by creating special tax-advantaged savings accounts for eligible housing costs. These accounts would be similar to the popular 529 Plan accounts that encourage people to save post-tax money to pay for future education expenses. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking & Housing Committee, is also an original cosponsor of the legislation.
A recent survey cited by the Urban Institute found that more than two-thirds of renters view the down payment as a barrier to owning a home. As rents and student loan debt rise, it can be harder for prospective homeowners to save for a down payment, especially if they are a first-time homebuyer or aren't able to receive help from family members. And while the nation-wide homeownership rate is relatively stable, there are significant disparities in homeownership by age, race, and ethnicity. The Black homeownership rate fell to a 50-year low in 2016, at just 41.7%, and remains nearly 30 points below the white homeownership rate. Millennials are less likely to own a home by 34 than their parents or grandparents were. If these trends continue, a growing number of Americans will be locked out of homeownership.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate our nation's economy, it is getting even harder for many folks in Alabama and across the country to put money away in savings and to work toward the American dream of owning a home,said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Banking & Housing Committee.Down payments are the biggest barrier to homeownership for first-time homebuyers, especially among low-income and minority Americans, and make it harder to build generational wealth that is often tied to home-ownership. Our legislation would provide a new path to help make the dream of buying a home a reality by making it easier to save money for down payments and other housing-related costs.
A down payment on a home can be a significant barrier to becoming a homeowner,said Senator Gardner. Inspired by the popular 529 education savings accounts, this bipartisan bill will make it easier for people to save for a down payment, which will aid both our unique housing challenges in Colorado and our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm proud to work with Senators Jones and Brown to help more families achieve the American Dream and own a home.
Borrowers of color have been locked out of affordable homeownership for decades. The gap in Black and white homeownership rates remain as large now as it was before the Fair Housing Act was signed into law,said Senator Brown.These troubling and persistent inequities in homeownership rates have prevented generations of Black and brown families from obtaining the American dream of owning a home. The American Dream Down Payment Act is a new tool to help make homeownership a reality.
The introduction of theAmerican Dream Down Payment Actoffers Black American families and individuals the opportunity to build legacy wealth through homeownership.The ability to accumulate tax-free savings fundsbreaks down/eliminates one of the most prominent barriers to achieving homeownership, the down payment. This Act serves as a tangible springboard to increase Black homeownership and real wealth-building prospects which the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) includes in the meaning of its time-honored slogan, Democracy in Housing,said Donnell Williams, National President, National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

TheAmerican Dream Down Payment Actwould:

 
Let states establish American Dream Down Payment Accounts, which they would manage in the same way they manage 529 Plan accounts today;
Allow prospective homeowners to save up as much as 20% of today's housing cost, indexed for inflation, to use for eligible down payment and other housing costs;
Facilitate long-term savings for a down payment and allow contributions from family and friends; and
Allow homebuyers using their American Dream Down Payment Account savings and earnings to use those funds tax-free at withdrawal for eligible expenses.
 
To protect American Dream Down Payment Account holders, the Securities and Exchange Commission would be required to set standards for the investments of eligible accounts and allowable fees.
This legislation is supported by the National Association of Realtors, Habitat for Humanity, and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Text of the legislation can befoundhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/celebrating-life-john-lewis,Celebrating the Life of John Lewis,2020-07-31,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"John Lewis once said, You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage. He also encouraged us to Get into good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America. John Lewis' journey through this world started right here in the middle of the Second Congressional District. His life and legacy were well honored this past week with services in Alabama, Washington, D.C., and Georgia. I had the privilege to attend John's celebration of life service in Atlanta and remember the remarkable life of not only a colleague, but a very dear friend. It is no secret that he was a true American patriot who dedicated his very existence to the pursuit of equal justice for all. John has been an inspiration to countless individuals throughout the entirety of his meaningful life.
As many Alabamians know, John has a deep connection to the state of Alabama. He was born in Troy in 1940 and made a commitment as a child to become a part of a movement of great importance to him  the civil rights movement. He went off to college and dedicated much of his time to non-violent protests and the organization of several activists groups. He was a keynote speaker at the 1963 March on Washington and marched alongside his childhood inspiration, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Selma on Bloody Sunday.
John Lewis' long list of accomplishments throughout his life speaks volumes about the substantial footprint he left on the fight for equality. In Former President George W. Bush's remarks earlier this week, he said, The story that began in Troy isn't ending here, nor is the work. John Lewis lives forever in his Father's house, and he will live forever in the hearts of Americans, who act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God.
Before he left us, John spoke to us one more time in a piece to be published the day of his funeral. He stated, While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society
John's final words leave us with a call and duty, to always stand up for what is right. His legacy will be everlasting, inspiring many for generations to come. Thank you, John Lewis, for your selfless courage and fervent passion. This world is a much better place because you were in it, and we will do our best to follow in your footsteps.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-calls-for-expansion-of-school-meal-programs-amid-covid-19-pandemic,Senator Doug Jones Calls for Expansion of School Meal Programs Amid COVID-19 Pandemic,2020-07-31,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama, alongside a group of his colleagues, is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional financial relief to schools to help them expand their school meals programs for the 2020-2021 school year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools around the country to close their buildings and shift instruction to online and distance-learning models,the senators wrote in a letter to USDA.For many children, school breakfast and lunch may be the only healthy and regular meals they receive.
The senators continued,The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in millions of parents losing their jobs, and millions more students will be dependent on school-provided meals. School meal program directors must begin procuring food, equipment, and supplies and placing orders now in preparation for the upcoming school year.
To help ensure school meal program directors and staff have the certainty that they need to begin preparing for the upcoming school year, the senators are urging the USDA to extend a variety of waivers that will help ensure low-income students can access school-provided meals throughout the upcoming school year.
Additionally, the senators are calling on the USDA to reimburse schools for the transportation costs for delivering meals to low-income students: While many school meal programs are managing these costs for the time-being, they cannot continue absorbing them for the foreseeable future. We ask that the USDA make additional funds available to schools to assist with the cost of delivering meals to low-income students until regular school operations are restored.

The full letter is availablehere.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-remembers-robert-edington,Byrne Remembers Robert Edington,2020-07-30,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) gave a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today in memory of the late Robert Edington. His prepared remarks are below:
Congressman Byrnesaid:Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Robert Edington. Robert's countless accolades and recognitions reflect a lifetime of devotion to his hometown of Mobile.
This impressive list includes 2012 Mobile Area Veteran of the Year; 2007 Mobilian of the Year; state president and national director of the Navy League of the United States; Chairman of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission; and member of the Alabama House of Representatives and State Senate.
Robert was active duty with the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, then served in the Navy Active Reserve until his retirement as a Commander in 1980. As a Navy Air Operations Officer, he received numerous awards and designations.
As a fellow graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, I had the pleasure of working with Robert on many occasions and will miss his passion, professionalism, and friendship.
I offer my sincere condolences to his beloved wife Pat and their children. They can be proud of the legacy of service Robert leaves behind.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/congressman-mo-brooks-joins-alabama-rep-tommy-hanes-close-alabama,"Congressman Mo Brooks Joins Alabama Rep. Tommy Hanes:  ""Close Alabama-Supported, Communist Chinese Confucius Institutes on Alabama Campuses""",2020-07-28,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCTuesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) joined Alabama Representative Tommy Hanes by urging and formally requesting that Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh cause the State of Alabama to cease supporting and close all Communist Chinese Confucius Institutes on Alabama campuses. The letter urges state leaders to join dozens of other states by putting America's interests first, thereby protecting America from Chinese Communist Party propaganda and promoting America's national security.
Download the letterHERE
Congressman Brooks said,Alabama leaders should use every possible tool at their disposal to close Communist Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes at both Troy and Alabama A&M. These so-called institutes' are nothing more than Communist Chinese propaganda units.Forty-five patriotic American universities from 30 different states have already shut down their Confucius Institutes since 2014. Alabama should show similar love for America by doing the same.
Brooks continued,The Communist Chinese Party cannot be allowed to gain influence over America's education system or undermine American national security. The evidence against Communist China is overwhelming. The American Association of University Professors has decried the threat Communist China poses to academic freedom and the Director of the FBI'sCounterintelligence Division has warned of Communist China's efforts to conduct espionage through Confucius Institutes. Communist China is America's geopolitical foe, not our friend. America must wise up and fight back against Communist China's egregious espionage and propaganda on American soil.
Full text of the letter follows:
July 28, 2020
The Honorable Kay Ivey  
	Governor of Alabama  
	State Capitol  
	600 Dexter Avenue  
	Montgomery, AL 36130  
	       
The Honorable Will Ainsworth  
	Lt. Governor of Alabama  
	11 South Union Street  
	Suite 725  
	Montgomery, AL 36130

The Honorable Del Marsh  
	Senate President Pro Tem  
	11 South Union Street  
	Suite 722  
	Montgomery, AL 36130
  
	The Honorable Mac McCutcheon  
	Alabama Speaker of the House  
	11 South Union Street  
	Suite 519  
	Montgomery, AL 36130

Dear Governor Ivey, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, and House Speaker McCutcheon,
I write to express concerns about Chinese-funded Confucius Institutes in Alabama and the impact they have on the integrity of our higher education system, national security, and taxpayer funded research. I am particularly concerned that two Alabama universities have established Confucius Institutes on campus.[1]
I encourage you to close Confucius Institutes in the State of Alabama, thereby putting American interests first, protecting America from Chinese Communist Party propaganda, and protecting America's national security.
By way of background, Confucius Institutes are established, funded, and operated by the Communist government of the Peoples Republic of China.[2]These institutes are managed by the Hanban also known as the Chinese Language Council International.[3]There are currently 81 Confucius Institutes in the United States.[4]In Alabama's case, Alabama A&M is partnered with the Nanjing Forestry University and Troy University with Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology.[5]Confucius Institutes are not just on college campuses and exist in K-12 schools as Confucius Classrooms.[6]
During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2019, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned there is a fairly significant pattern of espionage that is occurring at academic institutions.[7]Director Wray raised concerns that Confucius Institutes are part of China's soft power strategy and influence and that they offer a platform to disseminate Chinese government or Chinese Communist Party propaganda, to encourage censorship, to restrict academic freedom, et cetera.[8]Heeding Director Wray's warning, I request that you join a growing number of patriotic states by terminating Confucius Institutes in Alabama.
A former senior official in the Chinese Communist Party, Li Changchun, stated that Confucius Institutes are an important part of China's overseas propaganda setup.[9]With these institutes operating under foreign power on American soil, I urge you to reject the Chinese Communist Party's push of propaganda that subverts American interests and values.     
Leading professors across America have repeatedly sounded the alarm on Confucius Institutes.[10]In June 2019, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) emphasized their concerns about Chinese impositions on academic freedom.[11]The AAUP pushed for academic freedom in the face of Chinese aggression, saying that North American universities permit Confucius Institutes to advance a state agenda in the recruitment and control of academic staff, in the choice of curriculum, and in the restriction of debate.[12]I urge you to heed the concerns of these educators.
Even more alarming, the Chinese Communist Party is using their relationship between Confucius Institutes and American universities to conduct espionage on American soil.[13]In a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in 2018, then-Assistant Director for the Counterintelligence Division Bill Priestap stated that China's information enhancement programs are brain gain programs that encourage theft of intellectual property from U.S. institutions.[14]Continuing to allow China to gain influence over our education system undermines American national security and the efforts to protect the brilliant minds that keep America competitive.
According to the National Association of Scholars, 45 patriotic American universities across 30 states have shut down their Confucius Institutes since 2014.[15]These schools and their date of closure are as follows: Auburn University at Montgomery (6/2019), University of Alaska Anchorage (1/2020), Arizona State University (5/2019), University of Arizona (7/2020), California State University-Long Beach (2020), University of Chicago (9/2014), University of California-Davis (closing 8/15/2020), University of Delaware (2/2020), University of Hawaii Manoa (5/2019), University of Iowa (7/2018), University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign (9/2017), Indiana University-Purdue University (4/2019), University of Kansas (1/2020), Kennesaw State University (10/2019), University of North Florida (8/2018), New Mexico State University (2/2020), Northern State University (5/2019), North Carolina State University (11/2018), University of Michigan (12/2018), University of Missouri (closing 8/2020), University of Miami (6/2020), University of Massachusetts Boston (1/2019), University of Minnesota (2/2019), University of Maryland (4/2020), Miami Dade University (12/2019), University of Montana (3/2019), University of Memphis (6/2020), University of Oklahoma (closing 10/20), University of Oregon (4/2019), University of Pittsburgh (6/2020), Pennsylvania State University (9/2014), Pfeiffer University (5/2016), Prairie View A&M University (4/2018), Purdue University (2018), University of Rhode Island (12/2018), University of South Florida (12/2018), San Diego State University (6/2019), San Francisco State University (5/2019) Tulane University (2017), Texas A&M University (4/2018), University of Tennessee Knoxville (1/2019), University of Texas-San Antonio (2/2019), University of Texas-Dallas (8/2019), University of West Florida (Fall 2017), Western Kentucky University (4/2019).[16]
I applaud these academic institutions for their patriotism. I urge you to follow their lead in standing stand against Chinese infiltration of Alabama universities.
I hope you will consider our concerns as well as those of senior intelligence officials on this matter. I strongly encourage you to push for the complete closures of Confucius Institutes attached to Alabama universities. Your support of transparent policies in our education system regarding subversive foreign entities and disclosures of their financial involvement in our universities is paramount. In addition, I encourage you to reach out to the National Counterterrorism and Security Council or the Federal Bureau of Investigation to gain a full and clear understanding of the risks associated with these institutes.

Sincerely,

Congressman Mo Brooks, M.C., AL-05

[1]The Daily Caller, Beijing On American Campuses: Here's Every College With A Confucius Institute, 22 April 2020
https://dailycaller.com/2020/04/22/beijing-china-american-college-campus-confucius-institute-list/
[2]Inside Higher Ed, Closing Confucius Institutes, 9 January 2019.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/01/09/colleges-move-close-chinese-government-funded-confucius-institutes-amid-increasing
[3]Congressional Research Service, ""Confucius Institutes in the United States: Selected Issues, 15 April 2019. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11180
[4]National Association of Scholars, How Many Confucius Institutes are in the United States? Updated 15 May 2020. https://www.nas.org/blogs/article/how_many_confucius_institutes_are_in_the_united_states
[5]National Association of Scholars, Confucius Institutes in the United States May 2020 Report, May 2020.https://www.nas.org/storage/app/media/Reports/Outsourced%20to%20China/confucius-institutes-in-the-us-updated-may-15-2020.pdf
[6]National Association of Scholars, How Many Confucius Institutes are in the United States? Updated 15 May 2020. https://www.nas.org/blogs/article/how_many_confucius_institutes_are_in_the_united_states
[7]NBC News, American Universities are a soft target for China's Spies, say U.S. Intelligence Officials, 2 Feb. 2020.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/china/american-universities-are-soft-target-china-s-spies-say-u-n1104291
[8]Id.
[9]Congressional Research Service, ""Confucius Institutes in the United States: Selected Issues, 15 April 2019. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11180
[10]Inside Higher Ed, Closing Confucius Institutes, 9 January 2019. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2019/01/09/colleges-move-close-chinese-government-funded-confucius-institutes-amid-increasing
[11]Id.
[12]Id.
[13]China's Non-Traditional Espionage Against the United States: The Threat and Potential Policy Responses Before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 115th Cong. (2018), available at https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/chinas-non-traditional-espionage-against-the-united-states-the-threat-and-potential-policy-responses
[14]Id.
[15]National Association of Scholars, How Many Confucius Institutes are in the United States? Updated 15 May 2020. https://www.nas.org/blogs/article/how_many_confucius_institutes_are_in_the_united_states
[16] Id.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-2020-service-academy-appointments,Byrne Announces 2020 Service Academy Appointments,2020-07-28,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) released the following statement announcing his 2020 service academy appointments. As a Member of Congress, Congressman Byrne can nominate students from the First Congressional District for appointment to the United States Air Force, Naval, Military (West Point), and Merchant Marine Academies.
Byrne said: I am pleased to congratulate these remarkable young men and women upon their appointments. Our nation's continued prosperity is only possible through the willingness of so many brave Americans to serve, and the people of Southwest Alabama and our entire country can be proud of these appointments. I wish them every success at their respective academies and beyond.
The following students received appointments to U.S. Service Academies after becoming eligible for consideration through an official nomination from Congressman Byrne earlier this year:
Sam LoDuca, from T.R. Miller High School, received an official appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He is the son of Summer and Paul LoDuca.
Jackson Dunn, from Spanish Fort High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is the son of Stella and Christopher Dunn.
Clara Sabo, from Spanish Fort High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. She is the daughter of Sheila and Doug Wilson.
Collin Laird, from Robertsdale High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is the son of Marsha and Russel Laird.
Buddy Arensberg, from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is the son of Connie and Patrick Arensberg.
Robbins Manning, from Excel High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is the son of Joannah and Reid Manning.
Eden Blackmon, from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He is the son of Chryselda and Samuel Blackmon.
Ollen Brown, from Bayshore Christian School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He is the son of Adriel and Jason Brown.
Melanie Yell, from Mary G. Montgomery High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Brian Yell.
Jonathan Garden, from Bryant High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is the son of Carla and Justin Davis.
Kaylee LaPorte, from O'Neill High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. Her parents are Scharla and Grover LaPorte.
Ethan Rowe, from Daphne High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Preparatory School. He is the son of Christin and Jeremy Rowe.
William Sayler, from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, received an official appointment to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School. He is the son of Elizabeth and Brian Sayler.
Wesley Cooke, from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, received an official appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Preparatory School. He is the son of Kerri and Wes Cooke.
Eligible applicants must be at least 17 years old, be a citizen of the United States, have good moral character, demonstrate strong leadership skills, and achieve impressive scholastic achievements.
Congressman Byrne is only responsible for nominating students to the service academies. The final decision on appointments rests solely with the academy. You can learn about the nomination process by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/education-in-the-time-of-the-pandemic,Education in the Time of the Pandemic,2020-07-27,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week I had a virtual conference with the leaders of the local school systems in our district. Starting a new school year is a difficult task in the best of times. Doing so in the middle of a pandemic with the disease spreading as it is now makes this normally difficult job truly daunting.
I greatly appreciate what these leaders and their staffs are going through. Over $500 million of the CARES Act money Congress sent to Alabama will be used to help schools deal with COVID-19, and the purpose of our call was to bring them up to speed on that federal money coming their way and to offer them the support of my office.
The first and most important decision our local school systems have to make is whether to allowstudents to return this year in person. Most of our local systems in southwest Alabama have decided to do that starting in August but with an option for parents to decide if they prefer for their children to only participate virtually. The Mobile County system has elected to delay start of the school year until September 1 and provide instruction during the first quarter, which lasts nine weeks, in remote fashion only. Then they will reassess. 
Actually, all of these systems will have to constantly monitor the situation and potentially reassess based on how things are going. It's important to know that flu season begins in October and peaks between December and February, which is relevant because public health experts warn that COVID-19 spread could worsen during this same time. We will just have to wait and see because like so much else with regard to this disease, the experts really don't know.
Why is there such a push to reopen schools? We had a hearing on the Education Committee last month, and testimony indicated that virtual or distance learning may work for some students but for many it doesn't. That may be because they don't have access to the internet or because they just need in-person help from a teacher physically present in the classroom. For the many students for whom distance learning doesn't work, virtual classes are the same as no classes.
In April, the Collaborative for Student Growth, a non-partisan education research organization, released a study on the potential impact of school closures on student academic achievement. It projected that the early closure last spring resulted in a 30% loss in reading gains for the academic year, and a 50% loss in mathematics. And that was for missing only part of a semester. That same month the Brookings Institute, a left-leaning research organization, released preliminary findings on the cost to students' future earnings caused by the spring closures. It came to a loss of over $1300 in future income per year, per student, and a 12% hit to national GDP.
On the health side, in May the U.S. Center for Disease Control issued a resource for school leaders called Considerations for Schools which lays out how schools can open with safe environments and operations. Last week it issued new guidelines for schools and a statement on The Importance of Reopening American Schools This Fall, concluding that the health risk of COVID-19 to children is small when compared to the considerable benefits of in person education.
And, just a few weeks ago, the American Academy of Pediatricians, which is Dedicated to the Health of All Children, issued a Guidance for School Re-Entry in which it emphasized that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. It noted that children and adolescents are less likely to be symptomatic and less likely to have severe disease from COVID-19. It also provided detail guidance for schools.
There is another important consideration here. The AAP found that schools play a critical role in addressing racial and social inequity. At a time when the US is having a major national discussion on inequality, we need to consider the potential long term, serious, and disproportionately negative effect not opening schools will have on poor children and children of color. They are more likely not to have internet at home or a caregiver there during the school day as their parents are more likely to have to work. Not being in school for an extended period is a big issue for any child, but for these children it will likely mean a permanent, lifelong set back.
Finally, we all should include in our considerations the health and safety of our educators. Putting them physically in a classroom exposes them to risks, and some of them have justifiably expressed their concerns. The CDC guidance on healthy school environments and operations will help protect students and teachers. But there will also be extra stress on our educators as they cope with the challenges posed by the disease, and the AAP's Guidance directly addresses the need to help them with that stress. As with health care providers during this pandemic, educators operating in person are front line heroes and deserve our support.
As we work our way through the experience with this disease, let's not forget that there will be a vaccine that effectively provides immunity, and an effective treatment so that those who have it won't face hospitalization or death. As a result, we will return to a new normal in which we won't be so distanced from one another and schools will operate closer to the old normal. Let's make decisions for today with an eye to this future new normal. And let's take care of our children in their health AND their education.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://sewell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-sewell-calls-senate-majority-leader-mitch-mcconnell-take-and-pass,Rep. Sewell Calls on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to Take Up and Pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020,2020-07-27,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,AL,Terri Sewell,S001185,sewell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by unanimous consent House Concurrent Resolution 107 to rename H.R. 4the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07), who introduced and shepherded H.R. 4 through the House of Representatives last year, praised the decision to rename the legislation for her late colleague, mentor and friend. 
There is no better way to honor Congressman Lewis' legacy than to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so that every American  regardless of color  is able to make their voice heard at the ballot box. It is fitting that the House moved today to rename H.R. 4 in John's name,Sewell said.The bill has been languishing inSenate Majority Leader McConnell'slegislative graveyard for 234 days. McConnell has taken to the floor to honor John, but the most significant thing he can do is to bring up the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 for a vote. Now is the time for action to honor John's legacy!
The Supreme Courts' 2013Shelby County v. Holderruling struck down Section4(b) of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlined the qualifications needed to determine which states are required by the Justice Department to pre-clear elections changes in states with a history of voter discrimination.
Since theShelbydecision, nearly two-dozen states have implemented restrictive voter ID laws and previously-covered states have closed or consolidated polling places, shortened early voting and imposed other measures that restrict voting.
The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 seeks to restore the VRA by developing a process to determine which states must pre-clear election changes with the Department of Justice. It will also require a nationwide, practice-based pre-clearance of known discriminatory practices, including the creation of at-large districts, inadequate multilingual voting materials, cuts to polling places, changes that reduce the days or hours of in person voting on Sundays during the early voting period and changes to the maintenance of voter registration lists that adds a basis or institutes a new process for removal from the lists, where the jurisdiction includes racial or language minority populations above a certain percent threshold.
Underthe legislation, there are three ways to become a covered jurisdiction that is required to pre-clear election changes:
1.States with a history of 15 or more violations at any level in the previous 25 years; or
2.States with a history of 10 or more violations, if one violation occurs at the state level in the previous 25 years; or
3.Political subdivisions or localities with 3 or more violations in that subdivision in the previous 25 years.
The bill is supported by more than 60 national organizations, including the NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, NALEO Educational Fund, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Native American Rights Fund, League of Women Voters of the United States, AAUW, ACLU, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association, Communications Workers of America, SEIU, UAW, Democracy 21, Democracy Initiative, End Citizens United Action Fund, Sierra Club, and League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/alabama-will-not-be-dictated-congressman-mo-brooks-celebrates-defends,Alabama Will Not Be Dictated To: Congressman Mo Brooks Celebrates & Defends Alabama's  U.S. Capitol Statues,2020-07-24,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCFriday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) released a video from the United States Capitol celebrating and defending statutes honoring Alabama heroes. Three great Americans from Alabama are honored by U.S. Capitol statues: Helen Keller, Fighting Joe Wheeler and Rosa Parks.
The 1864 National Statuary Collection law says each state may furnish statuesof deceased persons who have been citizens thereof, and illustrious for their historic renown or for distinguished civic or military services such as each State may deem to be worthy of this national commemoration. The 1864 law clearly defers to states the power to determine who they wish to honor.
Alabama chose to honor Joe Wheeler, the only Confederate general to later become a United States general. General Wheeler oversaw Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders charge up San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War & served in the Philippines in 1900. General Wheeler's service was so respected by America that he earned the right to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Click on the above image or HERE to view Congressman Brooks video
Congressman Brooks said,The 1864 U.S. Capitol statuary collection law gives states the power to determine who they wish to honor. This makes perfect sense. Just as it would be wrong for Alabama and other states to dictate to New York and California who they must honor, it is similarly wrong and repulsive for New York, California, or other states to dictate to Alabama who we must honor. Ignoring history and led by Socialist Democrats, the House voted this week to remove American patriot Joe Wheeler's statue from the Capitol, thereby empowering other states to dictate to a single state who that state can, or cannot, honor.
Brooks continued,Sadly, Socialist Democrats in the U.S. House are actively embracing fascism, socialism, and revisionism. As previously reflected by an earlier Socialist Democrat public statement, in their minds, historical figures like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson (all honored at Mount Rushmore) must be erased because each of these brave American leaders stood for liberty and freedom, the exact opposite of the socialism and fascism so many in Congress now mindlessly advocate as they seek to stifle competing views, political philosophies, and ways of life they disagree with and seek to destroy.
Brooks concluded,I reject cancel culture, historical revisionism, socialism, and fascism. I support freedom and liberty. I support federalism and a state's right to decide for itself who it should honor. As such, I proudly voted 'No' on H.R. 7573. Alabama, not New Yorkers, Californians, or anyone else, should decide who we wish to honor in Alabama's contribution to the National Statuary Collection. Socialist Democrat states should butt out!
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/confronting-npr-liberals-congressman-mo-brooks-forcefully-defends-alabama,"Confronting NPR Liberals, Congressman Mo Brooks Forcefully Defends Alabama Congressional Seats & Electoral College Votes",2020-07-24,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Thursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) joined NPR's left-wing On Point to argue that the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause & One Man/One Vote principles demand exclusion of illegal aliens from the Census count part that determines each state's Congressional representation & Electoral College votes.
Congressman Brooks was interviewed by On Point's Meghna Chakrabarti and double-teamed by NPR's Hansi Lo Wang and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund's Thomas Saenz.
Click the above image orHERE for full audio of Congressman Brooks' interview

Full transcript of Congressman Brooks NPR interview follows:
Chakrabarti: So joining us now is Representative Mo Brooks. He is Republican representative for Alabama's 5th Congressional District, and he is a coplaintiff in this Alabama reapportionment case. Representative Brooks, welcome to the program.
Brooks: My pleasure.
Chakrabarti: So. So give us the argument here that you're laying out. Why should undocumented immigrants in Alabama not be counted towards the numbers needed to reapportion seats in Congress?
Brooks: Well, just to be clear, the United States code refers to them as aliens and their status as illegal so, technically, under the law, they're illegal aliens. But I understand how those that are on the left side tend to want to give them a nicer name, one that is different from what the law states that the proper name is. But having said that, this is the 14th Amendment. We've got an equal protection clause in the United States Constitution and the 14th Amendment. And that 14th Amendment amends all preceding parts of the United States Constitution. A sub part of the equal protection clause is what we call a one man, one vote principles, where everybody has an obligation, at all levels of government, to ensure that a citizen's votes for different elected positions have equal weight. In this case, it's votes for the United States Congress and President of the United States. And if you include illegal aliens in the reapportionment count part of the United States Census, then what you are doing is violating the equal protection clause by giving some American citizens more power and influence over the election of congressmen and senators because they have fewer citizens in those districts in which they vote. And so if you believe the equal protection clause and one man, one vote principles of the United States Constitution and 14th Amendment, then you should not count illegal aliens in the part of the count that relates to the distribution of political power, i.e., how many congressmen each state has and how many Electoral College votes you have for the election of the President of the United States.
Chakrabarti: So first of all, to just the follow up question here, to your point about undocumented immigrants, and as you refer to them, illegal aliens. Well, neither nomenclature matters because the Constitution of the United States regarding the count that the census is supposed to undertake every 10 years simply says persons. It says persons. There is no designation to regarding their civil status in the United States. It says persons. So does that part of the Constitution not apply here? Is that what you're saying?
Brooks: When you're defining the word person, you also have to understand that there are exceptions to the word persons. By way of example, we're not going to count foreigners who are in the United States lawfully when they work at various embassies as part of the ambassadorial staff. That's just an example of one set of persons who are in the United States and they're in the United States legally, but they are not counted for the purposes of conducting the United States Census. So it's not 100 percent all human beings. There are exceptions to that, but you also have to take into account the weight and power of the 14th Amendment and which is going to trump here. Are we going to go with your rather expansive definition of the word persons? Which, by the way, historically has many different meanings. Or are we going to give weight and power to the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution and the one man, one vote principles on which our republic has been based ever since the Supreme Court intervened and said you have to start trying to equalize the influence of voters as they elect these different positions. By way of example, when I was in the state legislature, we had redistricting. When I was on the county commission, we had redistricting. As a member of the United States Congress, we had redistricting. And we had absolute mandates that we had to make those districts as even as possible from a population perspective, in order to ensure that no citizens vote was worth more than another citizens vote. And when you include illegal aliens in the count for the purposes of distributing political power, then what about states like California and Texas? Their votes in those states are worth far more than the votes in states such as Ohio or Colorado or West Virginia, Kentucky or Maine or Vermont, Alabama, Nebraska, South Carolina, Wisconsin, just go on down the list. And so if you're going to count illegal aliens in the census for the purpose of distributing political power, then you're quite clearly violating the 14th Amendment equal protection clause and the one man, one vote principles that have been the bedrock of our election system for many, many decades.
Chakrabarti: Right. So but of course, you mentioned California and Texas, two very interesting states here, because I think voters there might right now argue that given the way the apportionment works and the cap on the number of Congress people in the in the House, that their votes are actually worth a lot less right now.
Brooks: No that's not true, because illegal aliens have been counted in the 2010 census for the purposes of distributing political power. So California, by way of example, probably has three or so more members of Congress than it should; same with Texas. In the case of California's, because they are an avowed, either in whole or in part, sanctuary state or with all of its cities that are sanctuary cities. They're encouraging this illegal conduct. That, in turn, is giving them more political power in the United States House of Representatives and for the election of the president of the United States. These abuse citizens of other states and that's wrong.
Chakrabarti: Mm hmm. Well, I mean, I guess the point I was trying to get to is regarding how that apportionment ultimately affects the Electoral College. But look, I take a slight take part of what you were saying earlier. I take your point, but there's one more thing I want to ask you, and then I'm going to bring out the guest back into this conversation. Representative, you said a little earlier that historically the definition of persons in the United States has changed. But it has changed because definitions thereof were to render people less than an entire person. I mean, as we know, three fifths of a person, that's what black Americans were in the eyes of this country.
Brooks: And it was a good change.
Chakrabarti: Right. Right. So right.
Brooks: It was an abomination. It's a shame we still look the other way with so much slavery that goes on around the world. I wish we'd be much more proactive, particularly when it comes to trade arrangements, when you've got slave labor. The United States of America should do much more than we are doing to minimize trade with those type of countries.
Saenz: Totally in agreement with you. Slavery is bad wherever it happens. But my point is, it sounds as if you're advocating for a definition of personhood that would not include them. So once again, it's reducing what we see as a whole person in this country,
Brooks: Someone who is here illegally should not be counted for the purposes of distribution of political power, if you're going to abide by the equal protection clause and the one man, one vote principles that underlie that clause. No citizen's vote should be worth more than another citizen's vote in the election of the president of the United States or in the election of members United States Congress. That's going to be the battle we're going to have. I've heard the argument that you have made about the word persons. I hope you're hearing the argument that I have made about the equal protection clause and one man, one vote principles and some judge at some level is going to have to resolve the apparent conflict between the two. I hope that the equal protection clause and one man, one vote principles will prevail. But of course, there are others who don't want that outcome.
Chakrabarti: Mm hmm. Well, let me just turn back to our other guests here to get their views on this. Hansi Lo Wang, NPR reporter on the 2020 census, just your thoughts on the key, a little bit more about the case and what Representative Brooks is saying.
Wang: I just want to point out that the residents criteria that the Census Bureau has put out published in the Federal Register does say that citizens of foreign countries are living in a states where members of the diplomatic community, they are counted at the embassy, consulate, United Nations facility or other residents where diplomats live. I also think it's important to point out that there is a long, long history of past lawsuits that have tried to get unauthorized immigrants excluded from the apportionment counter history that I've tracked back to the 80s that come from immigration restrictionist group known as the Federation for American Immigration Reform. They have filed lawsuits brought before the 1980 census. They filed again before that around the 1990 census. And those cases were dismissed in court and there is no form of rulings on the actual merits of those arguments. But there have been various lawmakers over the years who have tried to introduce bills, amendments and make similar calls. They have not gotten very far.
NPR: Well, ThomasSaenz, Representative Brooks is highlighting the 14th Amendment here, the Equal Protection Clause, and saying that's that by counting undocumented immigrants, it violates the equal protection rights of voting citizens. Your response to that
Saenz: Well, I think that Mr. Brooks is mischaracterizing his own case. This case, to be clear, is not about citizens and non-citizens. It's about the undocumented only. There are many non-citizens who are not undocumented. Lawful permanent residents: asylees, refugees. No one, neither the state of Alabama, nor Mr. Brooks, nor Donald Trump in his memorandum from Tuesday is attempting to discount non-citizens. They are attempting to have an estimate of the undocumented population, a subset of non-citizens backed out of the apportionment count. That's why this case has absolutely nothing to do with one person, one vote. Moreover, going back over 200 years, we have always counted those who are unable to vote, including those under 18, including the many, including half the population women who were not entitled to vote when the Constitution was put in place. But nonetheless, they were to be counted as among persons in each state in the apportionment clause. Moreover, I would point out that the 14th Amendment that Mr. Brooks keeps citing, in fact, is where the Supreme Court has determined on multiple occasions that the word person includes undocumented immigrants. Indeed, in the nineteen eighty-two case Plyler versus Doe, the Supreme Court concluded that persons with specific regard to the equal protection clause include individuals who are undocumented. So, there's absolutely nothing to support the contention being put forward in that case. I didn't want to add to that. The important piece of the case today in relation to Mr. Trump's memorandum is actually a cross claim filed by the interveners represented by MALDEF against the United States. In the main case, Alabama and Mr. Brooks are contending that the Constitution requires that you discount the undocumented and indeed to, in effect, put in place a zero fifths rule for the undocumented. But what the cross claim does, because we anticipated that the Trump administration would do exactly what happened on Tuesday. Last October, we filed a cross claim, which is like a separate lawsuit. It's called a cross claim because by one defendant. The intervenors against another defendant, The United States. And that cross claim contends that the administration may not voluntarily, on its own decide to discount the undocumented, even if Alabama were to fail in its suit, which is seeking to require that they be discounted. The administration could decide on its own to do it. We anticipated that, filed that cross claim in October of last year. That's already in litigation. It will prevent this unconstitutional memorandum from taking effect.
Chakrabarti: If your litigation is successful in this case, right?
Saenz: Yes.
Saenz: There will be other cases.
Chakrabarti: But you had, but to put the point of making you filed this cross claim many months ago, back in last October, as I heard you say. Now, Representative Brooks, I appreciate your patience here in hearing Thomas. You want to respond to him?
Brooks: Well, there are lots of things that I disagree with has been expressed by, you know, I'm outnumbered here, about two or three to one. But I'm used to that on NPR and a lot of other stations and communication tools. But I do appreciate you giving me the opportunity to respond. I respectfully disagree with your interpretations of legal interpretations that have been advanced. I'm an attorney. I don't know if the other gentlemen are. I suspect that the way they're presenting themselves, they probably are. But that's why we have this litigation in court. There are arguments on both sides. I hope that the federal courts will respect the equal protection clause and the one man, one vote principles and not give any one citizen in California 30, 40, 50 percent more power in the election of the president, in the states and of congressmen than, say, a citizen in the state of Ohio or the search state of Wisconsin or in the state of Alabama that I'm from. And if they do decide to give more power based on the conduct of illegal activity, well, that's unfortunate. And I think that's wrong. We'll abide by whatever the decision is. But by golly, we're going to fight it in court to try to do the right thing and to minimize the adverse effect of illegal conduct on who controls the government of the United States. Let me give you an idea of where they're really headed with all of this: you know, in San Francisco, anybody can vote. That means illegal aliens can register to vote in San Francisco. That means that lawful immigrants who are not American citizens can vote in San Francisco in their municipal elections. That means that we now have legally allowed, at least in San Francisco and some other communities where the folks that I'm speaking opposite of here, they want to allow foreign influence over control of American governments. And that's wrong. And I'm going to fight that. I represent American citizens of all stripes. It doesn't make any difference what their race is, what their ethnicity is, what their religious values are. By golly, this is the United States of America, and we ought to allow American citizens to control our own government. And that's what I want to protect and preserve as much as I can.
Chakrabarti: Just to fact check something there. Hansi Lo Wang is a professional journalist.
Brooks: Well he presents himself well.
Chakrabarti: Well, well, because he's a professional and he has been following this story very closely and very professionally and Thomas Saenz is indeed a legal expert here.
Brooks: He also presents his argument well.
Chakrabarti: Well, good. We tried to, we try to we try to invite people who do just that so that we can get a deeper understanding of these complex issues. Representative Brooks, I have one last question for you, and I was going to let you go. But one last question, if I could.
Brooks: yes ma'am
Chakrabarti: You talked about preventing foreign influence in American elections. Do you bring the same passion to that fundamental, fundamentally important charge to, you know, foreign influence regarding social media, regarding Russia, regarding China?
Brooks: Absolutely. We should try to minimize that as much as possible. But let's also bear in mind what's good for the goose is good for the gander. The United States of America actively tries to influence the elections in other countries. We should not be surprised when other countries try to do the same thing to The United States of America. Alright.
Chakrabarti: Well, Representative Brooks, I'm afraid we've got to take a quick break here, but I appreciate you joining us today. Mo Brooks is a representative for Alabama's 5th.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/honoring-our-service-members,Honoring Our Service Members,2020-07-24,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"As the novel Coronavirus pandemic continues to be a top focus throughout the country, it is important we do not forget about the selfless service members who dedicate themselves to protecting us all. Throughout my time in Congress, I have considered it a tremendous privilege and responsibility to represent a district that is home to two of our country's finest military installations  Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery. One of my top priorities in office has always been to support and advocate for military members, their families, and our veterans in the Second District.
The numerous lifestyle modifications made over the last several months to combat the current health crisis have required major adjustments for all  adults and parents are working remotely, students are participating in virtual schooling, and millions are following state and local public health orders. As the school year approaches, I want to especially remember the mothers and fathers who are deployed, doing their duty to protect us while also ensuring their children are adjusting to an unprecedented return to school.
Each year, Congress passes legislation that authorizes the various military programs and defense activities in the Department of Defense. The House and Senate passed their own versions this past week of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. I am hopeful both chambers of Congress can work together to ensure our military has all the necessary resources to protect this great nation. 
Our men and women in uniform sacrifice so much to defend this country, especially during these challenging times worldwide. I would like to give a special thank you to all our military members. Your bravery and unwavering service to the United States is never forgotten. Because of your service and sacrifice, America remains the Land of the Free. I continue to pray for our military families as our nation navigates a path forward and a road to recovery.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-approves-annual-defense-bill-with-hundreds-of-millions-for-alabama-priorities-championed-by-senator-doug-jones,Senate Approves Annual Defense Bill with Hundreds of Millions for Alabama Priorities Championed by Senator Doug Jones,2020-07-24,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON On an overwhelming bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate yesterday passed the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill that includes hundreds of millions of dollars in funding secured by Senator Doug Jones for key Alabama defense priorities. The annual legislation authorizes national defense priorities for the next fiscal year. The bill will now go to a conference committee to resolve differences with the House-approved version.
Alabama is on the frontlines of our national security efforts, and this bipartisan legislation will ensure that the work being done across our state to defend our country can continue,said Senator Jones, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. This bill will also provide our troops, once again, with a well-deserved pay raise and includes policy changes that will help us better serve military families. This annual bill is an example of how much we can accomplish on key priorities for our country when we work together and set aside politics.
For the second consecutive year, the NDAA will provide a three-percent pay raise for service members. It also takes steps to improve the quality of life for military children and spouses, which has a direct impact on military readiness. In Alabama, defense industry employees will benefit significantly as a result of this legislation's funding and workforce policies, which in turn will benefit their broader communities.
The Senate-approved bill also includes bipartisan legislation led by Senator Jones toblock deadly fentanyl importsfrom countries like China and to incentivize investments in American semiconductor manufacturing in order tobring back jobs from China.

Key provisions in the FY 2021 NDAA for Alabama's service members and their families, military installations, and contractors and research institutions are listed below.

Strengthening Alabama's Defense Infrastructure and Industry
 
$24 million for advanced electrical generation and storage facilities at Fort Rucker in Dale County;
$23 million for next generation fighter aircraft (F-35) facilities at Maxwell Air Force Base;
$18 million to construct a small arms parts demilitarization facility at the Anniston Army Depot;
$10 million to help steel manufacturers meet future defense needs, protecting current and future employment of thousands in Birmingham;
$5 million to improve efficiency and readiness at the Army's Aviation and Missile Center in Huntsville; and,
$2 million for the Aerospace Education Research and Innovation Center (AERIC) at Tuskegee University, and a $5 million increase overall for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
 

Funding for Alabama's Contribution to the National Defense Strategy

 
$349.7 million for an additional THAAD ballistic missile defense battery, key parts made in Troy;
$35 million for Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM), made in Troy;
$10 million for research into lightweight power sources for Navy ships. The University of Alabama conducts leading edge research and development of silicon carbide power sources;
$7.3 million for continued research and development of advanced plastics technology. The Mobile area is home to a company that is pioneering thermoplastic tailorable composite manufacturing;
$5 million for research into advanced repair and modification processes. The University of Alabama is currently working with the DoD to develop these technologies;
$5 million to complete development of new satellite technology. Huntsville is home to companies that are leaders in this field and are well-positioned to compete for these funds;
$5 million to accelerate the Army helicopter modernization program. Bell Helicopter, in Ozark, is participating in this program;
$3 million to develop a hypersonic missile testing facility. Huntsville is home to a number of companies that contribute to the Defense Department's hypersonics research and development;
$10.5 million to build a high energy laser system lab to help with the Army's weapons modernization programs. The Army's high energy laser program is headquartered at Redstone and works with a number of Huntsville companies; and,
$3 million for hybrid additive manufacturing research and development to help with the Army's weapons modernization programs. The additive manufacturing industry is robust and growing in Alabama, with research and development ongoing in Birmingham.
 

Support to Improve the Safety and Health of Military Housing and Bases

 
Requires the Secretary of Defense to implement within 90 days all applicable security and emergency response recommendations to protect U.S. military installations, which follows acall by Senator Jones to increase base securityafter Enterprise, Alabama native Joshua Kaleb Watson was killed during a terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola last year; and,
Requires the Secretary of Defense to ensure that each installation conducts or develops a plan to conduct regular live emergency response training with first responders.
 

Funding for Coronavirus Response
 
Increases funding to support the Defense Department's coronavirus vaccine research and to integrate with other vaccine research programs; and,
Authorizes hazard pay for troops deployed in response to the coronavirus.
 


Expanding Support and Opportunity for Minority Service Members

 
Authorizes pilot programs to reduce barriers to participation in satellite ROTC programs and to provide flight training scholarships at HBCUs;
$14 million for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) at HBCUs
Takes steps toward identifying and eliminating barriers to minority participation in elite units in the armed forces; and,
Supports continuing and expanding the Air Force JROTC pilot training scholarship program to increase diversity in the pilot ranks and address the pilot shortage.
 

Support for Military Spouses and Children

 
$50 million for Impact Aid to schools that serve military children;
$20 million for aid to military children with disabilities;
$15 million for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) youth educational programs (STARBASE);
Authorizes a pilot program to expand eligibility for attendance at DoD schools for military dependent children living off-base;
$4 million to continue development of interstate agreements on licensed occupations for military spouses; and,
Increases reimbursement to military spouses for state licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations.
 

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.jones.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-doug-jones-calls-for-extension-of-unemployment-benefits-set-to-expire-for-thousands-of-alabamians,Senator Doug Jones Calls for Extension of Unemployment Benefits Set to Expire for Thousands of Alabamians,2020-07-24,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,AL,Doug Jones,J000300,www.jones.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BIRMINGHAM U.S. Senator Doug Jones of Alabama today issued the following statement calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to include anextension ofemergencyunemployment benefitswhichareset to expire in the next weekin the next COVID-19 relief legislation:
I have heard from people all over Alabama who have lost work and are relying on unemployment assistance during the pandemic. This economic crisis is impacting everyone in every ZIP code. For weeks, I have spent my time in Washington pushing for another relief bill that would include an extension ofemergency unemployment benefits, as well as other things like funding for schools to reopen safely, incentives for states to expand Medicaid and funding for state and local governments hit hard by this downturn. I also have been consistentin sayingthat I believe people who have the ability to return to work safely should do so.
The expiration of these benefits will lead to further suffering and food scarcity. People will be unable to pay their rent or make mortgage payments. In the middle of a public health crisis, many people may be unable to access health care because of their inability to pay.
I am deeply disappointed at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's consistent refusal to even consider relief as this critical deadline approached. I am ready to vote to extendemergencybenefits as soon as a bill to do so is brought to the floor. I hope Senator McConnell will come to his senses and work quickly to address this on behalf of the American people.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/local-leader-mark-mcdaniel-reappointed-nasa-human-exploration-and,Local Leader Mark McDaniel Reappointed to NASA Human Exploration and Operations Advisory Committee,2020-07-23,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) announced NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine's reappointment of Huntsville's Mark McDaniel to a two-year term on the Human Exploration and Operations Committee of the NASA Advisory Council (NAC). Congressman Brooks initially recommended Mr. McDaniel in 2018 to Administrator Bridenstine, a personal friend and former House colleague, citing Mr. McDaniel's past record of exemplary service on the NASA Advisory Council. The NAC is NASA's highest civilian advisory board.
Congressman Brooks praised the reappointment saying,Mark McDaniel has done an exemplary job advising NASA on its future missions as a member of NASA Advisory Council's Human Exploration and Operations Committee. Mark's past service and qualifications make him an excellent choice for reappointment to another term on the committee. I congratulate Mark on his reappointment.""
(from left) Congressman Mo Brooks, Mr. Mark McDaniel, and Administrator Jim Bridenstine at MSFC in 2018
ClickHEREfor a Hi-res photo
Brooks continued,I greatly appreciate my friend NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine for his thoughtful consideration in reappointing Mark McDaniel. Jim's leadership at NASA has been exemplary, and I am glad he recognized Mark's contributions to this important NASA advisory committee.
Mark McDaniel has been a dedicated member of the NAC for several years, and we look forward to him continuing to provide his expertise to the Committee, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. As we prepare to go forward to the Moon and beyond, it is critical that NASA has top experts like Mark on our team. His wealth of knowledge is a great benefit to the Artemis program, as well as our mission to send human explorers to Mars.
Mr. McDaniel said,Congressman Mo Brooks has provided great leadership to our nation, state and NASA. I thank Congressman Brooks for recommending my reappointment to the NASA Advisory Council- Human Exploration and Operations Committee.""
McDaniel continued, I am confident that under the leadership of Administrator Jim Bridenstine and the tremendous team he has put together, our nation will put the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024. Under Administrator Bridenstine's leadership NASA is setting the stage for human exploration of Mars and the heavens beyond.
Previously, NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin appointed Mr. McDaniel to the NASA Advisory Council in October 2000 and NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe reappointed Mr. McDaniel to the Council in November 2002 and November 2004. During Mr. McDaniel's tenure on the NAC, President George W. Bush announced the Moon, Mars, and Beyond Initiative which set the Nation on a more aggressive pace for Space Exploration.
On January 26, 2007, Mr. McDaniel received the NASA Public Service Medal for his ""Leadership and Council to America's Space Agency, his advocacy of Human Space Flight and Exploration and dedication to the Aerospace Community at large.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z