7 Things: Alabama Senate passes mandate ban, Republican wins Virginia, fight over spending bills have Democrats at odds and more …

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November 3, 2021

7. Aderholt wants an answer on a rendering plant

The property that’s been proposed to be used for a new poultry plant owned by the Gadsden Airport Authority has been debated due to citizens in the area being opposed to the plant. U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) has requested information on the status of the plant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Aderholt has also asked for a meeting with the FAA to discuss the proposal. There have been safety concerns raised over how the plant could attract wildlife to the airport area. Aderholt said in his letter to the FAA, “It’s clear that the vast majority of the people of Gadsden and Etowah County are absolutely opposed to this proposal for the airport. While I have made this position clear to the FAA, I am requesting a meeting as soon as possible to reiterate these concerns and to get a better understanding of the FAA’s current thinking.”

6. Brooks and Moore say Biden shouldn’t be removing sanctions on Iran

U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) has come out against President Joe Biden’s decision to remove sanctions on missile producers for the Islamic Republic of Iran. U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and three other colleagues joined Brooks in sending a letter to Biden over the issue.
The letter says that removing the sanctions “would be empowering those who have been designated by the U.S. and the international community as participants in illegal and terrorist activity.” Brooks stated, “Biden and his administration are appeasing the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism…Going easy on Iran is a grave mistake that will have disastrous results. Biden should show some backbone and ratchet up sanctions on Iran.”

5. The media and their Democrats are blaming each other for messaging failure

Members of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee held a news conference where they were asked about the messaging of President Joe Biden’s agenda, but the representatives placed the responsibility of positive messaging on the media.
U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA) said that reporters could be more “helpful” and write about the contents of the legislation, and added that they “in part, rely” on the media “to convey the truth and actual facts. And if you all want to write about this amazing tax cut for families and children that’s really transformative, that would be really helpful.” U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) also said that focusing on the process “obfuscates away from the substance of these incredibly important, consequential pieces of legislation that will have a lasting impact on the American people and American families.”

4. Republican wins Virginia, very close in New Jersey

Republican Glenn Youngkin beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe in Virginia, which was a massive upset and could set the table for political upheaval. Even though President Joe Biden maintained that McAuliffe would be successful, Biden’s collapse in polls due to his stance on education, the economy, immigration, foreign policy and everything else helped do the former Virginia governor in. The race in New Jersey is still too close to call, but most believe the Democrats will prevail there.
Republicans are now looking towards 2022 while Democrats are claiming the GOP won the race because of racial politics or dishonesty, even though the current Democrat governor has either worn blackface or a Klan hood.

3. More elected officials come out against vaccine mandates

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) joined some of his fellow GOP colleagues in sending a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stating that they oppose the federal vaccine mandate for businesses. In the letter to OSHA Secretary Doug Parker, Palmer and his colleagues stated, “[M]any individuals have expressed a sincerely held religious objection to the COVID-19 vaccine,” adding that they felt the mandate was “unconstitutional” and “un-American.”
Palmer isn’t the only prominent Republican official in Alabama to voice opposition against President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate. Alabama Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden is getting in on it, too. Oden said that the mandate is an “overreach” and that he stands “in strong support of all Alabamians who demand that their constitutional rights be respected.”

2. Vaccines can start going into kids ages five to 11

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages five to 11, and the shots can start today. Alabama has already announced they are ready to move and put shots in little arms.
Walensky believes parents are clamoring for this and said, “We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine.” Recent polling and common sense say otherwise.

1. Religious/medical exemption bill passes the Senate, House will probably kill

The State Senate has passed the legislation by State Senator Chris Elliot (R-Fairhope) that would allow for religious and medical exemptions under the coronavirus vaccine mandate set out by President Joe Biden. The final vote was 26-5, and it will now go to the State House of Representatives.
Democrats voiced opposition to the legislation, but Republicans voted to end the filibuster. The bill would require that employees who wish to dispute an exemption form would have to address the issue through the Department of Labor, which would leave the final decision to an examiner.