url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/2018-year-in-review,2018: Year in Review,2018-12-30,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"2018 was a landmark year in many ways for Alabama and the United States. From defense funding to town halls, agriculture to Red Snapper, there was much to celebrate this year and much to anticipate in the next. Join me as we take a look back at the past year. I kicked things off in January by celebrating my 100th Town Hall Meeting in Grove Hill. I always enjoy meeting the folks in our area and hearing about the issues that matter most to them. This year, I hosted 25 town hall meetings throughout Southwest Alabama. We made realstrides in 2018 when it comes to our national defense, including passing much needed funding for Alabama's many defense priorities. I was proud to vote in favor of a funding bill that allows for the construction of three Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and one Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), which are built by Austal USA in Mobile. This funding helps us move toward a 355-ship Navy. This marked the first time in ten years that we were able to fully fund our military on time, and in a bipartisan way. We funded critical Alabama defense priorities like the Austal shipyard; additional UH-60M Black Hawk, Lakota, and Apache helicopters, which are critical to the Army aviation mission at Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass; $22.4 million went to the Stryker Upgrade program, which supports the work at the Anniston Army Depot; and we increased funding to address cyber threats to our missile defense systems, which is critical to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. This year, we were able to celebrate great developments for our local fishermen and coastal communities. In April, a 47-day Red Snapper season for recreational fishermen was announced. And just this December, NOAA Fisheries published a new rule to increase the annual catch limits and annual catch targets for the Red Snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. These latest numbers further drive us forward in the fight for greater state control over the Red Snapper fishery. Thanks to bipartisan reforms to our career and technical education programs, we are better able to give students tangible skills that help them succeed in real-world careers. In July, the House passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which made reforms to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act to ensure more Americans enter the workforce with the skills they need. In 2018, we made real progress on infrastructure. We passed critical legislation to support our nation's water infrastructure, including the Port of Mobile. We are also closer than ever before to building the I-10 Bridge. And lastly, we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement on the 2018 Farm Bill to benefit our farmers and foresters in Alabama. The Farm Bill will allow for improved crop protections and loan options for farmers, incentivize rural development, support animal disease prevention and management, and will continue our nation's commitment to agriculture and farmers. I am especially pleased to see the substantial resources provided to improve rural broadband access to communities. The many victories we were able to secure for the American people cannot be condensed into this brief article, but rest assured that this year, Alabama and the America are better off for the accomplishments made by the 115th Congress. The next year will bring many changes with the Democrat majority in the House, but my New Year's Resolution is simple: I will continue to fight for the people of Alabama each and every day. From all of my staff, my family, and myself, we wish you a Happy New Year!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/christmas-traditions-old-and-new,Christmas Traditions Old and New,2018-12-23,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"I was recently asked what my favorite Christmas tradition is and found that a surprisingly hard question to answer. It seems that nearly every moment is a tradition with my family, and that makes it hard to pick just one. From making gumbo Christmas Eve morning to wrapping presents to gathering on Christmas Day, there are so many individual moments that add up to make the season special. This year, we have added new traditions to our family's celebration with our grandchildren, MacGuire and Ann-Roberts. There was no greater scene of pure joy than when we picked out our Christmas tree with them, and then as they helped Rebecca and me decorate the tree. After I thought more on my what favorite Christmas tradition is, I reflected on why we celebrate the Christmas season in the first place. The church's liturgical calendar begins with the season of Advent. From the lighting of the first candle, the new year has begun, anticipating the birth of our Savior on Christmas. The entirety of the year depends upon the preparation for and celebration of the birth of Christ. Epiphany, Lent, and Easter all rely on that first candle's light proclaiming the coming of the Lord, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Similar, yet still very different, to our holiday preparations today, there were many small moments that added up to the joy of that first Christmas night. From the angel proclaiming the news to Mary, Mary telling Joseph, and the long trek to Bethlehem, many small parts had to come together in the Town of David. My favorite Christmas tradition is without a doubt going to church as a family on Christmas Eve and worshipping Jesus on his birth. From the light of the first candle, all those in attendance on Christmas Eve light their own candles. No one person's candle could light the church, but together, we all fill the church with the soft amber glow. In the same way, the good news of the birth of Christ cannot be proclaimed by one person alone. His light must be carried by millions, proclaiming His word and salvation. After the readings, hymns, prayers, homily, and communion my favorite portion of the service occurs. The first few bars of Silent Night are played, and the church joins in together with the choir. Slowly, all the lights in the church are extinguished, and we are left to sing the last verse in darkness. The last line fades into the dark of the night, sleep in heavenly peace and all is still. That moment of calm reflection on the entirety of the past year, the highs and lows, rejoicing and tears, makes one think of how truly blessed we are in our daily lives. Those living in the darkness of fear, illness, poverty, or other challenges this year, I hope you take comfort this Christmas season in the words written in John 1:5, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. For my family, friends, and staff, I am thankful for the past year we have shared together and anticipate the joys of the next. Andto the people of Southwest Alabama, I say thank you for your generosity, kindness, and prayers throughout the years. I look forward to hearing from you and serving you next year. As you celebrate your favorite Christmas traditions this year, I hope you take a moment to give thanks for your blessings and remember the birth of our Savior. From my family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-house-stands-president-trump,Rogers: The House Stands with President Trump,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers: The House Stands with President Trump Dec 20, 2018 (WASHINGTON, D.C.)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after supporting the House of Representatives' version of the Continuing Resolution that includes funding for President Trump's request for a border wall and funds the government through February 8, 2019. Securing our porous border with Mexico is a matter of national security. I fully support building the wall and helping President Trump fulfill his promise to Americans. We are also keeping our promise to America's farmers and producers by providing important and necessary disaster relief to those hit hardest by Hurricanes Florence and Michael, Rogers said. The House bill includes $5.7 billion for a wall along our Southern border and $7.8 billion for natural disaster relief. Playing political games over a matter of national security is unacceptable, and I urge the Senate to support our national security and farmers, Rogers added. Rogers will serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the 116th Congress and serves as a member of the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/december-greetings,December Greetings,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Gary Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friend, At this time of year, when people are thinking about gathering with family and friends to celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, to share gifts and family time and the joys of the season, a message about Washington, D.C. is not high on the list of things people want to read. In that regard, let me just say that it is my honor to serve as your Congressman. It is my objective every day that I represent you in a way that will make you proud by the way I conduct myself, by making thoughtful well-founded decisions, and by exhibiting the strength of character that you desire and expect in the person that represents you. To read the full newsletter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/sharing-true-spirit-season,Sharing the True Spirit of the Season,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"For many of us, life can get really busy during the holiday season. There are countless errands to run, meals to prepare, friends and family to visit, and so much more. It is all too easy to become distracted from what really matters during this special time of year. I hope we will all commit to making a dedicated effort this year to demonstrate the true spirit of the season by spreading joy and hope in our communities. In particular, I encourage all of us to spread these holiday blessings to those who will spend this time of year in more difficult circumstances than most of us. At this very moment, there are brave men and women, moms and dads, in our Armed Forces who are stationed overseas. They won't experience the joy of spending this Christmas at home with their families. During my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity on several occasions to participate in the American Red Cross' Holidays for Heroes campaign by writing holiday greeting cards to our active duty military personnel stationed around the world. For me personally, this has always been a moving experiencing. Sitting down to write directly to the men and women who spend their holiday away from family so that I might be able to spend the season with my own is incredibly humbling. I encourage you to reach out to the American Red Cross Central Alabama Chapter to find out how you and your family can spread joy to our troops overseas this Christmas. The Central Alabama Chapter is located at 5015 Woods Crossing in Montgomery and can be reached by calling (334) 260-3980. At the same time, there are individuals right here in our own communities who are less fortunate and could greatly benefit from our efforts to offer hope by lending a helping hand. For those among us who are struggling financially, fighting an illness, or dealing with emotional difficulties, the holiday season can especially challenging. There are many organizations, including charities, shelters, volunteer organizations, and food banks, in our state that help connect individuals in need to others with the means to help. There are local opportunities to provide Christmas gifts to children in families who need assistance providing them. There are other opportunities to help organizations provide food for families who are unable to afford a nice holiday meal. If you cannot commit to some of these efforts for financial reasons, you can always serve your community by volunteering. The Alabama Governor's Office of Volunteer Services is a great place to start if you'd like to find ways to give back and offer hope to those who need it. You can reach them by visiting www.servealabama.gov or by calling (334) 242-1549. As the busyness of the holiday season continues, let us all commit to making a special effort to spread joy to our servicemembers overseas and offer hope to those who are less fortunate by giving back to our communities. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! We have so much to be thankful for, and I am thankful to serve you in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/alreportercom-brooks-byrne-say-fight-over-border-wall-funding-worth,"ALREPORTER.COM: Brooks, Byrne say fight over border wall funding is worth fighting",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"102 South Court Street Suite 310 Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 718-5155 Fax: (256) 718-5156",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/yellowhammernewscom-tough-crime-mo-brooks-touts-no-vote-criminal-justice,YELLOWHAMMERNEWS.COM: Tough on crime: Mo Brooks touts no vote on criminal justice reform package,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"102 South Court Street Suite 310 Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 718-5155 Fax: (256) 718-5156",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-supports-border-wall-funding,Brooks Supports Border Wall Funding,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCThursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted Yes on the House Amendment to H.R. 695 that provides $5.7 billion in border wall funding and avoids a presidential veto and government shutdown. The House passed wall funding on a 217 aye to 185 nay vote, thus sending H.R. 695 to the Senate. Republicans supported wall funding and border security by a 217 to 8 margin. All 178 Democrats voted against wall funding and border security. No Democrat voted aye. Congressman Brooks said,Illegal aliens are a scourge on America that flood across America's borders with impunity. America must stop this arrogant and dangerous defiance of American sovereignty! Each year, thousands (and perhaps tens of thousands) of American citizens are dead because of murders, vehicular homicides, and drug overdoses caused by illegal aliens and their related drug cartels. Quite frankly, I don't understand those elected officials who put political power, their own egos, and illegal aliens over the interests of American citizens. It may sound cold but it is true. These elected officials have the blood of innocent and dead Americans on their hands. Brooks continued,In places where the U.S. has a border wall, illegal crossings are far less frequent that in places where we don't. It's not rocket science. While a border wall will not stop all illegal aliens, it will dramatically cut the flow and save American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars that are now diverted from struggling American families to support illegal aliens. Brooks continued,Some estimates peg the number of illegal aliens currently living in the United States as high as 22 million,[1] and estimates are that illegal aliens cost American taxpayers $116 billion annually.[2] That's $300 in additional taxes each man, woman, and child in America is forced to pay in local, state, and federal levels for people whose first act on American soil is to violate American law. $5.7 billion is a small investment when you think we could save $116 billion a year simply by securing our border and building the necessary wall. Brooks continued,Far too many illegal aliens have taken American jobs and suppressed American wages. What's more, far too many illegal aliens have committed crimes against American citizens. Only a few months ago Mollie Tibbets was murdered by an illegal alien in Iowa. In my home county of Madison, illegal aliens murdered a grandmother, and then brutally murdered her young, innocent granddaughter. Brooks concluded,Open-borders Democrats are more committed to illegal aliens than they are protecting American citizens. As for me, I stand with American citizens. I want border security.I want the wall. It helps saves American lives.It helps saves American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars at a bargain price of a relatively paltry $5 billion. ### [1] Federation for American Immigration Reform, The Fiscal Burden of Illegal Immigration on United States Taxpayers, September 27, 2017. https://fairus.org/issue/publications-resources/fiscal-burden-illegal-immigration-united-states-taxpayers [2] The number of undocumented immigrants in the United States: Estimates based on demographic modeling with data from 1990 to 2016, September 21 , 2018.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201193",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-supports-cutting-taxes-raise-health-care-costs-and-free-speech,Brooks Supports Cutting Taxes That Raise Health Care Costs and Free Speech for Churches,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Thursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted Yes on H.R. 88, the combined Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018 and Taxpayer First Act of 2018, which passed the House 220-183. Amongst other things, the bill delays many of Obamacare's more egregious taxes that drive up health care costs and protects churches from losing their tax exempt status for engaging in normal political speech in the regular course of their activities. Congressman Brooks said, Today's vote delays or repeals some of Obamacare's most egregious taxes on health care that, in turn, drive up health care costs. One delayed tax, the Medical Device Tax, is a 2.3% excise tax on medical devices sold in the United States (wheelchairs, devices for amputees, and the like). Another, the Health Insurance Tax, taxes health insurance providers, thus forcing insurers to raise health insurance premiums to cover the higher cost of health care. The Cadillac Tax is a monstrous 40% tax on high quality health insurance plans that actually acts to encourage employers to give their employees cheaper and lower quality health insurance! Each of these Obamacare taxes is counterproductive and makes it harder for Americans to pay their medical bills. I am pleased to have the opportunity to vote to repeal or delay them. Brooks continued, Another positive in the bill is its elimination of IRS restrictions on churches' free speech rights. Specifically, this bill rolls back the prohibition against churches engaging in political speech. No church should be at risk of losing its tax exempt status because it expresses political views in the regular course of its long-held religious beliefs and activities. This is particularly true when a church's expression of its political views is nothing more than its expression of religious values and views that have been the underpinning of its religion for thousands of years. Taken further, this bill eliminates the possibility the IRS, under a liberal president, will target churches for political retribution, like Obama's IRS did when it targeted Tea Party and other conservative groups. Reducing the federal government's intrusion in American's daily lives is always a winner. H.R. 88 is supported by key conservative and religious groups: Americans for Tax Reform Family Research Council FreedomWorks National Taxpayers Union Americans for Prosperity Home School Legal Defense Fund Archdiocese of New York Archdiocese of Washington, DC American Association of Christian Schools ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/tough-crime-brooks-opposes-first-step-act,Tough on Crime: Brooks Opposes First Step Act,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCThursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) voted No on S. 756, the First Step Act of 2018, legislation that releases violent criminals from prison early, making Americans less safe and more likely to be victims of violent crimes and drug overdoses. Congressman Brooks said,The Senate version of the First Step Act is a step backward. My experience in law enforcement taught me early on that strong enforcement of criminal statutes and tough penalties for criminal conduct help keep dangerous criminals off the street. To be clear, I joined 359 of my House colleagues in voting Yes' on the House version of the First Step Act, which did not include dramatic cuts in criminal penalties and early release provisions for violent criminals. It is only a matter of time before the verdict on this legislation is rendered: more crime, more crime victims, and more dead Americans. To cite but one major flaw, S. 756 as amended CUTS penalties for gun use during the commission of violent crimes. That is nuts! Further, this soft-on-crime bill even provides for early release of offenders who commit sex crimes, assault law enforcement officers, commit hate crimes, and assist with jailbreaks. Brooks continued,Many major, national law enforcement groups strongly oppose this bill including but not limited to the National Sheriffs Association, the Major County Sheriffs Association, the Major City Chiefs Association,[1] and the National Association of Police Organizations.[2] In sum, this bill makes America a more dangerous place to live. According to FBI annual Crime in America' data, violent crime has fallen sharply over the last quarter decade in America.[3] Why? Because, as every law enforcement officer knows, the greater the penalty for violation of criminal laws, the greater the deterrence and the less the crime. Further, stiff criminal penalties keep violent repeat criminals off the streets and in jail. The Senate-amended First Step Act kicks violent, repeat offenders out of jail much quicker than under current law.Reform efforts should focus on reducing crime and apprehending suspects. This bill does none of that. Brooks concluded,The bottom line is, at a time when fatal drug overdoses plague our nation, Congress has irresponsibly passed legislation that increases the likelihood that even more fatal drugs will be imported into America by illegal aliens and foreign drug cartels. Let the record show, I voted against this irresponsible, soft-on-crime, and dangerous legislation. In aletter to Senate leadership, the National Sheriffs' Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America said,The current draft of the First Step legislation remains troubling to the leaders of law enforcement. Sheriffs are elected solely to protect our communities, and Police Chiefs have taken an oath to protect the public. We feel unless the changes recommended below are enacted, this legislation creates a high-risk path for dangerous criminals with gun crime histories to early release from prison. This amounts to a social experiment with the safety of our communities and the lives of Sheriffs, deputies and police officers in the balance. Please know that we did not come to this conclusion lightly. We have been working diligently with the Administration to correct these inequities. It is our hope the Senate will listen to the nation's elected Sheriffs and the Chiefs of Police of our nation's most populous cities. ### [1]https://www.sheriffs.org/NSA-MCSA-and-MCCA-Oppose-FIRST-STEP-Act-0 [2]http://www.napo.org/washington-report/latest-news-updates/congress-set-pass-first-step-act-bill-barr-nominated-attorney-general-napo-meets-fema-law-enforcement-liaison-napo-protects-blue/ [3]http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/01/30/5-facts-about-crime-in-the-u-s/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-building-the-wall-is-a-fight-worth-fighting,Byrne: Building the Wall is a Fight Worth Fighting,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this afternoon in support of border security and providing funding for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall. The text of Congressman Byrne's speech can be found below. Congressman Byrne said: I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to add my support to this rule. Mr. Speaker, when did protecting the American people, knowing who is entering our country, and having a secure border become some kind of radical or partisan idea? I'm stunned to see the length to which some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will go simply to oppose enhanced border security, including a border wall. In fact, it seems they are willing to shut down the federal government instead of supporting President Trump's urgent request for $5 billion to fund the border wall. Whatis especially strange is that some of my colleagues on the other side have supported a wall in the past. Some of have even voted in support of a border wall. What has changed? I think the answer is very simple. I think some of my colleagues are so committed to appeasing the so-called resistance' that they find themselves opposing a very basic and commonsense idea like border security just because they want to earn points from the most extreme part of their political base. This is really not a complicated issue. This is about the safety and security of the American people. This is about keeping terrorists out of our country. This is about keeping illegal drugs out of our country. This is about keeping criminals out of our country. This shouldn't be hard. Why am I so passionate about this? Because this is a critical issue. When I talk to the people I represent back in Alabama, they are passionate about it. This is one of the top issues I hear about at events and town halls throughout Alabama. In fact, the phones in my office have been ringing all day with people urging us to stand strong, secure our borders, and build the wall. Mr. Speaker, I think this is a fight worth fighting. I think pushing to ensure the safety of the American people is a worthy and absolutely critical fight. So, I urge my colleagues to stop playing to the resistance.' Come back toward a commonsense idea like securing our border. Pass this amendment, pass this funding bill, and ensure the safety of the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=666,Rogers: The House Stands with President Trump,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after supporting the House of Representatives’ version of the Continuing Resolution that includes funding for President Trump’s request for a border wall and funds the government through February 8, 2019. “Securing our porous border with Mexico is a matter of national security. I fully support building the wall and helping President Trump fulfill his promise to Americans. “We are also keeping our promise to America’s farmers and producers by providing important and necessary disaster relief to those hit hardest by Hurricanes Florence and Michael,” Rogers said. The House bill includes $5.7 billion for a wall along our Southern border and $7.8 billion for natural disaster relief. “Playing political games over a matter of national security is unacceptable, and I urge the Senate to support our national security and farmers,” Rogers added. Rogers will serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the 116th Congress and serves as a member of the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rollcallcom-22-images-defined-2018-congress-photos-year,ROLLCALL.COM: 22 Images That Defined 2018 in Congress: Photos of the Year,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"102 South Court Street Suite 310 Florence, AL 35630 Phone: (256) 718-5155 Fax: (256) 718-5156",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-applauds-funding-to-benefit-dauphin-island,Byrne Applauds Funding to Benefit Dauphin Island,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today celebrated news that the Army Corps of Engineers is dedicating $4 million to place dredge material in the expanded Sand Island Beneficial Use Area (SIBUA). The Army Corps also obtained environmental clearances to expand the SIBUA. Congressman Byrne said: We received good news that the Army Corps will dedicate $4 million to benefit Dauphin Island by placing dredge material in the Sand Island Beneficial Use Area. Doing this will help support the restoration and long-term stability of Dauphin Island. This has been an ongoing priority for our office for some time now, so I appreciate the help of Senator Richard Shelby in securing this funding. I am committed to working with the Army Corps, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier, and local leaders to ensure Dauphin Island is protected in the years ahead.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=665,Rogers names Chris Vieson as Staff Director of the Committee on Homeland Security,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) announced today that Chris Vieson will be the Staff Director for the Committee on Homeland Security. Rogers said, “I am thrilled that Chris will be joining the Committee as the Staff Director. His knowledge and leadership abilities are extraordinary and make Chris a perfect choice for this role.” Mr. Vieson said “I am honored for the opportunity to work for Ranking Member Rogers and all the Members on the Committee. The Committee is at the forefront of vital issues facing the nation and I am thrilled that Rep. Rogers has placed his trust in me to help him lead.” Mr. Vieson was most recently Staff Director for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Prior to that, he served as a trusted aide to former Majority Leader Eric Cantor and the House Republican leadership for nearly a decade. Vieson also was a partner at Public Strategies Washington where he advised numerous Fortune 500 companies. Congressman Rogers was elected Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security by the House Republican Conference for the 116th Congress. He has served on the Committee on Homeland Security since 2005 and has served as a subcommittee chairman or ranking member on three separate occasions. Moving into the next Congress, Congressman Rogers will continue to focus on defending our borders, visa security and protecting our transportation systems across the nation. Further, as the threat environment of tomorrow changes, Congressman Rogers will spend considerable time discussing cybersecurity, including the security of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and hardening our critical infrastructure. Each of these issues presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the Committee and Congressman Rogers will be steadfast in examining them and their impacts on national security. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-names-chris-vieson-staff-director-committee-homeland-security,Rogers names Chris Vieson as Staff Director of the Committee on Homeland Security,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) announced today that Chris Vieson will be the Staff Director for the Committee on Homeland Security. Rogers said, I am thrilled that Chris will be joining the Committee as the Staff Director. His knowledge and leadership abilities are extraordinary and make Chris a perfect choice for this role. Mr. Vieson said I am honored for the opportunity to work for Ranking Member Rogers and all the Members on the Committee. The Committee is at the forefront of vital issues facing the nation and I am thrilled that Rep. Rogers has placed his trust in me to help him lead. Mr. Vieson was most recently Staff Director for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Prior to that, he served as a trusted aide to former Majority Leader Eric Cantor and the House Republican leadership for nearly a decade. Vieson also was a partner at Public Strategies Washington where he advised numerous Fortune 500 companies. Congressman Rogers was elected Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security by the House Republican Conference for the 116th Congress. He has served on the Committee on Homeland Security since 2005 and has served as a subcommittee chairman or ranking member on three separate occasions. Moving into the next Congress, Congressman Rogers will continue to focus on defending our borders, visa security and protecting our transportation systems across the nation. Further, as the threat environment of tomorrow changes, Congressman Rogers will spend considerable time discussing cybersecurity, including the security of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and hardening our critical infrastructure. Each of these issues presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the Committee and Congressman Rogers will be steadfast in examining them and their impacts on national security. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/a-week-of-good-news,A Week of Good News,2018-12-16,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"There was much to celebrate this past week in Washington. That sentence may surprise you if you just go off what you hear from the national news media, but the reality is we continue to get work done here in the People's House. To be clear, there is still work to be done, and that starts with passing funding necessary to secure the border and protect the American people. That said, I think it is worth pausing for a moment and reviewing the wins from this past week. One of the biggest wins last week was passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. As I have said before, our farmers and foresters are our future. I am pleased to have voted for this bipartisan legislation to better support our farmers in Alabama and throughout the country. The 2018 Farm Bill will allow for improved crop protections and loan options for farmers, incentivize rural development, support animal disease prevention and management, and will continue our nation's commitment to agriculture and farmers. I am especially pleased to see the substantial resources provided to improve rural broadband access to communities. Providing Internet access to people in rural Alabama is absolutely critical to economic development and the success of these communities in the 21st Century. A few of the other provisions in the bill will greatly benefit the cotton and peanut growers here in Alabama; help maintain access to crop insurance through reduced premiums and waived fees; boost critical funding for feral swine control; and restore funding for trade promotion efforts in an attempt to keep pace with trading competitors around the world. Most importantly, the 2018 Farm Bill will help equip and train the next generation of farmers both here in Alabama and throughout the United States. I was proud to support this bill, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. Another piece of good news we received this week was the passage of a bill to help drain the Washington swamp. The American people are sick of Congress being able to play under different rules than the rest of the country, and that must change. That is why I am proud to be one of the leaders on the effort to reform the way sexual harassment claims are handled on Capitol Hill to increase transparency and accountability. No longer will members of Congress be able to use taxpayer dollars to pay settlements for their own misconduct when it comes to sexual harassment. No longer will members of Congress be able to cover up their personal wrongdoings at the expense of the American people. It was important for Congress to make this statement. With this legislation, we did the right thing. By doing the right thing, we not only do right by the people who work around us and for us, but we do right by the American people. This has been a tough fight, but with these reforms we will make the Washington swamp a little less swampy and shine light on what is happening in the halls of Congress. With this week of good news, it is also important to remember that the best news of all will be celebrated next week: a small baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. This good news is the birth of our Savior, bringing God's light directly into the world through His son. It is easy to lose sight of the meaning of Christmas with all the bustle of daily life and routine. But this week, I challenge you to stop and remember what this season is about in preparation for the good news yet to come.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Byrne Announces Congressional App Challenge Winners,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today announced the winner of the Congressional App Challenge for Alabama's First Congressional District during a visit to Fairhope Middle School. Kaleigh Chambers, Alex Etheridge, and Logan Lanicek of Fairhope Middle School won the Congressional App Challenge for their application entitled Student Shuffle. The students' app will be displayed in the United States Capitol and will be featured on the House of Representatives' website. Congressman Byrne said: Congratulations to Kaleigh, Alex, and Logan on winning the Congressional App Challenge. Understanding and being proficient in technology is critically important in the 21st Century economy, so I applaud all students who take an interest in coding. I also want to thank the teachers and administration at Fairhope Middle School for encouraging students to take part in the Congressional App Challenge and for expanding interest in coding and technology. To view the winning submission, click here. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in Alabama's First Congressional District. For more information on the competition, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/congress-delivers-2018-farm-bill,Congress Delivers the 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Agriculture is the largest revenue-producing industry in the State of Alabama, responsible for more than $70 billion in economic impact annually. Our state is a national leader in food production and a global competitor in the livestock, peanut, cotton, poultry, timber, and catfish industries. In Alabama's Second District, agriculture is the largest employer, responsible for more than 93,000 jobs. Agriculture is at the core of countless issues that impact the Second District and our state as a whole. Throughout my time in Congress, I have been proud to serve as a strong voice for our farmers of all commodities and to ensure that we craft smart agriculture policy that they can rely on in their important work. It is imperative that Congress honor our commitments to the hardworking farmers and producers across the country. That's why I am glad to report that both the House and Senate have approved the 2018 farm bill. This legislation now heads to the White House where it awaits President Trump's signature. The 2018 farm bill provides certainty to the American families who work every day to provide the food and fiber we all depend on. I was proud to support it on behalf of our Second District farmers. The 2018 farm bill includes key wins for farmers and our rural communities. It improves farm policy by providing a nationwide yield update for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) commodity program, beginning with the 2020 crop year and allowing PLC to better respond to market conditions; making several key improvements to the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) commodity program, including increased yield plugs and yield trend adjustments; protecting and improving crop insurance; investing in research, extension, and education projects, and protecting farmers from additional costly, burdensome red tape. The bill also lays the groundwork for an improved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by preserving the Trump Administration's flexibility to rein in SNAP work requirement waivers for able bodied adults without dependents. We are focused on improving welfare integrity by encouraging able-bodied Americans to work rather than enabling dependency on the federal government. Additionally, the 2018 farm bill dedicates funding to rural health projects to help Americans battling opioid addiction and other substance abuse disorders. It's no secret that the opioid epidemic is gripping our state and the entire country, so it is imperative that we utilize every tool available to combat it. I'm especially proud this legislation allocates increased resources to that end. Importantly for Alabama's Second District, the farm bill also makes significant improvements to rural broadband delivery. This includes the implementation of forward-looking standards to ensure we are meeting the next generation's rural broadband needs. This farm bill makes good on our commitment to farmers, producers, and all of rural America by providing certainty moving forward. My goal with agriculture policy is always to create a responsible framework of laws and programs that promote a sustainable and profitable agriculture industry in Alabama while allowing our farmers to do what they do best: provide the sustenance that feeds our state, our country, and the world. I am proud of Congress' action to make this happen, and I'm eager to see President Trump push the farm bill over the finish line.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/senate-passes-brooks-bill-naming-athens-post-office,Senate Passes Brooks Bill Naming Athens Post Office,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Wednesday afternoon, the United States Senate passed by unanimous consent Congressman Mo Brooks' (AL-05) bill, H.R. 6513, to designate the United States Postal Service Office located at 1110 West Market Street in Athens, Alabama, as the ""Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Post Office Building. Judge Horton bravely issued an order setting aside the jury's guilty verdict and ordered a new trial for one of the Scottsboro Boys in 1933. Congressman Brooks said, I'm pleased the United States Senate unanimously passed my bill naming the Athens Post Office for Tennessee Valley luminary, Judge James E. Horton Jr. Now, the only remaining hurdle for the bill to become law is presidential signature, and I encourage President Trump to sign the bill. Brooks continued, Judge Horton took a stand against extreme racial prejudice that risked and ended his judicial career. For championing blind justice and for his bravery in the face of intense pressure, Judge Horton deserves the posthumous honor of having the Athens, Alabama Post Office named for him. It is appropriate that his legacy be held up as a guide for future Tennessee Valley generations. Brooks concluded, While this bill wouldn't have passed the House and Senate if it weren't for the support of key Congressional colleagues, Judge Horton's descendants and Limestone County community leaders were the driving force behind this bill. Their efforts meant the difference, and I'm grateful for their assistance and insight without which this bill would not be heading to President Trump's desk. A life-size statue of Judge Horton and a historical marker were erected in October 2017 on the Limestone County Courthouse square. Click HERE to read more about the statue and marker. Judge Horton's full biography is attached. Click HERE for Congressman Brooks' November 29 news release on House passage of H.R. 6513. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-praises-passage-of-2018-farm-bill,Byrne Praises Passage of 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) today voted in favor of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill represents the final product negotiated by members of the House and the Senate after both chambers passed separate versions of the bill earlier this year. The bill passed by a vote of 369 to 47. The 2018 Farm Bill supports and sustains Alabama's farmers and foresters by reauthorizing farm programs and directing the nation's agricultural policy for the next five years. Despite recent gains in manufacturing, Alabama remains an agriculture state.Farming, forestry, livestock and crop production represent more than $70 billion in annual economic output in Alabama. Congressman Byrne said: Our farmers and foresters are our future. I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation to better support our farmers in Alabama and throughout the country. The 2018 Farm Bill will allow for improved crop protections and loan options for farmers, incentivize rural development, support animal disease prevention and management, and will continue our nation's commitment to agriculture and farmers. I am especially pleased to see the substantial resources provided to improve rural broadband access to communities. Providing Internet access to people in rural Alabama is absolutely critical to economic development and the success of these communities in the 21st Century. Each year, Congressman Byrne holds an Ag Matters tour and visits family farms and forestland throughout Southwest Alabama. The Farm Bill is consistently the top issues discussed each year. The 2018 Farm Bill is supported by various groups including the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cotton Council, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Pork Producers Council, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. The 2018 Farm Bill sets the country's agricultural policy for the next five years. Among the many important provisions, the bill: Includes provisions critically important to Alabama's cotton and peanut farmers; Maintains access to crop insurance through reduced premiums and waived fees; Includes critical funding for feral swine control; Improves existing programs to maximize efficiency, reduces waste and maintains fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars; Restores funding for trade promotion efforts in an attempt to keep pace with trading competitors around the world; Improves anti-hunger programs and incentivizes work for federal beneficiaries; Provides strong incentives for providers to offer quality broadband service to all of rural America; and Helps equip and train the next generation of farmers. Click hereto learn more about the 2018 Farm Bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=664,Rogers Applauds Farm Bill Passage,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the Conference Report for H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 passed the House 369-47. The report passed the Senate earlier this week and will now go to President Trump’s desk for signature into law. “I am proud to vote for the Farm Bill. As a Conferee on the bill, I know firsthand just how important this bill is to our nation. This Farm Bill strengthens the farm safety net for Alabama’s farmers and producers and it provides five years of certainty. America’s farm economy is still struggling, and this bill will be a much-needed shot in the arm. “The bill also improves the SNAP (food stamp) program integrity while incentivizing work for those who are on government benefits. The rural development programs in the bill will be great for folks across Alabama who need rural broadband, and the research funding in the Farm Bill is great news for universities like Tuskegee and Auburn. Finally, I am pleased to say language I introduced with Rep. Terri Sewell was included in the bill. This important language helps provide grants for folks with failing wastewater infrastructure.” Rogers serves as a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and a member of the House Armed Service Committee and House Agriculture Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-applauds-farm-bill-passage,Rogers Applauds Farm Bill Passage,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the Conference Report for H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 passed the House 369-47. The report passed the Senate earlier this week and will now go to President Trump's desk for signature into law. I am proud to vote for the Farm Bill. As a Conferee on the bill, I know firsthand just how important this bill is to our nation. This Farm Bill strengthens the farm safety net for Alabama's farmers and producers and it provides five years of certainty. America's farm economy is still struggling, and this bill will be a much-needed shot in the arm. The bill also improves the SNAP (food stamp) program integrity while incentivizing work for those who are on government benefits. The rural development programs in the bill will be great for folks across Alabama who need rural broadband, and the research funding in the Farm Bill is great news for universities like Tuskegee and Auburn. Finally, I am pleased to say language I introduced with Rep. Terri Sewell was included in the bill. This important language helps provide grants for folks with failing wastewater infrastructure. Rogers serves as a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and a member of the House Armed Service Committee and House Agriculture Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-approves-2018-farm-bill-sends-president-s-desk,"House Approves 2018 Farm Bill, Sends to Presidents Desk",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today applauded House passage of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly known as the farm bill. In Alabama's Second District, agriculture is the largest employer. It is imperative that Congress honor our commitments to the hardworking farmers and producers across the country,"" Representative Roby said.""The 2018 farm bill provides certainty to the American families who work every day to provide the food and fiber we depend on. I was proud to support this legislation on behalf of the farmers I represent, and I am eager to see President Trump sign it into law. H.R. 2 improves agriculture policy by: Providing a nationwide yield update for Price Loss Coverage (PLC), beginning with the 2020 crop year and allowing PLC to better respond to market conditions; Making several key improvements to Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), including increased yield plugs and yield trend adjustments; Protecting and improving crop insurance; Investing in research, extension, and education projects; Protecting farmers from additional costly and burdensome red tape H.R. 2 also strengthens the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) capacity to combat the opioid crisis and refocuses efforts to expand quality broadband to rural America. The conference report to accompany H.R. 2 passed the House by a vote of 369-47. The Senate approved the bill yesterday. It now goes to the White House where it awaits President Trump's signature. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-remembers-escambia-county-s-scotty-byrne,Byrne Remembers Escambia Countys Scotty Byrne,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressmen Bradley Byrne (R-AL) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday morning in memory of former Escambia County Sheriff Scotty Byrne. Scotty Byrne passed away on November 18th at the age of 92. A transcript of Congressman Byrne's speech can be found below. Congressman Byrne said: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of long-time Brewton, Alabama, resident and my cousin, G.S. Scotty Byrne, Jr., who passed away on November 18th at the age of 92. ""Scotty was a veteran of World War Two having served in the 351st Infantry Division under General Mark Clark, and later went on to serve as Sheriff of Escambia County for 24 years. ""In college at the University of Southern Mississippi, Scotty was a premier two-sport athlete excelling in both baseball and golf. He was the first athlete to be inducted into the USM Sports Hall of Fame for two sports. Throughout his life, he was one of the ablest golfers in our part of the state. ""During his tenure as sheriff, he was a vocal supporter of the Alabama Sheriff's Boys Ranch, providing resources for children in need throughout Alabama. ""Without a doubt, Scotty was one of the most memorable citizens in Escambia County's long history. ""So, on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, I want to share our condolences with Scotty's family. He will be sorely missed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=105BAB94-9AFA-4F88-B077-11F02D13703F,Shelby Applauds Passage of 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,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 passage of the conference report to accompany H.R. 2, the 2018 Farm Bill: This bipartisan legislation provides much-needed predictability that will significantly benefit our state's farmers and the entire agriculture industry, said Senator Shelby. I look forward to the lasting positive impact this bill will have on rural areas throughout Alabama and the nation. The 2018 Farm Bill improves the crop insurance program, helps expand rural broadband initiatives, and includes many of the cotton industry's priorities such as the continuation of the Seed Cotton program. Agriculture is Alabama's top revenue producing industry, generating an annual impact of over $70 billion. With over nine million acres of farmland and more than 48,500 farms, the state is a national leader in food production and a global competitor in the poultry, catfish, timber, cotton, and livestock industries. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/the-light-and-life-of-president-george-hw-bush,The Light and Life of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-09,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Our nation came together last week as we mourned the loss of a truly great American. No matter our race, religion, creed, or political party, we were drawn toward the light that was President George H.W. Bush. His life spanned nearly one hundred years of American history and was dedicated to serving the United States. History often records the works of great leaders. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill all led with a sense of service and devotion to their people. But what makes a leader truly special is humility, humor, and a deep moral code guiding their every day. President Bush embodied those very attributes. His biographer, Jon Meacham, summed up the Bush life code best in his eulogy: Tell the truth. Don't blame people. Be strong. Do your best. Try hard. Forgive. Stay the course."" In every walk of life, President Bush did just those things. Integrity guided everything he undertook, and his lifetime of achievements testify to this. He was a decorated war hero in the Navy during WWII, an extremely successful businessman in Texas, Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U.S. Liaison to the People's Republic of China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President, and President of the United States of America. His sense of humor was always charming, sometimes teasing, but never out of malice or needling. He knew how to tell and take a good joke, and he loved to make people laugh. He took everything he did seriously and with dignity. His first and foremost goal was to serve the American people to the best of his ability and let the thousand points of light in our communities shine bright by one small act of kindness and devotion to each other at a time. In his inaugural address, President Bush emphasized this point: What do we want the men and women who work with us to say when we are no longer there? That we were more driven to succeed than anyone around us? Or that we stopped to ask if a sick child had gotten better, and stayed a moment there to trade a word of friendship? Since his presidency, George H.W. Bush has remained an example of leadership. For him, it was never about accolades as much as it was about service to the American people. He was the brightest of those thousand points of light in everything he did. The light that shone through him came from his devotion to his country, to his family, and to God. I had the honor to pay my respects to President Bush in the Capitol Rotunda and attend the funeral service held in the National Cathedral last week. It was the most moving church service I have ever attended. The testimony shared by everyone there spoke to a life well lived and firmly grounded. He loved life and loved the people he spent it with. As his son, President George W. Bush, said at the service, The idea is to die young as late as possible. As he aged, he taught us how to grow old with dignity, humor and kindness. And, when the good Lord finally called, how to meet Him with courage and with joy in the promise of what lies ahead. President George H.W. Bush will be remembered as a true American leader: someone who served totally, cared deeply, laughed fully, and loved completely. As we move on to the New Year, I hope that in some small way we can embody just a small measure of those traits. If we do, one can only imagine how much brighter the light of our nation will shine.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/november-jobs-report-excellent-37-unemployment-rate-bigger-paychecks,November Jobs Report: Excellent 3.7% Unemployment Rate & Bigger Paychecks!,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCFriday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) emphasized the good Bureau of Labor Statistics November jobs report.[1] Congressman Brooks said,The November Jobs Report is very good in the context of two troubling events: the threatened return of socialist, anti-growth policies of Democrats who have captured the House of Representatives and rising interest rates (caused by Federal Reserve hikes coupled with America's dangerous deficits straining credit markets). These combined threats undermine the economic confidence of job creators which, in turn, risk causing adverse impacts on America's economy. Brooks continued, Despite threatened socialist policies and rising interest rates, in November,America's economy added 155,000 new jobs, average hourly income continued to grow at a 3.1% annualized rate, and unemployment remained steady at the 50-year low rate of 3.7% all welcome news for American workers. I am very pleased that Americans are personally benefitting from the tax cuts and deregulation policies that spurred 2018 to be America's strongest growth rate in over a decade! Key takeaways from the Bureau of Labor Statistics October jobs report are: America's economy added 155,000 new, nonfarm payroll jobs in November 2018. America's November unemployment rate was 3.7%, a year-to-year improvement of 0.4 percentage points over the 4.1% unemployment rate of November 2017. Over the past year, the average weekly earnings for all non-farm American workers increased by 0.2%, or six cents (to $27.35/hour). That is an 81 cent improvement in hourly wages over the past year. African-American unemployment fell by 0.3 percentage points, to 5.9%, which is the all-time record low unemployment rate for African-Americans. Asian-American unemployment fell from 3.2% to 2.7%. Caucasian-American unemployment rose from 3.3% to 3.4%. Hispanic-American unemployment rose from 4.4% to 4.5%. The labor participation rate remained unchanged at 62.9%. The long-term unemployed (those unemployed for 27 weeks or more), declined by 120,000 to 1.3 million. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/honoring-life-and-legacy-president-george-hw-bushhonoring-life-and-legacy-president,Honoring the Life and Legacy of President George H.W. BushHonoring the Life and Legacy of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Americans, one of our most important, solemn duties is to honor our great heroes and patriots as we lay them to rest. On November 30, 2018, President George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States, passed on from this life surrounded by some of the people he loved most in this world. He was a great leader and a truly good man, and our country will be forever shaped by his legacy. George H.W. Bush was born on June 12, 1924, to Prescott Sheldon Bush and Dorothy Walker Bush. He graduated from high school on his 18th birthday and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy, becoming one of the youngest naval aviators. In September of 1943, George Bush was assigned to the squadron that would end up being victorious in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, one of the largest air battles of World War II. A year later, junior Lieutenant Bush piloted one of the four planes that attacked the Japanese on Chichijima. His plane was shot down, and he was stranded for hours in an inflated raft before being rescued by a U.S. submarine. Between 1943-1944, Bush flew 58 combat missions for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in September of 1945, one month after Japan's surrender. During his final year of naval service, George Bush married Barbara Pierce, and they had six children together, five of which are still living. Their second child and oldest daughter Robin passed away at age three from leukemia. At the time of Barbara's death earlier this year, the couple had been married for 73 years, the longest presidential marriage in American history by nearly 20 years. Upon receiving his military discharge, George Bush enrolled at Yale University where he continued his remarkable leadership track by serving as his fraternity's president and captain of the university's baseball team. After graduating, he moved his family to West Texas where he became very successful in the oil industry. In 1966, George Bush was elected to serve Texas' Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1968, and then unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in 1970. In 1971, George Bush was appointed by President Richard Nixon to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations. During his impressive career, he also served as the U.S. Liaison to China and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Bush was President Ronald Reagan's Vice President from 1981-1989. He succeeded Reagan as President in 1989 and completed one term, losing his reelection bid to former President Bill Clinton in 1993. While President George H.W. Bush's resume is certainly impressive, it's not his professional achievement that will stand out in the hearts and minds of Americans for generations to come. President Bush was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was also a dedicated public servant who placed significant emphasis on volunteering as a way to improve American communities. He often used the thousand points of light theme to describe the power American citizens have to solve problems. In his 1989 inaugural address, President Bush said, I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the nation, doing good. Four years later, he offered an update to the country on the Points of Light Movement, saying, Points of light are the soul of America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to touch the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, care and friendship. By giving so generously of themselves, these remarkable individuals show us not only what is best in our heritage but what all of us are called to become. President George H.W. Bush lived his life as a shining example of these words he spoke. He is truly among what is best in our heritage. President Bush gave our country the very best of himself, and thereby inspired countless Americans to voluntarism and public service. May we never forget his outstanding leadership and his remarkable legacy. I hope you will join me in keeping the entire Bush family in your prayers as our country mourns the passing of their loved one.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A84CC84-E7CF-4E7F-8C77-4ACCD62925DE,Shelby Announces $14.2 Million Highway Infrastructure Grant for Decatur,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award the City of Decatur, Alabama, a highway infrastructure improvement grant totaling $14,222,671 in federal funding. The grant is made available as part of the DOT Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, which focuses on economic development and infrastructure improvements. This $14 million BUILD grant is great news for the city of Decatur and the surrounding region. The funding will allow for much-needed improvements and enhancements to the current infrastructure in Decatur, said Senator Shelby. As Alabama's transportation needs evolve, it is important that we find ways to support rapid growth, especially in rural areas. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and the DOT as we continue to prioritize the infrastructure needs of the state and the nation. The grant will aid in the construction of an overpass bridge at the intersection of State Route 20 and Bibb Garrett Road. The project also includes ramps, a new access road, improved highway lighting, and accommodations for safe pedestrian access. According to the city, there has been a significant lack of resources to develop and maintain major rural highway infrastructure. This funding will help bridge the gap between Decatur and other main employment areas in the state, providing necessary funding for these much-needed transportation resources. The creation of a Highway 20 overpass and exchange is the catalyst of growth and change our city has been striving to achieve, said Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling. Through the keen oversight of Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, the generosity of Sen. Richard Shelby's office, and the ever-diligent work of the City of Decatur's grant team and Director of Development Wally Terry, our collaborative efforts have culminated in a regional development that will benefit North Alabamians for generations to come. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C556AA88-860E-4EA1-B3BE-73387C1E0EC4,Shelby Announces $14 Million Highway Infrastructure Grant for Cullman,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a grant totaling $14,000,000 in funding for highway infrastructure improvements in the city of Cullman. The grant is made available as part of the DOT Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, which focuses on economic development and infrastructure upgrades. This BUILD grant awarded to the city of Cullman will allow for critical highway infrastructure improvements in the region, said Senator Shelby. As Cullman continues to experience significant commercial, industrial, and residential growth, it is important that we find ways to support this rapid development. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and DOT in paving the way for economic success by rebuilding our local infrastructure. The $14 million grant will help to widen Alabama State Highway 157. According to the city, traffic on Highway 157 has increased to over 15,000 vehicles per day, creating hazardous driving conditions and lengthy delays for numerous businesses and individuals. This project will to help address existing transportation issues and provide infrastructure enhancements that will benefit the city and surrounding areas. The widening of Alabama Highway 157 is one of the most critical transportation projects needed in our community. I am delighted the City of Cullman has been awarded this grant that will make the construction a reality, said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs. Our team at the City of Cullman did a remarkable job preparing this grant. The City of Cullman, Cullman County and the surrounding area will benefit greatly from this project. I would like to thank Senator Shelby and his staff for their assistance with this grant process. Without their support, this project would not be possible. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D44EF102-24E5-405D-ABC1-5490582E58B4,Shelby Chief of Staff Departs to Lead Business Council of Alabama,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced the departure of his chief of staff, Katie Boyd Britt, following the official notice of her decision to serve as President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) a non-partisan business association representing companies throughout the state. Katie Britt is an exceptional choice to serve as CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, said Senator Shelby. She has been invaluable as my chief of staff over the last several years. Although I am disappointed to see her go, I know that my loss is BCA's gain. Throughout Katie's time in my office, she demonstrated a unique ability to solve any problem. Not only did she work as my top advisor on all matters, but she also developed bipartisan relationships with lawmakers, top committee and leadership staff, and stakeholders to successfully negotiate complex issues and legislation. Katie understands the intersection of business and politics. I have no doubt that her experience in Alabama and the Senate will establish her as an asset to BCA. I am grateful for Katie's leadership and ability to prioritize what's best for our state. It is with pride that I wish her, Wesley, Bennett, and Ridgeway all the best as they return to Alabama, concluded Shelby. Britt, a native of Enterprise, has served as chief of staff to Senator Shelby since 2016 following her role as deputy campaign manager and communications director during the Senator's most recent reelection campaign. My heart is in Alabama, said Britt. Our state has made significant progress in recent years, and I am honored to have been chosen to lead BCA during this time of growth. I look forward to building on that momentum through collective efforts with our BCA members, elected officials, and business allies across the state identifying opportunities every day in which we can provide and advance real, tangible solutions. BCA's successes are Alabama's successes, and our unique ability to take on big challenges and deliver strategic results will advance our economy and best serve the men and women who make up the backbone of our state. It has been my life privilege to serve and assist Alabama's greatest statesman. I am very eager to apply the lessons I learned from him in this new position. I am certain the invaluable experiences of touring every county in Alabama with Senator Shelby, and meeting so many Alabamians, will serve me well as I work to create opportunities for all Alabama business. In May 2004, Britt first joined Senator Shelby's staff, holding the position of deputy press secretary and later press secretary until 2007. After working on Capitol Hill, she served as special assistant to The University of Alabama President, Robert E. Witt. Britt went on to earn her law degree at The University of Alabama School of Law where she also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in Blount Liberal Arts. While there she served on the John A. Campbell Moot Court Board and represented the School of Law on the school's Tax Moot Court team. Following graduation, Britt practiced law at Johnston Barton Proctor & Rose LLP in Birmingham and later Butler Snow LLP in both Birmingham and Montgomery. Her practice was focused on general corporate law, specifically Mergers and Acquisitions. During her time at Butler Snow, Britt started and led the firm's government affairs practice in the state of Alabama. BCA was founded in 1985 as an organization to consolidate the Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Alabama. The organization aims to improve the state's overall business climate and serves an instrumental role in securing passage of a number of reforms in the areas of tax credits for small businesses, job creation, economic development, ethics reforms, and the public education system. BCA is also the exclusive affiliate in Alabama for the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S Chamber of Commerce. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-reveals-positive-red-snapper-development,Byrne Reveals Positive Red Snapper Development,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressmen Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement upon learning that NOAA Fisheries published a new rule to increase the annual catch limits and annual catch targets for the Red Snapper fishery in the Gulf of Mexico. Congressman Byrne said: This increase from NOAA shows exactly what those of us on the Gulf Coast have known for years: the health of the Red Snapper fishery is incredibly strong. These latest numbers will further drive us to continue fighting for greater state control over the Red Snapper fishery and a full and adequate Red Snapper fishing season. Under the proposed rule, the total catch limit for recreational Red Snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico would increase from 6.7 million pounds to 7.4 million pounds, a 10.45% increase. Last year, Congressman Byrne worked with Senator Richard Shelby and other Gulf Coast congressmen to secure a full Red Snapper season for Alabama's recreational fishermen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/down-the-home-stretch,Down the Home Stretch,2018-12-05,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Some of the greatest sporting events in history have come down to the wire. Those bottom of the ninth, fourth and inches, double overtime plays are what stand out in our memories as the greatest successes or the worst defeats in sports history. Similarly, we here in Washington are entering our own home stretch of the 115th Congress. It has been a long year filled with many victories for the people of Alabama, but there is still work to be done. Next year, the game will change completely. With Democrats taking control of the House, things will be different. Where bipartisan progress can be made, we must take advantage of it. Instead of being the resistance, we should be the loyal opposition. Loyal to the country but opposing policies and ideas that do not match up with our conservative values and beliefs. I promise you two things that won't change no matter who is in charge of the House: I will put Alabama's priorities first, and I will support President Trump and his pro-America agenda. For now, the next two weeks will be like the bottom of the ninth in Washington. We still need to pass a Farm Bill that works for our Alabama farmers and foresters, ensure the national flood insurance program continues, pass a funding bill for the remaining portions of the federal government, and protect our Southern border. As I have said before, our farmers are our future. Without the tireless efforts of farmers all across the nation, life as we know it would not exist. I am hopeful we can pass a strong Farm Bill by the end of the year to provide greater protections for Alabama farmers and ensure benefits for rural America. The flood insurance program is very important for those of us in coastal Alabama, and I want to see the program reformed and strengthened in a way that protects our coastal communities. We cannot let the program expire, so I will be pushing hard to get the program reauthorized. Similarly, we must work to fund the remainder of the federal government. We currently have around three-quarters of the government funded for next year, including the critical funding needed to rebuild our military. This was the first time in a decade that we have been able to reach this point on time and in a bipartisan way. Now, we must address funding for agencies like the Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Homeland Security. I want to see a funding bill that reflects the need to rein in wasteful spending while also supporting programs and projects important to Alabama. It is imperative that any funding bill also help secure our southern border. It is clear that our immigration system is broken, and we must fix it. First, however, we must build President Donald Trump's border wall and stem the flow of illegal immigration. I have a solution to provide funding for the wall: the 50 Votes for the Wall Act. By using the budget reconciliation process, we can avoid Democrat obstruction in the Senate and secure the funds necessary to complete this task. I hope my colleagues will make the right decision for the country and bring my bill up for a vote. These next two weeks will be the last play of a tough-fought game. As we near the goal line, I am committed to trying to get a few more wins for Alabama and America before the next Congress starts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=663,Rogers' Statement on INF Treaty,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee made the following statement today after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the announcement that Russia is formally in material breach of Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Chairman Rogers said: “Russia has been in clear violation of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty for years now. I applaud President Trump’s action today and his way ahead to address the threats posed by Russia’s violations in a direct manner with clear deadlines for compliance and consequences for Russian failure to comply. A treaty that is only adhered to by the United States inhibits our ability to defend ourselves and our allies and we should not continue to be bound it.” -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-statement-inf-treaty,Rogers' Statement on INF Treaty,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers' Statement on INF Treaty Dec 4, 2018 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee made the following statement today after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the announcement that Russia is formally in material breach of Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Chairman Rogers said: Russia has been in clear violation of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty for years now. I applaud President Trump's action today and his way ahead to address the threats posed by Russia's violations in a direct manner with clear deadlines for compliance and consequences for Russian failure to comply. A treaty that is only adhered to by the United States inhibits our ability to defend ourselves and our allies and we should not continue to be bound it. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-statement-on-george-hw-bush,Byrne Statement on George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressmen Bradley Byrne (R-AL) issued the following statement regarding the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush. Congressman Byrne said: George H.W. Bush was an American hero and icon. Throughout his 94 years, he served our nation in so many ways, and he accomplished so much. Despite all of this, I think the life of George H.W. Bush is best summed up in a very simple phrase: he was a good man. May God be with the Bush family and a grateful nation as we mourn and remember a good man and an American hero.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D179E748-A486-4980-8C42-2BA73229FBBD,Shelby Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) released the following statement regarding the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush: President George H.W. Bush was a true American statesman and hero. He dedicated his life to serving the country he loved for more than 70 years. From a young Naval aviator shot down in WWII to Commander-in-Chief, President Bush led our nation with integrity, honor, and measure. Annette and I join all Americans in mourning his passing. His legacy of humility and devotion will never be forgotten. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=661,Rogers: Ready to be Homeland Securitys Conservative Champion,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after being chosen to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the 116th Congress. “I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Having served on the Committee since its inception in 2005, I have the experience and expertise needed to lead conservative homeland security efforts in the House. Most importantly, I stand ready to fight for President Trump’s national security priorities including building the wall. I am proud to be the voice for Republicans’ principals on critical security issues facing our nation, and I’ll bring that to the Committee on the first day of the 116th Congress,” Rogers said. Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) who will serve as Minority Leader in the 116th Congress added, “I am looking forward to having Mike Rogers as the leading Republican on the House Committee on Homeland Security. Protecting America and the American people has been a top priority for every Republican in Congress and Mike has been a championing voice. I know Mike will keep that steadfast leadership as he approaches this new role.” Background: Congressman Rogers will be Alabama’s only House member to serve as a Ranking Member in the 116th Congress. He has served on the Committee on Homeland Security since 2005 and has served as a subcommittee chairman or ranking member on three separate occasions. Moving into the next Congress, Congressman Rogers will continue to focus on defending our borders, visa security and protecting our transportation systems across the nation. Further, as the threat environment of tomorrow changes, Congressman Rogers will spend considerable time discussing cybersecurity, including the security of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and hardening our critical infrastructure. Each of these issues presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the Committee and Congressman Rogers will be steadfast in examining them and their impacts on national security. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=662,Rogers Re-elected to Republican Steering Committee,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after being elected once again to the Republican Steering Committee this week by his colleagues. The purpose of the Steering Committee is to recommend Republican Members of Congress to serve as leads on Full Committees and recommend individual Member committee assignments based on their background, level of expertise and seniority. This is Rogers’ third term on the Steering Committee. “I am honored to have been elected again to serve on this committee. As the Steering Committee representative for the Alabama and Tennessee delegations, I look forward to advocating on their behalf before the House Republican Conference. And as one of the representatives of Southern states, I look forward to working on bringing regional balance to chairs and committee assignments,” Rogers said. Rogers was selected as the Region V representative which encompasses Alabama and Tennessee. The appointment is for the upcoming 116th Congress. - ### -",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-re-elected-republican-steering-committee,Rogers Re-elected to Republican Steering Committee,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers Re-elected to Republican Steering Committee Nov 30, 2018 (WASHINGTON, DC)Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after being elected once again to the Republican Steering Committee this week by his colleagues. The purpose of the Steering Committee is to recommend Republican Members of Congress to serve as leads on Full Committees and recommend individual Member committee assignments based on their background, level of expertise and seniority. This is Rogers' third term on the Steering Committee. I am honored to have been elected again to serve on this committee. As the Steering Committee representative for the Alabama and Tennessee delegations, I look forward to advocating on their behalf before the House Republican Conference. And as one of the representatives of Southern states, I look forward to working on bringing regional balance to chairs and committee assignments, Rogers said. Rogers was selected as the Region V representative which encompasses Alabama and Tennessee. The appointment is for the upcoming 116th Congress. - ### -",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-ready-be-homeland-security%E2%80%99s-conservative-champion,Rogers: Ready to be Homeland Securitys Conservative Champion,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, DC)---Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after being chosen to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security in the 116th Congress. I am honored to be chosen by my colleagues to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Having served on the Committee since its inception in 2005, I have the experience and expertise needed to lead conservative homeland security efforts in the House. Most importantly, I stand ready to fight for President Trump's national security priorities including building the wall. I am proud to be the voice for Republicans' principals on critical security issues facing our nation, and I'll bring that to the Committee on the first day of the 116th Congress, Rogers said. Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) who will serve as Minority Leader in the 116th Congress added, I am looking forward to having Mike Rogers as the leading Republican on the House Committee on Homeland Security. Protecting America and the American people has been a top priority for every Republican in Congress and Mike has been a championing voice. I know Mike will keep that steadfast leadership as he approaches this new role. Background: Congressman Rogers will be Alabama's only House member to serve as a Ranking Member in the 116th Congress. He has served on the Committee on Homeland Security since 2005 and has served as a subcommittee chairman or ranking member on three separate occasions. Moving into the next Congress, Congressman Rogers will continue to focus on defending our borders, visa security and protecting our transportation systems across the nation. Further, as the threat environment of tomorrow changes, Congressman Rogers will spend considerable time discussing cybersecurity, including the security of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and hardening our critical infrastructure. Each of these issues presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for the Committee and Congressman Rogers will be steadfast in examining them and their impacts on national security. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/roby-weekly-column-border-security-priority-alabamians,Border Security is a Priority for Alabamians,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, one of my jobs is to work alongside my colleagues to see that the government is funded on time each year. It's no secret that the process is far from perfect and Congress often falls short of executing this important responsibility in the way our founding fathers intended, but this year, I am glad to report that we have taken steps in the right direction. As you may know, current government funding expires on December 7, and as of now, we have already funded 75 percent of the government under regular order. We have done our job to fund our military and the Department of Veterans Affairs on time, and now it is imperative that we build upon this positive momentum by properly funding the rest, including the Department of Homeland Security, in order to crack down on our country's illegal immigration problem. I'm sure you have seen the recent news reports about the caravan of individuals trying to force their way across our southern border. This situation is deeply troubling, and it is a direct threat to our national security. The unfortunate truth, however, is that this isn't the first time something like this has occurred, and until we truly secure our border, it won't be the last. Let me be clear: Our immigration system is broken, and it badly needs to be reformed. But, any real, meaningful discussions about reforms to the existing system absolutely must begin with securing the border. As I always say, if you have a leak in your house, you don't replace the drywall until you fix the leak. In the same way, we cannot attempt to solve the larger problem with our immigration system until we stop the flow of illegal immigrants across our border. That's why it is critical that Congress fully fund the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border security and immigration, to provide the resources and tools necessary to secure the border, including President Trump's request for a border wall. Last year, we put a down payment on construction of a wall along our southern border, and this year, it is our responsibility to direct additional funds towards this important measure and others. With my seat on the House Appropriations Committee, I'm in a strong position to ensure that many of our Alabama priorities are properly funded from year to year. Border security is one of those priorities, and I am eager to get this important work done.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-bill-naming-athens-post-office-passes-us-house,Brooks Bill Naming Athens Post Office Passes U.S. House,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Thursday, Congressman Mo Brooks' (AL-05) bill, H.R. 6513, to designate the United States Postal Service Office located at 1110 West Market Street in Athens, Alabama, as the ""Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Post Office Building, passed the United States House of Representatives by voice vote. Notably, every other member of Alabama's House Delegation cosponsored the bill. Congressman Brooks said, Judge James Edwin Horton was born in Limestone County, Alabama on January 4, 1878. Despite having no formal education until he was eight or nine, Judge Horton was accepted to Vanderbilt University's medical studies program and, later, to Cumberland University where he earned his bachelor and law degrees. Judge Horton served in the Alabama State Legislature until he took a Limestone County, Alabama chancery court position. Thereafter, he was elected circuit court judge for Alabama's Eighth Judicial Circuit. After reelection to a second term, Judge Horton was appointed to preside over the retrials of the highly controversial and nationally renowned Scottsboro Boys' cases. Brooks continued, By way of background, the Scottsboro Boys' cases involved nine African Americans, ages 13 to 20, accused of raping two white women on a train in 1931 as it traveled through Scottsboro and Jackson County, Alabama. In the first trials, eight of nine defendants were found guilty and sentenced to death, a verdict later reversed by the United States Supreme Court. After a guilty verdict and death sentence during the second set of Scottsboro Boys trials, Judge Horton bravely issued an order setting aside the jury's guilty verdict against Haywood Patterson and ordered a new trial. In 2013, the Scottsboro Boys were formally pardoned under Alabama law. Brooks concluded, For his bravery in the face of extreme racial prejudice and for his willingness to support justice that risked and ended his judicial career, Judge Horton deserves the posthumous honor of having the Athens, Alabama Post Office named for him, and it is appropriate that his legacy be held up as a guide for future generations.' ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-make-friendly-wager-on-sec-championship-game,Congressmen Make Friendly Wager on SEC Championship Game,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. November 29, 2018 Congressmen Bradley Byrne (R-AL) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) today announced a friendly wager on the SEC Championship Game between the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia. Ferguson is staking Chick-fil-a on a Bulldog victory, and Byrne is risking Alabama seafood for a Crimson Tide win. Byrne and Ferguson had a similar wager during last year's National Championship Game, with Byrne and the Crimson Tide coming out on top. Congressman Byrne said: There is no doubt Alabama is the powerhouse in the SEC this season. Time and again Alabama's offense has rolled past team after team to secure a perfect 12-0 record. I expect that same focus, drive, and intensity against Georgia this Saturday. Nick Saban and Tua Tagovailoa will make it 13-0 against the Bulldogs, and I look forward to another delicious Chick-fil-a meal from my Georgia colleague. Congressman Ferguson said: I am confident this will be the year the student becomes the master and Kirby Smart leads the Dawgs to victory over Nick Saban and the Alabama team. With phenomenal players like the Third District's Terry Godwin, the Georgia Bulldogs are sure to win the SEC Championship and head to the playoffs. I look forward to enjoying some Alabama seafood to celebrate the win. Byrne is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. Ferguson attended the University of Georgia before gaining early acceptance to the Medical College of Georgia.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-recognizes-bob-grip-s-retirement-on-house-floor,Byrne Recognizes Bob Grips Retirement on House Floor,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click here to download broadcast quality video of Congressman Byrne's speech. Washington, D.C. November 28, 2018 Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives today to recognize Fox 10 News Anchor Bob Grip on his upcoming retirement. The transcript of Congressman Byrne's speech can be found below. Congressman Byrne said: Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Bob Grip on his retirement after 33 years at Fox 10 News in Mobile, Alabama and an even more impressive 48 years in journalism. Bob has been a mainstay on televisions in Southwest Alabama and the Florida Panhandle for over three decades. Through his work at the anchor desk, Bob helped create a more informed community. Just as impressive is Bob's contribution away from the TV station. He has dedicated countless hours to numerous service organizations and programs, including teaching journalism classes and hosting high school academic competitions. One of my fondest memories with Bob was when he tagged along for a day of my town hall meetings in rural Alabama. At each stop, Bob was the highlight. In fact, there is no doubt more people were excited to see Bob than their Congressman. It was a testament to just how loved and respected Bob Grip is by so many in Southwest Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to call Bob a friend, and I want to wish him and his wife, Marie, all the best in retirement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=660,Report from Washington: The Season of Giving Across East Alabama,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Every year during the Christmas season, I like to highlight just a few of the things folks across East Alabama are doing for each other. Below is a small sample of ways our fellow Alabamians have cared for each other over the past year. In Talladega County, The Care House in Sylacauga helps provide food and clothing all year round for any individuals who need it in the area. In Clay County, the Modern Culture Club/Inter-Se Club hosted their annual soup luncheon mid-November to raise money for the local DHR so they could purchase Christmas gifts for local children. This year in Calhoun County, Brad Young with Insurance Planning of Anniston staged his disaster relief vehicle at K.L. Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville. He provided meals and a place for folks to charge their cell phones after the tornado and storms devastated the area in April. Also in Calhoun County, Piedmont High School students held their annual Seniors Helping Seniors program in March. This program provides services of high school seniors in assisting local senior citizens with errands or chores relating to Spring cleaning. In Randolph County, Handley High School band director Matthew Goodman jogged over 400 miles from Roanoke to New Orleans to raise money. The money raised will help cover the costs so all of his band students would have the opportunity to perform in the 2019 Allstate Sugar Bowl Marching Band Program. In Macon County, the Tri City Church/Macon County Food Bank- will supply food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys for families in need throughout Macon County. In Cleburne County, the community came together and raised money to help the Willingham family pay for their child’s cancer treatments. In Cherokee County, a program called Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) supports at-risk students and helps them graduate from high school. In Smiths Station in Lee County, “Love Touch Assisted Living” Veterans Home served a Thanksgiving meal to local Veterans and will be providing each of them with new gloves, hats and coats for Christmas. It always warms my heart to learn about these acts of kindness. Let’s 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,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/report-washington-season-giving-across-east-alabama-0,Report from Washington: The Season of Giving Across East Alabama,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.)Every year during the Christmas season, I like to highlight just a few of the things folks across East Alabama are doing for each other. Below is a small sample of ways our fellow Alabamians have cared for each other over the past year. In Talladega County, The Care House in Sylacauga helps provide food and clothing all year round for any individuals who need it in the area. In Clay County, the Modern Culture Club/Inter-Se Club hosted their annual soup luncheon mid-November to raise money for the local DHR so they could purchase Christmas gifts for local children. This year in Calhoun County, Brad Young with Insurance Planning of Anniston staged his disaster relief vehicle at K.L. Brown Funeral Home in Jacksonville. He provided meals and a place for folks to charge their cell phones after the tornado and storms devastated the area in April. Also in Calhoun County, Piedmont High School students held their annual Seniors Helping Seniors program in March. This program provides services of high school seniors in assisting local senior citizens with errands or chores relating to Spring cleaning. In Randolph County, Handley High School band director Matthew Goodman jogged over 400 miles from Roanoke to New Orleans to raise money. The money raised will help cover the costs so all of his band students would have the opportunity to perform in the 2019 Allstate Sugar Bowl Marching Band Program. In Macon County, the Tri City Church/Macon County Food Bank- will supply food boxes, turkeys, clothing and toys for families in need throughout Macon County. In Cleburne County, the community came together and raised money to help the Willingham family pay for their child's cancer treatments. In Cherokee County, a program called Jobs for Alabama's Graduates (JAG) supports at-risk students and helps them graduate from high school. In Smiths Station in Lee County, Love Touch Assisted Living Veterans Home served a Thanksgiving meal to local Veterans and will be providing each of them with new gloves, hats and coats for Christmas. It always warms my heart to learn about these acts of kindness. Let's 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://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-announces-november-staff-community-office-hours-1,Byrne Announces November Staff Community Office Hours,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,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 on November 28th and 29th. 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 28 9:30 - 10:30 am: Gulf Shores City Hall 11:00 am - 12:00 noon: Elberta City Hall 1:30 - 2:30 pm: Daphne City Hall 3:00 - 4:00 pm: Spanish Fort City Hall Thursday, November 29 3:30 4:30 pm: Bay Minette City Hall Clarke County Wednesday, November 28 11:30 am 12:30 pm: Grove Hill Town Hall 1:00 2:00 pm: White Smith Memorial Library in Jackson Escambia County Thursday, November 29 9:30 - 10:30 am Atmore City Hall 11:00 am 12:00 noon Pollard Town Hall 1:30 2:30 pm: Brewton City Hall Mobile County Thursday, November 29 11:00 12:00 pm: Citronelle City Hall 3:00 4:00 pm: Dauphin Island Town Hall Monroe County Wednesday, November 28 9:30 10:30 am: Monroeville City Hall Washington County Wednesday, November 28 3:00 4:00 pm: Washington County Public Library in Chatom Thursday, November 29 9:30 10:30 am: McIntosh Town Hall",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/newsletters/november-update-and-happy-thanksgiving,November Update and Happy Thanksgiving,2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Gary Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we prepare to give thanks for the many blessings we have as a nation on Thanksgiving, I wanted to provide you a brief update on my activities in Washington and in the District, as well as look ahead to the next Congress. I value staying connected with you and hearing your feedback on the issues important to you. As usual, if my office can assist you, please don't hesitate to contact us. To read the full newsletter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/team-four-students-jefferson-county-international-baccalaureate-school,Team of Four Students from Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School Win 2018 Congressional App Challenge,2018-11-26,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Gary J. Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,palmer,https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921 Team of Four Students from Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School Win 2018 Congressional App Challenge Birmingham, AL – Congressman Gary Palmer is pleased to announce four students from Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School as the winners of Alabama's Sixth Congressional District's first Congressional App Challenge. The winners are Aniket Pant, Viraj Kacker, Lonnie Webb, and Cole McKee. The team designed an app to bring awareness to the water crisis in Tanzania, Africa. The winning students called their app, ""Water Well Forecasting and Analysis in Tanzania, Africa."" The app has the intended purpose of predicting the functionality of water wells in real time and in the future. ""This is an impressive group of students with creativity and talent,"" Palmer said. ""Technology skills are more important than ever today and I'm glad that the Congressional App Challenge offered students of the Sixth District the chance to grow in these areas. I congratulate Aniket, Viraj, Lonnie, and Cole on their winning app. They should be very proud."" Apps were judged by Mr. Steven Puckett of Southern Research. The winning students will receive a special recognition certificate from Congressman Palmer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/let-us-give-thanks,Let Us Give Thanks,2018-11-18,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"On October 3rd, 1863, President Lincoln issued a Proclamation on Thanksgiving establishing the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday, encouraging every American - at home and abroad - to give pause and give thanks. Thanksgiving had existed before in America. There was the First Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Massachusetts in 1621, of course, and Presidents George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison also issued proclamations encouraging the celebration of Thanksgiving. It is interesting that during a time as perilous as the height of the Civil War, President Lincoln entrenched this holiday of gratitude and togetherness into the American year. 1863 was a time of divisiveness and uncertainty, and yet people throughout the country could still find things to be thankful for. Only two months after this proclamation, on December 3rd, 1863, the final symbolic decoration was added to the outside of the Capitol Dome in Washington: a 19-foot tall statue known simply as Freedom. The freedoms we enjoy today are some of the greatest things we can be thankful for. For many throughout the world, the freedoms we enjoy do not exist for them. As we gather with friends and family, I hope you will take time to answer this simple question: what are you thankful for this year? For myself, I am extremely thankful for my family, my friends, and for the opportunity I have to serve you in Washington. I am thankful for the many pieces of landmark legislation we were able to pass this year, including fully funding our military for next year, providing funds for vital water infrastructure projects, and enacting meaningful change to the G.I. Bill and the Veteran's Choice Program. I am also thankful for all of the positive economic news this year: our thriving economy and jobs market are creating more opportunities for people in Alabama and around the country. With good news there is also bad. The acts of violence we have seen over recent months in Pennsylvania and California demonstrate the amount of evil there is still to combat in this world. The extremely deadly wildfires currently raging in California causes our hearts to ache for all those affected so unexpectedly and so close to the holidays. But even in these tragedies, there are things to be thankful for. The first responders who risk their lives to help those in need; the medical professionals who provide service to the sick and those in pain; and perhaps the thing for which we as Americans can be most thankful is our interminable spirit to come together as one, help our neighbors, and make the world a better place to live through one small act of kindness at a time. More personally, I am thankful to be a child of a loving, forgiving, and all present God. I'm also thankful to call Southwest Alabama home. Of course, I am thankful for my wonderful family; every moment I get to spend with Rebecca, our children, and our grandchildren is a moment I feel truly blessed. Lastly, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I have again to serve the people of Southwest Alabama over the next Congress. There is a memorable verse from the book of John: And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32) One of the truths we can hold firmly to this Thanksgiving is this: we in the United States are richly blessed with life, prosperity, and freedom. Knowing that, we can be very thankful indeed. From my entire staff, family, and myself, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/season-thanksgiving-and-rebuilding,A Season of Thanksgiving and Rebuilding,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thanksgiving is a uniquely special holiday because it provides us an entire day each year to pause as a country and give thanks to God for the countless ways He has blessed us. The stress and craziness of everyday life often make it easy to lose sight of just how much we have to be thankful for, so as we all have the opportunity to gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, I hope we all take time to count our numerous blessings. While we have a lot to be thankful for in our state and country right now, there are also people in our district and throughout the Southeast who are in the midst of a very challenging recovery period in the wake of Hurricane Michael. When this horrific storm made landfall just over a month ago, areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia were completely ravaged. Hundreds of people lost everything, and more than 30 people were killed. Needless to say, this Thanksgiving will be a very emotional time for many people in our country. Here in our district, the agriculture community faces the most significant devastation. While the full scale of damages is still being assessed at this time, Hurricane Michael dealt a terrible blow to our cotton, timber, and peanut farmers. In the aftermath of the storm, I have traveled to the Wiregrass several times to be with our farmers and to see firsthand what they are experiencing. In fact, I recently had the opportunity to visit a farm in Houston County with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan to assess damage and discuss recovery efforts with some local farmers. I appreciate the local leaders and hardworking farmers who took the time to sit down with Secretary Perdue, Commissioner McMillan, and me. Secretary Perdue is a friend to Alabama, and I'm deeply grateful that he made this visit happen and participated in this important dialogue with Alabama farmers. I will work alongside Secretary Perdue and my colleagues in Congress to provide the proper resources and assistance to our farmers. My job is to be on the front line fighting for Alabama, and we are making the push to get this done quickly and correctly. We must get this right, and we must ensure that Alabama's farmers are included in all recovery efforts. Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it a priority to fight for our farmers of all commodities. Their work to provide the food and fiber we depend on is vitally important. I will continue to advocate for them, especially during this time of uncertainty as we work to put the pieces back together for these hardworking men and women who have suffered tremendous loss to their livelihoods. During this season of Thanksgiving as you're gathered with family and friends, I hope you will join me in prayerfully remembering our neighbors in the Wiregrass and throughout the Southeast. While the challenge of rebuilding won't be easy, I am confident that we will get through it together. In the spirit of the holiday, I want to take this opportunity to tell you that I am thankful for the responsibility to serve our state and country in the United States Congress. It is a true honor to be in a position to make a difference on behalf of Alabama's Second District, so thank you for allowing me to serve you. From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/alabama-today-martha-roby-fights-farmers-inclusion-hurricane-recovery-efforts,Alabama Today: Martha Roby fights for farmers inclusion in hurricane recovery efforts on House floor,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"A little over month agoHurricane Michaeltore through parts of Alabama, leaving devastation in its wake. On Thursday,Alabama 2nd District U.S. RepMartha Robytook to the House floor to discuss the devastation to the counties in Alabama's Second District that were impacted by the storm. She alsoappealed to her colleagues to include farmers in allin hurricane recovery efforts. Just over a month ago, Hurricane Michael, the third most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall on the United States mainland, ravaged areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia Alabama's Second District was badly impacted in several counties in the Wiregrass region, Roby said. She continued, agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it a priority to fight for our farmers of all commodities. I will continue to advocate for them, especially during this time of uncertainty. I want the people I represent to know that my offices stand ready to help during this challenging time We must get this right, and we must ensure Alabama's farmers are included in all recovery efforts. Representative Roby recognized the agriculture community in particular and encouraged those who still need recovery assistance to contact her offices.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/dothan-first-roby-other-officials-discuss-solutions-post-hurricane-farming,"Dothan First: Roby, other officials discuss solutions for post-hurricane farming crisis",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,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://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/wtvy-dothan-usda-disaster-declaration-five-alabama-counties,WTVY (Dothan): USDA Disaster Declaration in Five Alabama Counties,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Governor's Office) Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated five Alabama counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas. The primary counties include: Barbour, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike Counties. On October 15, 2018, Governor Ivey requested a primary county disaster designation for several counties in Alabama, due to damage and losses caused by significant rainfall, wind and flooding, resulting from Hurricane Michael. I am very grateful to Secretary Purdue and USDA for responding quickly to our request to aid our farmers impacted by Hurricane Michael. Alabama's agriculture industry is very important to our state as a whole, but even more importantly, it's essential to the livelihood of our farmers, Governor Ivey said. Alabamians are quick to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need, and as governor, I will continue doing all I can to help our hardworking men and women find success. We appreciate Governor Ivey's quick response to this agricultural disaster and her commitment to help farmers recover, Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said. This declaration authorizes the use of existing USDA emergency programs and clears the way for additional disaster aid. Hurricane Michael spoiled hopes for a bumper cotton crop, flattened miles of fence and destroyed thousands of acres of timber. Our farmers are thankful for the help and encouragement they've received from the Trump administration, Alabama's Congressional delegation and Governor Ivey, as well as countless neighbors and volunteers. The Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those contiguous to (bordering) such primary counties eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency. The seven contiguous counties include: Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Montgomery and Russell Counties. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue is a friend to Alabama, and he understands that our farmers need help in the recovery and rebuilding efforts ahead, Congresswoman Martha Roby said. I appreciate his action to make available the proper resources and assistance for these hardworking men and women who have suffered tremendous loss to their livelihoods. We are committed to getting this done quickly and correctly. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/yellowhammer-news-usda-sec-perdue-visits-wiregrass-survey-hurricane-michael,"Yellowhammer News: USDA Sec Perdue visits Wiregrass to survey Hurricane Michael damage, Praises Martha Roby for her participation",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"GORDON On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue stopped in Alabama to survey the agricultural impact resulting from damage due to Hurricane Michael last month. Perdue's appearance at Mule Shoe Plantation near Alabama's borders with Florida and Georgia in Southeast Houston County was the second of three that day, which also included stops in Bristol, Fla. and Donaldsonville, Ga. Perdue was accompanied by Rep. Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) and Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan, who will soon assume the role of Alabama State Treasurer.They all participated in a roundtable discussion with farmers from Houston and Henry Counties to discuss emergency hurricane relief, how to efficiently deal with the federal bureaucracy and other issues, including crop insurance and trade policy. Perdue praised Roby for her participation in his visit to Alabama, noting that of the three stops in three different states, the Montgomery Republican was the only one that came to meet with him. This is the way representative democracy works, Perdue said. The election is over, but Martha Roby is here. I'm not saying anything about anybody. I'm going to be in three states today, and this is the only member of the House that I'm meeting with. He also suggested Alabama was poised for the federal response, given Sen. Richard Shelby's (R-Tuscaloosa) position in the U.S. Senate. I want to tell you something: There's business going on up there but this is the way representative democracy works. There's a senior senator here that's in really good position to help as well and make sure we get what we need in the supplemental. Following the roundtable, Perdue, Roby and McMillan took questions from reporters. Perdue reflected on what he had learned in his discussion and noted that the aftermath of Hurricane Michael made for some extenuating circumstances with regards to disaster relief for agricultural interests. The common safety net programs that the members of the Congress pass in farm bills are not enough in these kinds of devastating circumstances, Perdue said. We come to see what kind of exemptions and exclusions we can put out there that don't apply in the normal course of business. We look at impediments what are the frustrations in dealing with government and farm service agency and USDA. What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? What do we need to do more of? What do we need to do less of? The best way to do that is talk to producers and growers, here, he added. We have got an unusual situation in the South in the corner between Alabama, Georgia and Florida a lot of pine tree damage. That's not a typical crop that's damaged in this sort of way, nor pecan trees. There are a lot in southwest Georgia, and these will require some different circumstances there because that might have been a landowner's retirement. A lot of landowners plant those trees 25, 30, 40 years ago hoping to harvest them in their retirement. And it's gone, just like your 401(k) being stolen from a bank. Both Perdue and Roby told Yellowhammer News they did not anticipate last week's midterm election results that will give Democrats apparent control of the U.S. House of Representatives to impact any disaster relief response. I think that's the great thing about America, Perdue said. It doesn't affect anything. Congresswoman Roby is still there. She is advocating for her constituents. Commissioner McMillian is. Irrespective of election outcomes, that's the way we work in America, and that's the good thing about succession government. Roby emphasized the response to come in the form of disaster relief supplemental legislation must not only come soon but correctly as well. A hurricane doesn't discriminate on state lines or congressional districts, Roby said. My job is to work with all of my colleagues who have been impacted by this storm and other devastation around the country to make sure Congress is doing its job to put the money in place to make sure this disaster supplemental is there to help Americans. And so, we're going to make the push to get this done, she added. You heard the urgency in that room today. And so there is going to be a push to get this done as quickly as we can. But as the secretary said, we have to get it right. And so we're going to continue to work with all the government agencies that are involved and my colleagues in Congress to make sure that we get this done quickly, but correctly. Recent estimates ofHurricane Michael's toll on agriculturein Florida, Georgia and Alabama have exceeded $1 billion.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-visits-houston-county-farm-discusses-hurricane-recovery-local-farmers,"Roby Visits Houston County Farm, Discusses Hurricane Recovery with Local Farmers and Ag Secretary Perdue and Ag Commissioner McMillan",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"GORDON, AL U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today visited the McAllister family farm with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan to assess Hurricane Michael damage and discuss recovery efforts with local farmers in Alabama's Second District. Roby, Perdue, and McMillan toured the McAllister family farm and held a roundtable with a group of Alabama farmers representing a variety of commodities who were impacted by Hurricane Michael in October. Representative Roby thanked Secretary Perdue for making a trip to Alabama and reaffirmed her commitment to helping farmers rebuild: Secretary Perdue is a friend to Alabama, and I am deeply grateful that he made this visit happen and participated in this important dialogue with Alabama farmers. He understands that our state's farmers need help in the recovery and rebuilding efforts ahead. I will work alongside Secretary Perdue and my colleagues in Congress to provide the proper resources and assistance to these hardworking men and women. My job is to be on the front line fighting for Alabama, and we're making the push to get this done quickly and correctly. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=13E5BC57-7B8E-4553-869A-488030F30C11,Shelby Announces $23 Million Rural Development Grant for Uniontown,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded Uniontown a $23,437,500 grant to rehabilitate the city's entire wastewater collection system. Water and wastewater systems across the country are aging, overburdened, and in need of replacement, said Senator Shelby. Failure to invest in these water projects has devastating economic and public health consequences. The dire situation in Uniontown is a prime example of a number of communities across Alabama in need of upgrades and repairs. I am proud to have led the efforts to create momentum for this project,and I would like to thank USDA for providing this critical funding. I remain committed to fighting for these greatly needed resources to combat our state's growing infrastructure needs. This $23,437,500 USDA Rural Development grant for Uniontown will enable a major infrastructure redesign and rehabilitation. The project will include construction of an interconnection between the city of Uniontown and the city of Demopolis which will pump wastewater to Demopolis for treatment. Once this collection system is operational, the treatment of wastewater through the city of Uniontown's existing lagoon and spray field system will be eradicated. The lagoons and spray field serving the city of Uniontown will be decommissioned and reclaimed, which will eliminate wastewater overflow and assist the city to better comply with environmental regulatory requirements. Approximately 2,810 customers in the city of Uniontown and the surrounding area are served by this wastewater system. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=658,Rogers Reminds College Students About Available Summer Internships,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers announced today that the deadline for applying for summer internships in his offices will be February 15, 2019. The internship program is designed to offer select college students a hands-on opportunity to learn about the legislative process, as well as the day-to-day operations of a Congressional office. To be considered for an internship, students must submit a current resume, cover letter and short writing sample to the Congressman’s intern coordinator. Please visit https://mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/internships for more information, or call Rogers’ Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=659,Rogers: Deadline Approaching to Apply for Congressional Nomination to U.S. Military Service Academies,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Mike Rogers reminds any graduating high school seniors for 2019 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 Congressman Mike Rogers Attn: Service Academy Application Attn: Service Academy Application 1129 Noble Street, Suite 104 701 Avenue A, Suite 300 Anniston, AL 36201 Opelika, AL 36801 The deadline for receipt of these applications is December 15, 2018. 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,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-deadline-approaching-apply-congressional-nomination-us-military-service-3,Rogers: Deadline Approaching to Apply for Congressional Nomination to U.S. Military Service Academies,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, DC)---Congressman Mike Rogers reminds any graduating high school seniors for 2019 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 Congressman Mike Rogers Attn: Service Academy Application Attn: Service Academy Application 1129 Noble Street, Suite 104 701 Avenue A, Suite 300 Anniston, AL 36201 Opelika, AL 36801 The deadline for receipt of these applications is December 15, 2018. Please visit www.mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/academy-nominations with any questions, or call Rogers' Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikerogers.house.gov/press-release/rogers-reminds-college-students-about-available-summer-internships-2,Rogers Reminds College Students About Available Summer Internships,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mike Rogers,R000575,mikerogers.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rogers Reminds College Students About Available Summer Internships Nov 15, 2018 (WASHINGTON, DC) Congressman Mike Rogers announced today that the deadline for applying for summer internships in his offices will be February 15, 2019. The internship program is designed to offer select college students a hands-on opportunity to learn about the legislative process, as well as the day-to-day operations of a Congressional office. To be considered for an internship, students must submit a current resume, cover letter and short writing sample to the Congressman's intern coordinator. Please visit https://mikerogers.house.gov/constituent-services/internships for more information, or call Rogers' Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3261. -###-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/yellowhammer-news-roby-alabama-farmers-facing-hurricane-michael-aftermath,Yellowhammer News: Roby on Alabama farmers facing Hurricane Michael aftermath: 'The devastation is heartbreaking',2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Martha Roby (AL-2) took to the floor of the United States House of Representatives on Thursday to discuss the counties in southeast Alabama that were devastated by Hurricane Michael last month, especially recognizing the area's agriculture community and encouraging those who still need recovery assistance to contact her offices. Roby outlined how Alabama's Second District was badly impacted in several counties in the Wiregrass region following Michael's landfall. In fact, Hurricane Michael is the most powerful storm to ever hit Houston County according to recorded history, she added. For the congresswoman's district, agricultureis thebackboneof our economy. In my district, the agriculture community faces the most significant devastation. While the full scale of the damage to local agriculture is still being assessed, Hurricane Michael dealt a terrible blow to our cotton, timber and peanut farmers, Roby said. She continued, In the aftermath of the storm, I have traveled to the Wiregrass several times to be with our farmers and to see firsthand what they are experiencing. The devastation is heartbreaking, to say the least. The farmers in Southeast Alabama are in the midst of avery real crisis. Excerpt from the rest of her speech as follows: Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it a priority to fight for our farmers of all commodities. Their work to provide the food and fiber we depend on is vitally important. I will continue to advocate for them, especially during this time of uncertainty as we work to put the pieces back together for these hardworking men and women who have suffered tremendous loss to their livelihoods. Mr. Speaker, I want the people I represent to know that my offices stand ready to help during this challenging time. I will work with my colleagues here in Congress to provide the proper resources and assistance to our farmers. We must get this right, and we must ensure Alabama's farmers are included in all recovery efforts. I encourage anyone in Alabama's Second District who needs assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael to contact one of my offices today. My staff and I work for you, and we are committed to ensuring that the folks impacted know the options available to them. As we work through this season of rebuilding, I have been encouraged to see and hear about so many acts of kindness and charity in our district and throughout the Southeast. This time of recovery will not be easy, but if we continue to help each other in whatever ways we are able, we will get through this together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-house-floor-alabama-farmers-must-be-included-all-hurricane-recovery,Roby on House Floor: Alabama Farmers Must Be Included in All Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today spoke on the House floor to discuss the devastation to the counties in Alabama's Second District that were impacted by Hurricane Michael last month. Representative Roby recognized the agriculture community in particular and encouraged those who still need recovery assistance to contact her offices. Just over a month ago, Hurricane Michael, the third most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall on the United States mainland, ravaged areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia Alabama's Second District was badly impacted in several counties in the Wiregrass region. agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it a priority to fight for our farmers of all commodities. I will continue to advocate for them, especially during this time of uncertainty. I want the people I represent to know that my offices stand ready to help during this challenging time We must get this right, and we must ensure Alabama's farmers are included in all recovery efforts. The full text of Representative Roby's remarks as prepared is below. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just over a month ago, Hurricane Michael, the third most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall on the United States mainland, ravaged areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Hundreds of Americans lost everything, and more than 30 people were killed. Hurricane Michael appears to have done its worst in Panama City, Florida, and the nearby areas, but Alabama's Second District was also badly impacted in several counties in the Wiregrass region. In fact, Hurricane Michael is the most powerful storm to ever hit Houston County according to recorded history. In my district, the agriculture community faces the most significant devastation. While the full scale of the damage to local agriculture is still being assessed, Hurricane Michael dealt a terrible blow to our cotton, timber, and peanut farmers. In the aftermath of the storm, I have traveled to the Wiregrass several times to be with our farmers and to see firsthand what they are experiencing. The devastation is heartbreaking, to say the least. The farmers in Southeast Alabama are in the midst of a very real crisis. In Alabama's Second District, agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Throughout my time in Congress, I have made it a priority to fight for our farmers of all commodities. Their work to provide the food and fiber we depend on is vitally important. I will continue to advocate for them, especially during this time of uncertainty as we work to put the pieces back together for these hardworking men and women who have suffered tremendous loss to their livelihoods. Mr. Speaker, I want the people I represent to know that my offices stand ready to help during this challenging time. I will work with my colleagues here in Congress to provide the proper resources and assistance to our farmers. We must get this right, and we must ensure Alabama's farmers are included in all recovery efforts. I encourage anyone in Alabama's Second District who needs assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael to contact one of my offices today. My staff and I work for you, and we are committed to ensuring that the folks impacted know the options available to them. As we work through this season of rebuilding, I have been encouraged to see and hear about so many acts of kindness and charity in our district and throughout the Southeast. This time of recovery will not be easy, but if we continue to help each other in whatever ways we are able, we will get through this together. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-elected-116th-congress-s-gop-leadership-team,Palmer Elected to 116th Congresss GOP Leadership Team,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Gary Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921 Palmer Elected to 116th Congress's GOP Leadership Team Washington, D.C. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after his election to the position of Republican Policy Committee Chair for the 116th Congress. I appreciate the faith that my colleagues have placed in me and am grateful for their support, Palmer said. Throughout my career, I have focused on being a problem solver and developing and promoting sound policies, so I feel like I'm uniquely prepared for this role. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue advancing and promoting ideas supported by the American people. Congressman Palmer will serve in the GOP's leadership team alongside Representative Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader; Representative Steve Scalise, Minority Whip; Representative Liz Cheney, Conference Committee Chair; Representative Mark Walker, Conference Committee Vice Chair; Representative Jason Smith, Conference Committee Secretary; and Representative Tom Emmer, National Republican Campaign Committee Chair. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/palmer-elected-116th-congresss-gop-leadership-team,Palmer Elected to 116th Congress’s GOP Leadership Team,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Gary J. Palmer,P000609,palmer.house.gov,palmer,https://palmer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921 Palmer Elected to 116th Congress's GOP Leadership Team Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) released the following statement after his election to the position of Republican Policy Committee Chair for the 116th Congress. ""I appreciate the faith that my colleagues have placed in me and am grateful for their support,"" Palmer said. ""Throughout my career, I have focused on being a problem solver and developing and promoting sound policies, so I feel like I'm uniquely prepared for this role. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue advancing and promoting ideas supported by the American people."" Congressman Palmer will serve in the GOP's leadership team alongside Representative Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader; Representative Steve Scalise, Minority Whip; Representative Liz Cheney, Conference Committee Chair; Representative Mark Walker, Conference Committee Vice Chair; Representative Jason Smith, Conference Committee Secretary; and Representative Tom Emmer, National Republican Campaign Committee Chair. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-names-mike-albares-chief-staff,Roby Names Mike Albares Chief of Staff,2018-11-13,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today announced she has selected longtime staff member Mike Albares to serve as her Chief of Staff. In this role, Albares will be Representative Roby's top adviser, leading her entire team of personnel working from offices in Washington, D.C., Montgomery, Dothan, and Andalusia. Albares, a Dothan native, previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff. He has been a member of Representative Roby's staff since 2011. I am thrilled to announce that Mike Albares has been named my new Chief of Staff, Roby said. Mike is an exceptional leader who has served my office and the people of Alabama's Second District with distinction for more than seven years, and I am confident he will enable my office to continue delivering results on behalf of the people we serve. Albares replaces Representative Roby's former Chief of Staff, Torrie Miller Matous, who this week was named the Director of External Affairs of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). For the last year and a half, Torrie Matous led my office admirably and further ensured we are a team that truly makes a difference on behalf of the people who live and work in Alabama's Second District. Torrie should be extremely proud of her nearly decade-long career in service to the American people on Capitol Hill, and I cannot thank her enough for her friendship and leadership. She will be missed, but I am extraordinarily proud of her and excited for this next chapter in her career. Representative Roby today also announced that Greenville native Casey Rogers has joined her Montgomery office as a Field Representative. Since being elected to Congress, I have made it a point to surround myself with capable, driven staff members who help me better serve the people of Alabama's Second District. Casey brings valuable experience and a strong dedication to the people of Southeast Alabama that make her an excellent addition to my team. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/words-cannot-express-our-gratitude,Words Cannot Express our Gratitude,2018-11-11,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"One hundred years ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the world's largest, deadliest, and costliest war to that date drew to an end. The guns that boomed over field and forest in Europe fell silent. World War I was over. Over 116,000 Americans had lost their lives. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson issued a statement to the nation in celebration of the first Armistice Day, expressing his thoughts on the war's end: To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations. In 1938, twenty years after the Armistice, Congress formally recognized Armistice Day as a national holiday dedicated to the cause of world peace. Unfortunately, the war to end all wars was only the precursor to an even deadlier, costlier war. The next year, World War II broke out across Europe, a war that would cost the lives of over 400,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. For a particular Alabamian and veteran of WWII, the celebration of Armistice Day was not quite recognition enough for the service and sacrifice of veterans who had served, not just in WWI, but for all those who had worn the uniform of our nation. Raymond Meeks, a native of Birmingham, brought the idea of a national Veterans Day, to be held on what was then Armistice Day, to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Gen. Eisenhower greatly supported this idea, and in 1947 Weeks led the first national celebration of Veterans Day right here in Alabama. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law the formal celebration of Veterans Day here in the United States, dedicated to the memory of all those who served our country in the armed forces. To this day, words cannot express our gratitude for that service. Today, as I serve in Congress, it is an incredible honor to know that I am able to represent a free people thanks to the service, dedication, and sacrifice of our veterans. That is why I advocate so strongly for our nation's veterans. We need to provide them with proper access to educational and workforce opportunities, we must work towards a health care system that actually gets them the care they need, and we must help them get the benefits they earned. Just this year, I voted to provide greater funding for programs in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), positive reforms to the G.I. Bill, and better access to career and technical education for veterans to reenter the civilian workforce. Additionally, my office has helped to resolve hundreds of cases for veterans and their families right here in Southwest Alabama. Service in the military is so much more than just a job. It is a dedication to support and defend the Constitution and the people of the United States, both at home and abroad. That service is immeasurable, and I am humbled to represent so many of those who have fought for our freedoms. The words of President Eisenhower on the first official Veterans Day stand as a charge for today: Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-applauds-president-trumps-action-reduce-asylum-fraud-and-secure,Brooks Applauds President Trump's Action to Reduce Asylum Fraud and Secure our Borders,2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Friday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) praised President Trump's Presidential Proclamation Addressing Mass Migration Through the Southern Border of the United States [1] and Department of Homeland Security's newly released asylum rule. Congressman Brooks said, Each year, hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens furtively thumb their noses at America's sovereignty by clandestinely violating our borders and laws. Now, Central American caravans openly and brazenly seek to do the same. This outrageous conduct cannot be, and should not be, tolerated by America. As a sovereign nation, the American people have every right to expect their government to secure our borders. Brooks continued, Illegal immigration hurts American workers and taxpayers. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, illegal aliens are a net $116 billion annual cost to American taxpayers.[2] That's $300 in additional taxes each man, woman and child in America is forced to pay for people whose first act on American soil is to violate American law. Brooks concluded, Fraud and abuse plague America's asylum system. Let me make this clear: no one has a right to demand asylum from any nation. Asylum and sanctuary is a discretionary benefit given by nations to those with clear justification.[3] Too often, illegal aliens are coached by attorneys to say magic words' that help them take advantage of America's generosity. Their exploitation of America's already generous immigration laws must stop! As such, I support President Trump's steps to close asylum loopholes and stop the damage to America caused by illegal aliens' wrongful conduct. Key information on illegal immigration and asylum: So far in FY18, 500,000 people apprehended attempting to cross the border, about 100,000 at checkpoints and 400,000 in the interior.[4] According to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, [i]n recent weeks, United States officials have each day encountered an average of approximately 2,000 inadmissible aliens at the southern border.[5] According to data provided by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice, [o]ver the past decade, the overall percentage of aliens subject to expedited removal and referred, as part of the initial screening process, for a credible-fear interview jumped from approximately 5% to above 40%, and the total number of credible-fear referrals for interviews increased from about 5,000 a year in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 to about 97,000 in FY 2018.[6] Last year, nearly half of the completed cases that involved aliens who claimed credible fear resulted in the alien failing to show up at a hearing or even to file an application for asylum. [7] ### [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-addressing-mass-migration-southern-border-united-states/ [2] Federation for Immigration Reform: The Fiscal Burden of Illegal Immigration on United States Taxpayers, by Matt O'Brien and Spencer Raley, September 27, 2017. https://fairus.org/issue/publications-resources/fiscal-burden-illegal-immigration-united-states-taxpayers; [3] See INA 208(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(1)(A) (the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may grant asylum to an alien who applies in accordance with the required procedures and meets the definition of a refugee); [4] U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Southwest Border Migration Fy2018; https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/sw-border-migration [5] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/11/09/2018-24594/aliens-subject-to-a-bar-on-entry-under-certain-presidential-proclamations-procedures-for-protection; [6] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/11/09/2018-24594/aliens-subject-to-a-bar-on-entry-under-certain-presidential-proclamations-procedures-for-protection; see alsohttps://cis.org/sites/default/files/2018-09/EOIR_Credible%20Fear_USCIS%20Proceedings%20Table.pdf [7] Id.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/youthbuild-eufaula-making-difference-barbour-county,YouthBuild Eufaula is making a difference in Barbour County,2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Did you know that there are an estimated 4.9 million 16 to 24-year-old individuals in this country who are not in school and are also unemployed? This is an unfortunate but true statistic, and roughly 3 million of these young people are living in poverty. During the recent district work period, I had the opportunity to visit Eufaula Housing Authority's (EHA) YouthBuild program, an organization in Alabama's Second District that is really making a difference in the lives of these individuals in Barbour County. YouthBuild is a youth development program that serves these out-of-school youth by providing them with the opportunity, hope, and support to rebuild their lives while equipping them with the necessary skills to facilitate success in both the workforce and their communities. EHA's YouthBuild program serves young people ages 16 to 24 who are not currently enrolled in high school or have recently dropped out and re-entered. Participants also represent at least one of these six disadvantaged groups: low-income household, parent(s) incarcerated, youth aging out of foster care, youth with a disability, homeless, and adjudicated. Students who meet these criteria must complete a three-week mental toughness orientation before being accepted into the program. During this time, applicants learn more about YouthBuild, participate in daily physical training exercises, teambuilding activities, various skills workshops, and a community service assignment designed to teach the importance of giving back. This mental toughness orientation is important because leadership and giving back are two ideals YouthBuild works extremely hard to instill in each and every participant. The program is well-equipped to facilitate growth in these important areas because they've partnered with various organizations, such as Youth Leadership Barbour County, to offer skills training and leadership development workshops. In addition to fostering personal growth and development, YouthBuild provides excellent educational opportunities for participants by partnering with Wallace Community College and the Eufaula Career Center. Because of these local partnerships, YouthBuild is able to offer classes for GED preparation, Ready to Work (soft skills certification), welding, air conditioning and refrigeration, and electrical line work. On top of these great opportunities, YouthBuild also offers its participants exceptional professional opportunities in construction. If they desire, students have the option to receive classroom and lab training in addition to hands-on training on construction sites. Oftentimes, these opportunities lead to paying jobs for students. It's no secret that at-risk youth often, understandably, need strong support to overcome the conditions that contributed to their challenging circumstances. YouthBuild offers students supportive services to help them overcome these barriers. Each student has access to career coaching, legal advocacy, tutoring, transportation and childcare vouchers, a graduation stipend, job placement assistance, and post-graduate follow-up engagement. When I stopped by EHA's YouthBuild, I saw firsthand the positive impact these service-driven educators and mentors have on the students in the program, and I was especially moved by personal testimonies I heard about how YouthBuild and its staff helped two young men in particular turn their lives around. The YouthBuild philosophy is to convey the importance of post-secondary education as a vehicle for personal advancement and growth, and during my visit, it was very clear that this ideology truly guides the program and all the hardworking men and women who dedicate their lives and careers to making it successful. YouthBuild is invaluable to at-risk youth and young adults in Barbour County, but when I talked with staff there, I was informed of a tough challenge they face: Demand is so high that they're continually forced to turn away applicants due to funding and space limitations. As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education (Labor-HHS) Subcommittee, I have proudly supported funding for YouthBuild, and I will continue to advocate for proper support for these important programs. They are meeting critical needs in our community, and it is imperative that we do all we can to ensure they are able to grow and thrive. I enjoyed my visit to YouthBuild and am already looking forward to next time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-statement-attorney-general-jeff-sessions,Congressman Aderholt Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Haleyville, Ala. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today released the following statement after learning of the resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. ""Having served with Jeff Sessions in Congress, I can honestly say that he has always been someone who is of the utmost character and ability. I know he worked every day to uphold the law in all fairness to everyone. He has done great work enforcing our immigration laws, fighting gangs and opioid abuse and upholding religious liberties. Jeff, and his wife Mary, have been good friends with Caroline and me. We wish them the best in whatever is in store for them in the next chapter of their lives."" 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,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/jeff-sessions-devotion-alabama,Jeff Sessions' Devotion to Alabama,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCWednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) issued a statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' resignation. Congressman Brooks said,Jeff Sessions honorably and ably served as a United States Attorney, Alabama Attorney General, United States Senator, and U.S. Attorney General. Throughout his long career of public service, Jeff's deep love of country was evident in his unwavering devotion to upholding America's foundational principles as enshrined in our Constitution. He served with integrity and dignity.I'm proud to have worked alongside him as both a prosecutor in Alabama and member of Congress. Brooks continued,I have been fortunate to know Jeff Sessions for a quarter of a century. As an elected official, Jeff Sessions never wavered in his fierce defense of the Rule of Law and America's sovereign right to defend and secure its own borders. Jeff Sessions has made Alabama proud.I wish him the best as he embarks on his next journey. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=27EEDB28-A831-46AD-8E6E-D1FF1C078037,Shelby Statement on Resignation of AG Sessions,2018-11-07,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) released the following statement praising U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions following his resignation: Thank you to my good friend, Jeff Sessions, for over 40 years of noble service to Alabama and our country. Jeff was a respected colleague of mine in the Senate for two decades and represented our nation with honor as the U.S. Attorney General. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/no-place-no-time-for-hate,"No Place, No Time for Hate",2018-11-04,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"At a recent church service, the sermon focused on the 12th chapter of Mark's Gospel, which describes Jesus' answer to a question from a scribe about which Commandment is first of all. Jesus replies with the Shema: Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. Even though Jesus was not asked about a second Commandment, he adds to the Shema, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. In response, for once, a scribe agrees with Jesus. It seemed timely to hear this verse and to hear a modern-day minister preach on it. Just a few weeks ago, eleven people were tragically killed at a Jewish synagogue near Pittsburgh. These innocent Jews were killed by a man filled with hate, much like the murders of innocent African American Christians in a Charleston church three years ago. These horrific events remind us that evil is not a superstition, but an all too real presence in our society. The Old Testament and Jesus are crystal clear: the very essence of God is love. Therefore, anyone who hates another person acts against God and his purposes for humankind. Jesus took it another step by joining the Commandment to love one another with the Commandment to love God. Saint John in his first letter is explicit: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Our obligation to love one another applies to everyone. Indeed, the very presence of hate inside us is the work of evil, and we should all strive against that evil in our own lives. And when a particularly tragic work of evil happens, as happened in Pittsburgh, we need to speak out so that we reinforce our collective resolve against it. In the heart of election season, it is especially important to remember that more unites us than divides us. As Americans and as humans we are united by common bonds of love, faith, and understanding. Far too often we get caught up in the areas of disagreement, instead of realizing that far more brings us together. We are all imperfect humans made by our Creator. While we are often divided by where we live, our age, our background, our race, or our gender, we are brought together by many important common factors. My study of U.S. history long ago convinced me that our national principle of the equality of all people, explicit in The Declaration of Independence and reiterated by President Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address, is rooted in our Founders' understanding of the Bible's clear teaching that we are all created and loved by God, and therefore must love and must value one another. So violent attacks on people because of their race or religion are truly un-American as well. An attack on any human because of their religious beliefs or the color of their skin or their background is an attack on all of us and the values we hold most dear. When we let these actions further divide, we only fuel the fire of hatred. Instead, we should use events like we saw in Pittsburgh to unite us and bring us closer together. So, please allow me to add my voice with many others against the evil of these and other acts of violence. There is no place, and this is no time, to hate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/october-jobs-report-workers-continue-winning-streak,October Jobs Report: Workers Continue Winning Streak!,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Friday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) emphasized the strong Bureau of Labor Statistics October jobs report. Congressman Brooks said, The winning streak for American workers continued in October with increased jobs and an unchanged unemployment rate. The American economy added 250,000 jobs in October, and the overall unemployment rate held steady at 3.7%.[1] This great news comes on the heels of the Labor Department report that wages and salaries jumped 3.1% over the last year, the highest increase in a decade.[2] These combined numbers mean more better paying jobs for American workers. Brooks continued, Job openings in America recently hit an all-time high at 7.1 million.[3] Employers are having to compete for workers, driving up wages. According to the Commerce Department, from October 2017 to October 2018 average weekly earnings for American workers increased by $31.28. Brooks concluded, Since January 2017, the U.S. economy has added 4 million jobs,[4] and in September the unemployment rate fell to 3.7%, the lowest since 1969.[5] The American economy and the American people continue to thrive under pro-growth, free-enterprise policies that make us all better off. Key takeaways from the Bureau of Labor Statistics October jobs report are: America's economy added 250,000 new, nonfarm payroll jobs in October 2018. America's economy added 2.5 million new, nonfarm payroll jobs over the past year. America's October unemployment rate was 3.7%, a year-to-year improvement of 0.4 percentage points over the 4.1% unemployment rate of October 2017. Unemployment rates for all major races and ethnicities improved or dipped slightly over the past year: The African American unemployment rate improved by 1.1 percentage points (from 7.3% in October 2017 to 6.2% in October 2018). The Hispanic American unemployment rate improved by 0.4 percentage points (4.8% to 4.4%). The Caucasian American unemployment rates improved by 0.2 percentage points (3.5% to 3.3%). The Asian American unemployment rate inched up by 0.2 percentage points (3.0% to 3.2%). Females (at 3.4% unemployment rate) continued to do better than males (at 3.5% unemployment rate). Over the past year, the average weekly earnings for all non-farm American workers increased by $31.28. ### [1] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf [2] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf [3] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm [4] https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/CES0000000001 [5] https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-unemployment-rate-falls-to-lowest-level-since-1969-1538742766",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/october-update,An October Update,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"There have been several exciting, noteworthy developments for our district, state, and country lately. For starters, now that November is upon us, President Trump has again declared this month the second annual National Veterans and Military Families Month to salute the brave and dedicated patriots who have worn the uniform of the United States, and celebrate the extraordinary military families whose selfless service and sacrifice make our military the finest in the world. I am glad that the President has once again demonstrated that we are committed to veterans and military families more than just on Veterans Day. Next, you may be aware that each year the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness and raise funds for research. It was recently brought to my attention that Medicare and Medicaid only cover two options for women following a mastectomy: surgical breast reconstructive surgery or a prefabricated breast prosthetic. The latter have been described as shapeless, heavier than the normal breast, and cumbersome to wear but there's another option. Custom fabricated breast prosthetics exist, and while they are significantly less expensive than reconstructive surgery and are custom-fit to a woman's body shape, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has deemed this option not reasonable or necessary for coverage. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I sent a letter to the CMS Administrator urging her to modify this coverage determination. I believe it is only right that women who have battled breast cancer be given the options that work best for them and not be subjected to a one-size-fits-all approach. I will keep you informed on any developments. In still more news, we recently learned that the Air Force is directing $18 million for the construction of a new air traffic control tower at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery. I have advocated for this project for yearsand have personally climbed up the antiquated tower. It badly needs to be replaced, so I am very pleased that this issue is being addressed through the recently passed military funding bill. I look forward to seeing this improvement become reality as Maxwell continues to support the needs of the Air Force in the River Region, including the 187th Fighter Wing's missions. Construction is expected to begin in June of 2019 and conclude in December of 2020. Amid all of this news, I also had the opportunity this past week to spend more time traveling throughout Alabama's Second District as the October district work period continued. I had productive visits in Wetumpka, Montgomery, Tallassee, and Dothan. InWetumpka, I sat down with Keith Barnett, the new Director of the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency, and other community leaders to discuss infrastructure, rural broadband, prison reform, and economic growth in the region. I also appreciated this group giving me an update on Elmore County's priorities.In Montgomery, I met with members of the Alabama Ag Credit, officials from New York Life, folks from Cardiovascular Associates, and more. While in Tallassee, I had the opportunity to speak to the Lions Club during their lunch meeting. I appreciated being able to give them an update from Washington and fill them in on my priorities as their representative in Congress. In Dothan, I spoke to our community leaders at the annual Second Congressional District dinner. Each year, this event serves as an excellent time for those of us in public service to discuss the ways we can better assist the people we represent. I reminded the group of the many ways my office can be of service to them as we work to serve our shared constituency. The month of October brought several positive developments to our region, state, and country, and I was glad to be part of the excitement on your behalf. I am looking forward to seeing what the month of November holds for Alabamians and all Americans, and I am eager to spend more time on the road visiting with the people I am grateful to represent in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-maxwell-lands-funding-new-air-traffic-control-tower,Roby: Maxwell Lands Funding for New Air Traffic Control Tower,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today announced that Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery will receive $18 million from the Air Force's Fiscal Year 2019 military construction account for a new air traffic control tower. Representative Roby, who has advocated for this project for several years, released the following statement: Updating the Air Traffic Control Tower at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base is long overdue. I have personally climbed up the antiquated tower and can attest to how dangerous it is and how badly it needs to be replaced. I am very pleased that this issue is being addressed through the recently passed military funding bill, and I look forward to seeing this improvement become reality as Maxwell continues to support the needs of the Air Force in the River Region, including the 187th Fighter Wing's missions. This would not be possible without Senator Shelby's efforts, and I appreciate his leadership as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. Maxwell's existing Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) was constructed in 1955 and is one of the oldest active ATCT in Air Force inventory. It fails to meet current mission requirements and safety codes. Historically, Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base has provided direct support to the 187th Fighter Wing in airfield operations, primarily as an alternate basing location in the event of runway closure at Dannelly Field. The existing configuration and location of Maxwell's current ATCT will not adequately support the 187th Fighter Wing's new F-35 mission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EDECE9E6-65C0-4164-9EC2-303ED559F3B3,Shelby: Maxwell Receives New Air Traffic Control Tower,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and its Subcommittee on Defense, today praised the Air Force's decision to direct $18 million to Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB) for the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) facility for the purpose of force protection and safety. The construction is expected to begin June 2019 and conclude December 2020. The Air Force's decision to direct $18 million to Maxwell for a new air traffic control tower is outstanding news, said Senator Shelby. This needed upgrade will increase the base's functionality by improving the structural conditions and enhancing the safety and visibility of all operations. Without the replacement tower, the current facility's health and safety issues could result in ground accidents and costly damage or loss of assets. I applaud the Air Force on their decision to fund the project. As the second busiest distinguished visitor base in the nation, this funding is critical to maintaining and advancing Maxwell's performance, particularly in light of its support for the F-35 fighter jet program. For the last decade, Maxwell AFB has been in need of a modernized ATCT facility of adequate size and configuration in order to properly control current activity and future air traffic within the air operations area. The existing tower, constructed in 1955, is believed to be the second oldest active ATCT in Air Force inventory and fails to meet current mission requirements. Maxwell AFB is the second busiest distinguished visitor base in the Defense Department. Controllers in the current tower do not have 100 percent visual contact of all aircraft landing surfaces or ground controlled movement areas due to obstructed views. Further, the facility does not have an elevator and therefore does not meet National Fire Protection Association line safety code. It also has numerous additional health and safety issues resulting from the tower's age and deterioration. Maxwell AFB played a role in the Air Force's recent selection of Dannelly Field, also located in Montgomery, as a site for the new F-35A fighter jet program. The powerful new aircraft is a 5th generation fighter jet that will eventually replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-10 Thunderbolt II's, which have been the primary fighter aircraft for more than 20 years. Officially known as Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Maxwell AFB is located in Montgomery and serves as the training site for 90 percent of Air Force officers. Maxwell is the headquarters for the Air Force's Air University and provides critical support for the 908th Airlift Wing, the Business and Enterprise Systems Directorate, and more than 30 tenant units. The base also occupies the site of the first Wright Flying School, one of the Wright brothers' earliest flying schools. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-aderholt-and-ranking-member-sanford-send-letter-appropriations,Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member Sanford Send Letter to Appropriations Leadership Urging Supplemental Disaster Appropriations Bill to Help Farmers and Rural Communities Recover,2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), and Ranking Member Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02)the leading members of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, sent a letter to Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (NY-17), the leading members of the full U.S. House Appropriations Committee, urging passage of a supplemental disaster appropriations bill to address the series of natural disasters in 2018 that have caused widespread destruction and significant losses for our nation's farmers, as well the communities in which they live. There is an urgent need for a supplemental disaster appropriations bill to help farmers, ranchers, and rural communities recover and rebuild. ""Natural disasters, like hurricanes, know no political boundaries,"" said Chairman Aderholt. ""That is why it is important for people like my friend, and Ranking Member, Sanford Bishop and myself, to come together to support the farmers affected. After all, farmers don't care about political parties but have to pay the bank loans back and keep their lights on."" The Members wrote in their letter: ""On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael, one of the most powerful storms to make landfall in the United States, left a path of devastation from Alabama and Florida to Virginia. While the damage is still being assessed, it is estimated that total agricultural losses could exceed $4 billion. Less than a month earlier, Hurricane Florence slammed into North Carolina and South Carolina causing $22 billion in damages. In addition, wildfires across the western states have consumed more than 8 million acres to date. While there is never a good time for a storm like Michael, it hit at the worst time possible for farmers. With depressed commodity prices and markets closed due to retaliatory trade measures, it made the hurricane's impact even greater."" They continued: ""It is our responsibility, and the responsibility of the other Members of Congress, to find solutions and provide relief to those in need. We look forward to working with you, and the full House Appropriations committee, as well as the entire Congress on a supplemental appropriations package and to reexamine federal policies where necessary."" 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,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/hurricane-michael-recovery-continues,Hurricane Michael Recovery Continues,2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"As Hurricane Michael recovery efforts continue, we are gradually learning the full scale of damages portions of our district are facing. The setback for the agriculture industry is severe, to say the least. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, I traveled to the Wiregrass to see firsthand what some of our farmers are experiencing. The devastation is heartbreaking. Agricultural damage from Hurricane Michael across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia is projected to top $1.3 billion in total losses, with cotton, pecans, and poultry commodities hit the hardest. An expert with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System estimates the loss to our state's cotton crop alone could eclipse $100 million. That sum does not include the impact the storm had on livestock, peanuts, and timber. When I was on the ground in the Wiregrass, I even saw 1,500 acres of cucumbers that might not make it to harvest. Our farmers are in the midst of a very real crisis. In Alabama's Second District, agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and throughout my time in Congress, I have always made it a priority to fight for our farmers of all commodities. Their work to provide the food and fiber we depend on is vitally important. I will continue to advocate for them, especially at this very uncertain time as we work to put the pieces back together for these hardworking men and women who have suffered tremendous loss to their livelihoods. In the wake of this disaster, Governor Kay Ivey requested that Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue declare our hurricane-damaged counties in Alabama as agriculture disaster areas. She also requested the maximum assistance be made available to our state through existing Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs. I, too, have been actively engaged with Secretary Perdue, and I recently penned a letter to him voicing my support for the Governor's request. It is imperative that our farmers receive the most fitting and best available assistance from USDA during this time, and I am confident Secretary Perdue understands the severity of the devastation that occurred to agriculture in our state. I will remain in close contact with USDA to address any further needs the Department may require in getting our farmers the help they need in the weeks and months to come. As we work through this season of rebuilding together, I've been encouraged to see and hear about so many acts of kindness and charity in our district and throughout the Southeast. As a local example, when Tate's Supermarket in Hartford lost power during the bad weather, they were unable to keep their refrigerated food stock cold. So, they emptied their freezers, prepared the food, and gave it away on to-go plates for anyone in Geneva County who needed a meal. This time of recovery will not be easy, but if we continue to help each other in whatever ways we are able, we will get through this. If you or someone you know needs assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, please contact one of my offices. My staff and I work for you, and we are committed to ensuring that you know the options available to you during this trying time. Most importantly, please continue praying for the families who were impacted by this disaster.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/report-road,A Report from the Road,2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"With Congress out of session for an October district work period, I have taken this valuable time to be on the road in Alabama's Second District visiting with the people I represent and sharing with them an update from Washington. I believe this time we spend together is truly invaluable. It's so important for me to hear from local leaders, business owners, and employees about how the issues of the day impact them in their daily lives so that I can better represent their views in Congress. During this district work period, I spent time in Columbia, Headland, Dothan, Gordon, Luverne, Goshen, Opp, and Troy. Since parts of our district were ravaged by Hurricane Michael this month, I have been especially grateful for this time away from Washington to visit impacted communities to assess the damage and talk with our farmers on the ground. In Columbia, I met with Mayor Rhonda Freeman, and she updated me on the damage her town is facing. In Headland, I had lunch with a group of Henry County farmers, and we discussed agriculture recovery efforts. The farmers in our district are truly facing unprecedented losses, and I will remain engaged as we push through this rebuilding process together. In Dothan, I sat down with Chris Judah, Director of the Houston County Emergency Management Agency. In Gordon, I toured several farms to assess the Hurricane Michael damage. In Luverne, I had the opportunity to address the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce during a lunch meeting. We had a conversation about the numerous successes our unified government has had over the last two years. As I told the group, the American people are much better off now than we were before. While in town, I also stopped by Hicks, Inc. They're the number one national wholesale distributor of fishing, hunting, marine, archery, and other outdoor products. I was very impressed by their extensive operations and impressive facility. In Goshen, I visited the high school to check out their career tech facility. I was blown away by the numerous outstanding opportunities that are available to students right here in our district. Did you know that most Goshen High School students graduate having already obtained an Associate degree? It's true. The students I met while on campus were truly remarkable young men and women. In Opp, I participated in a roundtable discussion with local business leaders. We had a very productive conversation about ways we can work to bring new opportunities to Opp and the surrounding communities. While I was there, I also had the opportunity to meet former Alabama football Head Coach Mike DuBose and his wife Polly. In Troy, I met with Troy University officials, and they briefed me on a $3.2 million grant the university recently received from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This is the largest grant Troy University has received in the school's history, and it will establish the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences at the university. This research will focus on polymers and plastics recycling, and it will go a long way towards preparing the next generation of the workforce in this industry. We are so fortunate to have Troy University in Alabama's Second District, and I'm always proud to learn more about the ways the school is growing and thriving. It has been a productive month so far, and I really appreciate the many individuals who took time out of their busy lives to talk with me. I am looking forward to many more opportunities to hear directly from the people I represent. My priority is always to be the very best representative of our shared beliefs that I possibly can.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-advocates-survivors-during-breast-cancer-awareness-month,Roby Advocates for Survivors During Breast Cancer Awareness Month,2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today sent a bipartisan letter to Seema Verma, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), requesting that CMS modify its coverage determination to allow breast cancer survivors to have the option to receive custom fabricated breast prosthetics after a mastectomy if they so choose. As of now, CMS offers only two choices for women following a mastectomy: surgical breast reconstructive surgery or a prefabricated breast prosthetic. The latter have been described as shapeless, heavier than the normal breast, and both hot and cumbersome to wear. Representative Roby's letter to CMS Administrator Verma states in part: Since October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reaching out to you on behalf of the many women who are living with breast cancer, survivors of breast cancer, and those who will be diagnosed in the future. We urge you to review and reconsider the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L33317 as it relates to L8035 Custom Fabricated Breast Prosthesis. Unfortunately, CMS currently deems a custom fabricated breast prosthetic, which is significantly less expensive than reconstructive surgery and would be a custom fit to a woman's unique body shape and needs, as not reasonable and necessary. Due to this reasoning, women seeking custom fabricated prosthetics have been denied coverage under Medicare and Medicaid Therefore, we strongly urge you to modify your coverage determination The full text of Representative Roby's letter to Administrator Verma can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/our-farmers-are-our-future,Our Farmers Are Our Future,2018-10-28,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting many fine farmers and foresters throughout Southwest Alabama to learn more about the incredible work they do on a daily basis. This was part of my annual Ag Matters agricultural tour, which brings me to farms and forests in each of the six counties that make up Alabama's First Congressional District. Forestry in Alabama first began in Clarke County, and that is where I began my tour. I was pleased to learn more about how the people at Canfor Southern Pine carry on the forestry tradition to this day. Not only are they the largest employer in Jackson, Canfor produces high-quality lumber products that are used all throughout the Eastern United States. At this mill alone, they produce around 110 million board feet per year in lumber products. To produce this much material, they rely on the sustainable harvesting of private timberlands throughout our region. I had a chance to tour some of these private timberlands and learn more about ways owners are working with the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect endangered and threatened species. It is important that we find solutions that work for both our environment and for those trying to make a living through sustainable practices. Animals such as the gopher tortoise and the black pine snake are threatened in certain areas of Alabama. Timberland owners and workers want to protect our environment, as a healthy environment is critical to their future. But, they should not be unduly limited by the government in the work they do. I was able to talk with several foresters from all around Southwest Alabama at a forestry roundtable hosted at a local branch of Alabama Ag Credit. The people at Ag Credit also know that our farmers and foresters are our future and believe in providing them with sound financial options through responsible lending and thorough financial counseling. As I continued my tour, I saw some excellent examples of topiary management at a garden nursery in Mobile, learned about the bumper crop of cotton this year at farms in Escambia and Baldwin counties, and was informed of the status of this year's peanut harvest. This past year, I was one of the leading advocates to get cotton back in Title I of the Disaster Package to provide further assistance and recovery options for farmers adversely affected by unforeseen natural circumstances. One of the biggest takeaways from my tour this year was just how fortunate we are that we were not more directly impacted by Hurricane Michael. I'm dedicated to working with Representative Martha Roby on continued recovery efforts for farmers in the Wiregrass and throughout South Alabama. We need to make sure they receive the necessary federal and state assistance they deserve to get through these unexpected and difficult times. One thing is certain: as we enter the final legislative session of this year, we must reauthorize the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill will provide greater protections for the cotton and peanut growers in our area and for other farmers and foresters throughout Alabama and the nation. Without the tireless efforts of producers all across the nation, life as we know it would not exist. From providing the food we eat, to the raw materials for the clothes we wear, to the foundational building elements all around us, our farmers and foresters impact our daily lives in truly tangible ways. We owe it to them to fight for more protections to help create a stronger future for all of Alabama, and we must always remember that our farmers are our future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/gdp-growth-35-us-economy-firing-all-cylinders,GDP Growth at 3.5%: U.S. Economy Firing on All Cylinders!,2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Friday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) celebrated America's 3.5% 3rd quarter Real GDP growth rate.[1] Congressman Brooks said, America's economy is firing on all cylinders! The Commerce Department's 3rd quarter 3.5% GDP growth rate is even stronger than 2018's year to date 3.2% growth rate! In the first three quarters of 2018, America has enjoyed a 3.3% growth rate, which is the best year for American families in over a decade! Brooks continued, In January 2017, President Trump and the GOP Congress said Americans should not be satisfied with the decade of anemic economic malaise that has burdened America and suppressed incomes for struggling American families. Washington's embrace and return to free enterprise principles, tax cuts, repeal of burdensome federal regulations, border security, and strong advocacy for fair international trade relationships has jump-started an economy long-suffering from misguided socialist, high-tax, burdensome federal dictates, costly open borders, and weak international trade policies. Brooks continued, The 3rd Quarter 3.5% GDP growth rate is another pearl in a long string of victories for American families. Unemployment is at 3.7% (the lowest in a half century) [2], small business confidence is at a record high [4], federal tax revenues are at a record high [4], and, perhaps most importantly, the average American family's income is UP 3.4% over the past year! Brooks concluded, Congress and President Trump must not rest on our laurels. There is more we can and will do if the American people will continue to embrace free-enterprise and reject socialism because free-enterprise works, socialism doesn't! ### [1] https://www.bea.gov/news/2018/gross-domestic-product-3rd-quarter-2018-advance-estimate [2] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf [3] https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsreports/rpt/mthTreasStmt/mts0918.pdf [4] https://www.nfib.com/surveys/small-business-economic-trends/",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/brooks-supports-president-trumps-use-military-defend-border,Brooks Supports President Trump's Use of Military to Defend Border,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Thursday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) expressed support for President Trump's decision to defend the United States' southern border against invasion by the caravan of thousands of Central Americans who brazenly seek to illegally cross America's southern border. Congressman Brooks said, I fully support President Trump's use of any and all means, including America's military, to protect and secure America's borders from a mob of 10,000 foreigners arrogantly marching with impunity to illegally cross into America. President Trump's use of military force to protect America's southern border is mandated by the commander-in-chief's oath of office and Constitutional duties. Brooks continued, Open borders Democrats betray America by obstructing attempts to secure our border. In 2016, Sixty-three million Americans voted to secure America's borders. Yet, for partisan, political reasons open borders Democrats support illegal immigration and defend people hell bent on invading our country. Brooks concluded, This caravan of invaders must be stopped. There is no justifiable reason to accept false claims of asylum or allow illegal entry into America. America's use of military force sends an unmistakably strong message to the world that our borders must be secure and America's sovereignty will be respected and upheld. A week ago today, on Thursday, October 18, President Trump promised to call upon the military to stop the caravan of foreigners from illegally entering America, saying in multiple tweets, I am watching the Democrat Party led (because they want Open Borders and existing weak laws) assault on our country by Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, whose leaders are doing little to stop this large flow of people, INCLUDING MANY CRIMINALS, from entering Mexico to U.S.........In addition to stopping all payments to these countries, which seem to have almost no control over their population, I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught - and if unable to do so I will call up the U.S. Military and CLOSE OUR SOUTHERN BORDER!......The assault on our country at our Southern Border, including the Criminal elements and DRUGS pouring in, is far more important to me, as President, than Trade or the USMCA. Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their Northern Border. All Democrats fault for weak laws! ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/porous-border-congressional-democrat-betrayal,Porous Border is Congressional Democrat Betrayal,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) issued the following statement after cosponsoring two bills that promote border security by funding the badly-needed U.S.-Mexico border wall, H.R. 7059, the Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act of 2018, and H.R. 7073, the 50 Votes for the Wall Act. Congressman Brooks said, Congress, generally, and open border Democrat Congressmen and Senators, in particular, betray America by failing to secure our border. In 2016, Sixty-three million Americans voted to secure America's borders. The concept and reasoning is simple. A country that cannot defend its borders is no country at all. Americans do not want their future degraded to that of a two-bit, third-world nation. Yet, that is where we are headed if we do not act soon to enforce America's already very generous immigration laws. Brooks continued, Consistent with my loyalty to America, I've cosponsored Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act of 2018 and Alabama Congressman Bradley Byrne's 50 Votes for the Wall Act. Both enhance America's national security by protecting America's borders. Brooks continued, The Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act of 2018 provides full border wall funding, supports federal immigration enforcement officers, defunds sanctuary cities, stiffens sentences for criminal illegal aliens who reenter the country, and expedites deportation of dangerous illegal alien criminals. The 50 Votes for the Wall Act neuters open borders Democrat Senator obstructionism by allowing a majority vote to pass legislation (rather than the 60 vote passage threshold normally required). Brooks concluded, Let me be very candid, illegal aliens are a plague on America. Illegal aliens take American jobs and suppress American wages. Too often, illegal aliens live off welfare and taxes paid by American families and commit crimes that hurt or kill Americans. Far too often, illegal aliens vote in American elections, each time cancelling the lawful vote of an American citizen. Each illegal alien vote is a direct threat to our Republic's democratic process. With a caravan of thousands brazenly hell bent on illegally crossing our border and assaulting our national sovereignty, now more than ever is the time to secure our border. Congress must act. Failing that, President Trump must fulfill his commander-in-chief duties and employ America's military to protect American lives, America's sovereignty, and America's southern border. Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act of 2018 includes: (1) $23.4 billion in appropriations for Trump's Border Wall, with $5.5 billion provided in FY19 and the remainder spread through FY20-25; (2) the recent House passed resolution in support of ICE (H.Res. 990); (3) cuts off funding for certain grants to states and localities that fail to comply with detainer requests from ICE; (4) raising the maximum sentence for criminal alien reentry from 10 years to 25 years in federal prison; and (5) H.R. 3697, the Criminal Alien gang Member Removal Act, which expedites detention and removal proceedings for those illegal aliens found to be participating in gang activity. 50 Votes for the Wall Act includes: (1) $25 billion in appropriations for Trump's Border Wall; (2) and uses the budget reconciliation process to pass the bill in the Senate with 50 votes. Congressman Brooks is the sponsor of House companion legislation (H.R. 2186) to Senator Ted Cruz's EL CHAPO Act, which would fund the border wall using assets forfeited to the United States Government as a result of the criminal prosecution of El Chapo, the former leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, as well as other drug lords. Click HERE for a complete list of bills Congressman Brooks has cosponsored ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-introduces-50-votes-for-the-wall-act,Byrne Introduces 50 Votes for the Wall Act,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) recently introduced legislation to create a pathway toward securing our borders by building a wall on the southern border of the United States. Byrne's bill, known as the 50 Votes for the Wall Act (H.R. 7073), would use the budget reconciliation process to overcome a threatened filibuster by Senate Democrats. Budget reconciliation allows bills to pass out of the Senate with only 50 votes, while almost all other Senate bills require 60 votes. Budget reconciliation was the same process used to pass tax reform last year. The bill would also fully fund the border wall, eliminating the possibility that Democrats could bottle up funding in future appropriations bills, and direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to finalize construction before the beginning of President Trump's second term. Congressman Byrne said: Border security is national security, and we cannot allow Democrats to continue to block our efforts to build a wall along our southern border. That is why I am introducing the 50 Votes for the Wall Act, which creates a process to overcome the Democrat obstruction and move forward with plans to construct President Donald Trump's border wall. Sixty-three million Americans voted for President Trump with the promise of building a wall because they want us to finally secure our borders. With the 50 Votes for the Wall Act, we can make the wall a reality and ensure the safety of the American people. The bill has earned the support of FAIR, a leading immigration reform organization. FAIR Government Relations Director RJ Hauman said, Even though President Trump and Congressional Republicans have a clear mandate from the American people, Democrat obstructionists have repeatedly blocked border wall funding and are once again threatening to do so in December. This is why it is important to pursue other avenues to ensure that the border wall is funded once and for all. One such avenue is Congressman Bradley Byrne's Fifty Votes for the Wall Act which provides a unique and filibuster-proof funding mechanism for the border wall. FAIR applauds Congressman Byrne for introducing this legislation, and recognizing that Democrat obstruction poses a significant national security risk. Congressman Byrne's bill is sponsored by fifteen of his Republican colleagues, including Mo Brooks (R-AL), MikeRogers (R-AL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Jim Banks (R-IN), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Bill Posey (R-FL), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), and Lamar Smith (R-TX). Click here to read the 50 Votes for the Wall Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-to-hold-ag-matters-tour-in-southwest-alabama-0,Byrne to Hold Ag Matters Tour in Southwest Alabama,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) will launch his Fourth Annual Ag Matters Tour of farms and timberland throughout the First Congressional District on October 23rd and October 24th. The Ag Matters tour will draw attention to the important impact agriculture has on Alabama's economy and highlight some of the major issues facing Alabama's farmers and foresters. The Ag Matters Tour will kick off in Jackson on Tuesday morning. From there, Congressman Byrne will tour private timberland in Chatom, visit a garden nursery in Mobile, host a forestry roundtable in Monroeville, and tour farms in Fairhope and Atmore. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture John McMillan, Commissioner Elect of Agriculture Rick Pate, and representatives from the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Forestry Association will join Congressman Byrne for the Ag Matters Tour.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F92A2C05-9158-40B3-BC21-E07D67C799EB,Senators Press Commerce Dept. to Enforce Antidumping Laws to Ensure Level Playing Field for U.S. Catfish,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Eight U.S. Senators, led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), today called on Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to implement U.S. antidumping laws strongly and impartially to ensure U.S. catfish producers are competing on a level playing field. Hyde-Smith, along with Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) are raising serious concerns over recent deferential actions by International Trade Administration (ITA) toward a Vietnamese catfish exporter, which could affect the critical process to determine whether Vietnam continues to violate U.S. antidumping laws. We are troubled by this series of events, as in recent years Commerce has consistently found significant dumping by Vietnamese fish fillet exporters, and has determined repeatedly that many exporters have been uncooperative in responding to the Department's questionnaires. The decision by Commerce to consent to a Vietnamese Embassy official's request to allow uncooperative Vietnamese parties to impede your Department's proceeding with further delays will have a catastrophic effect on the domestic industry. Our catfish farmers rely on strong enforcement of U.S. antidumping laws to ensure they can compete on a level playing field, the Senators wrote. Vietnamese respondents or any other parties that fail to comply with requests for timely and accurate information, do not deserve more favorable treatment than U.S. catfish producers. We hope your Department will remain committed to strong implementation of U.S. antidumping laws, and that procedural rules will be applied to all parties in an impartial manner, the letter concludes. The ITA, a Commerce Department agency, in recent months has deviated from standard practices to grant the Hung Vuong Group (HVG), a leading Vietnamese exporter, extensions to provide evidence of its compliance with U.S. antidumping laws. The agency actions contradicted its own earlier actions to reject incomplete HVG data and to apply standard dumping margins to HGV products. Since 2003, ITA has found that frozen fish fillets from Vietnam have been sold in the United States at less than fair market value, resulting in economic damage to U.S. catfish producers. The Senators also met with USDA Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) Administrator Carmen Rottenberg recently to receive an update on her agency's catfish inspection program for both domestic and foreign products. FSIS inspections in FY2017 and FY2018 resulted in more than six million pounds of catfish being rejected for not meeting U.S. food safety standards. As the FSIS has worked to fully implement the inspection program, the number of eligible exporters has dropped from more than 90 in 2017 to 27 in 2018. The letter to Ross is available here and below. Dear Secretary Ross: We write to express serious concern over a recent action by the International Trade Administration to reverse an earlier decision in the antidumping proceeding involving frozen fish fillets from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This reversal will adversely impact catfish farmers and processors in our states, and is inconsistent with this Administration's commitment to strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws. In the current administrative review, we understand that a large Vietnamese exporter (Hung Vuong Group or HVG) failed to respond appropriately to the Department's antidumping questionnaire after having been granted two deadline extensions. As a result, in keeping with its commitment to strong enforcement of U.S. policies against unfair trade, and consistent with long-standing practice, Commerce rejected the late and incomplete HVG submission. In April, the Embassy of Vietnam filed a letter requesting reconsideration of HVG's untimely data. Again, Commerce refused to reconsider its decision, explaining that it is HVG's responsibility under current regulations to ensure its responses are complete. However, we have been informed that an official from the Embassy of Vietnam met with Commerce Department officials on May 15, 2018. The following week, Commerce reversed its decision and allowed HVG to refile its untimely response. Commerce then compounded the negative effect of its decision on American catfish farmers by extending the deadline for its preliminary finding, allowing HVG more time to justify the data in its late filing. As a result, HVG received a preliminary finding of no dumping. We are troubled by this series of events, as in recent years Commerce has consistently found significant dumping by Vietnamese fish fillet exporters, and has determined repeatedly that many exporters have been uncooperative in responding to the Department's questionnaires. The decision by Commerce to consent to a Vietnamese Embassy official's request to allow uncooperative Vietnamese parties to impede your Department's proceeding with further delays will have a catastrophic effect on the domestic industry. Our catfish farmers rely on strong enforcement of U.S. antidumping laws to ensure they can compete on a level playing field. As Commerce officials travel to Vietnam in the near future to verify HVG reported data, we respectfully request that you strongly urge them to conduct this verification rigorously, and not tolerate further delays or obstruction from HVG or other Vietnamese officials. Vietnamese respondents or any other parties that fail to comply with requests for timely and accurate information, do not deserve more favorable treatment than U.S. catfish producers. We hope your Department will remain committed to strong implementation of U.S. antidumping laws, and that procedural rules will be applied to all parties in an impartial manner. Thank you for your attention on this important matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/alabama-daily-news-roby-urges-ag-secretary-declare-farm-emergency-wiregrass,Alabama Daily News: Roby urges Ag Secretary to declare farm emergency in Wiregrass,2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,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://roby.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/yellowhammer-news-roby-makes-push-agricultural-disaster-area-declaration,Yellowhammer News: Roby makes push for agricultural disaster area declaration in Hurricane Michaels wake,2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Because of Hurricane Michael and the path of destruction left in its wake last week, Alabama farmers are looking at potentially$100 million in lossesfrom the toll it took on the cotton crop alone. Before the storm, farmers in southeastern Alabama were looking at harvesting a bumper cotton crop that was on the verge of being ready for harvest. Add to that the impact the storm had on livestock, peanuts, timber and other aspects of the Wiregrass region's agriculture, and farmers have a crisis on their hands, as Rep. Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) put it in an address to the Dale County Republican Party Executive Committee on Monday night. As a member of the Alabama delegation, and particularly a member of this district, I've always fought for our farmers, Roby said to an audience at the Hoppergrass Restaurant in Ozark. I will continue to fight for our farmers, and at this very uncertain time, we are working very closely to ensure that we put some of these pieces back together for those that have been hurt so much. The cotton crop in some areas has completely been destroyed, and I know there are areas all over the Wiregrass that are struggling with even whether or not our peanut crop will survive. There are some answers we just don't know yet timber, poultry. There's cattle missing. I saw 1,500 acres of cucumbers that might not make it. We have a crisis on our hands. Roby said she had been in touch with the White House and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and on Tuesday afternoon, she released a letter requesting counties hit by Hurricane Michael to be declared agricultural disaster areas. Roby told Yellowhammer News on Monday there were different government agencies with which to coordinate the disaster response, and she vowed to do so in her role representing the state's second congressional district. The federal response is on many different levels, she said. There's different government agencies that are involved. You have the FEMA piece. You have USDA. What I want the folks that I represent in these impacted areas to know is that I'm fighting for Alabama. When it comes to those who suffered individual property as well as the immediate response out the gate for the first responders, to the agriculture that we know is devastated in this storm. I would invite anybody who has a question about the process to meet with me, call me. We have an open line to anybody who has got questions. It's going to be a recovery that we've got to rebuild together, and I just want the folks that I represent to know that I'm right in it with them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://brooks.house.gov/media-center/news-releases/federal-experts-americas-fy-2018-779-billion-deficit-future-debt-burdens,"Federal Experts: America's FY 2018 $779 Billion Deficit & Future Debt Burdens ""Unsustainable""",2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Mo Brooks,B001274,brooks.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Tuesday,Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) issued the following statement about the Treasury Department's preliminary Fiscal Year 2018 deficit projection of $779 billion [1] and the Comptroller General's statement that America's financial path is unsustainable. [2] Congressman Brooks said,Yesterday's Treasury Department report confirms that, when it comes to financial responsibility, Washington is a total and complete bipartisan failure. Thankfully, because of free-enterprise economic reforms, America's economy is booming and federal revenues are up. Unfortunately, Washington spending has once again outstripped and left revenue growth in the dust. Brooks continued,At $779 billion for FY 2018, America's deficit is 17% worse than last year's $666 billion deficit. [3] Worse yet, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that next year's deficit will near the $1 trillion mark. Even worse yet, the CBO estimates all subsequent deficits will blow past $1 trillion per year. [4] America's total debt has exploded to $21.5 trillion. [5] U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro has once again evaluated America's deficit and debt situation and warned Washington that our financial path is unsustainable' (accounting language for an insolvency and bankruptcy is in America's future if we do not change our financially irresponsible path'). Brooks continued,American taxpayers shelled out about $325 billion in debt service costs in Fiscal Year 2018.[6] To put $325 billion into perspective, it is more than 15 times what America spends annually on NASA and more than 6 times what the federal government spends annually on transportation.Absent constructive change, the CBO warns Washington that debt service costs will exceed $800 billion per year within a decade. [7] $800 billion is more than what America currently spends on national defense. Brooks concluded,This financial data points to one dangerous outcome: a debilitating national insolvency and bankruptcy that robs Americans of the prosperity and peace we have long enjoyed. I cannot overemphasize how the voting public throughout America must do a far better job of studying and understanding economic issues well enough to elect senators and congressmen who have both the intellect to understand the threat posed by America's deficits and accumulated debt and the backbone to do what it takes to prevent the economic destruction of a nation it took our ancestors centuries to build. ClickHEREfor the U.S. Treasury Department's final Fiscal Year 2018 report In July 2018, Comptroller General of the United States, Gene L. Dodaro, issued a report to Congress highlighting America's perilous financial situation. The report entitledThe Nation's Fiscal Healthsays, absent policy changes, the federal government's fiscal path is unsustainable and that the debt-to-GDP ratio would surpass its historical high of 106 percent within 14 to 22 years. ### [1] https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsreports/rpt/mthTreasStmt/mts0918.pdf [2] https://www.gao.gov/assets/700/692666.pdf [3] https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsreports/rpt/mthTreasStmt/mts0917.pdf [4] https://www.cbo.gov/system/files?file=115th-congress-2017-2018/reports/53651-outlook.pdf [5] https://treasurydirect.gov/NP/debt/current [6] http://www.crfb.org/blogs/treasury-2018-deficit-was-779-billion [7] pg. 44, https://www.cbo.gov/system/files?file=115th-congress-2017-2018/reports/53651-outlook.pdf",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/roby-urges-agriculture-secretary-declare-damaged-al-02-counties-agriculture,Roby Urges Agriculture Secretary to Declare Damaged AL-02 Counties Agriculture Disaster Areas,2018-10-16,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-AL) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue in support of Governor Kay Ivey's request that he declare the appropriate hurricane-damaged counties in Alabama's Second District as agriculture disaster areas. Representative Roby, who was recently on the ground in the Wiregrass assessing the Hurricane Michael damage to local agriculture, was able to see firsthand the devastation this storm brought to Alabama's Second District. Roby's letter to Secretary Perdue states in part: Hurricane Michael's torrential rains and high winds tore through parts of southeastern Alabama All areas in Alabama that were intensely impacted by this storm are in my district. The assessments on losses by individual farmers are ongoing, and I support Governor Ivey's request to have all appropriate resources available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist in this effort. The full text of the letter is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/byrne-to-hold-three-town-hall-meetings-0,Byrne to Hold Three Town Hall Meetings,2018-10-15,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) will hold three town hall meetings around Southwest Alabama in the month of October. The town hall meetings will be held in Lillian (10/22), Saraland (10/25) and Bayou La Batre (10/29). Byrne ranks among the top of all Members of Congress for the number of town hall meetings held. Since assuming office in late 2013, Byrne has held over 100 in-person town hall meetings, including meetings over the phone and through Facebook. All the town hall meetings are open to the public and free to attend. All the information can be found online at Byrne.House.Gov/TownHalls. What: Lillian Town Hall Meeting When: October 22, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. CT Where: Lillian Community Club (34148 Widell Avenue; Lillian, AL) What: Saraland Town Hall Meeting When: October 25, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. CT Where: Saraland City Hall (937 Highway 43 South; Saraland, AL) What: Bayou La Batre Town Hall Meeting When: October 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. CT Where: Bayou La Batre City Hall (13785 South Wintzell Avenue; Bayou La Batre, AL)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://byrne.house.gov/media-center/columns/water-infrastructure-vital-to-alabama-s-economy,Water Infrastructure Vital to Alabamas Economy,2018-10-14,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Bradley Byrne,B001289,byrne.house.gov,,,legacy,"There are very few places in the United States that can boast the sort of diverse infrastructure we have here in Alabama. There are 11 interstates, over 3,000 miles of freight rail, 5 commercial airports, and more than 132,000 miles of rivers and stream channels in our state. One of our state's most important pieces of infrastructure is the Port of Mobile, the 10th largest port and fastest growing container terminal in the United States. With 41 berths, 5 million square feet of warehouses and yards, and covering 4,000 total acres, it has an economic impact of around 135,000 jobs in Southwest Alabama and generates more than $22 billion per year in economic value. Recent expansions and developments at the Port will only further grow the economic impact of the Port on not only Southwest Alabama but our entire state. For example, the recent announcement about a new roll-on/roll-off vehicle processing facility at the Port will help our state's automotive manufacturing industry continue to grow. Even with these impressive facts, it has been clear that our infrastructure throughout the country is in need of updates, repairs, and overhauls to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of transportation and innovation in order to compete economically on the world stage. Last week, in a major bipartisan effort, Congress sent a piece of legislation to President Trump's desk that will help to unlock the full economic potential of our region and state. America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 passed the Senate last week, after passing out of the House a few weeks back. This bill authorizes funding for waterway projects, port improvement projects, and other important water infrastructure projects in all 50 states. Not only will this allow for much-needed infrastructure improvements, but the bill reinstates a Buy America provision for federally funded projects, meaning a boost for American steel producers. Commonsense legislation like this will create jobs, incentivize the use of American-made products, and build our nation's capabilities to produce, package, and transport goods all around the globe. It will also make our drinking water safer, improve our wastewater systems, combat algae blooms, and restore our nation's beaches through grant programs. The Army Corps of Engineers can move forward on improving our dams, locks, reservoirs, and shipping channels. We have a major Army Corps project that needs attention right here in Southwest Alabama. The project to deepen and widen the Mobile Bay Ship Channel has the ability to fundamentally alter the economic potential of the Port and create more jobs in our state. Senator Richard Shelby has long been a champion for this project, and I am committed to working with him to make it a reality. Our shipyards, airports, and rail yards will all see an impact from waterway projects like this, and I am thankful to the members of the Senate and my colleagues in the House for passing this water infrastructure legislation to help propel Alabama even further into the 21st Century. The future of Alabama rests upon our ability to look beyond the short term and into what will set us up for success for years to come. Focusing locally on important infrastructure projects will spur economic growth through business investment and job creation, and it will open up opportunities we don't even know exist yet. Investing in our infrastructure today will lead to a stronger tomorrow. I applaud the work of my colleagues in both the House and the Senate in making a better economic future possible through this vital water infrastructure legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-aderholt-statement-release-pastor-andrew-brunson,Congressman Aderholt Statement on the Release of Pastor Andrew Brunson,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Robert B. Aderholt,A000055,aderholt.house.gov,aderholt,https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office is located on the backside of the Cullman Dental Arts building up the handicap ramp. It serves Cullman and Winston Counties. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office serves Marshall, DeKalb, and Blount Counties. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office serves Fayette, Lamar, Marion and Walker Counties. It also serves the portion of Tuscaloosa County north of the Black Warrior River, but also down the western side of the county to include the Ralph, Fosters areas. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency. This office serves Colbert and Franklin Counties. It also serves residents of Lauderdale County from roughly Center Star, west to the Mississippi line. We encourage you to make an appointment before coming into the office so that our constituent services representatives can pull up relevant information beforehand to help with your request of a federal agency.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://roby.house.gov/newsroom/columns/rebuilding-together,Rebuilding Together,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Martha Roby,R000591,roby.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hurricane Michael, the third most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall on the United States mainland, ravaged areas of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia on October 10th. While only early estimates are available at this point in time, it has been reported that more than 650,000 homes and businesses across the Southeast lost power, and 60,000 of those are in Alabama. Thus far, the Coast Guard says it has rescued 30 people, mostly from badly damaged homes. Hundreds of families lost everything, and it has been confirmed that at least half a dozen people were killed. While Hurricane Michael appears to have done its worst in Panama City, Florida, and the nearby areas, Barbour, Dale, Henry, Geneva, and Houston Counties in our district were also impacted. It could potentially take days, or even weeks, before we know the full scale of the damage, but we do know that Hurricane Michael is the most powerful storm to ever hit Houston County according to recorded history. According to The Dothan Eagle, Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams said crew members performed 22 rescues during the storm. We've not yet received official word on how many injuries there are, but we have been told there are several, some of which are severe. Crews across the Wiregrass remain in search and rescue mode to date. Our farmers face significant troubles as well. While the full scale of the damage to local agriculture is still being assessed, Hurricane Michael dealt a devastating blow to cotton farmers in the area. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to view some of the cotton crop firsthand, and it was clear that our cotton farmers were set up to have a very good yield this year. Wiregrass peanut farmers are waiting to see the full extent of devastation to their crop, too. As our cotton farmers, peanut farmers, and farmers of other commodities in our district learn more about the impact of this storm on their crops, my office is eager to assist in any way and will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on assistance that may be available to impacted farms. Agriculture and its related industries are the engine of our economy in Alabama's Second District, and this catastrophic storm has unfortunately resulted in an economic setback. Hurricane Michael was an unprecedented disaster for our district and the Southeast. While the threat of severe weather is no longer hovering over us, those who live in the Wiregrass and not to mention the people across the Florida Panhandle and parts of Georgia are facing terrible damage. My office has been engaged with FEMA, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, and others throughout this difficult time. We stand ready to assist in whatever ways we can as we work through the aftermath of this storm. I encourage anyone who lives in Alabama's Second District to contact my office for help, and we will do all that we can to provide assistance and point you in the right direction. We are committed to ensuring no one endures this time of rebuilding alone. Above all, please join me in praying for all those impacted by Hurricane Michael. Some families have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. I encourage everyone to help out with relief efforts in whatever way you can. We should all be deeply thankful for the first responders and all those working to repair the damage. This is a very, very trying and difficult time for so many people across the Southeast, and we will get through it together.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=ABD6138C-D44C-45D6-9C5A-47CEE9542BC2,Shelby: Senate Confirmed Burke to be District Judge in North Alabama,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today released the following statement regarding the Senate confirmation of Judge Liles Burke to be a U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama. Burke was nominated for the judgeship by President Trump in September 2017. I am proud to have voted tonight to confirm Judge Liles Burke to be a District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, said Senator Shelby. He is extremely qualified for this high honor, having served as a judge in Alabama for over a decade. I congratulate Judge Burke on this prestigious achievement and am confident he will serve our nation well. Judge Liles Burke currently serves as an Associate Judge in the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. He was named to the court by Governor Bob Riley in 2011 and elected without opposition to a full term on the Court in 2012. Judge Burke has authored the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals in more than 1200 cases. During his years on the bench, he has served as President of the Alabama Appellate Judges Association and has been officer in both the Alabama District Judges Association and the Alabama Juvenile Judges Association. Prior to serving on the Court of Appeals, Judge Burke was appointed to be a District Judge for Marshall County. Following this appointment, he was elected to a full term on the district court beginning in 2008 without opposition. During his time as a trial judge, he created Marshall County's first family drug court and started one of the state's first domestic violence courts. In addition to his experience in the courtroom, Judge Burke serves as the leader of the Marshall County United Way fund drive, City of Arab Chamber of Commerce, and the Arab Historical Preservation Committee. He is also a Rotarian and alumnus of Leadership Alabama, an officer in the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the Alabama Army National Guard, and an assistant organist at First United Methodist Church of Arab. Following today's vote, five Alabama judicial nominees, initially nominated by President Trump in 2017, have been confirmed. One 2018 nominee still awaits confirmation, and one awaits a hearing before the Judiciary Committee. Historic obstruction by Democrats has occurred during this administration's attempt to confirm judges. The previous six presidents combined faced a total of 24 procedural votes on judicial nominees while President Trump has faced more than 100 during his first two years in office. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F9B3B933-071F-47A0-919A-E6C0F6E0656B,Shelby: Alabama Community College System Receives $1.75M ARC Grant,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,AL,Richard Shelby,S000320,www.shelby.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today announced that the Alabama Community College System has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant in the amount of $1,750,000. This grant funding is a part of the Alabama Skills Training to Support Real Opportunities for New Growth (STRONG) project, which will target the coal-impacted communities in 10 counties in the state of Alabama. Promoting workforce development is vital to the overall growth and development of our state, said Senator Shelby. This ARC grant will provide opportunity for students interested in entering Alabama's advanced manufacturing industry while also allowing businesses throughout our state to have increased access to a highly skilled workforce. I look forward to continuing to work with ARC and the Alabama Community College System to promote education and economic advancements. The STRONG project seeks to increase awareness about the current and future job opportunities available in the advanced manufacturing sector, a growing part of the regional economy. It will provide students and workers with life skills, remedial education, and cutting-edge technical skills and training to prepare them for either additional postsecondary education or direct placement into high-wage and high-demand careers available in our state's advanced manufacturing industry. Individual courses will be offered through Bevill State, Jefferson State, Lawson State, and Shelton State Community Colleges. The project will provide residents with the benefit of working in advanced manufacturing, and it will serve close to 4,200 participants and their families directly with critical life and technical skills gap training, new job opportunities, and access to vital social and financial services. At least 2,101 workers and trainees along with 976 students will obtain new or enhanced positions, 1,132 jobs will be retained, seven new jobs will be created and six new programs will be implemented. Overall, there will be 77 participating businesses involved in this project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z