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://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/tax-cuts-new-year,Tax Cuts for the New Year,2017-12-28,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"This time around, the new year is offers something extra exciting for the American people. Im pleased to reportthat Congress has finally passed our historic,pro-growthtax reformand Americans will soon being experiencing the benefits.
				After months of work, we have delivered on our promiseto cut taxes, bring balance to the tax code, and jumpstart job growth. While the House passed its version of tax reform months ago, differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill had to beworked out in a conference committee. I was proud to support the final product and vote alongside my colleagues to send the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the Presidents desk.
				The Tax Cuts and Jobs Actlowers individual tax rates and roughly doubles the standard deduction for individuals and married couples. That means less of your paycheck is subject to taxes beginning this year. The average, median-income American family will see about $2,100 in tax relief  not just one year, but annually. For moms and dads working to make ends meet, having a few thousand extra dollars in the budget can make a big difference. Its your money to begin with and I believe you know how to spend it better than the federal government does.
				Another important aspect of our tax reform plan is lowering business taxes. A lot of people dont realize that our effective tax rate for businesses is among the highest in the world. All that does is send jobs overseas and make it harder for small businesses to be successful. By lowering business taxes to a globally-competitive 21 percent, we can boost our economy and spur job growth here in the United States.
				While our bill eliminates many unnecessary and burdensomespecial-interest deductions, it also preserves a lot of the popular tax deductions people count on, including the student loan interest deduction, the deduction for teachers expenses, the medical expense deduction, the charitable giving deduction , the adoption tax credit, and the mortgage interest deduction. It doubles the Child Tax Credit to help working families, and it eliminates the Obamacare individual mandate tax penalty.
				After the bill passed, I joined my colleagues and the President at the White House to celebrate this monumental accomplishment. My children, Margaret and George were on break from school for the holidays, so they were able to be in Washington and attend the event with me. I am so thankful they were able to witness this historic moment. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce the tax burden on American families and grow our economy  and Im glad we could deliver on this promise weve been making for so many years.
				A lot of misinformation has been spread by those who oppose this plan, and its generated some confusion about what our bill does and does not do. Regardless, I am confident the results will speak for themselves. The American people will know who was telling the truth when they see more money in their pockets and experience a growing economy thanks to our historic tax reform plan. I am proud that we were able to come together and deliver this relief to families and businesses just in time for 2018.
				Happy New Year!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-tax-cut-for-christmas,A Tax Cut for Christmas,2017-12-24,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Christmas, the American people received a gift that isnt found underneath the tree but will be found in your pocketbook and paychecks over the coming years. Im talking about passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act represents the first major overhaul of our nations tax code since 1986. The ultimate goal is to grow the American economy and put more money in your pockets. I firmly believe the money is better off in the hands of the American people instead of in the coffers of a bloated federal government.
Consider this: the average family in Southwest Alabama will see their tax bill decrease by $2,187 a year. Thats extra money on a car payment. Thats additional savings for a childs college. Thats money to help pay for home repairs. Thats real money.
As part of our bill, we nearly double the standard deduction from $6,500 and $13,000 under current law to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. Over 70% of tax filers in Southwest Alabama already take the standard deduction, so this will be a major boost for those people. Thousands more will pay less and wont have to go through the burden of itemization.
For families, the bill expands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. With this change, families will have more money to help with the many expenses related to raising a child. We also preserve the adoption tax credit to encourage and support those who open their homes to an adopted child.
In an important step to restore individual choice and freedom, the bill ends the tax penalty created under Obamacare for individuals who choose not to have health insurance. The federal government should not force someone to buy a private product or fine someone who finds their health care options too expensive.
The bill also includes serious and substantial reforms to make the American economy boom again. For example, our current corporate tax rate of 35% is the highest in the industrialized world. This keeps businesses from expanding in America and has caused a number of major companies to leave our country altogether.
Well, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% to help make us more competitive on the world stage. We are already seeing the benefits of this change with companies like AT&T, Comcast, Wells Fargo, and Boeing announcing that they will increase investment in our country, increase pay for their employees, and give out bonuses.
Small businesses also win big under this tax plan with lower taxes and a fairer tax structure that does not punish pass-through businesses. The bill offers a first-ever 20% tax deduction that applies to the first $315,000 of joint small business income.
In addition to the major tax reforms, the bill also includes a provision important to the Gulf Coast that I championed. The provision would increase the money Gulf states are able to receive through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, which means more money will be headed to our local coastal communities.
There are many other positive provisions included in the tax plan, so I encourage everyone to visit FairAndSimple.gop to learn more.
At the end of the day, people right here in Southwest Alabama will be better off under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act thanks to bigger paychecks, a stronger economy, and more money in their pockets. Thats a Christmas gift we can all get excited about!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/it-s-official-montgomery-lands-f-35-joint-strike-fighter-mission,Its Official! Montgomery Lands F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Mission.,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Its official: The F-35 is coming to Alabama! After a multiyear selection process, the Alabama National Guards 187thFighter Wing at Dannelly Field in Montgomery has been chosen for the U.S. Air Forces F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission. Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson called me to inform me of the decision. I firmly believe Montgomery and the 187thare uniquely qualified to carry out this special mission.
This is a historic win for Alabama and the River Region. I could not be prouder of the men and women of the 187thfor how they demonstrated their capability to take on such an important mission. The F-35 is the militarys most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 Falcons currently flown by the 187th. Landing this mission is a tremendous boost for the River Region community and the entire state. It could bring as many as 1,000 jobs, $70 million in up-front facility upgrades, and as much as $3 billion in capital investment in Montgomery. It also further enhances Alabamas already significant military footprint.
Over the last few years, Ive been working with a partnership of unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabamas congressional delegation to bring the F-35 to Montgomery. A lot of hard work went into this process, and many thanks are in order. Id like to thank Brig. Gen. Randy Efferson, Col. William Sparrow, Mayor Todd Strange, Governor Kay Ivey, my colleagues in the Alabama congressional delegation, and the F-35 Task Force for their incredible teamwork in showing the Air Force all our area has to offer. Theres no question that our communitys firm support for our military installations and units made a big impression on the key decision makers.
We anticipate that the first F-35s will arrive in Montgomery within five years, and we are expecting 18 aircraft. Before this happens, some improvements to Dannelly Field will be made, including the development of a simulator facility and modifications of existing infrastructure.
As the legacy unit for the Tuskegee Airmen Red Tails, the 187thFighter Wing has an incredibly proud history. With this announcement, we know this unique unit has a very bright future with the F-35. Im looking forward to hearing the sound of freedom roaring over the River Region soon. I hope youll join me in celebrating this fantastic news for our area.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8FF01E25-62B5-4DE3-8823-6E687A30B0F7,Shelby Announces $1.26M DRA Grant for Thomasville Career Readiness Center,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today reported that the City of Thomasville will benefit from a $1.26 million Delta Regional Authority (DRA) grant to help establish a new career readiness center in the downtown area.
Many rural areas lack the basic career resources that are needed to develop a skilled workforce. This Delta Regional Authority funding is excellent news for the City of Thomasville and the surrounding region, said Senator Shelby. Not only will the project provide job seekers access to the tools needed to prepare for future employment, but it will promote connectivity and link workers with employment opportunities to meet workforce demands. I look forward to witnessing the benefits of this strategic and innovative partnership.
This grant will allow the Thomasville Career Readiness Center to relocate into a much larger facility to better accommodate the rapidly-growing program, which has now eclipsed 50,000 visitors per year, said Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day. Over 70 percent of the visitors served by the center reside in underserved areas of the Black Belt region outside Thomasville and Clarke County. I want to give a special thank you to Senator Richard Shelby and DRA for making this tremendously successful program a priority. Thanks also to John Clyde Riggs and his team at the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission as well as other state and local partners for their strong support. This has truly been a true team effort!
The Thomasville Public Library currently offers workforce and career resources to job seekers through a career readiness program. However, the building is unable to accommodate the growing number of individuals seeking assistance. The new Thomasville Career Readiness Center will allow for a wider array of job skills and workforce development activities to be conducted and will be conveniently located downtown in consolidation with the Thomasville library. In addition to computer access and training, the center intends to provide a career coach and will strategically align learning, education and employment training in one location.
At this time, individuals in the service area must travel a minimum of 32 miles to access an Alabama Career Center. Not only is transportation a hindrance for many people in the area, but lack of high speed internet access is also a prevalent problem in parts of southwest Alabama. Less than one quarter of the households in the surrounding counties have access to high speed broadband capabilities, leaving individuals without a way to apply for most employment opportunities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/democrats-holding-military-funding-hostage-byrne-says,"Democrats Holding Military Funding Hostage, Byrne Says",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne issued the following statement after voting in favor of a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through January 19, 2017.
Congressman Byrne said: This is not the way we need to do the peoples business. These short-term government funding bills are generally bad policy, but they are especially harmful for our national defense. As our military men and women spend the holidays away from their families, I am ashamed Congress could not provide them with the funding certainty they need and deserve. We can and we must do better than this.
Ultimately, I supported this bill because it prevents a government shutdown and includes much needed funding to keep the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) operating. That said, when Congress returns in January, we must pass a full funding bill for our nations military and stop allowing Democrats to hold critical national security funding hostage.
President Donald Trump also urged Members of Congress to support the Continuing Resolution. Earlier today, the President tweeted: House Democrats want a SHUTDOWN for the holidays in order to distract from the very popular, just passed, Tax Cuts. House Republicans, dont let this happen. Pass the C.R. TODAY and keep our Government OPEN!
The bill passed by a vote of 231 to 188.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/breaking-montgomery-lands-f-35-roby-congratulates-187th-fighter-wing,"BREAKING: Montgomery Lands the F-35, Roby Congratulates 187th Fighter Wing",2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"MONTGOMERY, Ala.  U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today confirmed that the Alabama National Guards 187thFighter Wing has been selected for the Air Forces F-35 Joint Strike Fighter mission.
									
									Roby,who has helped lead the effort to land the coveted mission, congratulated the 187thFighter Wing and the Montgomery community on this significant achievement.
									
									Todayis a historic day for Alabama and the River Region.I could not beprouder of the men and women of the 187thfor how they demonstrated their capability to carry out this special mission.
									
									I want to thank Brig. Gen. Randy Efferson, Mayor Todd Strange, Governor Kay Ivey, my colleagues in the Alabama congressional delegation, and the F-35 Task Force for their incredible teamwork in showing the Air Force all our area has to offer. Theres no question thatourcommunitys firm support for our military installations and units made a big impression on decision makers.
									
									As the legacy unit for the Tuskegee AirmenRed Tails,the 187thFighter Wing has an incredibly proud history.With todays announcement, we know this unique unit has a very bright future with the F-35.
									
									As the Pentagon begins to replace many Cold War-era fighter jets with the F-35, the Air Force is selecting two Air National Guard units to host an F-35 mission in addition to active duty bases. Last year, the Montgomery-based 187thFighter Wing was one of five Air National Guard units placed on a short list of potential locations. A partnership of unit commanders, community and state leaders, local business leaders, and Alabamas congressional delegation has worked together to build the case for Montgomery and the F-35.
									
									Throughout the multiyear selection process, Roby has worked with the 187thFighter Wing command to help demonstrate the units capability to top Air Force and congressional officials. Most recently, Roby hosted Defense Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger in Montgomery to show off the 187thFighter Wing as a potential F-35 location. In late September, Roby made a final push to Air Force officials, emphasizing several key strengths that set Montgomery apart as the ideal location for this coveted mission.
									
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https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=681078F4-DDE9-4E8A-8FB1-CC8E99ABC75C,Shelby Praises F-35A Site Selection in Montgomery,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today released the following statement on the United States Air Force decision to select Dannelly Field, home of the 187th Fighter Wing  the Red Tails  of the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery, for the new F-35A fighter jet program:
This announcement by the Air Force is excellent news for our state and a true testament to Alabamas work in the defense sector. The strong support of the community, along with the proximity of Dannelly Field to several other major military bases, saving both time and money, led Air Force Secretary Wilson to choose Montgomery for the new F-35A fighter jet program. I am extremely proud of the operational strength of the 187th Fighter Wing, and I look forward to seeing the success of this new undertaking.
The Air Force has been working to identify site locations for Operations 5 and 6 for the F-35A fighter jet program. The Air Force currently trains 90 percent of their officers at Maxwell Air Force Base, also in the Montgomery area. Truax Field at Dane County Regional Airport in Wisconsin was also announced as a new site for the F-35A fighter jet program.
The F-35A is a 5th Generation fighter jet that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three variants of the F-35 will replace legacy fighters for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and 10 other countries around the world. According to the Air Force, the F-35A will replace the Air Forces aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years.
The 187th Fighter Wing, a part of the Alabama Air National Guard, is stationed at Montgomery Air National Guard Base and currently includes a squadron of F-16 fighter jets, a combat communications group, an RC-26 reconnaissance aircraft squadron, and an eagle vision unit. Colonel William Sparrow recently assumed command of the 187th Fighter Wing from Colonel Randy Efferson in a change of command ceremony at the Montgomery Regional Air National Guard Base.
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https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/record-success,A Record of Success,2017-12-21,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Strange bids farewell to Senate colleagues, recapping Senate accomplishments
Washington, DC  U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Thursday issued the following statement after a final lunch with the Senate Republican Conference. At the lunch, Strange was presented with the Golden Gavel in recognition of 100 hours presiding over the Senate, and thanked his colleagues, especially Alabamas senior Senator, Richard Shelby, for supporting his work on behalf of the state.
Speaking on the Senate floor Thursday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) paid tribute to Stranges contributions:
In this historic year for the Senate, Luther quickly emerged as a strong voice on policy and an important vote on landmark legislation. And on a personal level, it didnt take anyone long to realize that this newcomer would rank among the most diligent, dedicated, and public-spirited members of this institution, said McConnell. We wish him every success in his future endeavors, and we salute him for the dedicated service to the people of Alabama.
Since succeeding Jeff Sessions, Strange has racked up concrete accomplishments to advance a conservative agenda benefiting the families and businesses that call Alabama home, including:
 Delivering one of the 51 votes needed to pass a once-in-a-generation tax relief package, which will increase take-home pay for Alabama families and make American businesses more competitive.
	
Casting a generational vote to send Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court and filling a record-breaking 12 Federal circuit court vacancies in less than a year with qualified, conservative judges, including Alabamas own Kevin Newsom to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
	
Repealing the onerous burden of the Obamacare individual mandate, which for too long had taxed hardworking Alabamians for a product they did not want and could not afford.
	
Rolling back the regulatory state by voting to repeal 15 oppressive Obama-era regulations that restricted freedoms and hampered economic growth, saving American taxpayers $36 billion.
	
Joining the Senate Armed Services Committee to deliver the largest annual increase in resources for Americas armed forces (NDAA), bringing the F-35A fighter program and $3 billion in capital investment to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, and fighting to secure a record-high Senate authorization of three Littoral Combat Ships, made in Mobile, AL.
	
As a member of the Energy & Natural Resources Committee, championing American energy independence by passing a bill to unlock domestic energy resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and by designing the Strange-Cassidy amendment, passed to support Alabamas coastal communities.
	
Giving Alabama a voice on the Senate Agriculture Cmte. for the first time in over 20 years, and securing visits to the state from Ag Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to hear from Alabama farmers.
	
Upholding second amendment rights by leading an NDAA measure to transfer surplus handguns to the Civilian Marksmanship Program in Anniston, AL, for public sale.
	
Fighting for better access to quality care for Americas veterans by revamping hiring procedures at 1,200 VA health facilities to attract top-notch medical providers, and passing a bill that extends veterans access to healthcare choices.
	
Securing the future of cutting-edge space and missile defense development in Huntsville, AL by ensuring the shift of orbital missions to American-made rockets and exceeding President Trumps request for increased missile defense spending to meet North Koreas threat.
 When I arrived in the Senate, I knew that the people of Alabama wanted results, not rhetoric, said Strange. From day one, Ive been working hard to serve them honorably and get things done that matter to them. The achievements won alongside President Trump and my colleagues are already having a concrete impact on Alabamas families and communities, and I am proud of this record of success.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/aderholt-statement-passage-tax-and-jobs-bill,Aderholt Statement on Passage of Tax and Jobs Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,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, released the following statement in regard to the passage of the Tax Reform and Jobs Bill.

""This afternoon, I voted in the House of Representatives, to give back more money to Alabama taxpayers. Far too many of the people in Washington believe that the government should have a right to a high percentage of everything you earn. Those people are wrong. It is your money, and you should be able to keep even more of it.

""This tax bill does the right thing. It doubles the child tax credit. It doubles the personal tax exemption. It keeps medical deductions and mortgage deductions, and more than 80% of the people in the 4th District of Alabama will receive a tax cut.

""This is also a jobs bill. By lowering the corporate tax rate, businesses are no longer rewarded for moving their businesses and jobs overseas where tax rates are cheaper. Our cumbersome, 20th Century tax code desperately needed updating. This bill achieves that goal.""

Important Numbers:

Individual filers: $6,350 under current law, will increase to $12,000 under TCJA = Increase in deduction of $5,650

Married filing jointly: $12,700 under current law, $24,000 under TCJA = Increase in deduction of $11,300

In Washington, Congressman Aderholt serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the powerful House Appropriations Committee; he is also a member of the Committee's Defense Subcommittee, the Committee's Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, and the Helsinki Commission.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-votes-cut-taxes-and-spur-economic-growth,Brooks Votes to Cut Taxes and Spur Economic Growth,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Despite undergoing a three hour radical prostatectomy surgery on Friday, December 15, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) was medically cleared to fly to the U.S. Capitol today to cast his vote in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed the House by a vote of 227-203. Immediately after the vote, Congressman Brooks flew back to Alabama for follow-up medical procedures.
Congressman Brooks said, Im pleased my radical prostatectomy surgery went well enough for me to make a day trip to Washington to vote on tax reform. This tax reform is an historic opportunity to put more money into the pockets of working Alabamians at all income levels and spur much-needed economic growth that will both help with Americas deficit and debt crisis and improve struggling American family incomes.
Brooks continued, With this bill, the typical family of four earning the median family income of $73,000 will receive a tax cut of $2,059. That is a lot of money working families need to help pay their bills.
Brooks concluded, America faces a dangerous $20 trillion national debt and an unending string of $1 trillion/year deficits starting in just four years. Economic growth is critical to avoid a national debilitating insolvency and bankruptcy that could destroy an American economy it took our ancestors centuries to build. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cuts corporate and pass-through tax rates, allows full and immediate expensing of new equipment, and encourages companies to bring back overseas profits needed to spur investment in factories and jobs in America. Overall, these tax reforms make American job-creators more competitive in a cut-throat international marketplace, thereby protecting and creating even more jobs and bigger paychecks for struggling American families.
BACKGROUND:
 A list of the many policy highlights of the bill.
	CLICK HERE to read the full legislative text of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION can be found at the House Ways and Means Committee website.
 
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https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-a-tax-cut-for-christmas,Byrne: A Tax Cut for Christmas,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne today voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The bill represents the first major overhaul of our tax code since 1986 and will result in lower taxes and a stronger American economy.
For example, the average family of four in Southwest Alabama will see their tax bill decrease by $2,187.
The bill passed by a vote of 227 to 203.
Congressman Byrne said: Today, we are giving the American people a huge Christmas present: lower taxes, a stronger economy, and more money in their pockets. This historic vote will pave the way for more jobs and bigger paychecks for families in Southwest Alabama and across the United States. 
A lot of hard work and countless hours went into making todays vote possible, and I appreciate all those who had a hand in this historic moment. Here in the Peoples House, we will continue to pursue policies that ease the burden of the federal government and make life better for American families.
In addition to the major tax reforms, the bill also includes a provision important to the Gulf Coast. The provision would increase the money Gulf states are able to receive through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). Congressman Byrne led a letter to House leaders last week urging them to include the provision in the final bill.
Click here to read more about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-urges-house-to-pass-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,Byrne Urges House to Pass Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne this morning delivered a speech in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first major reform of our nations tax code since 1986.
The House is expected to vote on the final tax reform package later this afternoon. Click here to read more about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The full transcript of Congressman Byrnes remarks can be found below.
Congressman Byrne said: I thank the Chairman for yielding and for his continued leadership.
We are on the cusp of something truly historic that will make life better for millions of people across the United States. By reforming the tax code, we will be able to put more money in peoples pockets and create a fairer and simpler system.
Under the current tax code, well off individuals and big businesses can hire lobbyists and lawyers to help them find loopholes and special-interest giveaways all at the expense of working Americans.
With our plan, the tax code will be simplified, loopholes will be closed, and the playing field will be leveled.
I want to make one thing clear: if you are looking for a tax plan that benefits the elite, the well-connected, and the 1% then you need to look at the current tax code.
Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are going to great lengths to defend the current tax code that truly benefits the 1%. 
For example, the Democratic Leader has called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act the end of the world.
So, apparently giving the hardworking people in this country a tax cut is somehow Armageddon.
Listen: lets stop with all the doomsday political rhetoric, cut to the chase, and say what this bill really does:
It cuts taxes on hardworking Americans and allows them to keep more money in their pockets.
It supports American families by increasing the child tax credit and doubling the standard deduction.
It grows the American economy by making the corporate tax code actually competitive with other industrialized countries.
It benefits Main Street businesses in Alabama and across the country with a new 20% tax deduction for pass-through income.
It will lead to greater economic growth, higher wages, and more jobs, which is exactly what the American people sent President Trump and the Republican Congress to Washington to do.
So, lets save the political hyperbole for another day, lets pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and lets give the American people a real Christmas present and put more money in their pockets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-house-passage-historic-tax-reform,Rogers on House Passage of Historic Tax Reform,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers on House Passage of Historic Tax Reform              
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
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    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) ---Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

      After over 30 years, the day has finally come for this historic tax legislation to simplify our broken tax code. I was pleased the bill passed the House today with my strong support and look forward to seeing the relief it brings to hard-working families across East Alabama and America.

      The legislation will let Americans keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, will lower the corporate tax rate to make American businesses more competitive and will increase the Child Tax Credit. The bill also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate so that families can have more freedom in their health care decisions.

      I hope the Senate will move quickly on this legislation so that President Trump can sign this important bill into law. I appreciate President Trumps leadership on this historic tax reform legislation.
     
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https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-vote,Palmer on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Vote,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,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: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921

Palmer on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Vote

Washington, DC – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report.

""The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide a much needed tax break for hardworking Americans for the first time in 31 years,"" said Palmer. ""Our tax plan not only puts more money in the pockets of the American people, but will also launch economic growth. Over the previous eight years our economy only grew at an anemic 1.8 percent per year because businesses were shackled by a complicated and burdensome tax code that was designed for a 1986 economy. The tax reform bill the House just passed removes the shackles and brings our tax code up to date with today's economy and with American families and workers. I look forward to the Senate favorably voting on the tax bill so we can give the American people a Christmas gift that will keep on giving.""

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https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=738FB00C-6E9B-491B-B006-EE6B019DF147,Shelby Votes to Pass Historic Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today voted to support H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was passed in the Senate by a vote of 51 to 48. The tax reform bill will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Following House passage, the comprehensive tax proposal will head to President Trumps desk for his signature.
The Senate today passed historic legislation to deliver pro-growth, middle-class tax relief to the American people. This bill not only lowers individual and corporate tax rates, lightening the burden on small businesses, but it works to revitalize our economy  impacting current and future generations to come. Across the nation, this legislation will help create jobs, increase paychecks, and make the tax code simpler and fairer.
I am proud that we are able to work together to fulfill our commitment to deliver real tax reform and put money back in the pockets of the middle-class Americans who have earned it. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change Americans lives for the better.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/strange-%E2%80%9C-generational-vote-secure-our-nation%E2%80%99s-future%E2%80%9D,Strange: “A generational vote to secure our nation’s future”,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate passes final tax relief package to create jobs, raise wages and competitiveness
Washington, DC  U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Wednesday issued the following statement after the passage of the Conference Report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The product of years of discussion, weeks of committee consideration and hours of floor debate, the legislation will lower individual, small business, and corporate tax rates, double the standard deduction, repeal the Obamacare individual mandate, simplify the tax code, and dramatically increase the child tax credit. The Senate-passed report will receive a final vote in the House Wednesday morning before being sent to the White House for President Trumps signature.
Tax relief is not pie in the sky. Today, it becomes reality for the American families working hard to make ends meet. said Strange. It becomes reality for the small businesses that serve as cornerstones of our communities. It becomes reality for job creators who know the power of American industry. Getting tax relief accomplished is the reason I came to Washington, and on behalf of Alabama, I am proud to cast my vote tonight.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/live-in-hope-this-christmas,Live in Hope This Christmas,2017-12-17,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Its that time of the year again. Its the time we hurry from store to store looking for that perfect gift for our loved ones. Its the time when many travel around the country to spend time with their families. Its the time where we dust off the cookbooks to prepare the perfect dish for the Christmas lunch or dinner.
If you are like me, Christmas is a time when you can feel overwhelmed. There is so much to do and so little time to get everything done. Between balancing work, family, and the holidays, it seems like there is not enough time in the day.
In todays day and age, it is very easy to grow discouraged. From the constant beat of divisive coverage from the national news media to the never-ending flow of information on social media to the very serious instability in countries around the globe, it seems like the world is in a very precarious place. I certainly understand why some studies show that stress and anxiety is at an all-time high.
So, this holiday season, I want to remind you that there is hope in this world, and the hope comes in many different shapes and forms.
There is hope in the people who take time out of their busy holiday schedule to help those in need. Last week, I joined with the Salvation Army to ring their holiday bell outside the Bass Pro Shop in Spanish Fort. I was constantly impressed by the number of individuals from all ages and all walks of life who dropped money in the bucket.
I also recently visited the WKRG studios in Mobile to donate to their annual toy drive. When I walked into that warehouse full of toys, it put joy in my heart. There is something truly special about individuals giving their time, money, or talents to help make the holidays special for those in need.
There is hope in the sacrifice of our service members. Jesus put it best when he said that there is no greater love than a person who is willing to lay down their life for ones friends. That is what our military men and women do each and every day. They put their life on the line to help protect the rights and values that we hold dear.
There is hope in the United States of America. If you ever doubt the greatness of America, just take a look back at our history and what all we have overcome. The greatness of our country is not based in our legal documents or our government institutions. The greatness of the United States comes from our people, and that is why I know our best days are still ahead.
Finally, there is hope in Christ. There is hope in that baby, born in a manger in Bethlehem. There is hope because that baby would grow up to conquer the world and give us the remarkable blessing of eternal life. It is the love of Jesus that gives us the greatest hope of all.
This Christmas, as I do each year, I want to remind you of the words written in John 1:5, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. No matter how busy you are, how worried you are, or how anxious you are, please take hope in the fact that the light will never be overcome by the darkness of this world.
So, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and may God bless you this holiday season.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/it-s-about-time,Its About Time.,2017-12-16,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress was recently informed by Department of Justice officials of their intention to follow up on calls to investigate the appalling practice of abortion providers harvesting and trafficking fetal organs for profit. Its about time.

As you may remember, in July of 2015, senior Planned Parenthood officials were caught on camera discussing how abortion procedures could be systematically altered in order to preserve certain organs so they could be sold to researchers. One described in disturbing terms how a person performing an abortion could crush here and crush there, being careful to preserve certain body parts because they are valuable on the research market. Another discussed developing a kind of menu for organs and how lucrative these arrangements could be.

It was sick, callous, and completely inhuman. It also happens to be against the law. The purchase and sale of human fetal tissue is prohibited by federal law, as is altering the timing or method of an abortion to gain material for research.

PlannedParenthoodhas claimed that its abortion clinics only collect tissue legally for research purposes and that any payments are simply cost reimbursements. However, themenu and price scheme discussed on camera strongly suggest a competitive market at play, and it was clear that officials were willing to alter abortion procedures in order to preserve certain in-demand organs.Planned Parenthood also later reversed its policy and stopped clinics from accepting payments for tissue  a change that seems unnecessary if they werent doing anything wrong.

Several of my colleagues and I immediately called for an investigation into these disturbing revelations. Unfortunately, our demands fell on deaf ears. Even after multiple congressional committees referred their own investigations to the authorities at the Department of Justice, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch declined to pursue an investigation. At the time, I said it was disappointing, but hardly surprising. Its no secret that Planned Parenthood throws around considerable political weight in Washington.

In this country, no one is above the law. Thats why I was so very pleased to receive word that the Department of Justice, now under the leadership of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, appears to be following up on the evidence and taking our calls for an investigation seriously.

In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd, who Im proud to say was formerly my Chief of Staff, requested un-redacted documents from the Committees investigation into the suspected harvesting and trafficking of fetal tissue. Assistant Attorney General Boyd said for now the documents are being used for investigative purposes only, and a formal resolution may be required for further proceedings, such as a grand jury.

I appreciate the Departments attention to this matter, and I can say for certain that I wont be the only one watching this closely. When the terrible videos first surfaced in 2015, I went directly to the House floor and spoke out to raise awareness about this outrageous activity. Someone later told me that I was the first person to speak on the floor about the scandal. Let me be clear: If I have to, I will be the last.

I said then, I promise we are not done talking about this. I am pleased that with the new leadership at the Department of Justice, that has proven to be true. Ill keep you informed as we learn more about this investigation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-joint-employer-nlrb-decision,Byrne Statement on Joint-Employer NLRB Decision,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne, Chairman of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to todays decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to overturn the 2015 Browning-Ferris Industries decision that expanded the joint-employer standard.
Earlier this year, the House passed Congressman Byrnes bill, the Save Local Business Act, which would reaffirm that two or more employers must have actual, direct, and immediate control over employees to be considered joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act and Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill passed the House on November 7 by a vote of 242 to 181.
Congressman Byrne said: Todays decision from the NLRB restores decades of clear legal precedent about what constitutes an employer. It is critical workers know who their boss is and employers have the certainty necessary to grow and expand. Americas workers and small businesses are the real winners in todays decision.
This decision is a major development, but I will continue working for a permanent legislative solution to prevent any future NLRB from redefining what it means to be an employer. 
Click here to learn more about todays NLRB decision.
Click here for more information on Rep. Byrnes Save Local Business Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-season-giving-across-east-alabama,Report from Washington:  The Season of Giving Across East Alabama,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.)Every year during the Christmas season, I like to take some time to highlight a few of the great things folks are doing for each other across East Alabama.

Below is a small sampling of what is going on in the Third District.

In Randolph County, the Pilot Club provides toys for less fortunate children in the area.

Across Chambers County, the Christian Service Center provides food, clothing and gifts for families in need.

In Macon County, the Tuskegee Fire Department participates in Toys for Tots. The City of Tuskegee and Town of Shorter employees adopt families through DHR for Christmas and the Macon County Ministers Council provides for families in need.

In Talladega County, folks in Sylacauga participated in the Second Annual Stuff the Bus Food and Toy Drive. Last year, the efforts fed more than 4,200 in December and provided over 100 families with toys. This year, the food and toy drive was triple last years totals.

In Talladega, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama gave toys and food items to needy families in the area.

In Calhoun County, the Knox Concert Series in Anniston continued its four-decade tradition and held two school day performances of The Nutcracker for free for the third grade students in the area.

In Montgomery County, at Pike Road Town Hall, hygiene and food items are being collected for the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System and the Food Pantry at Woodland United Methodist Church. First Baptist Church (Ripley Street) Meals on wheels programs serves hundreds throughout the city.

In Russell County, the Mayors Charity Ball in Phenix City provides annual scholarships to over 20 students in Russell County. Donations come from local business owners.

It is always amazing to me to see how much our brothers and sisters across East Alabama do for one another. Lets keep that spirit up throughout the year instead of just during the holidays.

As always, I want to hear from you on this or any issue.

Please sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers,
follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com and you can also subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-god-works-mysterious-ways,Brooks: God Works in Mysterious Ways,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – This morning, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) delivered the following speech on the House floor.  
 

Video of Congressman Brooks’ remarks is available HERE.
Text of Congressman Brooks’ remarks: 
“Mr. Speaker, this is a very difficult speech for me to give. God works in mysterious ways. When you are an elected official, missed votes require an explanation. That is why I disclose this otherwise very personal, very private, and very humbling matter.
“On Halloween Night after votes and as I stood on the Capitol steps, my doctor called and said, ‘Congressman Brooks. Bad news. You have high risk prostate cancer.’ I felt an adrenalin rush as a chill went up and down my spine. 
“By way of background, prostate cancer kills almost 27,000 American men each year and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths, behind only lung and colorectal cancers.  
“71% of prostate cancer patients die in less than five years if the prostate cancer has spread beyond the abdominal cavity. In stark contrast, almost all prostate cancer patients live longer than five years if the cancer is discovered early and killed before it spreads. 
“For example, my father discovered his prostate cancer early. He lived four decades after his prostatectomy. My grandfather discovered his prostate cancer too late. He died not long thereafter.  
“After my doctor’s diagnosis, I called my wife, Martha, who was back home in Huntsville welcoming Trick or Treaters, and shared the bad news. That night was one of the loneliest nights apart in our 41-year marriage. I kept thinking about my wonderful family, ‘What do I do next,’ and ‘How do I beat this cancer?’
“Overnight I formed a plan and began implementing it. In an emotional meeting, I informed my Washington staff of my cancer, that I was immediately flying to Huntsville after a CT Scan that afternoon, and that, for medical reasons, I would be in Alabama the rest of the week. 
“Based on advice from friends and doctors, I chose Dr. Scott Tully as my treating physician. Dr. Tully is widely respected and has performed more than 3,000 prostatectomies. On Thursday, Martha and I drove to Birmingham to obtain Dr. Tully’s insight about treatment options and risks.  He advised a radical prostatectomy.
“At Dr. Tully’s direction, I undertook a heart stress test and a Nuclear Bone Scan. Finally, I got some good news. My CT Scan and Nuclear Bone Scan revealed no cancer beyond the prostate. My heart stress test confirmed that I was strong enough to undergo the two to three hour surgery.
“Prostate cancer mortality is compelling. Speed is critical in the fight against prostate cancer. In compliance with the 2017 House Calendar that set end-of-year votes on December 14, and at some risk to myself, Dr. Tully and I delayed my surgery until December 15, this Friday, and set a post-surgery medical procedure for December 20.
“My plan was to recuperate at home during the holidays with my family and return to Washington for a full work load when Congress reconvenes on January 3. Unfortunately, last week the House Speaker abruptly changed the House voting calendar that I relied on to set my surgery. As a result, next week I will miss House floor votes unless I am unexpectedly medically cleared to travel.
“There are three insights from my experience that I wish to share with the public. First, don’t ever take your health or family for granted. During the holidays, enjoy your family . . . because no one is promised tomorrow.
“Second, I encourage age appropriate men to have regular PSA tests. While PSA tests do not diagnose cancer, my PSA spike persuaded me to have the prostate biopsy that revealed my ‘high risk’ prostate cancer early enough for me to enjoy a very good cure prognosis.
“Third, I ran for the Senate in 2017. I finished third out of nine candidates in the Republican Primary. Had I won, I would not have had time for my physical and PSA test. I would not have had a prostate biopsy. I would not now know about my ‘high risk’ prostate cancer that requires immediate surgery. 
“In retrospect, and paradoxically, losing the Senate race may have saved my life! 
“Yes, God does work in mysterious ways.”
 
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https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-urges-inclusion-of-pro-gulf-coast-provision-in-tax-bill,Byrne Urges Inclusion of Pro-Gulf Coast Provision in Tax Bill,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne led a group of colleagues in urging for a provision important to Gulf Coast states be included in the final tax reform legislation.
In a letter to House leaders, Congressman Byrne and his colleagues urged inclusion of the Cassidy-Strange Amendment in the final tax reform bill. The amendment, led by Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy and Alabama Senator Luther Strange, would increase the money states are able to receive through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA).
GOMESA is the federal legislation that creates a revenue sharing agreement between Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Under GOMESA, each state receives a percentage of federal oil revenue from drilling off their respective coast.
Congressman Byrne said: “As we work on a final tax reform bill, I strongly urge House and Senate leaders to include a provision that benefits Gulf Coast states. The amendment would ensure appropriate and full revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico makes it to the appropriate states. This money is critically important to support our coastal ecosystem and our coastal communities. I thank Senators Cassidy and Strange for their work on this amendment, and I hope it is a part of the final tax reform legislation.”
The letter was signed by Congressmen Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Blake Farenthold (R-TX), Brian Babin (R-TX), and Randy Weber (R-TX).
The amendment would help make up for shortfalls in the projected amount of revenue from offshore oil and gas leases. It would increase the revenue sharing cap from $500 million to $650 million for two years (2020 and 2021).
Click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-ndaa-signed-law,Rogers on NDAA Signed into Law,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers on NDAA Signed into Law             
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
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    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) ---Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 in to law this afternoon.
 
“I was proud to see the National Defense Authorization Act for FY18 become law today with President Trump’s signature.  This critical piece of legislation funds the Pentagon, takes care of our brave men and women in uniform and helps the Anniston Army Depot.  This legislation also includes the transfer of 1911s to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) so they can prepare and sell the firearms to law-abiding citizens.  I am proud to have served as a conferee on this important bill and pleased to see it become law.”
 
Rogers serves as a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee and the Chairman of the Strategic Forces subcommittee.
 
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https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=77280A60-0A6A-403D-B6B9-F7E1992C69D9,Shelby Praises SEC Appointment of  William Duhnke to be PCAOB Chairman,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today made the following statement regarding the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) appointment of William D. Duhnke III to be Chairman of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).
 “Chairman Clayton has made an excellent choice in selecting Bill Duhnke to be the next chairman of the PCAOB,” said Senator Shelby. “His intellect and experience ensure his future success in this role. I have relied on Bill’s professional advice and leadership for 20 years, and I know he will be an asset as the Board works to improve audit quality and promote public trust.”
 Mr. Duhnke added, “I greatly appreciate the confidence of Chairman Clayton and the Commissioners. I look forward to working with them, the Office of the Chief Accountant, and my fellow Board members to protect investors and the public interest by promoting informative, accurate, and independent audit reports.”
 Mr. Duhnke is currently the Staff Director and General Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which is chaired by Senator Shelby. He previously served as Staff Director and General Counsel for the Shelby-led Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations. Prior to joining Senator Shelby’s personal office in 1995, Mr. Duhnke served in the U.S. Navy and the Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces. He received a J.D. from Catholic University and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.
 The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies. Additionally, the PCAOB oversees the audits of brokers and dealers, including compliance reports filed pursuant to federal securities laws, to promote investor protection.  The five members of the PCAOB Board, including the Chairman, are appointed to staggered five-year terms by the SEC, after consultation with the Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary of the Treasury.
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https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-praises-president-trumps-new-space-policy-directive,Brooks Praises President Trump's New Space Policy Directive,2017-12-11,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) today released the following statement after joining President Trump at the White House for the signing of Space Policy Directive 1 (SPD-1). The directive instructs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to return American astronauts to the Moon for long-term exploration and pursue human exploration of Mars and the broader solar system.  
Congressman Brooks said, “As Vice-Chairman of the Space Subcommittee and the representative for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, I was pleased to join President Trump today at the White House for the signing of Space Policy Directive 1 (SPD-1). The directive marks an important step forward for NASA, returning American astronauts to the Moon to establish the foundation for an expedition to Mars and the broader solar system.”
 

Congressman Brooks joins President Trump at the White House for the signing
of a space policy directive. Click HERE for high-resolution photos. 
Brooks concluded, “I am extremely proud of the leading role the Tennessee Valley will play in accomplishing President Trump’s directive. The Space Launch System (SLS), a portion of which is being developed and tested at Marshall, is the vehicle American astronauts will utilize for deep space exploration. This month marks 45 years since the Apollo 17 lunar landing, the last manned mission to the Moon, so it is fitting that President Trump today signed SPD-1 to restore America’s commitment to human space exploration.”
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https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/standing-up-for-the-second-amendment,Standing Up for the Second Amendment,2017-12-10,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Second Amendment is clear: “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Despite what some may try to argue, the Second Amendment makes clear that the federal government cannot prevent individuals from owning firearms.
The vast majority of gun owners point out that their top reason for owning a firearm is self-defense. Studies have shown that violent crime has decreased as gun ownership has increased. Individuals should be trained and prepared to defend themselves should they find themselves in a dangerous situation
Since being elected to Congress, I have continually stood up for the gunowners and fought to prevent any attempt to restrict an individual’s Second Amendment right. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, gun owners now have an advocate in the White House who respects the Second Amendment as well.
Just this past week, the House of Representatives passed a major pro-Second Amendment bill. H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, passed the House with my support by a vote of 231 to 198. Simply put, the bill makes clear that a citizen’s Second Amendment right doesn’t end when they cross state lines.
The bill would allow a person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry a concealed firearm in any other state that also issues concealed firearm permits. The bill would also apply for states that allow non-prohibited persons to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Notably, the bill does not create a national licensing program, but would require states to recognize other states’ valid concealed carry permits.
The legislation is strongly supported by Second Amendment advocates, including the NRA. Some have gone so far as it say it is the most “far-reaching expansion of self-defense rights in modern American history.”
According to the NRA, the legislation “seeks to shift the law to the side of those who obey the rules so they – and not just the criminals – can exercise what the U.S. Supreme Court called ‘the right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation’ in any state where their travels may take them.”
To be clear, the bill does not change who is and isn’t eligible to own or possess a firearm. If someone is a criminal who is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm, nothing in this bill would allow that person to purchase a firearm or carry one in a concealed fashion.
Concealed carry permits have been shown to help deter crime. For example, there is the story of a sheriff’s deputy in Florida who was being violently attacked after car chase when a bystander, who had a concealed-carry permit, was able to intervene and subdue the suspect. The Lee County Sheriff has proclaimed the gentleman a hero for his efforts.
The bill is also important because it helps end confusion caused by the current patchwork of state laws. I recently heard the story of a wounded warrior on the way back from receiving medical care for his injury being arrested in our nation’s capital for simply possessing a concealed handgun, lawfully permitted from his home state.  This is unacceptable.
By helping provide clarity, the American people will be able to conceal carry a firearm across state lines without being subject to potential criminal or civil risk.
For me, I will continue doing everything I can to stand up for the Second Amendment. This is about protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans and working to make our country a safer place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/enhancing-protection-second-amendment,Enhancing the Protection of the Second Amendment,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Our countrys Founders laid out certain rights in our Constitution in order to empower the people, not the government. Certainly among the most fundamental rights we have as Americans is the right to keep and bear arms, as declared by the Second Amendment. As a gun owner myself and a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, I am pleased to report that the House of Representatives has taken action to preserve Americans constitutional right and ensure that our background check system is functioning properly.
The House has passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, to enhance and standardize the protection of the Second Amendment by simply ensuring all law-abiding citizens who obtain concealed carry permits in their home states can exercise the right to protect themselves in any state. Our Second Amendment right doesnt end when we cross the state line, and I believe individuals who meet the requirements for concealed carry in their home state should be allowed the same privileges in any state, of course provided that they obey the local concealed carry laws. Thats what H.R. 38 does.
This bill also seeks to ensure that our current National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is enforced and working properly. In the wake of the horrible shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, we learned that the assailant had been allowed to legally purchase a firearm when he should not have been. If the system we have in place had worked, his time served in military prison for his history of domestic violence would have been properly reported into NICS by the U.S. Air Force, and he would have been prohibited him from obtaining such weapons. This oversight was unacceptable, deadly, and completely avoidable. Thats why H.R. 38 takes steps to hold federal agencies accountable for their responsibility to report information.
Some gun control advocates claim that this bill somehow makes it easier for dangerous, unqualified individuals to obtain and carry guns. That is absolutely not true. If a citizen is currently prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm, this bill does nothing to change that. On the other hand, others have claimed this bill makes it harder for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment right. Thats not true either. H.R. 38 does nothing to infringe on any law-abiding citizens right to keep and bear arms, but rather seeks to ensure that our current laws are properly enforced.
Those of us who respect the Second Amendment and dedicate our careers to defending it will always fight to protect this fundamental right from those who would try to erode it. It is precisely because we want to preserve the Second Amendment for future generations that we must uphold and enforce our current laws designed to ensure that dangerous people cannot legally obtain weapons.
As a member of the Judiciary Committee that worked on this legislation, Im proud that the House has taken this important action. I also appreciate the work of the National Rifle Association and other groups to help build support for this legislation. I hope the Senate takes up this bill quickly and sends it to the Presidents desk. I will keep you posted as we move forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-votes-second-amendment-protections,Brooks Votes for Second Amendment Protections,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) today voted for H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. This bill aims to protect our Second Amendment right to bear arms by ensuring that individuals qualified to carry a concealed handgun in their home state can also carry a firearm across state lines. Brooks is an original cosponsor of H.R. 38, which passed the House by a vote of 231-198.
Congressman Brooks said, “Today’s House passage of concealed carry reciprocity is a win both for gun owners everywhere and for the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Constitutional rights don’t end at state lines. This bill helps to ensure that all Americans are able to protect themselves and their families from criminals and terrorists when traveling from state to state.”
Brooks concluded, “If H.R. 38 is enacted into law, then every citizen’s Constitutional right to carry concealed firearms will be protected and promoted. The Second Amendment is not only a matter of public safety for law-abiding citizens, it is a fundamental part of America’s Bill of Rights. In that vein, I am proud to protect the Second Amendment and promote concealed carry reciprocity.”
 
 
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https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-votes-in-favor-of-strong-second-amendment-legislation,Byrne Votes in Favor of Strong Second Amendment Legislation,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne today voted in favor of H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Byrne is a co-sponsor of the important Second Amendment legislation.
The bill would allow a person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry a concealed firearm in any other state that also issues concealed firearm permits. The bill would also apply for states that allow non-prohibited persons to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Notably, the bill does not create a national licensing program, but would require states to recognize other states’ valid concealed carry permits.
Congressman Byrne said: “A citizen’s Second Amendment right should not end when they cross state lines. Under current law, a gunowner is subject to criminal and civil risk by simply exercising their constitutional right to carry their firearm when traveling. With this strong Second Amendment legislation, we can provide much needed clarity and help make our country a safer place.”
The bill passed by a vote of 231 to 198.
The legislation is supported by the National Rifle Association (NRA). They note that the legislation “simply seeks to shift the law to the side of those who obey the rules so they – and not just the criminals – can exercise what the U.S. Supreme Court called ‘the right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation’ in any state where their travels may take them.”
Click here for more information on the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-votes-defend-2nd-amendment-rights,Palmer Votes to Defend 2nd Amendment Rights,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,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: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921

Palmer Votes to Defend 2nd Amendment Rights

Washington, DC – Today the House of Representatives passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after voting in favor of the bill.

""As a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment, I am a proud cosponsor of and voted in favor of H.R. 38 today. This bill protects the constitutional right for law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and ensures that the right does not end when you cross a state line. Overreaching restrictions placed on gun ownership are not only unconstitutional, they inevitably harm law-abiding citizens and do little to dissuade the illegal use of firearms. It is important to note that this bill would not apply to individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm under current federal law.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:19:19Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/energy-in-alabama,Energy in Alabama,2017-12-03,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"In Alabama, we have a lot to be proud of.  From our best-in-the-nation Pre-K programs to our championship caliber football teams to our booming economy, there is no shortage of things for our residents to take pride in.
One thing we often forget is our outstanding natural resources. From our forests to our waters, Alabama is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that provide a diverse base from which we can produce energy. It is very easy to take for granted our easy access to and the reliability of energy in Alabama.
The energy industry not only provides sufficient, reliable power for Alabama, but also employs thousands of our state’s residents, helps grow our economy, and generates revenue for our communities.  
According to the Energy Institute of Alabama, the energy sector has created more than 124,000 jobs across our state. Moreover, the economic impact of electricity production, construction, and maintenance is an astounding $9.37 billion, putting the overall economic impact of Alabama’s energy sector at $13.22 billion. By stimulating this growth, we have created an environment for the energy sector and others to expand, thus providing even more quality opportunities for job seekers.
Bringing more jobs to Alabama has always been a priority of mine, and it is undoubtedly an exciting time to be in Alabama, with major companies recognizing our immense potential for growth and bringing more jobs to the region. 
A state that provides clean, affordable, reliable energy is a crucial factor in the decisions of companies considering whether to locate in Alabama or expand their existing operations in our state. Thanks to the impressive work of our responsibly utilities, companies can feel good about choosing Alabama.
Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that allows the United States to become energy independent. We should not have to depend on foreign nations for our energy sources, especially when you consider the vast amount of resources available right here in the United States. Affordable energy is a key component to turning our economy around and putting people back to work. 
If we are to accomplish a true “all-of-the-above” approach to energy production, then we must stop the senseless regulations and costly red tape. Many times, these regulations add to government bureaucracy, but do nothing to actually help protect our natural resources. Even worse, the cost of regulations is often passed on to the consumer in the form of higher energy costs. Cutting back on costly regulations is, and should remain, a primary focus of Congress.
To be clear, it is imperative that we produce energy the right way. As a coastal community, we know all too well the risks of harvesting our resources, and therefore place the utmost importance on protecting the American people and our environment. I will always be an advocate for safe policies that do not unnecessarily endanger those we aim to serve. 
It is vital that we ensure future generations can enjoy the same parts of our environmental that we have been privileged to enjoy over the years. It’s comforting to know that our local energy companies also share these values and take care of what they use.
So, as I think about energy and what it means to us as Alabamians, I feel blessed to have a home state where I can flip a switch and know that the power I need to operate my air conditioner or heat my water is there. Alabama is a wonderful place for many reasons. I hope you are as proud of it as I am.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0C17F538-0A1B-496C-8C87-70B1F2BC61E0,Shelby Votes to Provide Tax Relief for All Americans,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today voted to support the Senate’s tax reform package – the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” – which was passed in the Senate by a vote of 51 to 49. The legislation is now expected to be conferenced with the House of Representatives tax reform bill.
“The Senate today passed legislation to deliver pro-growth tax relief for the American people.  This is a bill that, if signed into law, will positively impact current and future generations by expanding economic opportunities and lowering taxes for the middle-class.  Reducing rates and reforming our tax code will not only put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans, but it will also allow businesses to create jobs and increase wages.
“Tax reform is one of the most important things we can do to help middle-class families.  This is Congress’s opportunity to change Americans’ lives for the better, and I am proud to support these efforts.” 
 The Senate Finance Committee held dozens of hearings and collected input from numerous Senators as Committee members worked to write the initial tax reform proposal.  All Senators were given the opportunity to put forward their own suggestions and principles in the open process in efforts to improve the bill.  A variety of amendments to the bill were also considered on the Senate floor prior to its passage.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/highlighting-outstanding-second-district-stem-programs,Highlighting Outstanding Second District STEM Programs,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Studies increasingly show that the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are the drivers of our global economy and that these disciplines are the primary source of all innovation. Reports also show that many firms desperately need STEM-skilled employees but are struggling to find qualified individuals. It has become clear that were simply not producing enough individuals trained in STEM fields to fulfill current demand, and thats a big problem if we want our country to remain globally competitive.
Im proud to report that our districts own military installations, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base and Fort Rucker, are taking their own measures to expose elementary school students to the STEM fields and encourage students to pursue educations in these disciplines. This past Monday I had the opportunity to visit Starbase, Maxwell Air Force Bases five-week STEM education program, that is available to 5th graders in the River Region. Students from Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore Counties visit Maxwell Air Force Base for classes once per week for five weeks for classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences leading up to a final robotics project.
The Starbase experience is offered to all 5th graders, regardless of learning abilities, physical challenges, and disciplinary concerns. Starbase will serve approximately 2,000 students this year alone, but due to funding limitations, schools must rotate participation from year to year, meaning that each school participates in the program approximately every other year. Im excited to report that Congress has restored $25 million to the national Starbase program in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which went to President Trumps desk this week.
I also recently had the opportunity to meet with COL Craig Taylor, Commander of the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) at Fort Rucker, and he filled me in on their program called Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS). GEMS is an extracurricular STEM education program that enables 4th-11th grade students from the Wiregrass region of our state to engage in grade-appropriate, hands-on experiments. These students learn valuable math and science concepts, gain exposure to laboratory settings, and interact with military and civilian technicians, scientists, and engineers. USAARLs GEMS program aims to reach those students who are underserved or underrepresented in STEM fields. GEMS is provided at no cost to students and since 2011 has been offered to more than 950 students from Fort Rucker, Enterprise, Ozark, Daleville, Dothan, and other communities. The Wiregrass is fortunate to have GEMS available to students in the area, and Im excited to see its continued development of STEM students for our state.
It is critically important that we train up future generations of STEM professionals in order to maintain our competitive edge in innovation. Our districts military installations are answering that call in a big way, and we are fortunate to have the Starbase and GEMS programs available to our students. Im proud of the work being done for STEM education at Maxwell and Fort Rucker, and I am eager to see it continue and flourish.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/%E2%80%9Cdelivering-tax-relief-more-goal-%E2%80%93-it%E2%80%99s-our-job%E2%80%9D,“Delivering tax relief is more than a goal – it’s our job”,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate bill set to deliver $2,200 tax cut for typical family of four
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Friday issued the following statement ahead of the Senate’s vote on H.R. 1, the Tax Reconciliation Act.
“For Alabama families in need of more take-home pay, today’s vote is a step in the right direction,” said Strange. “For Alabama small businesses hoping to expand, raise wages, or create new jobs, today’s vote puts us on the cusp of the real change I came to Washington to deliver. I am proud of the hard work that has gone into our nation’s first comprehensive tax relief package in over thirty years, and I will vote to send a final, generational solution to the President’s desk before the end of the year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-house-has-done-its-job,Report from Washington:  The House Has Done its Job,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.)— Washington has been a busy place this year.  As folks across East Alabama may have seen in the news, time and time again, legislation passes in the House and either stalls or fails in the Senate.
 
It makes it tough to get things done around here.
 
A prime example occurred earlier this year. The House kept President Trump’s promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.  
 
Unfortunately, the legislation did not pass in the Senate when they could not get to 50 votes. Vice President Pence was ready to break the tie.
 
The House also recently passed a bill that would reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  This important bill extends funding for CHIP and other programs low-income children rely on. The House passed legislation has not yet reached the Senate Floor.
 
This summer, the House worked hard to pass legislation that included $1.6 billion in funding to help build the wall on the Southwest border to help fulfill one of President Trump’s top priorities.
 
The House also passed two bills addressing illegal immigration.  The first would help keep Sanctuary Cities from protecting illegal immigrants who’ve committed crimes and the second would impose tougher penalties on illegal immigrant criminals who have come in to the country.  These bills have since stalled in the Senate.
 
The House passed comprehensive tax reform just before Thanksgiving.  As of writing, the Senate is working on their version.  Let’s hope they can pass it so we can get closer to delivering one of the largest tax cuts for hard-working families. 
 
The momentum we have created in the House for President Trump’s agenda just has not carried over to the Senate. The House has done its job, now I hope our colleagues in the upper Chamber will begin to put America first.
 
As always, I want to hear from you on this or any issue. 
 
Please sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, 
follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com and you can also subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-house-act-to-combat-sexual-harassment-in-congress,"Byrne, House Act to Combat Sexual Harassment in Congress",2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne, a former labor and employment attorney with decades of experience handling sexual harassment claims in the private sector, issued the following statement in response to House passage of a resolution to require all Members of Congress and their staff to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training.
Congressman Byrne said: “Mandating harassment training is an important first step toward combatting sexual harassment and discrimination claims in Congress. Training will ensure that all Members of Congress and our staffs understand what sexual harassment is and how to report instances of abuse.
“I applaud Congresswoman Comstock for introducing this legislation and pushing for its swift consideration. I look forward to continuing to work with Congresswoman Comstock, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, and the House Administration Committee to combat sexual harassment and improve the way such claims are handled in Congress.”
Earlier this month, Byrne testified before the House Administration Committee with his suggestions to improve the way sexual harassment claims are handled in Congress. Mandatory training was a key provision of his suggestions.
Click here to watch Congressman Byrne’s testimony before the House Administration Committee.
Click here to read Congressman Byrne’s full testimony.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/strange-votes-advance-tax-relief-package-senate-floor,Strange votes to advance tax relief package to Senate floor,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Budget Committee consideration included critical Gulf Coast revenue-sharing provision
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Tuesday voted with Budget Committee Republicans to favorably report the Senate tax relief bill. The legislation, passed by the Finance Committee before the Thanksgiving recess, will now advance to be considered by the full Senate. This package also includes the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Reconciliation Bill recently passed by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and an amendment, cosponsored by Strange, which will raise revenue sharing limits for Gulf Coast energy producing states like Alabama.
“As I have said before, delivering meaningful tax relief to Alabama families and businesses has been my top priority in the Senate,” said Strange. “Today’s Budget Committee vote brings a 30-year process to modernize the tax code one step closer to reality. With the livelihoods of hardworking Americans at stake, including those who rely on the Gulf Coast energy production, failure is not an option, and I look forward to final consideration of this major legislation on the floor later this week.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/two-big-things-you-may-have-missed,Two Big Things You May Have Missed,2017-11-26,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"I understand why people are so frustrated with politics these days. The American people want action, and it may not seem like much is actually getting accomplished. I share those concerns, but my frustration is not connected to my work in the House of Representatives. Despite the media’s infatuation with relitigating the 2016 election, there are very substantive bills that pass out of the House almost every week.
In fact, two very important bills passed out of the House the week before Thanksgiving, and the national news media did not give either the attention they deserved. I want to quickly bring you up to speed.
First, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a strong bipartisan vote of 356 to 70. The same bill then passed out of the Senate on a unanimous voice vote.
As some of you may remember, the NDAA is the bill Congress must pass each year to set policy and authorize funding for the entire U.S. military. It almost always earns bipartisan support because, believe it or not, there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for a strong national defense.
This year’s NDAA makes important progress toward rebuilding our military by calling for more service members, better equipment, and additional resources. The bill also authorizes the largest pay raise for our troops in eight years and includes a number of important provisions related to our nuclear weapon program in light of continued threats from North Korea
The NDAA is important to Southwest Alabama because it authorizes the construction of three additional Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). These are the Navy ships that are built by Austal USA in Mobile. I pushed hard to ensure adequate support for the LCS program in an effort to make our Navy stronger and to protect thousands of jobs at the Mobile shipyard.
Second, on November 16th, the House passed landmark tax reform legislation that will cut taxes and help grow the American economy. The bill, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is a key part of President Trump’s agenda.
The benefits of this bill aren’t abstract. Just consider the median family of four in Southwest Alabama. That family earns a little over $77,000 a year. If that family takes the standard deduction, as most do, they will see a tax cut of $1,739.16. That comes out to almost $150 extra dollars a month.
That’s just as it relates to the individual tax code. When you add in additional reforms to the business and corporate code, studies have shown that the American economy will really take off, resulting in more jobs and higher wages. President Trump has predicted a “Middle Class Miracle.”
These are just two of the most recent examples of the over 350 bills that have passed out of the House this year. The vast majority of those bills passed with bipartisan support, much like the NDAA. Despite roadblocks in the Senate, the House is doing our job and actively working to follow through on the agenda we all ran on in 2016.
If you have a hard time cutting through the noise of the national news media, I invite you to sign up for my weekly e-newsletter to help keep up with what is happening in Washington and how it impacts Southwest Alabama. You can sign up online at Byrne.House.Gov.
At the end of the day, I am going to keep doing the job you elected me to do: fighting each and every day for our shared values and for the hardworking people in Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Monroe, Escambia, and Washington counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/pause-to-count-your-blessings,Pause to Count Your Blessings,2017-11-19,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to put the political debates of today aside and take time to reflect on the many blessings that we all-too-often take for granted. As I sat down to write this column, four very distinct blessings came to my mind.
The first blessing we all have is life.  I was reminded of that earlier this year when my granddaughter Ann-Roberts Byrne was born.  She was, like all of us at that point in our lives, small, weak and helpless.  But life radiated from her, shooting out like little rays. It reminded me of a line from a poem by the British poet, William Wordsworth:  ""Heaven lies about us in our infancy!""
But there is also life in an elderly person, like my mother in law, Flora Dukes, who radiated like the sun in the days leading up to her death four years ago.  All life – new, old, and in between – is precious, because it is an individual gift to each of us from our Creator.
The second blessing is family and good friends.  We weren't made to be alone.  In fact, in the Creation story, God made Adam and put him in the Garden of Eden, but saw that something was missing, saying ""It is not good that the man should be alone."" We are all made more complete in our rich and loving relationships with each other. 
Look at the child in her mother's lap reading a story, two friends sharing a secret only the two of them would truly understand, or neighbors after a hurricane has struck coming to one another’s aid.  A British clergyman named John Donne once said in another poem, ""No man is an island, entire unto itself, Everyman is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.""
The third blessing is the world around us.  Not the human made stuff, but the natural world.  Here on the Gulf Coast we are so richly blessed with an abundance of rivers and streams, bays and lakes, the Gulf of Mexico and the Mobile Tensaw River Delta, our abundant woods and beaches, and the greatest diversity of plants and animals in North America.
There is also the glorious light of the rising sun, and the deep beauty in its setting; the warmth of a spring sun, and the welcome cool breeze just before a summer thunderstorm breaks; and the quiet beauty of it all, if we would just stop, be quiet and take in this natural world.
The final blessing is our freedoms and our rights.  The Founders of our country declared our independence with these words: ""We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."" 
We all have the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition; and the right to bear arms. These and many others are the treasured birthrights that all of us here in the United States have.  They are God-given but must be defended and protected by us every day.
So, this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to also take time to count the many blessings in your life. Despite the daily challenges we all face, may we never lose sight of the precious blessings that bring so much joy to our lives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-tax-reform-bill,House Passes Tax Reform BIll,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt today released the following statement on the passage in the House of Representative of the tax reform bill.

""The bottom line of this tax bill is that it sends more money home to Alabama families. While the economy has improved in the last year, many people have not had a raise in 10 years. This bill changes that by putting money back in people's pockets and creating new jobs. It prevents corporate revenue from being parked overseas and puts it to work here in the US to increase wages, increase job rolls and increase opportunity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-gallego-introduce-bipartisan-bill-regarding-aumf-jurisdiction,"Byrne, Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Bill Regarding AUMF Jurisdiction",2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced bipartisan legislation that would place jurisdiction over war powers issues, including authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF), under the Congressional Armed Services Committees.  These matters are currently under the jurisdiction of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 
Under House Rule X, the House Armed Services Committee has jurisdiction over all areas of personnel, material, and strategy necessary for the conduct of war, making it the best-equipped panel to handle this critical responsibility.  In addition, because the Congressional Armed Services Committees pass legislation authorizing defense activities every year, this jurisdictional change would give Congress a better opportunity to review and revise war-related policies. 
Congressman Byrne said: “I have long been concerned about the lack of adequate authorization for many of the current operations of the U.S. military. Congress needs to get our act together and pass a new AUMF that adequately meets the realities of today’s conflicts. The current inaction is unacceptable, and I think institutional reforms may be necessary to move the process forward. Our servicemen and women deserve an adequate AUMF that makes clear our support and authorization for the important work they do each and every day.”
Congressman Gallego said: “Sixteen long years have passed since the 2001 AUMF was enacted. Frankly, given the rapidly evolving threats America faces, that means Congress hasn’t been doing its job.  We need to enact institutional reforms to enable the legislative branch to once again exert its constitutional power over matters of war and peace.  Giving responsibility for authorizations for the use of military force to the committee with the most relevant experience and expertise simply makes sense.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/house-and-senate-take-important-step-support-our-military,House and Senate Take Important Step to Support our Military,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thanksgiving is a special holiday because it offers us an opportunity to pause as a nation and thank God for all the ways He has blessed us. With all that is going on across our country and around the world, it can be easy to lose sight of just how much we have to be thankful for. As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I hope we can all take time count our many blessings.
Im thankful for the gift of family  for my husband Riley and our two wonderful children, Margaret and George; for our parents and all of our dear family and friends.
I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my state and country in the United States Congress. It is an honor to be in a position to make a difference on behalf of those I represent and to fight to make this country great for all Americans. Thank you for allowing me to represent you.
I am thankful for this great country and all the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Im abundantly grateful for the men and women of our Armed Forces who have put their lives on the line to defend these freedoms  especially those who are deployed and away from their families at this very moment.
Just in time for the holiday season, Congress is saying thank you to all service personnel by authorizing the largest military pay raise in more than eight years. Its part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has now passed the House and Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump.
As you may know, the NDAA is an annual bill authorizing various programs and activities throughout the military, ranging from weapons systems and training to military base construction and the payment of troops. After years of harmful budget cuts, this NDAA aims to rebuild our military by authorizing nearly $700 billion for the Department of Defense, increasing the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard. The bill authorizes an additional $4.4 billion to strengthen Missile Defense and an additional $1.9 billion for military facility maintenance over the Presidents budget.It also makes permanent the special survivor indemnity allowance (SSIA) payments to more than 60,000 surviving military spouses.The NDAA includes strong funding for Alabama-based military missions, including Army Aviation at Fort Rucker and military education and cyber warfare at Maxwell Air Force Base.
One of Congress most fundamental duties enumerated in the Constitution is to provide for the common defense of the nation.As your Representative in Congress, I take my responsibility to look out for our troops very seriously. Its no secret that the world has seen increased threats in recent years, from the rise of ISIS in the Middle East and Africa to North Korean hostility. It is imperative that we provide the military with the tools they need to deter these threats, and I am confident this NDAA does just that.
It is my great honor to serve a district that is home to two of our nations finest military installations in Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort Rucker, thousands of active duty and reserve personnel, and nearly 16,000 military retirees. I have always been a strong and vocal proponent of properly funding the military, and I will continue to fight to ensure that the men and women who protect us have all the tools and resources they need to be safe and successful when we send them into harms way.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-votes-to-cut-taxes-grow-the-american-economy,"Byrne Votes to Cut Taxes, Grow the American Economy",2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today celebrated passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the first major overhaul of our nation’s tax code since 1986. The bill passed by a vote of 227 to 205.
Congressman Byrne said: “We took a historic step today toward giving hardworking Americans a long overdue tax cut. Just as important, our tax reform legislation will help make the American economy boom again, leading to greater economic growth and higher wages. Today was about fulfilling a key prong of President Trump’s agenda and making life better for families in Southwest Alabama and across the country.
“I truly hope the Senate does not let us down yet again. They should pass a tax reform bill, and let’s get the job done.”
H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, includes a number of a reforms designed to benefit the American people and grow the economy:
 Lowers tax rates for everyday Americans;
	Stops American jobs from moving overseas;
	Increases the standard deduction;
	Eliminates special-interest deductions;
	Preserves the adoption tax credit;
	Repeals the Death Tax;
	Establishes a new Family Credit to help with the cost of raising children or non-child dependents;
	Maintains deduction for charitable contributions;
	Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction;
	Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20%;
	Reduces the tax rate on hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no  more than 25%;
	Provides a new, low tax rate of 9% for businesses earning less than $75,000 in income; and
	Allows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment;
 You can learn more about the tax reform plan online at FairAndSimple.gop.
Byrne delivered a speech on the House floor in support of the tax reform legislation. A transcript of his speech can be found below.
Congressman Byrne said: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.  I appreciate your leadership in getting this bill to the floor. 
“Those of us in Washington are really good at talking in big general statements that don’t mean much to the average American. So, I want to tell you what the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will actually mean for the families I represent back in Southwest Alabama. 
“According to data from the IRS, almost three-fourths of tax filers in my district claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing.
“Well, under our plan, the standard deduction will be doubled. That’s a big benefit that will put more money in people’s pockets.
“Just consider the median family of four in Southwest Alabama. That family earns a little over $77,000 a year. If that family takes the standard deduction, as most do, they will see a tax cut of $1,739.16. That comes out to almost 150 extra dollars a month.
“Now, that may not sound like “real money” in Washington, but for families in Bay Minette or Citronelle or Monroeville, that is important. That’s extra money on a car payment. That’s additional savings for a child’s college. That’s money to help pay for home repairs. That’s real money. 
“When you add in the fact that we are fixing our corporate and business tax code to make it fairer and simpler, then we can really make America boom again.  President Trump has called it the ‘Middle Class Miracle.’ 
“By making our tax code more competitive, we can unleash our full economic potential, bring jobs back to America, raise wages, and ultimately get more money in the pockets of working Americans.  Mr. Speaker, this is exactly what President Trump promised and what the American people sent him to Washington to do.
“Now, my colleagues on the other side like to say this bill helps the 1% and they vehemently defend the current tax code.
“You know who benefits from the current code? The 1%. People who can hire lawyers and lobbyists to help them get a special tax break. People who can spend thousands of dollars a year on specialty accountants. 
“If you want to help the 1%, then keep the current, complicated, and confusing tax code that only helps the elite and well-connected.
“We can do better than that. 
“We can pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we can put more money in people’s pockets, and we can unlock America’s full economic potential.
“I yield back.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-what-real-russian-influence,Report from Washington:  What Is the Real Russian Influence?,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.)— As most folks across East Alabama may have seen recently in the news, Robert Mueller, the special counsel appointed to investigate the alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, has been in the spotlight.
 
Mr. Mueller has a very important job to do and he must do it fairly and in a nonpartisan manner.
 
Details have come out in the past few weeks about Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democrat National Committee (DNC) role in funding a dossier on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.
 
The dossier was full of information that was unverified and painted Mr. Trump in a negative light.  The dossier was put together by a man named Christopher Steele, a foreign intelligence agent, and is sometimes referred to as the Steele Dossier.
 
The DNC and Clinton campaign hired a company called Fusion GPS, which has very deep ties to Russia, to conduct some of the research. We now know that some of the information used in the dossier may have been the basis of the Obama Administration’s decision to begin spying on members of the Trump campaign – spying on Americans.
 
This should raise more than just eyebrows. It is more than troubling. 
 
The liberal media elite is obsessed with Russian meddling and President Trump, but there are real questions about Secretary Clinton and the DNC’s involvement with Russia during the 2016 presidential election.
 
I believe that there should also be an investigation into then-Secretary Clinton’s involvement in the approval of the Uranium One deal and donations made to the Clinton Foundation. 
 
Robert Mueller, or another appropriate special counsel, needs to dig deep in to the details of this matter that could be the real heart of Russian influence.
 
The American people deserve to know the truth and learn more beyond what the liberal media elite and the Democrat spin cycle chooses to believe and to report on.
 
I want to hear from you on this or any issue. 
 
Please sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com and you can also subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,Rogers on House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers on House Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act             
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Nov 16, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) ---Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  This legislation should help fix our broken tax code which hasn’t been reformed in over 30 years.
 
“I am proud this legislation passed the House today with my support.  This bill will help families across East Alabama and the nation keep more of their hard-earned paychecks and will help small business thrive and create new jobs.  The bill will also close loopholes, end the Death Tax and protect folks’ IRA and 401k plans.
 
“I appreciate President Trump’s leadership on tax reform and am thrilled to see the House pass this important legislation today.”
 
 
                                                   -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-palmer-votes-cut-taxes,Congressman Palmer Votes to Cut Taxes,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,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: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921

Palmer Votes to Cut Taxes

Washington, DC – Today the House of Representatives passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by a vote of 227-205. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after voting in favor of the bill.

""My colleagues and I took a significant step towards providing American families much needed and meaningful tax relief,"" said Palmer. ""The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers rates for individuals and families and makes much needed changes designed to spur the type of sustained economic growth that will benefit every American. The American people have been waiting over three decades for this kind of reform and I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will move quickly so that we can reconcile differences and make improvements in order to deliver on the promise of tax reform to the American people.""

""One of the primary reasons I ran for Congress was to have the opportunity to help make major reforms that help American families and that help make our nation more secure, more prosperous and on a path to fiscal stability. Throughout this process our focus has been on lowering rates for taxpayers, making sure American corporations can compete in the world economy, cutting taxes and red tape to promote small business startups and help them grow and making our tax code simpler and predictable to promote more investment. These are the essentials that will lead to vibrant and sustainable economic growth and that will put more money in people's paychecks.""

""While we are excited about what we are doing with this bill, our tax reform effort is not a ‘one and done'. We will continue to work year-after-year to ensure that our tax code works for the American economy and works for all Americans.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T22:12:50Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-delivers-tax-relief-promised,"House Delivers Tax Relief, As Promised",2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today celebrated House passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would be the first overhaul of the federal tax code in more than 30 years.
I have great news for everybody who wants lower taxes: The House has passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act  our historic plan to reform the federal tax code and give Americans much-needed tax relief,Roby said.My top priority when it comes to tax reform is making sure those I represent benefit. A few thousand extra dollars in the budget can go a long way, and I believe families know how to spend their money better than the federal government does.
H.R. 1 passed the House by a vote of 227-205. The Senate is currently working on its own version of a tax relief bill.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=FA77AFAD-1340-4582-87E4-BE8A2B3A0258,Shelby Statement on Passage of NDAA,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement following the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 Conference Report:
“Congress has the important responsibility of ensuring that our military is best prepared to defend our nation both at home and abroad. The National Defense Authorization Act supports our men and women in uniform by addressing the priorities and resources needed. This bill is a critical step in the process, and I look forward to securing our military’s funding in the Appropriations Committee.
“I commend Senator Luther Strange for his work in the final Conference negotiations. This legislation not only strengthens our military, but it also provides our troops a pay raise and authorizes increased funding for many missile defense, aviation, and ground vehicle and Navy fleet modernization programs in Alabama. I am pleased to support the NDAA and will continue the effort to ensure that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces remain well-equipped, highly trained, and properly funded.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/national-defense-authorization-act-passes-final-senate-vote,National Defense Authorization Act passes final Senate vote,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"LCS funding delivered by Strange “a major win for the Navy & Alabama shipbuilders”
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Thursday issued the statement below following final Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation, which delivers a critical 200% increase in funding for the Alabama-based production of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) over the President’s initial request, will be referred to President Trump to be signed into law.
The NDAA package also includes key Alabama priorities, from full funding for Stryker protections and lethality upgrades and supplies for the Civilian Marksmanship Program, both at Anniston Army Depot, to an increase in funding for missile defense programs developed in the state (THAAD, Ground-Based Interceptors).
“Every year, the NDAA presents an opportunity to listen to the needs of American men and women in uniform and chart a course that keeps them on the cutting edge,” said Strange. “In this year’s negotiations, I was proud to be Alabama’s voice for equipping U.S. forces to meet evolving challenges and keep Americans safe.”
LCS Background:
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Strange advocated early to President Trump and Secretary of Defense James Mattis on the importance of the Mobile built LCS to the Navy, ultimately winning a highly unusual late add of an additional LCS to the Defense budget. Senator Strange then continued to work behind the scenes to deliver a $600 million increase in authorized funding in the Senate version of the NDAA, which passed in September.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/gulf-energy-amendment-strange-cassidy-clears-committee,Gulf energy amendment by Strange & Cassidy clears committee,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Measure would raise revenue sharing caps for Alabama, gulf states
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Wednesday announced the adoption of the amendment he led alongside Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Reconciliation Bill. The amendment would increase caps on revenue distributed to coastal states in FY 2020 and FY 2021 from $500 to $600 million.
The ANWR measure, which now includes the amendment, today passed a vote of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and will proceed to consideration by the full Senate. By granting longer-term stability to the communities that shoulder disproportionate risk in domestic offshore energy production, the amendment would provide for crucial coastal restoration to benefit Alabama’s fishing and tourism industries.
“Today’s vote by the Energy and Natural Resources Committee provides a unique opportunity to address a challenge facing energy producers in Alabama and across the Gulf Coast,” said Strange. “By raising revenue sharing maximums, our amendment would give future security to the thousands of Alabamians touched by the energy sector along our shore. I am proud to join Senator Cassidy in this effort, and look forward to our colleagues’ support on the Senate floor.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-applauds-final-passage-fy18-defense-bill,Brooks Applauds Final Passage of FY18 Defense Bill,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted for the conference report to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. The NDAA authorizes America’s national defense programs and passed the House 356-70. This conference report resolves differences between the two different NDAA versions that passed the House and Senate earlier this year. Once the House and Senate both pass the conference report, it will go to the White House for the President’s signature.
The FY18 NDAA conference report authorizes a huge $88.7 billion increase over FY 2017 national defense funding. It authorizes $634.2 billion for base budget requirements and $65.7 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations funding, for a record-high total of $699.9 billion.
Congressman Brooks said, “The sequestration provisions of the Budget Control Act of 2011 (which I voted against) wrongly targeted national defense spending with disproportionate spending cuts that have hamstrung America’s warfighters for more than six years. In sum, and although national defense is only about 16% of total federal government spending, the Budget Control Act disproportionately burdened national defense with almost two-thirds of all budget cuts. A major reason why I voted for the FY18 NDAA conference report is that it reverses the damage done to national defense by the Budget Control Act caps and sequestration constraints, thereby restoring the support America’s warfighters need to successfully perform their missions – in an increasingly dangerous world.
“Of particular interest to Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley, the NDAA:
 Authorizes a significant $4.4 billion increase for missile defense;
	Authorizes an additional 28 Ground-Based interceptor missiles;
	Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for increasing the overall number of Ground-Based interceptor missiles from 44 to 104; and
	Allows Decatur’s United Launch Alliance to continue investing to replace the Russian RD-180 engine.
 Brooks concluded, “Although it does not directly impact the Tennessee Valley economy, the NDAA continues funding for three Littoral Combat Ships, which is welcome news for the Navy and Mobile Bay, where the Littoral Combat Ships are constructed.
“Moreover, I’m pleased that five amendments I offered to the House NDAA were included in the final NDAA conference report. Overall, the FY18 NDAA takes a step toward restoring vital funding, modernizing equipment, and providing our warfighters with the personnel and weaponry needed to protect America.”
* Congressman Brooks is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, sitting on the Strategic Forces and Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittees. He is the founder and co-chair of the Army Aviation Caucus.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-defense-bill-authorizing-alabama-built-ships,House Passes Defense Bill Authorizing Alabama-Built Ships,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Vice-Chairman of the House Seapower Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The bill passed by a vote of 356 to 70.
The NDAA sets policy and authorizes spending for the entire U.S. military, and the bill must be passed each year. Following negotiations between the House and the Senate, this year’s NDAA includes authorization for three Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), which are built in-part by Austal USA in Mobile.
Congressman Byrne said: “Today I voted to grow our military, boost military readiness, and help keep the American people safe and secure. This year’s NDAA includes numerous provisions to support our servicemembers and ensure they have the resources necessary to do their job.
“I am specifically thrilled the bill calls for construction of thirteen new Navy vessels, including three more Littoral Combat Ships, which are built in Alabama. A strong and capable Navy is critical to our national security but also vital to global economic stability. Our entire nation is stronger when the United States Navy is stronger. 
“I appreciate Chairman Mac Thornberry for his leadership on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing the NDAA signed into law by President Trump.”
Earlier this year, Congressman Byrne warned that the Senate-version of the NDAA failed to adequately support the LCS program and could have resulted in layoffs at the Austal shipyard. Austal USA is the area’s top private sector employer with approximately 4,000 direct employees and thousands of other jobs indirectly tied to the shipyard.
Other important provisions in the Fiscal Year 2018 NDAA include:
 Nearly $700 billion in topline funding for the military;
	Increase in the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard;
	Largest pay raise for our troops in eight years;
	Provisions to improve our nation’s nuclear weapon program in light of continued threats from North Korea;
	Efforts to repair and improve our nation’s military infrastructure;
	Reforms to the military’s acquisition process; and
	Ends the “widow’s tax” and preserves special survivor allowance payments to more than 60,000 surviving military spouses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-november-community-office-hours,Byrne Announces November Community Office Hours,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Staff members from the Office of Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) will hold office hours throughout Alabama’s First Congressional District from November 14 – 16.
The staff members will be on hand to help constituents with problems they may be experiencing with federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare, and Social Security. Staff members can also assist constituents who need help applying for or receiving a United States passport.
Baldwin County  Wednesday, November 15  
	9:30 to 10:30 am: Orange Beach City Hall  
	11:00 am to 12:00 noon: Elberta Town Hall  
	2:00 to 3:00 pm: Bay Minette City Hall
   Thursday, October 26  
	9:30 to 10:30 am: Fairhope City Hall  
	1:00 to 2:00 pm: Daphne City Hall  
	2:30 to 3:30 pm: Spanish Fort City Hall  
	   Clarke County  Wednesday, November 15  
	12:00 noon – 1:00 pm: Grove Hill Town Hall  
	1:30– 2:30 pm: White Smith Memorial Library in Jackson  
	   Escambia County  Tuesday, November 14  
	9:00 to 10:00 am – Atmore City Hall  
	10:30 – 11:30 am – Flomaton City Hall  
	1:30 – 2:00 pm: Brewton City Hall  
	2:15 – 3:00 pm: East Brewton City Hall  
	   Mobile County  Thursday, November 16  
	10:30 – 11:30 am: Citronelle City Hall  
	3:00 – 4:00 pm: Bayou La Batre City Hall  
	   Monroe County  Wednesday, November 15  
	10:00 – 11:00 am: Monroeville City Hall  
	   Washington County  Wednesday, November 15  
	3:00 – 4:00 pm: Washington County Public Library in Chatom
  Thursday, November 16  
	9:00 – 10:00 am: McIntosh Town Hall  
	 
For more information on visits to Clarke, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties, constituents should contact Congressman Byrne’s Mobile office at 251-690-2811.
  
	For more information on visits to Baldwin and Escambia counties, constituents should contact Congressman Byrne’s Baldwin County office at 251-989-2664.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/strange-issues-statement-nomination-brett-talley,Strange issues statement on nomination of Brett Talley,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Trump nominee for AL district court “has my full confidence and endorsement”
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Monday issued the following statement:
“Confirming Brett Talley as district judge will mark only the latest chapter in his distinguished career of public service. As my Deputy Solicitor General in Alabama, he applied his reverence for the Constitution and the rule of law to crucial cases, arguing multiple times before 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and building a reputation for professionalism. Brett Talley’s record reflects a nominee well-equipped to serve on the federal bench, and he has my full confidence and endorsement.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/getting-results-for-locally-owned-businesses,Getting Results for Locally Owned Businesses,2017-11-12,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"When I ran for Congress, I made clear that I wanted to be a workhorse, not a showhorse. That means my focus has been on actually getting results instead of just talking about problems. We were able to get a big result last week when the House passed my bill, the Save Local Business Act.
The legislation came about after I heard concerns from multiple locally owned businesses. I’ve sat down in local restaurants and heard firsthand from hardworking men and women who took time away from their business to travel to Washington and urge Congress to address issues caused by something known as the “joint employer” standard.
So what is the issue exactly?
For decades, there was a commonsense legal test that determined when two or more separate businesses could be considered joint employers and held jointly responsible for the same group of employees. Employers had to share “direct” and “immediate” control over essential terms and conditions of employment.
As a former labor and employment attorney who practiced in this area for decades, I can assure you that this was the standard that everyone knew and appreciated. Unfortunately, in 2015, the activist National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a ruling in Browning-Ferris Industries that upended this cornerstone of federal labor law and created a vague and unworkable new joint employer policy. Making matters even worse and more complicated, federal agencies then incorporated the new standard in their regulatory agenda.
Under this new standard, two independent businesses can be considered joint employers if they make a business agreement that “indirectly” or “potentially” impacts their employees.
Just think about the uncertainty and ambiguity this standard could cause. It’s hard enough for labor attorneys to even agree on what exactly it means to have “indirect” or “potential” control over an employee. Imagine how confusing it is for Main Street businesses to understand and follow.
Bob Omainsky, the owner of Wintzell’s Oyster House, had this to say about the confusion caused by the new joint-employer standard: “If we hire an outside landscaping company to keep our lawns lush, I could be considered a joint employer if I show the landscapers where to mow. Or, if I contract a food supplier for certain ingredients, I could become part of a lawsuit if one of their workers complains about overtime pay. The uncertainty is nothing more than governmental overreach that is crippling eateries like Wintzell’s and discouraging growth throughout the restaurant industry.”
Workers shouldn’t have to wonder who their employer is. They deserve better than a vague and confusing rule that the American Action Forum found threatens 1.7 million jobs. Even the Progressive Policy Institute issued a statement saying that the expanded standard “may do more harm than good.”
My legislation earned support from both Republicans and Democrats when it passed the House last week. This is a bipartisan issue because it isn't about politics. Instead, it's about saving jobs and supporting locally owned businesses.
Despite scare tactics from Big Labor bosses and their trial lawyer buddies, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: this legislation does not remove a single worker protection. All worker protections provided by the National Labor Relations Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Equal Pay Act remain unchanged and are still available.
Ultimately, my bill is about providing clarity to workers and job creators. It is about protecting the rights of workers and ensuring employers have clarity on their responsibilities to employees.
I was proud to see the bill pass out of the House last week, and I am going to continue focusing on getting results for the people of Southwest Alabama.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/momentum-tax-reform,Momentum on Tax Reform,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressional efforts to reform our nations broken tax code are picking up momentum. After a week of debate and deliberation, the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It will now go to the full House for consideration.
When it comes to tax reform, my top priority is for the plan to benefit the peopleI represent in Central and Southeast Alabama. A study from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation found that House Republicans tax reform plan will offer the median household in Alabama an average of $2,078 in tax relief. Also, our bill expands the Child Tax Credit to $1,600 per child and lowers the income threshold so that more low-income families can take advantage of it. A few thousand extra dollars in the family budget can go a long way, and I believe individuals know how to spend their money better than the federal government does. And remember, these arent just one-time savings. This is annual tax relief that hardworking taxpayers can count on and budget for year after year.
Another important priority is to boost the economy and create jobs. Thats why the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowers business tax rates from 35 percent to a globally-competitive 20 percent while also closing the labyrinth of loopholes that have been written into the tax code for three decades. This will help businesses to grow and hire more workers here in the United States. That same Tax Foundation study estimates that our plan could help create as many as 13,323 new full time jobs in Alabama.
Tax reform is a complicated issue on its own, so it doesnt help that some individuals and organizations are spreading misinformation and confusing the public.For example, Senate Democrats false claim that the bill somehow raises taxes on the middle class receivedFour Pinocchios from The Washington Post Fact Checker. Also, a Washington think tank was forced to retract its harsh analysis of the bill and admit they miscalculated how the expanded Child Tax Credit would help working families.
Some have characterized our tax reform plan as a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. Thats not true. The bill delivers relief at every level while maintaining the top 39.6 percent tax rate on high-income earners. Our plan actually lowers tax rates for low and middle-income earners and increases the standard deduction, which means that a lot of people will be able to immediately keep more of what they earn. Some feared that our tax reform plan will raise taxes on retirement. Thats not true either. Our bill retains the popular retirement savings options, such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) just as Americans know them today.
There is one important recent change to the bill Im pleased to report: The adoption tax credit was successfully added back into the tax reform package. The tax code provides adoptive families a credit of up to $13,570 in qualified expenses for each child adopted, including through public foster care, domestic private adoption, and international adoption. For parents following the call to adopt children, this tax credit can make a big difference in removing financial barriers that often come with adoption. Restoring this tax credit was the right thing to do, and I appreciate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady for listening to the voices of adoptive families across the country.
Simply put, I want you and your family to keep more of what you earn in your pocket. I believe hardworking Americans should have relief from our burdensome and frustrating tax code, and thats what our plan delivers.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is just one step of the process. The Senate has released its own version of a tax reform plan, and we still have work to do. As we move forward, I encourage you to read the plan for yourself and stay informed on developments. You can find the text of the bill, frequently asked questions, and tools to help calculate how the plan would benefit you at FairandSimple.Gop.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-secures-authorization-for-three-littoral-combat-ships,Byrne Secures Authorization for Three Littoral Combat Ships,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Vice-Chairman of the House Seapower Subcommittee, helped secure authorization for the construction of three Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released today. The Independence-class version of the LCS is built by Austal USA in Mobile.
Since the House and Senate passed different versions of the NDAA, a Conference Committee was established to work out the differences. The House bill authorized the construction of three LCS while the Senate version only authorized two LCS. The final version negotiated between the House and the Senate authorizes three LCS.
Congressman Byrne said: “Securing the authorization for three more Littoral Combat Ships is a big win for Southwest Alabama and the thousands of people who work at the Austal shipyard in Mobile. Just as important, it is good news for the U.S. Navy because it means we will have more highly-capable ships added to the fleet. 
“My office is constantly working to maintain and support our shipbuilding industry, and I could not be prouder that we were able to overcome challenges in the Senate to get three ships authorized. I want to thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for his help and support of the LCS program, and I look forward to supporting the bill when it comes before the House for a vote.”
Earlier this year, Congressman Byrne warned that the Senate-version of the NDAA failed to adequately support the LCS program and could have resulted in layoffs at the Austal shipyard.
Austal USA is the area’s top private sector employer with approximately 4,000 direct employees and thousands of other jobs indirectly tied to the shipyard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/chairman-rogers-and-ranking-member-cooper-joint-statement-fundamental-space-reform,Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Cooper Joint Statement on Fundamental Space Reform,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, HASC Strategic Forces Chairman Mike Rogers (AL) and Ranking Member Jim Cooper (TN) began a systematic effort to reform the Department of Defense national security space enterprise, starting with the United States Air Force.   
 
Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Cooper released the following joint statement:
 
“We are pleased the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 takes the first step in fundamentally changing and improving the national security space programs of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force in particular.  
 
“After months of thorough oversight, it became clear that the Department of Defense, and the Air Force in particular, did not prioritize space capabilities even as threats increase, and were not structured in a way to ensure that we are able to deter, defend and if necessary fight and win in space.  No single official could be held accountable for the success or failure of the space enterprise.   Too many bureaucrats are empowered to say ‘no’ when it comes to defending our assets in space, and too few were empowered to say ‘yes’. 
 
“At a time when Russia and China are developing new offensive capabilities designed to deafen and blind America in a future conflict, lack of accountability and leadership on space issues, as well as development and acquisition failures, undermine our national security and leave the country vulnerable.  The Air Force will no longer be able to treat space as a third-order priority after fighter jets and bombers.  
 
“We have consolidated leadership and coordination between operations, acquisition and training, and eliminated the decentralized and ineffective structure that for too long hampered our space capabilities and readiness.  
 
“We have refashioned Air Force Space Command similar to the Air Corps Act of 1926 which established the Army Air Corps.  We will work closely with the Deputy Secretary of Defense, who will be responsible for managing these changes, and we will closely oversee the Secretary of the Air Force to ensure her full compliance with the legislation.  
 
“This is just the first step.  We will not allow the United States national security space enterprise to continue to drift towards a Space Pearl Harbor.”
 
Additional background on National Security Space Reforms in the FY18 NDAA:
•           Air Force Space Command will now be the sole authority for organizing, training, and equipping all space forces within the Air Force, answerable only to the Secretary of the Air Force, who will answer to Congress.  
•           Reduces OSD bureaucracy by eliminating the position Principal Defense Space Advisor, currently assigned to the Secretary of the Air Force;
•           Eliminates the Defense Space Council; 
•           Eliminates the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Space Operations, a hastily developed half-measure initiated by the Secretary of the Air Force, which at best only added a box on the organization chart. 
•           Reassigns responsibility for managing Major Force Program 12, the Department’s budget category for national security space, from the Secretary of the Air Force. 
•           To ensure the full and faithful execution of this reorganization, the NDAA also requires the DepSecDef to enter in a contract with a Federally-funded Research and Development Corporation, without affiliation with the U.S. Air Force, to provide Congress with a road map to establish a separate military department responsible for national security space activities of the DoD, which may be required as Congress evaluates how supportive the DoD about this reorganization.  
 
                                                                                                     -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-applauds-president-trump-additional-missile-defense-funding,Rogers Applauds President Trump for Additional Missile Defense Funding,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers Applauds President Trump for Additional Missile Defense Funding             
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Nov 8, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, DC)—Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today regarding the release of a fiscal year 2018 budget amendment.
 
“I want to commend President Trump for agreeing with us that our Nation needs additional missile defense resources in light of the evolving North Korean ballistic missile threats. The request from the Office of Management and Budget this week on behalf of President Trump will aid our push for increased discrimination capabilities and the addition of a new field at Fort Greely will help build our capacity. I am proud to be able to work with President Trump to help further secure the homeland against these growing threats. America is already more secure because of President Trump’s leadership.”
                                                                                           
	                                                                              -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-honoring-our-american-heroes,Rogers: Honoring Our American Heroes,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers: Honoring Our American Heroes              
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Nov 8, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, DC)—Congressman Mike Rogers made the following remarks today ahead of Veterans Day on November 11th.
 
“Our country’s brave men and women who have selflessly served our country in uniform are honored today.  These individuals are real American heroes.
 
“As we honor our Veterans, let’s remember those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice in fighting to protect our freedoms and pray for their families they left behind. God bless our Veterans and God bless America.”
 
                                                                -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/alabama-today-martha-roby-pays-tribute-veterans-house-floor,Alabama Today: Martha Roby pays tribute to veterans on House floor,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Office     
          
442 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.strange.senate.gov/content/strange-delivers-lcs-promise-final-defense-bill,Strange delivers on LCS promise in final defense bill,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Funding three ships in FY 18 “critical to the Navy and the Alabamians who support it”
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Wednesday issued the statement below after his work to secure funding for three littoral combat ships (LCS) was confirmed in the final version of the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), delivering a 200% increase over the President’s initial request for the program.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Strange advocated early to President Trump and Secretary of Defense James Mattis on the importance of the Mobile built LCS to the Navy, ultimately winning a highly unusual late add of an additional LCS to the Defense budget. Senator Strange then continued to work behind the scenes to deliver a $600 million increase in authorized funding in the Senate version of the NDAA, which passed in September.
The release of the final NDAA on Wednesday includes a number of other key Alabama priorities, including full funding for Stryker lethality upgrades and supplies for the Civilian Marksmanship Program, both at Anniston Army Depot, and an increase in funding for missile defense programs developed in the state (THAAD, ground-based interceptors).
“As the saying goes, ‘there is no limit to what a man can do when he does not mind who gets the credit.’ Finalizing the NDAA with key wins for our state was a long process with many hands at work,” said Strange. “I was proud to be the only representative for Alabama and its brave men and women in uniform in NDAA conference negotiations on naval readiness, and I will continue to support their critical role in keeping America safe.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-byrne-s-save-local-business-act,House Passes Byrnes Save Local Business Act,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House today passed the Save Local Business Act, a bill introduced by Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL). Byrne serves as Chairman of the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee.
The Save Local Business Act clarifies what constitutes a “joint employer” under federal labor law. The bill rolls backs the National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) vague and expansive joint employer standard and provides certainty for local businesses and their employees. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 242 to 181.
Congressman Byrne said: “For a few years now, I’ve visited local businesses and heard concerns about how the joint employer scheme creates confusion and uncertainty for workers and job creators. With this vote today, the House has shown we are listening to those concerns and doubling down on our commitment to protecting local businesses and their employees. 
“As someone who practiced law in this field for years, I have no doubt today’s vote will make things easier for small businesses throughout the country and help clear the air of uncertainty. I want to thank all of my colleagues for their support in passing this critical legislation, and I am especially pleased the bill passed with votes from both sides of the aisle.”
House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) said: “Today’s House vote is a victory for America’s workers and local businesses that need relief from the NLRB’s extreme and unworkable joint employer scheme. We want to make it easier, not harder, for hardworking men and women to own a business and achieve the American Dream, and that’s exactly what this commonsense bill is all about. 
“I want to thank Representative Byrne for championing this proposal, as well as all the members of the committee for their hard work and passion that went into advancing this important legislation.”
The bill earned support from multiple national organizations, including the Coalition to Save Local Business, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Franchise Association, the National Taxpayers Union, the National Retail Federation, the Workplace Fairness Institute, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the National Restaurant Association, and more.
Byrne delivered a speech on the House floor in support of his legislation. A transcript of his speech can be found below.
Byrne said: “Mr. Speaker, today is a big day. Today is an opportunity for the House to stand up for our nation's workers and to protect the small, local businesses which form the backbone of the American economy. 
“Today is about restoring decades' old labor law. Ultimately today is about giving clarity to workers and job creators all across our country. 
“I heard from my friends across the aisle that someone can be an employee without there being an employer. I call that the immaculately conceived employee. There is no such thing under the law nor has there ever been. 
“This bill does not change the definition of employer. It simply takes the definition of joint employer back to the way it was a few years ago. 
“It's a shame we even have to have this bill. But the activist National Labor Relations Board in 2015 issued a decision that fundamentally up-ended labor law as we knew it. This change didn't come through the democratically elected Congress but instead from a panel of unelected bureaucrats. 
“The NLRB’s decision has caused deep uncertainty among job creators. 
“For workers, they are left to wonder who their boss really is. That is an incredibly confusing situation to be in. 
“Under the new joint employer standard, what does it mean to have ‘indirect’ or ‘potential’ control over an employee? I practiced labor and employment law for decades, and I do not know what that means so I can only imagine the confusion Main Street businesses have faced due to this standard. 
“Currently there are at least nine different legal tests nationwide to determine joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act and more to come. This patchwork of standards creates regulatory uncertainty, especially for job creators doing business in multiple states. 
“So despite what some on the other side want to believe, this is not an abstract issue. I have visited numerous local businesses in my district, and I know they are very worried about this scheme. I’ve heard from workers who want to remain an employee of a locally owned business with an owner who knows them instead of becoming just another employee in some large corporation. 
“Clearly, I’m not the only one who heard these concerns. This legislation is co-sponsored by 123 of my colleagues, including members from both sides of the aisle. 
“This is a bipartisan issue because it isn't about politics. Instead, it's about saving jobs and supporting locally owned businesses. 
“And let me make something crystal clear: this bill does not remove a single protection for today's workforce. Despite the scare tactics being used by Big Labor bosses and their trial lawyer friends, the same important protections exist under this legislation and any irresponsible employer can be held accountable. 
“So, Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to take the side of our locally owned businesses, to take the side of our small business job creators, and to take the side of America’s workers.
“Let’s stand end the confusion, and let's pass the Save Local Business Act.
“I yield back my time.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/honor-veterans-your-hometown,Honor Veterans in Your Hometown,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, the armistice ending World War I was signed. Originally known as Armistice Day, Congress later passed and President Dwight Eisenhower signed a resolution officially designating November 11 as Veterans Day. Now, every year, Americans pause on this special day to recognize all those, young and old, who have served our country in uniform. While we should honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans every day, this holiday provides a unique opportunity for us to come together as a nation and pay tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
I highly encourage you and your family to attend a Veterans Day ceremony in your area. Many towns throughout Central and South Alabama will be holding special observances, and I’ve had the privilege to attend several over the years. This year, I will be participating in Montgomery’s Veterans Day event at Riverwalk Stadium. For me, it’s not only an opportunity to express my gratitude to those who have served, it’s also a chance for my children to meet veterans and to better understand the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. If you can’t attend an event in person, I hope you’ll take time to reach out to friends or relatives who have served to let them know they are appreciated.
This Veterans Day comes as services for veterans are improving, both on a national and local level. I’ve been impressed by the leadership and ingenuity of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin in making the long-troubled Department of Veterans Affairs work better for those it serves. Closer to home, the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) has again improved its service rating and now ranks three out of five stars. That’s encouraging news, especially considering that just a few short years ago the Central Alabama VA was one of the nation’s worst. There’s no question that finally having the steady leadership of CAVHCS Director Dr. Linda Boyle has contributed to this sustained progress, and I’m eager to see it continue. We still have significant issues to address at CAVHCS, which is why I remain actively engaged in working to turn around this system.
It is my distinct honor to represent a district that is home to one of the nation’s highest concentration of veterans and retired military personnel. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to advocate on behalf of those who have served this nation in uniform. I take my responsibility to look out for veterans very seriously, whether it is through pushing for better policies, fighting to improve access to VA medical services, or going to bat on behalf of someone the bureaucracy has left behind.
If you are a veteran, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to you and to your family. This country is great because you and people like you were willing to sacrifice on our behalf.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-pays-tribute-veterans-house-floor,Roby Pays Tribute to Veterans on House Floor,2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today paid tribute to veterans in a speech on the House floor and said advocating for those who have served this nation is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
“I take my responsibility to look out for veterans very seriously, whether through pushing for better policies, fighting to improve access to VA medical services, or going to bat for someone the bureaucracy has left behind,” Roby said. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who has served this country and to their families. Our country is great because of the men and women who were willing to sacrifice on our behalf.”
Roby also shared the good news that the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS), which serves all of Alabama’s Second Congressional District, has improved by another star rating. CAVHCS now ranks three out of five stars, which is a significant improvement from two years ago when the system ranked as one of the nation’s worst.
Since Veterans Day is this week, the House is taking action on nine bills aimed to improve veterans’ services:
H.R. 918, the Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act
H.R. 1133, the Veterans Transplant Coverage Act of 2017
H.R. 1900, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum Act
H.R. 2123, the VETS Act of 2017
H.R. 2601, the VICTOR Act of 2017
H.R. 3634, the SERVE Act of 2017
H.R. 3705, the Veterans Fair Debt Notice Act of 2017
H.R. 3949, the VALOR Act
H.R. 4173, the Veterans Crisis Line Study Act of 2017
The full text of Rep. Roby’s remarks as prepared is below:
Thank you, M. Speaker.
In the year 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, the armistice ending World War I was signed.
Originally known as Armistice Day, Congress later passed and President Dwight Eisenhower signed a resolution officially designating November 11th as Veterans Day. Now, every year, Americans pause on this special day to recognize all those, young and old, who have served our country in uniform.
While we should honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans every day, this holiday provides a unique opportunity for us to come together as a nation and pay tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
This year I’ll be participating in my hometown of Montgomery’s Veterans Day event, and I highly encourage you and your family to attend the festivities in your area.
I can promise you that you won’t regret it. For me, it’s not only an opportunity to express my gratitude to those who have served, but it’s also a chance for my children to meet veterans and to better understand the sacrifices that have been made for us.
If you can’t attend an event in person, I hope you will take time to reach out to friends or relatives who have served to let them know they are appreciated.
Mr. Speaker, this Veterans Day comes as services for veterans are improving – both on a national level and locally in Alabama’s Second Congressional District.
I have been impressed by the leadership of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David Shulkin. He’s been making the long-troubled Department work better for those it serves.
Closer to home for me, the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System has again improved its service rating and now ranks three out of five stars.
This is encouraging news, especially considering that just a few short years ago the Central Alabama VA was one of the nation’s worst. Our VA now has the steady leadership of Dr. Linda Boyle, and there’s no question that her guidance has made a difference in making this sustained progress. I’m eager to see it continue.
We still have significant issues to address at our Central Alabama VA, which is why I will remain actively engaged in working to turn around the system.
Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to represent a district that is home to one of the nation’s highest concentrations of veterans and retired military personnel. One of the most rewarding parts of this job is being able to advocate for those who have served this nation in uniform.
I take my responsibility to look out for veterans very seriously, whether through pushing for better policies, fighting to improve access to VA medical services, or going to bat on behalf of someone the bureaucracy has left behind.
So Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by extending my sincere gratitude to everyone who has served this country and to their families. Our country is great because of the men and women who were willing to sacrifice on our behalf.
Thank you. I yield back.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-deadline-approaching-apply-congressional-nomination-us-military-service-2,Rogers: Deadline Approaching to Apply for Congressional Nomination to U.S. Military Service Academies,2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, DC)---Congressman Mike Rogers reminds any graduating high school seniors for 2018 interested in receiving a Congressional nomination to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies to complete an application, which is available at http://mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/academy-nominations, and mail it to one of his district offices soon.
To be considered for a nomination for appointment to any of the service academies, including the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marines Academy, seniors must complete Rogers’ application material and mail the completed packets to one of Rogers’ district offices.
The applications can be sent to:
Congressman Mike Rogers 
Attn: Service Academy Application 
1129 Noble Street, Suite 104
Anniston, AL 36201 
OR
Congressman Mike Rogers 
Attn: Service Academy Application 
701 Avenue A, Suite 300 
Opelika, AL 36801
The deadline for receipt of these applications is December 15, 2017. Please visit www.mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/academy-nominations with any questions, or call Rogers’ Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261.
                                                      -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-palmer-invites-al-06-veterans-share-their-stories,Congressman Palmer Invites AL-06 Veterans to Share Their Stories,2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Gary Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Cate Cullen (202)225-4921
Congressman Palmer Invites AL-06 Veterans to Share Their Stories
Washington, DC – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) announced today that he will be sharing stories of veterans from Alabama’s Sixth District on his Congressional website in honor of Veterans Day through the month of November.
“The selfless service by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces is what keeps our nation great,” said Congressman Palmer. “These brave patriots proudly defended America and I am honored to represent so many veterans in Congress. Please join me in honoring our veterans this November by sharing their stories and thanking all veterans for their service.”
Congressman Palmer invites veterans from Alabama’s Sixth District to share their stories and photos from their time in service to our office. The stories and photos will be shared on his official website and on his Facebook page throughout the month of November.
Please submit stories and photos to Cate.Cullen@mail.house.gov throughout the month of November.  Those who submit material are asked to include a short description of the branch, title, and assignment and to verify they have permission to share the photos and stories before submission. Please keep all submissions under 250 words. We reserve the right to edit submissions.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/honoring-our-veterans,Honoring Our Veterans,2017-11-05,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"On November 11, we will celebrate Veterans Day and honor those who have served our nation. This is a day set aside to share our deep appreciation with all those, from the Battle of Yorktown to the War on Terror, who have fought to keep us safe and to protect the values we hold dear.
There is really something remarkable about serving our country. It means that an individual is willing to give up their own life so that others may have the opportunity to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Veterans Day began in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson created Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. The name was officially changed from Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a veteran himself. Veterans Day was briefly moved from November 11th to October in the seventies, but Congress passed a law in 1975 officially setting Veterans Day as November 11th.
While Memorial Day is specifically for those who lost their lives while serving our country, Veterans Day is intended to honor all of our nation’s veterans, past and present.
I am sure each of you has at least one veteran in your life. It may be a parent who served in Vietnam or a child currently serving in the Middle East. For some, it may be a co-worker, grandparent, or classmates. One thing they are for sure is a hero.
On Veterans Day, I am always reminded of my brother, Dale. Dale had a lengthy career in the Alabama National Guard, where he rose to rank of Command Sergeant Major. During his military career, Dale served in the Airborne Rangers and Special Forces (20th Special Forces Group). Many times his missions were secret and even our family could not know all the details.
Through his service, Dale earned many honors including the Bronze Star (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), the Army Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal.
Dale loved the camaraderie of the military, and he treasured so many friendship that he made through his service. Sadly, Dale passed away back in 2013 after a lengthy illness.
I miss Dale every day, but I am always blown away by the wide range of people from all over who come up and tell me their stories about Dale. No stories are more powerful than those from people who served alongside Dale over the years. It is that fellowship that makes military service so special.
Earlier this year, Secretary of Defense James Mattis was asked in a television interview what keeps him up at night. Secretary Mattis did not hesitate before answering, “Nothing. I keep other people awake at night.”
That confidence is not derived from any special aircraft or any great piece of military equipment. Those items are important, but they are meaningless without a highly capable and trained military; without individuals willing to put country before self.
That confidence is a testament to the men and women who make up the greatest fighting force in the world: the United States military. Today’s sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines are carrying on the legacy of the countless others who came before them.
So, this Veterans Day, may we remember the courage, sacrifice, dedication, and unselfish nature of all those who have served our country. May we never allow their service and sacrifice to be in vein, and may we always honor the United States of America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-votes-to-keep-communities-healthy,Byrne Votes to Keep Communities Healthy,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today voted in favor of legislation to reauthorize and fund important public health programs, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Community Health Centers Fund.
Congressman Byrne said: “I have seen the success of these important public health programs firsthand, and I am pleased the House has acted to ensure they continue. 
“Alabama’s CHIP program, known as All Kids, has helped countless children gain access to affordable health insurance. At the same time, community health centers throughout Southwest Alabama help patients every single day.
“The Senate should act quickly on this bipartisan legislation to ensure these programs continue without disruption.”
The bill includes a five-year extension of CHIP and a two-year extension of Federally Qualified Health Centers, National Health Sciences Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education, Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, the Youth Empowerment Program, and the Personal Responsibility Education Program.
All new spending in the bill is offset with cuts to other programs and spending reforms.
Byrne delivered a speech on the House floor in favor of the legislation. A transcript of his speech can be found below.
Byrne said: “I thank my colleague for yielding, and I rise to extend my support for this rule and the underlying legislation. 
“This legislation funds critical, bipartisan health programs that help keep our communities healthy. We, as a Congress, have a clear responsibility to support these programs.
“Mr. Speaker, I have long been a strong supporter of the CHIP program because I have seen it in action back in my home state of Alabama.
“I served on the Alabama State School Board back when Alabama implemented our CHIP program, known as All Kids.  All Kids was the first CHIP program in the country and it has made a real difference. In fact, the uninsurance rate for children in Alabama has gone from 20% pre-CHIP to 2.4% today.
“For 83,000 Alabama children under 19, the program offers low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage that includes regular checkups, immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision care, dental care, and much more. 
“CHIP has always been a bipartisan program, and I hope this reauthorization will also earn bipartisan support.
“The legislation also reauthorizes the Community Health Centers Fund. I am a huge champion of Community Health Centers because, again, I have seen them work in Alabama. 
“From Mostellar Medical Center in Bayou La Batre to Franklin Primary Health to Southwest Alabama Health Services in McIntosh, these centers are vitally important to so many Americans, especially to low-income families and those in rural areas.
“One in 13 people nationwide rely on a health center for their health care needs, and this reauthorization is necessary to ensure those individuals continue to have access to medical care.
“This legislation also includes many other health care provisions to meet other priorities. Among these provisions, I am pleased the legislation continues Medicaid Disproportionate Share payments, or DSH payments as they are commonly known.
“DSH provides funding to hospitals that treat a large number of indigent patients.  DSH is absolutely critical to the life of Alabama’s hospitals, and failure to renew these important payments could result in numerous hospital closures in my state.
“So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get behind this legislation and ensure it gets across the finish line. 
“We should not let petty political arguments keep us from ensuring children have access to affordable health insurance, keeping the doors open at Community Health Centers, or allowing Alabama’s hospitals to continue serving communities in need.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-house-passage-championing-healthy-kids-act,Rogers on House Passage of the Championing Healthy Kids Act,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers on House Passage of the Championing Healthy Kids Act             
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Nov 3, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) ---Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3922, the Championing Healthy Kids Act. This legislation provides a five-year extension of the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and helps fund other important health programs.
“I am pleased this fiscally-responsible legislation passed the House today with my support. CHIP provides children in lower-income families with health care coverage. This bill will help fund this critical program for our children across East Alabama and the country.”
                                                                                                                 -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-release-of-tax-reform-bill,Byrne Statement on Release of Tax Reform Bill,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement in response to the introduction of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation unveiled today to fundamentally reform the tax code for the first time since 1986.
Congressman Bradley Byrne said: “Tax reform has the potential to make America boom again, and it starts with putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. The current tax code is too complicated and confusing, benefiting the elite while making things harder for American families. It is time for a fairer and simpler tax code that supports new jobs right here in the United States.
“This is going to be a process, and the bill released today is just a starting point. I encourage everyone to visit FairAndSimple.gop to read the plan and then welcome your feedback and ideas. 
“We need to get this right, and I look forward to working with President Trump to do just that. We cannot pass up this historic opportunity to reform our outdated tax code and unlock our full economic potential.”
Individuals can visit FairAndSimple.gop or text “tax reform” to 50589 to read the plan and learn more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-honoring-father-our-land-grant-universities,Rogers:  Honoring the Father of Our Land-Grant Universities,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers:  Honoring the Father of Our Land-Grant Universities             
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Nov 2, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today on his support of H.R. 3034, the Justin Smith Morrill Congressional Gold Medal Act. The bill would posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Honorable Justin Smith Morrill, the father of our nation’s land-grant university system. Currently the bill is in its committees of jurisdiction.
“With two outstanding land grant universities in the Third Congressional District, Tuskegee University and Auburn University, I was proud to cosponsor this legislation to posthumously award the highest honors to a dedicated public servant – serving as both a U.S. Senator and Member of the House of Representatives and best known for the two Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Acts, which created universities with a focus on agricultural studies all across the United States.
“These pieces of legislation helped fund and make Tuskegee University and Auburn University what they are today. As a senior member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I know just how important these universities are to our state’s economy. The research that is done at land-grant universities is second to none. Our great State is forever indebted to Justin Smith Morrill.”
                                                       -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-optimistic-upon-release-tax-reform-plan,Roby Optimistic Upon Release of Tax Reform Plan,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today expressed optimism upon the release of a unified Republican tax reform plan.
H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would be the first major overhaul of the federal tax code in more than 30 years.
“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver on our promise and give the American people the results they deserve,” Roby said. “Our tax reform plan will grow the economy, create jobs here in the United States, and allow hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money in their pocket.
“An average family with about 60,000 dollars in household income would see their federal tax bill drop by about $1,200. For the people I represent, this can make a big difference. For that mom working a retail job or the dad driving the truck or that single parent working two or three jobs just to make ends meet, having an extra $1,000 in your pocket is a big deal.
“I promise you hardworking taxpayers know how to spend their money better than the government does.”
In addition to lowering tax rates for individuals and families, Republicans’ tax reform proposal would lower business tax rates to spur job growth, close loopholes written into the tax code, and simplify the process for how most Americans pay their taxes. Policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is available online here. 
The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to mark up the legislation on November 6.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/strange-votes-confirm-four-president-trump%E2%80%99s-nominees,Strange votes to confirm four of President Trump’s nominees,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Highly qualified judges “will be defenders of the Constitution” 
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Thursday cast his fourth vote this week to confirm the latest slate of President Donald J. Trump’s nominees for positions in the federal judiciary. This week’s nominees include Allison Eid for the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Stephanos Bibas for the 3rd Circuit, Joan Larsen for the 6th Circuit and Amy Barrett for the 7th Circuit. Despite Democratic obstruction, including unconstitutional suggestions of religious tests, the nominees were each supported by a wide coalition in the legal community, and their confirmations represent significant progress in filling the vacancies of the federal courts system.
“Senate Republicans continued our relentless push to deliver on President Trump’s nominations of top-notch jurists to our courts,” said Strange. “As tried and tested defenders of the Constitution, each has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law, and received my proud and unwavering support.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-making-our-broken-tax-code-simpler-and-fairer-east-alabama,Report from Washington:  Making Our Broken Tax Code Simpler and Fairer for East Alabama,2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—As most folks across East Alabama have seen in the news lately, President Trump and Congress are working together to help make our broken tax code fairer and simpler.
The House and Senate have both passed the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution which clears the path to start tax reform and it has been quite some time since this has happened.
Guy Hunt was elected first Republican Governor of Alabama in over 100 years, Auburn’s Bo Jackson was first pick of the NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Bangles were topping the charts, The Oprah Winfrey Show made its first national broadcast, Teddy Ruxpin was every child’s dream toy and the TV show “Dallas” brought Bobby Ewing back from the dead.
That was the last time the tax code was reformed – the year was 1986.
These are all great memories to look back on, but it’s amazing how much has changed since we’ve done anything on tax reform.
Now Congress will begin the overhaul by simplifying our tax code. Hard-working American families deserve to take home more of their hard-earned paychecks, and President Trump’s tax plan will help make that happen.
The plan will also give families more time together by making it easier to file.
Instead of spending countless hours on filing taxes, the plan will make filing as easy as filling out a form the size of a postcard.
The plan will give families back that time and money spent on preparing for Tax Day.
The tax plan will also help our small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economies, by lowering tax rates and leveling the playing field.
Closing special interest loopholes and rewarding hard work should help encourage investment back in America and help bring more good-paying jobs back home. I support President Trump’s efforts to reform our broken tax code to make things easier on the hard-working families across East Alabama.
Learn more about the plan at fairandsimple.gop and sign up for SMS notifications on tax reform by texting “TAX REFORM” to 50589.
I want to hear from you on this or any issue. Please sign up for my e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like me on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com and you can also subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-nyc-terrorist-attack-words-and-feelings-won%E2%80%99t-keep-us-safe,Rogers on NYC Terrorist Attack:  Words and Feelings Wont Keep Us Safe,2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers on NYC Terrorist Attack:  Words and Feelings Won’t Keep Us Safe               
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Nov 1, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the terrorist attack in lower Manhattan yesterday.
“No amount of political correctness from Democrats and the liberal media elite will stop violent Islamic terrorists from trying to kill us.
“The attack in New York City yesterday is evidence that everything President Trump is advocating for is exactly right and needed. We must have extreme vetting. We must reform our broken immigration system especially by getting rid of the visa lottery program and chain immigration. And we must secure our borders and that starts with building the wall. Words and feelings won’t keep us safe. Actions will.”
                                -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=BDE36553-6F7F-4134-A43E-149B2A248B80,"Shelby Discusses Concerns with Ex-Im Bank, Advises Colleagues to Support Garrett",2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, today voiced his strong concerns with the Export-Import Bank during a hearing to examine President Trump’s six nominations to lead the bank.
“I have long held reservations about the Export-Import Bank operating in its current form. … I believe the Export-Import Bank is now a body rampant with corporate cronyism, corruption, and unaccountability.”
Senator Shelby also discussed his support for Former Congressman Scott Garrett, President Trump’s nominee to head the Export-Import Bank, and urged his colleagues to advance all of President’s Export-Import Bank nominees.
“I believe that Mr. Garrett is a man of principle. I have worked with him when he was on the Financial Services Committee. I believe he would be excellent. He is a principled man, and we need those kind of people at the bank. I hope we keep everybody together and that we confirm everybody. If we do not, we will see what we can do to slow the process down because the bank is still corporate welfare.”
During Senator Shelby’s remarks, he cited his various issues with the Bank.
“Latest estimates indicate that the Export-Import Bank finances only two percent of total U.S. exports. This means 98 percent of exports from the U.S. are generated without the Bank’s financing.”
He pointed out that “some large businesses have enough capital to buy their own bank,” and that “large corporations do not need the Export-Import Bank to run an efficient export operation.”
“I am never one to begrudge businesses for being successful. We want them all to be successful. However, the problem with the way the Bank currently operates is that it puts American taxpayers on the hook for deals that these large businesses could independently finance.”
Senator Shelby met with Garrett in August regarding his nomination. President Trump first announced his intent to nominate Garrett to be President of the Export-Import Bank in April. Garrett formerly served as New Jersey’s Congressman for the Fifth District from 2003 – 2017. During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, he chaired the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Securities, and Investment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-dc-personal-protection-reciprocity-act,Rogers on D.C. Personal Protection Reciprocity Act,2017-10-31,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers on D.C. Personal Protection Reciprocity Act             
      
      
      
      
      
        
        
                                                  
              Oct 31, 2017      		        	    
               
      	                   
                                            
          
        
        
          
  
    
    
    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today on his support of H.R. 2909, the D.C. Personal Protection Reciprocity Act. The bill would allow any American citizen with a valid handgun carry permit in any other state or jurisdiction, to carry certain concealed firearms for self-defense while in Washington, D.C. Currently the bill is in the House Committee of Oversight and Government Reform.
“As a strong supporter of our Second Amendment rights, I was pleased to cosponsor this important piece of legislation. It is just common-sense that the same rules should apply in our nation’s capital that we follow across the country.
“I hope this legislation will come to the House Floor soon for a vote. I will continue to fight for the rights of gun owners in Congress.”
                                                                                 -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/working-to-combat-opioid-addiction,Working to Combat Opioid Addiction,2017-10-29,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hundreds of thousands of Americans have lost their lives in recent years due to drug abuse, and the problem only seems to be getting worse. In 2016, more than two million Americans had an addiction to prescription or illicit opioids.
An opioid is a type of narcotic derived from the opium poppy, which includes drugs such as morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. While the drugs are often prescribed in response to injuries and body pains, they are easily abused and addictive.
The opioid issue in America has reached the point of a crisis. Since 2000, over 300,000 Americans have died from overdoses involving opioids. That is 300,000 families who lost loved ones. 300,000 parents, children, coworkers, spouses, and friends.
We are at the point when approximately 175 deaths each day are attributed to drug overdoses. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of injury death in the United Sates, even greater than both traffic crashes and gun-related deaths.
This is also not an abstract issue that does not impact us here in Southwest Alabama. I have spoken to numerous local law enforcement and medical officials about how the opioid drug abuse problem is prevalent in our own backyard.
Many of the people who become addicted to opioids first start taking the drugs legally after receiving a prescription from a doctor. For example, a common theme is athletes who suffer a sports-related injury, undergo surgery, and then become addicted to opioids during the recovery process.
The personal stories you hear are truly heartbreaking. As First Lady Melania Trump said about opioid abuse during a speech last week, “this can happen to any of us. Drug addiction can take your friends, neighbors, or your family. No state has been spared, and no demographic has been untouched.”
To be clear, addiction is not a criminal issue that simply requires putting more people in jail. In fact, that may be counterproductive in many situations. Instead, we need to work to help individuals battle through their addiction with a combination of counseling and other medical strategies.
Last week, President Donald Trump acted to help address the opioid crisis by declaring a public health emergency. Through this action, President Trump is mobilizing his entire Administration to address drug addiction and opioid abuse.
President Trump has also created the “President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and Opioid Crisis,” which is still actively preparing a report for the President on ways to further help combat the opioid crisis.
A big focus is also on increasing public awareness about the issue. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has launched the Prescription Awareness Campaign, which features real-life stories of people who have lost loved ones to prescription opioid overdose.
The House has also acted over the last two years to combat the opioid crisis. For example, we passed two important bipartisan bills to direct more resources and improve policies related to opioid abuse. The Comprehensive Recovery and Addiction Act combined multiple bills dealing with a full range of opioid-connected issues, while the 21st Century Cures Act included funding to help states address the opioid prescription drug crisis.
Clearly, additional funding is necessary to help save American lives, and this year’s government funding bill directed $781 million to help with addiction prevention, education, and treatment. The additional funding also goes toward helping local law enforcement officials as they tackle this heartbreaking epidemic.
We cannot and will not sit back and allow the opioid crisis to take the lives of the people we love and care for. We must fight back and ensure Americans get the help they need.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/addiction-more-just-statistics,Addiction is More than Just Statistics,2017-10-27,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Did you know that more than 64,000 Americans died of a drug overdose last year? The majority of those were heroin or opioid overdoses.
Our country is in the midst of a heroin and opioid epidemic, with 91 Americans dying every day from an overdose. The problem is particularly acute in Alabama, where opioid drugs are prescribed at a higher ratio than any other state in the nation. Alabama averages an alarming 1.2 opioid prescriptions per person, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Opioids are derived from the opium poppy and are commonly used in strong pain relief medications such as morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. Doctors often prescribe these powerful pain relief drugs to patients recovering from surgery or suffering from chronic pain. These drugs have a high potential for abuse and addiction, especially when improperly prescribed or taken. Too often patients who have become addicted turn to heroin when they are no longer able to access or afford the prescription pain killers.
Anyone who has ever struggled with addiction or known a loved one who has understands that this issue is much more personal than just statistics. No one makes a conscious decision to become addicted to pills or heroin. It happens gradually and can affect almost anyone. While patients suffering from extreme pain need access to strong medication, we need better tools to prevent addiction, help people get treatment, and stop drug traffickers who push and profit from abuse.
I’m pleased to report that President Trump has declared the opioid crisis in the United States to be a national health emergency. This important designation will redirect federal resources to most effectively fight this epidemic. It requires federal agencies to devote more grant money already in their budgets to addressing the problem and to overcome any bureaucratic delays in the dispersion of these grants. It also shifts some federal grants toward expanding access to medical services in rural areas. The President's action builds upon the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act, which Congress passed last year to improve the prevention, treatment, recovery, and police enforcement of prescription drug abuse.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has formed the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit within the Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors have already taken action against those peddling prescription drugs in Alabama, including a Birmingham pharmacy technician who manipulated cancer patients’ medicine to feed his own addiction and two Haleyville pharmacy workers who took part in a scheme to generate fraudulent prescriptions. Action is also being taken on the state and local level. Last month, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced he is joining with 40 other state attorneys general to investigate suspect opioid manufactures.
I’m grateful for the strong measures being taken by federal, state, and local law enforcement to address this problem. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and specifically the subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I’m proud to support these efforts. Our most recent House-passed appropriations bill included a $37 million funding increase to enhance opioid investigations and prosecutions. The bill also includes $103 million for programs to address drug abuse through drug courts, treatment, and prescription drug monitoring.
If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, please know that there are resources in our state to help. In 2015, the Alabama Drug Abuse Task Force launched the Zero Addiction Campaign to prevent and treat drug addiction. Visit www.zeroaddiction.org to find addiction treatment services in your county.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-first-step-making-our-tax-code-fairer-simpler,"Rogers: A First Step in Making our Tax Code Fairer, Simpler",2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.) --- Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement after House passage of the Senate Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Budget Resolution.
“Today’s vote is the beginning of the biggest tax overhaul in thirty years. I am hopeful both the House and Senate will take up and pass President Trump’s tax plan as soon as possible.
“Simplifying the tax code, lowering rates and making small businesses more competitive will improve take-home pay for hard-working American families. I agree with President Trump that our tax system should reward hard work and encourage investment in the private sector. Closing special interest loopholes and simplifying the tax code will save everyone billions of dollars spent on filling out IRS paperwork each year.
“I will continue to work with President Trump to make our tax code simpler and fairer, help our small businesses and help folks keep more of their paychecks.”
                                                                                  -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-congress-one-step-closer-enacting-pro-growth-tax-reform,Roby: Congress Is One Step Closer to Enacting Pro-Growth Tax Reform,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today released a statement upon House passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution, which contains the framework for the joint House, Senate, and White House tax reform plan.
“By passing this budget today, Congress is one step closer to enacting pro-growth tax reform that will offer much-needed relief to American families,” Roby said. “Our tax reform plan will grow the economy, create jobs here in the United States, and allow hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money in their pocket. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver on our promise and give the American people the results they deserve.”
The budget resolution passed the House by a vote of 216-212.
On Wednesday Roby joined Ivanka Trump and leaders from the House and Senate to promote expanding the child tax credit as part of the tax reform plan. The proposal would offer meaningful tax relief to middle and low income working parents.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=75F0871D-D6C8-4394-B34E-DBCA68C37330,Shelby Supports Trumps Efforts to Combat Opioid Epidemic,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, today made the following statement in support of President Trump’s declaration of a public health emergency in regard to opioid addiction:
“I applaud the President and his Administration on their efforts to end the opioid epidemic. This is a real emergency, and it affects just about every community in our country. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and I have been working on our Appropriations Subcommittee to make sure that both law enforcement and the Justice Department have the tools they need to fight this epidemic. It is going to take a massive effort, and I fully support President Trump’s attention to this matter.”
This afternoon, President Trump held a press conference to announce that the opioid crisis is a public health emergency. The growing epidemic regarding the misuse, abuse, and addiction to certain prescription pain medications and other types of opioids in the United States, such as heroin, remains a concern for communities across the country. The prescription of opioid painkillers has been the driving force behind increased opioid usage and subsequent overdose related deaths.
In the FY2017 CJS Appropriations bill, Senator Shelby secured $276.5 million to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Prisons, and Department of Justice grants to combat the nation’s drug addiction and opioid crisis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/alabama-today-martha-roby-joins-ivanka-trump-house-and-senate-leaders-push,"Alabama Today: Martha Roby joins Ivanka Trump, House and Senate leaders to push child tax credit expansion",2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby appeared alongside First Daughter Ivanka Trump as well Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday to promote the expansion of the child tax credit to help working families as part of a GOP tax-reform proposal.
“Expanding the child tax credit is the right thing to do,” Roby said at a news conference promoting the proposal. “For the people I represent, this can make a big difference. For that mom working a retail job or the dad driving the truck or the parent working two or three jobs so the other one can stay home – having a couple thousand dollars in your pocket is a big deal.”
She continued, “I promise you parents know how to spend that money better than the government does.”
Ivanka Trump, who has championed policies to help working families in the Trump Administration, said the child tax credit expansion is key to the President’s commitment to ensuring tax reform benefits middle class Americans.
“Today, the vast majority of American homes are dual income,” Ivanka said. “Our tax code has to recognize and support this reality and support our dual values of work and a family. Over the years, as wages have stagnated the costs of raising a family have grown exponentially,” she added. “It is a priority of this administration and it is a legislative priority to ensure that American families can thrive and that we deliver real and meaningful tax relief to middle-income Americans.”
Under the tax reform framework from House and Senate Republicans and the White House, the child tax credit, which currently provides working families with $1,000 per child, would be significantly increased and made available to more middle and lower income Americans.
Details of the tax reform proposal are still being crafted. Specifics about the current blueprint are available on the House Ways and Means website here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-introduces-dothan-constituents-defends-life-down-syndrome-hearing,"Roby Introduces Dothan Constituents, Defends Life at Down Syndrome Hearing",2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today spoke out against the practice of eradicating Down Syndrome through abortions and received assurances that American medical research would never lead to such horrific eugenics policies. At an appropriations hearing on the advances in research for Down Syndrome, Roby said she was troubled by reports that the medical communities in Iceland, Denmark, and South Korea are encouraging expectant parents to abort unborn children who show signs of Down Syndrome.
“Every baby should be treated like the miracle they are created to be,” Roby said. “As we talk about growing our research capabilities, including through funding from this subcommittee, how can you assure us that the medical community won’t slide down the slippery slope toward eugenics, however indirect the practice might be?”
Dr. Joaquin M. Espinosa, Executive Director of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, assured Roby that the American medical community would not come close to supporting eugenics practices.
“We do not fund any research that could tangentially lead to the eugenics path that you recognized,” Espinosa said. “Our mission is to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome, including through pre-natal treatments. You can have assurance from the Linda Crnic Institute that no research would even be tangentially tied to selective terminations.”
During the hearing, Roby introduced special guests from Dothan, Alabama: Melinda McClendon and her two sons Buck and Charlie. Buck McClendon has Down Syndrome and is visiting Washington with his family as part of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s advocacy efforts.
“Melinda and her two sons Buck and Charlie are my constituents from Dothan, Alabama. I’m so proud to have you here as advocates from my community to share your personal story. I had the opportunity to take Buck down to the House floor during votes and we all got to see firsthand Buck’s infectious personality and love for life. Thank you for sharing your day with me. I’m so grateful that you are all here.”
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-joins-ivanka-trump-house-and-senate-leaders-push-child-tax-credit,"Roby Joins Ivanka Trump, House and Senate Leaders to Push Child Tax Credit Expansion",2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Ala.) today joined Ivanka Trump and leaders from the House and Senate to promote a plan to expand the child tax credit to help working families.
“Expanding the child tax credit is the right thing to do,” Roby said at a news conference promoting the proposal. “For the people I represent, this can make a big difference. For that mom working a retail job or the dad driving the truck or the parent working two or three jobs so the other one can stay home – having a couple thousand dollars in your pocket is a big deal.
“I promise you parents know how to spend that money better than the government does.”
Ivanka Trump, who has championed policies to help working families in the Trump Administration, said the child tax credit expansion is key to the President’s commitment to ensuring tax reform benefits middle class Americans.
“We need to make our businesses competitive, we need to simplify and democratize our tax code, we need to drive wage growth, and we need to give opportunity to all Americans,” she said. “Over the years, as wages have stagnated, the costs of raising a family have grown. It is a priority of this Administration and a legislative priority to ensure American families can thrive, and that we deliver real and meaningful tax relief to middle income Americans.” 
Under the tax reform framework from House and Senate Republicans and the White House, the child tax credit would be significantly increased and made available to more middle and lower income Americans. Details of the tax reform proposal are still being crafted. More specifics about the current blueprint are available here.
Watch the full news conference including comments from Rep. Roby and Ivanka Trump here.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-applauds-largest-oil-gas-lease-sale-in-us-history,Byrne Applauds Largest Oil & Gas Lease Sale in U.S. History,2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke today announced that the Department is proposing the largest oil and gas lease sale ever held in the United States --76,967,935 acres in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The proposed region-wide lease sale, offering an area about the size of New Mexico, is scheduled for March 2018 and includes all available unleased areas on the Gulf’s Outer Continental Shelf, surpassing last year’s region-wide lease sale by about one million acres.
Congressman Bradley Byrne said: “I applaud Secretary Zinke and the Department of Interior for their efforts to spur energy production and support communities along the Gulf Coast. Revenue from these leases will be a huge boost for Gulf states, like Alabama, and will help us continue conservation and preservation of our treasured coastal areas. Through developments like this, we can ensure American energy dominance and make life better for Gulf Coast families.” 
Secretary Zinke said: “In today’s low-price energy environment, providing the offshore industry access to the maximum amount of opportunities possible is part of our strategy to spur local and regional economic dynamism and job creation and a pillar of President Trump’s plan to make the United States energy dominant. And the economic terms proposed for this sale include a range of incentives to encourage diligent development and ensure a fair return to taxpayers.”
Proposed Lease Sale 250, which will be livestreamed from New Orleans, will be the second offshore sale under the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022. Lease Sale 249, held in New Orleans last August, received $121 million in high bids. In addition to the high bids and rental payments, the Department will receive royalty payments on any future production from these leases. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) lease revenues are directed to the U.S. Treasury, Gulf Coast states, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Historic Preservation Fund.
The estimated amount of resources projected to be developed as a result of the proposed region-wide lease sale ranges from 0.21 to 1.12 billion barrels of oil and from 0.55 to 4.42 trillion cubic feet of gas. Most of the activity (up to 83% of future production) from the proposed lease sale is expected to occur in the Central Planning Area.
Proposed Lease Sale 250 includes 14,375 unleased blocks, located from 3 to 230 miles offshore, in the Gulf’s Western, Central and Eastern planning areas in water depths ranging from 9 to more than 11,115 feet (three to 3,400 meters). Excluded from the lease sale are blocks subject to the Congressional moratorium established by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006; blocks that are adjacent to or beyond the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the area known as the northern portion of the Eastern Gap; and whole blocks and partial blocks within the current boundary of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.
The lease sale terms include stipulations to protect biologically sensitive resources, mitigate potential adverse effects on protected species, and avoid potential conflicts associated with oil and gas development in the region. The terms and conditions for Lease Sale 250 in the Proposed Notice of Sale are not final. Different terms and conditions may be employed in the Final Notice of Sale, which will be published at least 30 days before the sale.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) estimates that the OCS contains about 90 billion barrels of undiscovered technically recoverable oil and 327 trillion cubic feet of undiscovered technically recoverable gas. The Gulf of Mexico OCS, covering about 160 million acres, has technically recoverable resources of over 48 billion barrels of oil and 141 trillion cubic feet of gas.
All terms and conditions for Gulf of Mexico Region-wide Sale 250 are detailed in the Proposed Notice of Sale (PNOS) information package, which is available at: http://www.boem.gov/Sale-250/. Copies of the PNOS maps can be requested from BOEM’s Gulf of Mexico Region’s Public Information Unit at 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70123, or at 800-200-GULF (4853).
The Notice of Availability of the PNOS will be available for inspection in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 26, at: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/public-inspection.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=3B058756-1B89-4D97-820C-04DDBC55C02E,Shelby Opposes $16 Billion Flood Insurance Bailout,2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today made the following statement regarding his vote against H.R. 2266, the “Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act of 2017.”  The $36.5 billion disaster aid package includes $16 billion for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) debt forgiveness.
“I opposed this disaster relief bill because of the $16 billion bailout it would provide for the National Flood Insurance Program, which is nearly $30 billion in debt.  While I support emergency relief funding, I have consistently opposed bailouts and have openly voiced my concerns with the state of the National Flood Insurance Program.
“Congress needs to have a broader conversation about flood insurance reform.  I could not support this bill in its current form.  Emergency relief funding is critically important, but it should not include a bailout funded by the American taxpayer.  I will continue to advocate and push for the reforms necessary to ensure that the National Flood Insurance Program becomes sustainable.”
 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/spending-without-offsets-%E2%80%9Ccontinues-down-slippery-slope%E2%80%9D,Spending without offsets “continues down a slippery slope”,2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Strange joins fellow conservatives in opposition to runaway federal spending
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Tuesday voted against the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The measure will extend additional federal discretionary funds to disaster response efforts without assigning budgetary offsets. Strange cosponsored an amendment, introduced by Senator Shelby, that would have allowed the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to continue paying claims while removing the provision in the Disaster Relief Supplemental that wipes out the unsustainable $16 billion in debt accrued by the NFIP, leaving taxpayers on the hook.
“The state of Alabama knows better than most the devastating consequences of natural disasters in the Gulf, and I am committed to helping our neighbors rebuild after Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria,” said Strange. “However, spending beyond our means will further limit our ability to promise effective aid to victims of future disasters, especially when it comes to flood insurance. I stand alongside my conservative colleagues to say that we can no longer kick the can of fiscal responsibility down the road.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/president-trump-awards-huntsville-veteran-gary-rose-medal-honor,President Trump Awards Huntsville Veteran Gary Rose with Medal of Honor,2017-10-23,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) attended the White House ceremony awarding Huntsville veteran Army Captain Gary Michael Rose (retired) with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Rose received the Medal of Honor, the most prestigious military award a service member can receive, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a medic with the secret Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group that conducted classified missions in Vietnam and Laos. Typically the Medal of Honor must be awarded to a service member within 5 years of the heroic act, but the requirement was waived due to the special circumstances surrounding Rose’s actions.
 

President Trump awards retired Army Captain Gary Rose 
with the Medal of Honor.
 
Congressman Brooks said, “Army Captain Gary Michael Rose is a true hero and I was privileged to be present at the White House today as President Trump recognized his bravery with the Medal of Honor. I encourage everyone to research and learn more about Rose’s incredible service to our nation during the secret mission known as ‘Operation Tailwind.’”
Brooks added, “Rose enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and attended basic training at Fort Ord, California. He later began Special Forces Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1970, Rose was assigned to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group, 5th Special Forces Group. While serving as a medic with the 5th Special Forces Group, Rose displayed extraordinary heroism in combat and repeatedly put his life on the line to aid his comrades, even after he was seriously wounded. Rose is credited with treating more than 60 wounded soldiers during the mission.”
Brooks concluded, “Captain Rose’s mission was classified until the late 1990s, and I was proud to work with my Senate colleagues to insert language into the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act waiving the normal Congressional Medal of Honor requirement that the medal be awarded within five years of the action. Operation Tailwind was kept secret for decades, and I am glad these inspirational heroes and their actions are finally receiving the recognition they deserve.”
Rose’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster and “V” device, the Purple Heart with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with two knots, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign with star, Presidential Unit Citation (MAC SOG), Vietnam Civic Action Honor Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation – with Palm Combat Medical Badge, Special Forces Tab, U.S. Army Parachute Badge, Thai Army Parachute Badge, Vietnam Parachute Badge, and several service ribbons. Rose currently resides in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife Margaret.   
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-october-community-office-hours-0,Byrne Announces October Community Office Hours,2017-10-23,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Staff members from the Office of Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) will hold office hours throughout Alabama’s First Congressional District from October 24-26.
The staff members will be on hand to help constituents with problems they may be experiencing with federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicare, and Social Security. Staff members can also assist constituents who need help applying for or receiving a United States passport.
 
Baldwin County
Wednesday, October 25
10:30 to 11:30 am: Fairhope City Hall
1:30 to 2:30 pm: Daphne City Hall
3:00 to 4:00 pm: Spanish Fort City Hall
 
Thursday, October 26
9:30 to 10:30 am: Gulf Shores City Hall
11:30 am to 12:00 noon: Perdido Beach Town Hall
2:00 to 3:00 pm: Silverhill Town Hall
4:00 to 4:30 pm: Bay Minette City Hall
 
Clarke County
Wednesday, October 25
11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Grove Hill Town Hall
1:00– 2:00 pm: White Smith Memorial Library in Jackson
 
Escambia County
Tuesday, October 24
9:30 to 10:30 am – Atmore City Hall
11:00 am – 12:00 noon – Flomaton City Hall
1:30 – 2:30 pm: Brewton City Hall
3:00 – 3:30 pm: East Brewton City Hall
 
Mobile County
Thursday, October 26
12:30 – 1:30 pm: Citronelle City Hall
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Dauphin Island Town Hall
 
Monroe County
Wednesday, October 25
9:30 – 10:30 am: Monroeville City Hall
 
Washington County
Wednesday, October 25
3:00 – 4:00 pm: Washington County Public Library in Chatom
Thursday, October 26
11:00 am – 12:00 noon: McIntosh Town Hall
 
For more information on visits to Clarke, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties, constituents should contact Congressman Byrne’s Mobile office at 251-690-2811.
For more information on visits to Baldwin and Escambia counties, constituents should contact Congressman Byrne’s Baldwin County office at 251-989-2664.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/strange-hails-alabama-medal-honor-recipient,Strange hails Alabama Medal of Honor recipient,2017-10-23,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Army Capt. Gary M. Rose receives highest military decoration for Vietnam heroism 
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Monday joined President Donald J. Trump at a White House ceremony where retired U.S. Army Captain Gary M. Rose was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Rose, a resident of Huntsville, was cited for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity” in his service as an airborne medic during Operation Tailwind in September, 1970, and is credited with saving the lives of over 60 comrades under fire.
“Through selfless acts of heroism, Captain Rose has embodied the highest ideals of our state, and the United States of America,” said Strange. “It was my utmost privilege to recommend Captain Rose to the President, and I am humbled to represent Alabama's men and women serving the nation in uniform who strive to live up to his example.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/agriculture-is-still-number-one,Agriculture Is Still Number One,2017-10-22,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, we received some really positive news about the growth of the manufacturing industry in our area. Airbus announced plans to add an additional assembly line at their facility in Mobile, and steelmaker SSAB revealed that they will be moving their national headquarters from Illinois to Mobile.
Both of these announcements are a testament to our area’s booming manufacturing industry, and I am very proud of the first-class workforce that helps make these advancements possible. Manufacturing is certainly on the rise.
That said, many are surprised to learn that agriculture remains the top overall industry in Alabama. In fact, agriculture and forestry related industries account for over 580,000 jobs in Alabama and have an economic impact of over $70 billion. According to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, there are 3,816 farms in Alabama’s First Congressional District and over 3.6 million acres of timberland.
In an effort to highlight the key role of agriculture in our area, I headed out last week on my annual “Ag Matters” Tour to visit with farmers and landowners across Southwest Alabama. My tour this year included stops in Grand Bay, Atmore, Frisco City, Summerdale, Chatom, Grove Hill, and Monroeville.
The “Ag Matters” Tour helps me better understand and appreciate the unique challenges facing our local farmers and foresters. Unlike other industries, there are so many factors outside the control of the farmers that can have a real impact on their bottomline.
For example, at Mr. Preston Webb’s farm outside Grove Hill, I was able to see firsthand how feral hogs are causing very serious damage to his tree farm. We visited with representatives from the Alabama Forestry Commission to discuss efforts they make to mitigate the impact of feral hogs.
In Baldwin County, I visited the Summerdale Peanut Company, which is a peanut buying point operated by Joe Parker. Joe is currently the president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association, and he showed me how peanuts are weighed, graded, and sorted.
Agriculture and forestry’s impact are not limited to the farms and forests. We visited the Georgia Pacific Alabama River Cellulose mill near Monroeville, which supports more than 400 jobs. I was able to see the mill in operation and learn how they process over 4.5 million tons of wood a year.
Since being elected to Congress, I have always worked to be a steadfast advocate for agriculture and forestry. One of the first major votes I took in office was in favor of the 2014 Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is the bill that sets policy and authorizes spending for our nation’s agriculture programs. The Farm Bill is set to expire next year, so I look forward to again working toward a Farm Bill that benefits Alabama’s farmers.
I am also a co-sponsor of the Resilient Federal Forests Act. This commonsense bill would allow the transfer of emergency funds to pay for wildfire suppression, simplify environmental process requirements, and reduce the cost of implementing forest management projects. It would be a big help to Alabama’s forestry industry.
Getting rid of unnecessary and costly regulations is another way I have stood up for our farmers. For example, I voted to rescind the flawed Waters of the U.S. rule that could have expanded EPA oversight to something as small as a puddle on a family farm. I’ve also worked with our farmers to make sure the Endangered Species Act isn’t resulting in undue burdens on our farmers and landowners without any scientific benefit.
So, as our manufacturing industry continues to grow, I pledge to never forget about the backbone of Alabama’s economy: our hardworking farmers who help feed America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/legitimate-question,A Legitimate Question,2017-10-20,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"“Why can’t Congress get anything done?” I’m asked this question a lot lately, whether at events throughout the district, in letters from constituents, or even at the grocery store. It’s a legitimate question.
Many Americans are rightly frustrated that the gridlock in Washington is slowing down a once-promising agenda of reform. President Trump and most every congressional Republican ran on promises to repeal and replace Obamacare, crack down on illegal immigration, overhaul Dodd-Frank, reform our broken tax code, rebuild the military, and fix the VA. Yet ten months into our Republican majority, how much of that has actually been accomplished?
I understand this frustration because I’m frustrated, too. My frustration, however, is from the perspective of a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, which has taken action on almost every major agenda item already. On May 4 we passed legislation that repeals Obamacare and replaces it with a system designed to lower costs and increase choices. On June 8 we passed legislation that overhauls Dodd-Frank and untangles the mess of financial regulations hurting hometown lenders, small businesses, and farmers. On September 14 we passed an appropriations package that funds construction of a border wall and increases funding for the military. 
My House colleagues and I worked hard to get these bills written, through committee, passed on the floor, and sent to the Senate. As you can imagine, it has been extremely disappointing to see this good policy that will truly help American families and small businesses pile up on the other side of the Capitol. The Senate has been unable to pass any of these key agenda bills and send them to the President for his signature.
I’m reminded of the old tale of the eager young Democratic Congressman who came to Washington in the 1980s ready to shake things up. Full of gusto, he told his colleagues he wanted to meet some House Republicans so he could size up the enemy. It was Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill who corrected him. Republicans are just the opposition, Speaker O’Neill said. The Senate is the enemy.
That’s all in jest, of course. I have great respect for the Senate, and Alabama has been fortunate to have strong representation in the Senate for many years. And, to be fair, the Senate has passed several very important measures, including 14 Congressional Review Act bills rolling back Obama-era regulations and legislation to usher in historic reforms at the VA. Just this week, they successfully amended and passed our budget resolution to pave the way for pro-growth tax reform.
Some have argued that the rules of the Senate should be changed so that the mere threat of a Democrat filibuster cannot keep worthwhile legislation from receiving a vote. However, it’s worth remembering that no filibusters caused Senate Republicans to fall short of the 50 votes needed to pass an Obamacare repeal bill. Another problem is the fact that the Senate must devote so much valuable time to confirming presidential nominees. Some, including President Trump, have questioned whether so many sub-Cabinet appointments should require Senate confirmation. There are currently 1,212 presidential-appointed positions that must be confirmed by the Senate. As of now, only 175 have been confirmed.
Whatever the solution may be, the Senate must find a way to be more productive.
While we cannot control what happens on the other side of the Capitol, the House will remain focused on keeping our promises. The basics of our pro-growth tax reform package were rolled out this month, and I’m optimistic we can pass legislation within the next several weeks. The Senate’s successful passage of the budget resolution is a good sign that tax reform legislation has a chance to pass there, too. Delivering on tax reform would be a tremendous boost to the economy and demonstrate that Congress is serious about addressing the nation’s problems.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-joins-bipartisan-effort-to-narrow-nation-s-skills-gap,Byrne Joins Bipartisan Effort to Narrow Nations Skills Gap,2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressmen Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Randy Hultgren (R-IL) introduced the Career Advancement Through New Skills Act, legislation that would incentivize employers to invest in their employees, giving them the necessary training to close the skill gap that exists between employers’ needs and employees in many industries.
The legislation introduced today would create a tax credit for 25% of the first $5,000 that an employer spends on qualified education and training expenses for an employee. These qualified education and training expenses include the cost of programs or trainings to maintain or improve the skills of workers to meet the employer’s needs.
Rep. Byrne said: “As a Congress, we should always be looking for new ways to help Americans gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s 21st Century economy. Training programs are more important than ever before in connecting Americans with high paying jobs and closing the skills gap that is plaguing many industries today. Through this bipartisan legislation, we can make a real impact by encouraging employers to take a direct and active role in job training.”
Rep. Thompson said: “The nation’s skills gap is significant. Small businesses across the country report being unable to find qualified applicants and CEOs report shortages of workers for skilled, well-paying jobs. This bill would help narrow that gap by encouraging businesses to invest in the education and training of their employees, helping workers expand their skills while earning money and advancing their career, and giving employers the skilled workforce they need to build their businesses.”
Rep. Kilmer said: “Giving seasoned employees the opportunity to learn and build new skills while on the job helps our economy grow. The federal government can and should be a partner in supporting classes and training offered by companies that can give more stability to their workers and put them in a position to earn more money.”   
Rep. Hultgren said: “One the greatest challenges facing workers today is connecting the skills and knowledge they have with the jobs that actually exist. Similarly, small businesses have trouble finding qualified applicants for the jobs of the 21st century. This bill encourages these employers to put resources toward training and educating workers for the jobs that exist now. Let’s help the backbone of our economy—small businesses—create opportunity for their workers in order to grow.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/%E2%80%9Ceveryday-americans-do-what-it-takes%E2%80%A6-we-owe-them-same%E2%80%9D,“Everyday Americans do what it takes… We owe them the same”,2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Strange joins letter to McConnell, votes to pass FY 18 budget resolution
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Tuesday evening voted in support of the FY 2018 Budget Resolution, which passed 52-48. The passage of the budget resolution will allow work to begin in earnest on tax relief. Conveying the urgency of delivering on this critical promise, Strange also joined ten Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), pledging to “be available for voting day and night” to help accomplish President Trump’s fall legislative agenda.
“Passing a budget resolution is in our job description as Senators – it is not the finish line. We owe the American people concrete action on several major issues, the first being the outdated tax code that stands in the way of their hard-earned take-home pay. As I joined my colleagues in writing to Leader McConnell, I am ready to make good on our promises, starting with comprehensive tax relief, this year.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.strange.senate.gov/content/senate-moves-one-step-closer-delivering-tax-relief,Senate moves one step closer to delivering tax relief,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Luther Strange,S001202,www.strange.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Strange: “Delivering a solution for AL taxpayers is my number one priority”
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Luther Strange on Tuesday released the statement below following his vote on the motion to proceed to consideration of the FY 2018 Budget Resolution, which passed 50-47. The measure, which passed the Senate Budget Committee earlier this month, would provide a vehicle for a tax relief package later in the fall.
“Our nation’s overcomplicated tax code is a daily burden for Alabama’s families and small businesses, and delivering meaningful relief remains my number one priority this fall. Today’s vote has set the stage for funding critical national priorities and moving one step closer to a solution for America’s taxpayers.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-celebrates-airbus-announcement,Byrne Celebrates Airbus Announcement,2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement in response to Airbus announcing a new partnership with Bombardier and the addition of a second Final Assembly Line in Mobile.
Byrne said: “Tonight’s announcement from Airbus is a testament to the first-class workforce in Southwest Alabama and our pro-business culture. I want to share my deep appreciation with Airbus for their continued investment in Mobile and our community. This announcement is yet another step toward our region becoming a national and global hub for aviation excellence.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-pro-life-victory,A Pro-Life Victory,2017-10-15,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"A few weeks ago, I met a remarkable young boy named Micah. Micah is a five-year-old boy who seems like most any child. He is healthy, smart, and full of life. Most people are shocked when they learn that Micah was born at just 22 weeks.
When Micah was born prematurely, he was no bigger than a pack of M&Ms, but his mom said he was “alive and he was fighting and he wanted to live.” Thankfully, due to the miraculous work of doctors and answered prayers, Micah survived.
Every child deserves the chance Micah had.
Sadly, the United States is one of only seven countries in the world that allows elective abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. This radical policy puts us among the likes of North Korea and China.
Micah’s mother likely put it best when she said that her “heart is grieved that babies are allowed to be aborted at the same age that my own son was born and even later.” It is simply heartbreaking.
Well, I recently voted to change the law and ban abortions in the United States after 20 weeks. Thankfully, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, also known as Micah’s Law, passed the House by a vote of 237 to 189. The bill now awaits action in the Senate.
This is a commonsense, pro-life bill that simply states that abortions after 20 weeks are unlawful in the United States. The bill does include very limited exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or when the health of the mother is at risk.
To be clear, I do not support abortion at any point, but there is great significance to the 20-week timeframe.
Twenty weeks is the point at which doctors and scientists agree that babies can actually feel pain. The more premature an infant is, the worse the pain because they have yet to develop pain inhibitors.
Sadly, thousands of babies right here in the United States are killed and subjected to excruciating pain due to late-term abortions. It is simply unconscionable. That is why this legislation is so critically important.
We shouldn’t stop with Micah’s Law. As a member of the House Pro-Life Caucus, I am always looking for new opportunities to stand up for the unborn.
For example, I am a staunch supporter of the Hyde Amendment, which is a provision included in annual government funding bills to ensure no taxpayer money is used to perform an abortion. I have also supported legislation to make the Hyde Amendment permanent, so it no longer must be passed each year.  
I also previously voted to eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood, an organization that promotes abortions. I support redirecting the money away from Planned Parenthood and putting it toward community health centers, which are more plentiful and provide a wider range of services. These are just a few examples.
As I cast my vote in favor of the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act a few weeks ago, Micah was on my mind. I thought about his smile and how he was full of energy. I thought about others like him who may have been given a chance at life were it not for our nation’s broken laws.
As is written in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” I promise to always stand up for God’s precious gift of life and to support pro-life policies throughout my time in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-joins-launch-nasa-caucus-founding-member,Brooks Joins Launch of NASA Caucus as Founding Member,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) announced the establishment of the bipartisan House National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Caucus led by Representatives Steve Knight (CA-25) and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). Congressman Brooks is a founding member of the caucus. The caucus will bring attention to NASA’s economic and national security importance and serve as a forum to educate policymakers on current NASA initiatives.
Congressman Brooks said, “It is an honor to serve as the Congressman representing the Tennessee Valley, home to Alabama’s Marshall Space Flight Center – one of NASA’s largest field installations with nearly 6,000 civil service and contract employees. Without the contributions of the dedicated engineers, scientists, and other talented professionals we would be unable to inspire the next generation with the dream of continued space exploration. I am excited to report that there is a renewed commitment to space exploration on Capitol Hill and you can feel the excitement. The recently launched NASA Caucus will help bring to the forefront NASA’s most important endeavors, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to further America’s global leadership in space.”
Congressman Brooks joins 27 colleagues and founding members of the caucus: Steve Knight (CA), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Brian Babin (TX), André Carson (IN), Kathy Castor (FL), Jim Costa (CA), Barbara Comstock (VA), Charlie Crist (FL), Debbie Dingell (MI), Anna Eshoo (CA), Al Hastings (FL), Bill Johnson (OH), David Joyce (OH), Ro Khanna (CA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO), Zoe Lofgren (CA), Ralph Norman (SC), Pete Olson (TX), Steven Palazzo (MS), Ed Perlmutter (CO), Bill Posey (FL), Jamie Raskin (MD), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Linda T. Sánchez (CA), Scott Taylor (VA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), Randy Weber (TX).
* Congressman Brooks serves as Vice-Chair of the Space Subcommittee on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
 
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