Among the most pressing issues facing Congress as we reconvene is a resolution to reject President Obama’s proposed agreement over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. I’ve discussed my thoughts about the deal as I’ve travelled throughout Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District the last few weeks and I’ve listened to the concerns expressed by those I represent. Many remain […]

This past week marked one year since the director of the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS) was removed from his post when a pattern of gross mismanagement and systemic malfeasance was exposed. Weeks later he would become the first VA official in the country fired under our new VA accountability law. Deputy VA Secretary […]

I’m glad the Congressional calendar allows me time in the month of August to travel around the 2nd District and visit with constituents. Listening to the cares and concerns of those I represent is a critical part of my job because it allows me to be a better voice for you in Washington. With all […]

By now you’ve heard the news that the U.S. Department of Justice is taking possession of the personal, secret server former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton used to conduct official email correspondence. Clinton’s decision to finally surrender the server to authorities comes in the wake of revelations that classified, “Top Secret” materials were indeed contained […]

This week, President Obama announced his “Clean Power Plan” and with it a costly national energy tax that will negatively impact American families and jobs. Of course, the Administration touts the plan as “the single most important step America has ever taken in the fight against global climate change.” But what you didn’t hear the […]

Last week, I traveled throughout the Middle East as part of a Congressional Delegation led by the Speaker of the House to evaluate the rising influence of ISIS and Iran, and to examine the potential impacts on U.S. interests at home and abroad. We couldn’t talk about the trip beforehand or during due to security […]

Enhancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) has been a primary focus of mine during my service in Congress. Why? Because it empowers young workers to find good-paying jobs, helps prepare youth for a smooth transition from school to career, and lifts up communities throughout Alabama – all at the same time. Alabama is blessed with […]

Did you know that continued cuts to our nation’s military could, within just a few years, reduce our Army force down to where it was before September 11, 2001? One of the main reasons I voted against the “Budget Control Act of 2011” was that it threatened dangerous, disproportionate reductions to military funding through what’s […]

The Super Bowl is well known as the largest single sporting event of the year, drawing more than 100 million television viewers. Even if you’re not an NFL fan, chances are you tuned in to see the highly-anticipated commercials or maybe just for the half-time show. What you probably didn’t see on Sunday, and might […]

The start of a new year is a great time for reflecting on the past and looking confidently toward the future. Many like to make resolutions to give a “fresh start” to a goal. Whether it is exercising more, eating healthier, going after that dream job, or spending more time with family, many times resolutions […]

Remember the “Defund ObamaCare” strategy of Fall 2013? There were two basic reasons it didn’t work: 1. Democrats held the Majority in the Senate; 2. The threat of shutting down the entire government allowed the other side to distract attention away from the failures of ObamaCare. This year, with a funding battle over immigration before […]

Five years after its passage, the Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare, is as unpopular as ever – only 37 percent of Americans view it favorably. Throughout Alabama and around the country, this ill-conceived mandate has led to cancelled insurance policies, dramatic spikes in premiums and copays, reduced work hours for wage earners and […]

“To everything there is a season,” Ecclesiastes reads. The end of the campaign season is a relief to those who tire of hearing all the political ads. It also brings the beginning of a new, more important season: a season for governing. We have work to do getting this country back on track, and the […]

For about four years now, the Professional Left in Washington has been engaged in a desperate campaign to convince the American people that conservatives are engaged in a “War on Women.” You’ve probably seen the political ads or heard the rhetoric from television commentators. Their goal is to label anyone who is pro-life and believes […]

On Wednesday, President Obama will deliver a speech on the Islamic State threat. Americans will be listening carefully, and so will the world. For this reason, I hope he will avoid putting conditions or limitations on our military options. I understand how it might be politically tempting to put strict limits on our strike options. […]

Good news: More veterans will have access to quality care and problem VA employees will be more easily terminated under VA reform legislation passed by Congress and sent to the President this week. I’m particularly pleased that my priorities – enhancing access to local, non-VA providers, and removing legal barriers to fire problem employees – […]

This week details have emerged about the plan to release five former Taliban commanders from U.S. custody in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in exchange for Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl. President Obama expressed surprise when the exchange was met with widespread, bi-partisan criticism, rather than the universal celebration the White House first tried to project. He called it […]

House Speaker John Boehner recently asked me to serve on the Select Committee to Investigate the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, a significant and solemn responsibility that I accepted. This was not a decision I took lightly. The Benghazi attack was a terrible tragedy, and we still mourn the four Americans that […]

When Alabamians have trouble with the federal government, my job is to step in and try to help. That’s exactly what happened when a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation imposed costly inspection and compliance requirements on Alabama farmers. For years, EPA regulations for fuel storage on farms authorized under the Clean Water Act of […]

Last week, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel previewed some significant changes coming for our nation’s military. Though the details won’t be public until President Obama releases his proposed budget, we know the size and scope of our Armed Forces will be greatly reduced. In fact, under the President’s proposal, the Army would shrink to its […]

Happy New Year! I hope that you had a great holiday season and that you were able to spend time with family. The New Year provides a great time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and look forward to the opportunities of the next year with renewed vigor. As we begin the […]

Our nation’s military is the most advanced and battle-hardened fighting force in history. The proficiency of the American men and women who serve in uniform is respected around the world. Their ability to get the job done is unmatched, and their sacrifice to our country is an inspiration to us all. So it’s disheartening to […]

This week the Supreme Court will conclude oral arguments over President Obama’s health care reform law. The key legal question is whether the Constitution grants the federal government the power to force individuals to purchase health insurance. In my view, the answer is no. But even if the Court upholds the law, serious problems will […]

Last week, I spent more time traveling through our district to participate in meetings and take questions about a number of important issues that affect our area. Regularly traveling around the district continues to provide me with a wonderful opportunity to listen to those that I represent so I can take their concerns directly to Washington. We […]