As we approach the 2025 legislative session, we find ourselves facing a pivotal moment in which we must reaffirm the bedrock foundations that hold our communities together — strong families and the well-being of our children. In a world in which parental rights are increasingly challenged and family structures are frayed, it is imperative that […]

I’ve been part of great teams throughout my career and life. Auburn University, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, the USA Dream Team, Inside the NBA on TNT broadcast team, just to name a few. Now, I’ve joined a new team, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), the HOME TEAM. Why would a guy who […]

All beginnings are hopeful, but 50 years ago the future of the Conservative Party in Great Britain was dismal. Their leader, Edward Heath, had managed to lose two general elections in a single year — far from an auspicious beginning. Sensing rumblings among his fellow Conservatives in Parliament, Heath decided to confirm his position as party […]

Manufacturing is central to Alabama’s economy as the sector accounts for nearly one-fifth of our state’s GDP, generates more than $40 billion in annual economic output, and provides nearly 300,000 Alabama workers with high-quality, good-paying jobs.  Irrefutable evidence proves that Alabama manufacturers are winning on the international stage. Our state now ships goods to nearly […]

President Donald Trump’s bold decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” wasn’t just about changing a name. It was about reclaiming a sense of pride, sovereignty, and American identity that he believes is long overdue.  President Trump is methodical, and the bold decisions he is making at the onset of […]

The progress of broadband Internet access in Alabama is nothing if not remarkable. According to broadbandnow.com, in 2019, the state was ranked 47th in the U.S. for broadband connectivity. Today, we rank 24th. That is an improvement worthy of note. It was no accident. Approximately seven years ago, then-House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter and his […]

“Only Katie Britt could do it.” Those words were spoken by many in the corridors, committee rooms, and chambers of the U.S. Capitol Building last week after the Senate voted to invoke cloture and move forward with passing the Laken Riley Act. Alabama’s junior senator planted her flag and impressed politicos, pundits, and constituents alike […]

The recent national conversation around a federal “DOGE” – the Department of Government Efficiency – has sparked important conversations about streamlining government and reducing waste. The concept has merit, particularly for the federal government, which has tens of trillions of dollars in operating debt and many times more in long-term liabilities. But Alabamians need to […]

It’s the start of a new era in Washington. 77 million Americans sent a clear message on November 5th—they want President Trump back in the White House, and they want his America First agenda implemented. This agenda includes a secure border, booming economy, strong military, parent-centered education, veteran-focused care, domestic energy production, and a holistic […]

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the FBI Campus in Huntsville hosted a small audience for the dedication ceremony at the Richard Shelby Center for Innovation and Advanced Training. The audience included retired-U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), FBI Director Christopher Wray, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), current and former-Members of Congress, four federal judges, business […]

After weighing the pros and cons of electric vehicle (EV) ownership since becoming president of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition in 2020, I decided my next pick-up truck would be electric. My gas-powered 2019 Silverado required a new transmission and expensive engine repairs before I made it to 70,000 miles, so I decided to make […]

School choice is the biggest civil rights breakthrough to occur in Alabama in several decades. Years from now, historians will look back and recognize that Alabama turned a corner when it implemented the CHOOSE Act and threw open the door of opportunity to a generation of children who were trapped in failing and underperforming schools. […]

January rarely affords what anyone would describe as good weather in Washington, but this January 6 was adequate and normal, though it was probably good to have a Republican cloth coat. The U.S. House of Representatives had convened at noon to consider routine matters, not the least of which was to accept the oath of […]

My tradition is to make my year end column a tribute to major political figures that passed away during the year. My column last week did that, however, there were an inordinately large number of political leaders who passed away in 2024. Therefore, this week, I have a second tribute to two of the giants […]

The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and subsequent arrest of Luigi Mangione have provoked wide-ranging reactions.  Sympathy for Mr. Thompson’s family and condemnation of a cold-blooded murder are normal, human responses.  Elevating Mr. Mangione to folk hero status is disturbing and invites exploration of the anger toward American healthcare. The murder of Mr. […]

Our country is in the throes of a mental health crisis, and it’s our kids who are suffering the most. While social media is far from the only contributor, it stands out as a major culprit. As a mom, it worries me for my own kids and their friends. As a Senator, it makes me […]

President Trump recently announced Paul Atkins as his choice to lead the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). The appointment of Atkins, which is pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate, is a significant development for businesses and consumers in Alabama. In announcing the pick, President Trump hailed his new SEC nominee as a “proven leader […]

As my time representing Alabama’s First Congressional District in Washington comes to an end, I have been reflecting on why I ran for Congress and some of the things my team and I have done for south Alabama.  I never thought I’d end up running for political office, much less for Congress. I spent most […]

I have visited all 67 counties in Alabama, and I have been in many of the churches spotlighted in Alabama Faith.  I am convinced that one of the greatest assets of our state is our rich network of faith communities. We certainly have some incredible high-steeple, stained glass churches, but you can also find across […]

Despite the joy and reverence in recognizing Jesus’ birth yesterday, Americans faced a hard reality – the costs of celebrating Christmas in 2024 for the average family were up over 5% from last year. Certainly, the costs of both raw materials and manufactured goods have increased, but so also has the expense of moving those […]

If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve likely read about President Trump’s desire to take back control of the Panama Canal. While this may seem completely random, taking back control of the Panama Canal is hugely important to the security and economic success of the United States because we are the number one user […]

As is my custom, my year-end columns highlight the lives of legendary Alabama political figures who passed away during the year. Elbert Peters, a Republican Party icon, passed away in the waning days of 2023 at age 90. Elbert Peters was Chairman of the Republican Party during the 1990’s. Elbert was Republican before being Republican […]

Billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  Will the DOGE find the promised $2 trillion in wasteful spending to cut?  Eliminating “wasteful” spending may prove harder than expected. Federal spending is seriously out of kilter.  The fiscal year 2024 deficit was $1.8 trillion despite the nation at […]

Seventy-five years ago, William Faulkner was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, an accomplishment that was significant enough, but what he said in his acceptance speech is perhaps even more significant and timeless. The dawning nuclear age of the 1940s called into question the viability of civilization and continued existence of mankind. Science was in […]