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On Sunday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt praised President Donald Trump following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife on federal drug charges.

Speaking on “Sunday Morning Futures” on Fox News, Britt (R-Montgomery) called the operation a decisive demonstration of American strength and resolve.

“When this president talks, when he tells people what he’s going to do, he means it,” Britt said. “There is no doubt that Venezuelans have a greater opportunity for prosperity because of President Trump’s actions. There is no doubt that Americans are safer and more secure because of President Trump’s actions.”

Britt’s comments came one day after Trump announced that U.S. forces had captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, during a joint U.S. military and law enforcement operation carried out overnight in Caracas.

Britt said that Democratic leaders had previously acknowledged the illegitimacy of Maduro’s regime but failed to act.

“When you’re thinking about the contrast from the previous administration, it couldn’t be greater,” she said. “Here you have President Biden, who was all talk and yet no action.”

“You actually wanted this to happen back when you were in charge,” Britt chided Democrats. “But you didn’t have the moxie to get it done.”

Trump said the captured Venezuelan leaders will face U.S. criminal proceedings stemming from a 2020 federal indictment alleging narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.

“I could not be more grateful for our men and women in uniform, our courageous military and our law enforcement officers who perfectly executed the mission,” Britt said. Calling the arrest a defining moment, Britt described it as “a flawless execution of the most difficult mission.”

For Britt, the operation also carried personal significance tied to the domestic impact of drug trafficking. “I’ve sat in front of too many parents who lost their children either to a fentanyl poisoning or a drug overdose,” she said. “Gone are the days of talk,” Britt added. “And now we’re putting American safety and security first and foremost.”

Addressing concerns about due process, Britt said the arrest does not undermine the rule of law. “Justice will be served. I believe in that,” she said. “And as for him having his day in court, he’s going to have it.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

I have been an upfront observer, participant, columnist, and commentator of Alabama politics for over six decades, and I can confidently say one of the most gifted political leaders in the history of our state is also one of its newest and youngest.

Katie Britt’s skills as a public servant and stateswoman were demonstrated beyond measure in a recent statewide poll that ranked her as the single most popular elected official in Alabama —more popular than even Kay Ivey or Tommy Tuberville.

It is easy to spot the ingredients in her recipe for success. Very few people ever have the complete package – but Britt has quickly proven to be a history maker.

Over the last few decades, Alabama’s U.S. Senate delegation is split between one seat that is held by a right-wing conservative who plays to the base with red meat social issues and another seat that is filled by a skilled appropriator amassing funding for infrastructure and local projects back home. Britt uniquely has carved a powerful path in both lanes.

Britt has simultaneously proven herself adept at bringing home the bacon through her seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee while being a staunch, outspoken defender of Alabama’s Christian, conservative values. Like Senator Richard Shelby, she has already brought home billions in investments for our state. Like Senator Jeff Sessions, she has quickly made herself a leading conservative voice on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

To start this year, Britt accomplished what no Member of Congress has done for 30 years – pass immigration enforcement and border security legislation. She masterfully shepherded her Laken Riley Act through the Senate, where you need to garner bipartisan support to get 60 votes to President Trump’s desk. Britt stood right beside Trump in the White House as he signed his first bill into law his second term. This is the kind of career-making legislative accomplishment that normally takes decades. Britt only needed months into her term.

If that was not enough, Britt accomplished another generational feat in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. She has been the leading national champion for tax cuts for working families and secured three separate provisions in the bill to make childcare more affordable. These provisions had not been strengthened since 1986 and 2001, respectively. Because of Britt, parents will now save major money and small businesses on Alabama main streets will have a better shot at retaining and recruiting workforce.

Another of Britt’s wins so far this year has gone underreported. She may singlehandedly have saved the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her advocacy for critical medical research and finding cures has garnered the support of President Trump, RFK Jr., and Trump’s NIH Director, who recently visited UAB at Britt’s invitation to show the Administration’s support. This is the state’s largest employer and Birmingham’s main economic engine. Without Britt, the magic may have left the city. Now, UAB stands to benefit in a huge way.

It is not just her constituents who respect Britt’s work, her colleagues recognize her leadership, too. Britt is serving as Deputy Majority Whip for the Republican Party in the U.S. Senate, which is helping ensure the successful passage of Trump’s legislative agenda and confirmation of his nominees. Her Whip Team has not lost a floor vote in Congress this year. Britt is also Vice Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is responsible for keeping the Senate majority. Britt has raised the fifth most for this effort of all Republican Senators. This success helps her amass even more influence with colleagues and deliver more for Alabamians.

She began her first year in the Senate accomplishing something unheard of in U.S. Senate history. She received a seat on the three most prestigious and powerful committees in the Senate: Appropriations, Banking and Rules. She added Judiciary the next year. It is rare for a Senator to ever get on one of these committees and unprecedented for a first-term Senator to get on all four.

Britt’s rockstar status is heralded not just in the Capitol, but also in the White House. President Trump selected Britt to lead the first official presidential delegation of his term earlier this year. Britt was the United States’ lead representative to celebrate the inauguration of the new Uruguay president.

One thing is for certain, Senator Katie Britt’s political future is bright, infinite, and set to benefit Alabama for decades to come.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.

It’s been 200 days since President Trump returned to the White House, and the progress we are seeing has been nothing short of historic. While the media is doing everything in their power to paint President Trump’s Administration as evil, the American people are getting exactly what we were promised: results.

I had the chance to speak directly with folks in Enterprise and Geneva during two town halls last week. The message was loud and clear: South Alabama wants the bold, America First leadership we’re seeing from President Trump and his Administration to continue.

Let’s talk about the many promises he has kept.

First, the One Big Beautiful Bill – President Trump’s signature legislative win – is already changing lives. No tax on tips. No tax on overtime. No tax on Social Security. The 2017 Trump tax cuts are not only extended, they’re permanent. This is what it looks like when a businessman runs the country because he truly wants every American family to succeed.

Our southern border is secure again. With only 4,399 apprehensions and ZERO releases into the U.S. last month, we’re seeing the lowest numbers in modern history. Meanwhile, over 13,000 missing migrant children have been located and rescued after the Biden-Harris Administration lost track of them. President Trump’s leadership is on full display, and it’s saving lives.

President Trump is also delivering on American energy, unleashing 13 million acres in Alaska for mining and drilling and dismantling Biden’s radical “Green New Deal” favoritism. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, we were also able to rescind billions of handouts allocated by Biden to special interest groups and radical climate activists.

President Trump has taken action to protect our children and stop chemical and surgical mutilation of minors. Major hospitals across the country – Stanford, Yale, Penn, and more – have ended so-called “gender-affirming care” for kids.

President Trump has also slashed regulations at a 10-to-1 rate, ended DEI nonsense in our schools, enjoyed record-breaking market growth, and worked to keep men out of women’s sports. And the wins just keep coming

President Trump promised to expose the deep state. Thanks to his work with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, we now have declassified evidence that President Obama weaponized the intelligence community to push the Russia hoax. He is unveiling the truth about weaponized government that so many Americans have waited for. I look forward to working with him and Chairman Jordan on the House Judiciary Committee to continue that mission.

President Trump is moving at an unprecedented speed to save our nation during his first 200 days, and I’m proud to have his back every step of the way. Promises made, promises kept.

Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) serves as the U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District since his election in 2024. First elected to the U.S. House in 2020, he also previously served for two terms as Alabama’s 2nd Congressional representative (2020-2024). Moore is a former state legislator, businessman, and U.S. Army National Guard veteran. He is also a candidate for U.S. Senate in the 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary election.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt is highlighting major legislative wins during her first seven months in the 119th Congress, pointing to progress in border security, infrastructure, family support, and economic development. Soon to be the ranking senator from Alabama, Britt serves on the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations, Banking, and Rules committees.

“Each and every day in the Senate, I am fighting diligently for Alabamians. When I began this Congress, I was committed to securing our southern border, growing opportunity and prosperity for hardworking Americans, unleashing American energy dominance, restoring peace through strength, and putting our families back in the driver’s seat,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.

“While there is certainly more I hope to accomplish in our nation’s capital, I’m proud to have already delivered significant wins from moving the needle on child care accessibility and affordability, to strengthening interior immigration enforcement and supporting our law enforcement officers, to addressing our nation’s housing crisis and slashing bureaucratic red tape to help Alabamians achieve their American Dream.”

Border security leadership

As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Britt has made securing the southern border and enhancing interior enforcement a top priority.

Her Laken Riley Act, signed into law just nine days into President Trump’s second term, requires Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain illegal immigrants convicted of certain crimes, including theft, burglary, assault of law enforcement officers, or any offense causing serious injury or death. It also grants states legal standing to challenge federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws.

Protecting Alabama’s history and institutions

Britt intervened when the Tuskegee Airmen were removed from the U.S. Air Force’s basic training curriculum, leading to their immediate reinstatement.

She also worked to protect the Montgomery Bus Station and Freedom Rides Museum from being listed as non-essential federal properties and secured $60 million for the 1890 Scholars Program, which supports students at historically black land-grant universities, including several in Alabama.

Boosting research and education

Britt pushed for the release of federal NIH research funds and more than $50 million in delayed formula funding for education programs, benefiting Alabama schools and universities.

Investing in Alabama

In recent appropriations bills, Britt secured funding for military installations, farmers, rural communities, and educational institutions, including:

$55 million for Redstone Arsenal
$32 million for Anniston Army Depot
$28.4 million for Fort Rucker
$4 million for Maxwell Air Force Base
$150 million for 1890 institutions

Addressing the housing crisis

On the Senate Banking Committee, Britt advanced bipartisan housing measures, including the Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act, the Housing Supply Expansion Act, and the Helping More Families Save Act.

She also introduced the Homeless Children and Youth Act, which would expand the federal definition of homelessness to ensure more youth and families can access support.

Supporting Alabama families

Britt championed updates to child care tax credits in President Trump’s Working Family Tax Cuts legislation, modernizing provisions that had not been adjusted in decades.

To address the mental health impact of social media, she reintroduced the bipartisan Stop the Scroll Act and Kids Off Social Media Act, with the latter advancing from the Senate Commerce Committee.

She also led Senate passage of Lulu’s Law, named for Alabama teen Lulu Gribbin, to include shark attacks among events eligible for wireless emergency alerts.

Infrastructure and waterways

Britt co-authored the bipartisan Water Research Optimization Act of 2025, strengthening Tuscaloosa’s National Water Center. She also secured funding for the Mobile Harbor deepening and widening project, the Selma Bank Stabilization Project, and other inland waterway improvements.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently joined the Vice President of the National Federation of Republican Women, Judy Barlow, for a discussion focused on the positive impact of the One, Big Beautiful Bill on everyday Americans and the country as a whole.

From ensuring border security and combat readiness to unleashing domestic energy and cutting taxes, Britt (R-Montgomery) lauded the legislation’s achievements.

“It means that hard-working Americans get to keep more of their money,” she said. “It means that we’re going to continue to have secure borders because we’re putting in place things that if and when there is a Democratic president in office, we’re going to put up structural reforms in that are going to keep Americans safe.”

Britt noted the increased need to strengthen the U.S. military and foster energy independence in the face of growing global threats, something the bill provides for.

“When you’re looking at defense, it’s making sure that we have the best-trained, equipped, and ready servicemen and women across the planet. Looking at what does 21st century warfare mean and how do we make sure that we retool to meet that moment?”

“Really importantly, it’s going to help keep Americans safe as well,” Britt continued. “What’s happening right now is we are allowing our allies to be in the palm of some of our adversaries’ hands. Whether it’s Iran or whether it’s Russia, we do energy better, cleaner, and more efficiently than anyone across the planet. Utilizing our natural resources responsibly not only makes economic sense, it makes sense on a national defense front.”

Britt elaborated on the subject of American energy production.

“It means actually not just energy independence, but energy dominance. So, unleashing American energy is not only good for our economy, but it will help drive down prices, everything from the gas station to the grocery store.”

Possibly the most impactful part of the legislation, according to Britt, is the tax cut it gives everyday Americans.

“One thing that people are really not talking about, had we not passed this, it would have been the largest tax hike on the American people ever, and inaction was not an option,” Britt noted. “So getting that done and then delivering the largest tax cut to the American people ever, and then putting hardworking Americans front and center.”

“You think about the things that we’ve done that people have talked about, but we actually acted on.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore’s (R-Enterprise) latest piece of legislation allowing for the deportation of any illegal alien who has been convicted or admitted to the offense of driving while drunk passed the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday.

“Today’s vote in the House sends a clear message,” Moore said. “If you are a guest in this country and you break our laws and put American lives at risk by driving under the influence, there will be consequences.”

160 Democrats just voted against protecting American families from illegals who drive under the influence. pic.twitter.com/KJgmX37VN1

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) June 26, 2025

Moore’s bill, H.R. 875, The Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 209-160.

The congressman spoke on the House floor about his bill before the final vote.

“Today, we consider a simple common-sense bill that says if you’re a guest in our country and you drive drunk, you should in fact be deported,” he said. “Now, to the average American, passing this bill is a no-brainer. Even in a polarized time, Democrats should be able to join Republicans and unanimously support such reasonable legislation. After all, deporting dangerous criminals is a rational, normal, and coherent step that this House should take.”

“Unfortunately, I am skeptical that we will see much agreement from my Democrat colleagues on this bill. Regardless, I am thankful the House is considering HR 875, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brendan Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act.”

My bill, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, ensures an illegal who endangers American families by driving under the influence never gets to walk out of the courtroom free of consequences. pic.twitter.com/SqV0n30M8H

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) June 26, 2025

The congressman was able to pass a similar bill in 2024, but it didn’t make it through the Senate.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) believes that his latest piece of legislation will prevent liberal states like California from putting dangerous illegal aliens, charged with certain crimes, back on American streets after being arrested.

Moore’s bill, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025, passed the Judiciary Committee in February. Under the legislation, any alien who has been convicted or admitted to the offense of driving while drunk or impaired would be immediately deported.

The congressman was able to pass a similar bill in 2024, but it didn’t make it through the Senate.

Moore discussed the issue Tuesday on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program.”

“And one case in Colorado on the fifth DUI, this illegal killed a mom and her 16-year-old son,” Moore explained. “And in Florida, we had a fellow on his third DUI, the Illegal killed a kindergartener. And so what happens is the immigration courts, or you know, or the courts, whoever will see these guys, and give them a slap on the wrist and put them back out in communities. And they’re repeat offenders. So if you’re here drinking and driving, you’re removable. And of course, that’s one of the things that I think will save countless lives in America.”

Moore noted that the legislation has received some bipartisan support in the past, but he now sees many Democrats opposing any type of immigration enforcement.

“This stunned me, in committee, how opposed to this they are,” he said. “Anything they can do to give an illegal immigrant a pass, they will do. And even the judges, often they’ll…often negotiate that down or plea that deal down to reckless driving, but we’re going to put teeth in the law so that the judges and the immigration [courts] have guidelines on what they’re to do with people who are drinking and driving here in this country.”

“It is an honor to be in this country. You are to treat it as a privilege. You shouldn’t be out here, breaking our laws and risking our lives.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) thinks President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office have been a big success.

🇺🇸 100 Days In: President Trump is delivering results. From securing the border to restoring energy independence, we’re back on the right track.

Read my full update on what’s been accomplished so far and what’s ahead:
🔗 https://t.co/TkklC4TIKv #Trump2025 #100Days #AmericaFirst… pic.twitter.com/Kz3Eq7D7kc

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) April 30, 2025

The congressman touted the president’s actions on the economy, immigration, cutting waste in government, and foreign policy.

“I am proud to report that under President Trump’s leadership, our nation’s southern border is more secure than it has been in decades,” Aderholt said. “Illegal crossings have plummeted to levels we haven’t seen in years, sending a strong message that our laws will be enforced, and our national security will be protected.”

According to Customs and Border Patrol, encounters at the border are down 99%. Aderholt said the numbers are proof that Trump is keeping his promises.

“The President has also taken decisive action to remove violent illegal aliens who have been living unlawfully in our communities,” he argued. “For the last four years, cartels and other foreign bad actors took advantage of the previous administration’s weak leadership and failed immigration policies — causing pain and suffering for the American people. By prioritizing the safety of American citizens, law enforcement is now working tirelessly to identify and deport those who threaten our neighborhoods and our way of life. This renewed commitment by the Trump Administration to upholding the rule of law is making our country safer every day.”

Aderholt also praised Republicans in Congress who are working to pass Trump’s agenda.

“Here in Congress, we are working hand-in-hand with President Trump to pass a budget that truly reflects the priorities of the American people,” he said. “Our focus is on lowering taxes for hardworking families and small businesses, while also cutting unnecessary and wasteful government spending. This budget is designed to promote economic growth, protect essential services, and honor the trust of the taxpayers who fund our government. The House is working diligently, and we aim to pass a comprehensive budget reconciliation plan by the end of May — a critical step toward restoring fiscal responsibility and securing a brighter future for generations to come.”

Overall, Aderholt thinks the president is working to “Make America Great Again.”

“Finally, President Trump has made it unmistakably clear to the world that the days of America’s goodwill being taken for granted are over. Whether friend or foe, other nations now understand that America is strong, determined, and will always put the interests of its citizens first. It’s a refreshing and welcome change that I fully support as we continue working to make America great again.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong believes President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office have been a resounding success. The congressman from Huntsville is particularly pleased with the improvements being observed in his home district and throughout all of North Alabama, thanks to the efforts of the new commander-in-chief.

“President Trump hit the ground running and has put America first. In his first 100 days in office, he has delivered real results for the people of North Alabama,” Strong said this week.

“From strengthening national security to fueling job growth and reinvigorating American industry, Trump is taking action to push back against the failed policies of the radical left that weakened America’s economy, values, and institutions.”

“This administration is restoring common sense and putting power back in the hands of the American people.”

Strong praised Trump for locking down the southern border, bringing illegal crossings down by 95%.

“The southern border is one of President Trump’s biggest successes. We didn’t need more laws to secure the border, we needed a new President,” he said. “The American people are safer today because Donald Trump is our president. He wasted no time restarting construction of the border wall and reinstating effective immigration enforcement policies. His decisive action is making North Alabama safer by curbing illegal immigration, stopping drug trafficking, and dismantling dangerous criminal networks.”

https://x.com/RepDaleStrong/status/1916928431280791971

According to Strong, the President is also helping industry in the upper portion of the Yellowhammer State return to full strength.

“North Alabama’s manufacturing sector is seeing renewed energy as the Trump administration rolls back burdensome regulations, lowers taxes, and champions pro-American trade policies. New investments are flowing into local industries—from aerospace to automotive—bringing good-paying jobs back to American workers and rebuilding the supply chains that keep our community strong.”

Trump has secured over $5 trillion in new U.S.-based investments in his first 100 days, per White House officials. The massive infusion of capital is expected to create more than 451,000 new jobs across the country, including in advanced manufacturing.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is pushing Congress to pass legislation that will facilitate the completion of the wall at the southern border while also minimizing the cost of the project for American taxpayers.

The WALL Act, reintroduced and sponsored by the Alabama lawmaker, would appropriate $25 billion to finish building the wall without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt. It would be funded through the closure of loopholes and the elimination of taxpayer-funded entitlements and tax benefits for people who are in the United States illegally. Additionally, the bill would impose monetary fines on people who come into the country illegally or overstay their visas.

On Wednesday, in an op-ed for the Washington Times, the Senator argued that now is the time to pass her bill.

“As President Donald Trump begins his second term in the White House,” Britt wrote, “there is one infrastructure project that towers above the rest: the construction of a wall on our southern border.”

The American people have spoken: It’s time to finish building the wall. My WALL Act would appropriate $25B for border security without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or adding to our debt.

Read my @WashTimes column: https://t.co/XqpFx2BQ3Y

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) April 2, 2025

Britt said one of the main reasons President Trump was elected to a second term was to secure the border and stop illegal immigration.

“When the American people sent President Trump back to the Oval Office in November, they delivered a verdict,” she argued. “They let lawmakers in Washington, D.C., know that they would no longer tolerate elected officials neglecting the needs of the people they’re meant to represent.”

The Senator believes her bill gives Trump the necessary tools to fulfill one of his main campaign promises.

“It is long past time to finish building the wall, and this bill would put us on the path to doing just that,” she said. “It would appropriate the funding necessary to complete construction of our border wall and allow President Trump to do so without raising taxes on American citizens or increasing our national debt by a single cent.”

“For many Americans, the word ‘infrastructure’ may conjure images of road maintenance and bridge construction, and to be sure, these are critically important projects,” Britt added. “But what the WALL Act demonstrates is that the strength of our country’s infrastructure is also the strength of our national security. Turning the WALL Act into law will ensure both are strong for years to come.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Alabama stands at a pivotal moment as we enter the beginning of the 2025 legislative session.

I am committed to working with President Trump, our federal and state leaders, and my colleagues in the Alabama House and Senate to cement his America First agenda in Alabama. I believe that we will bring back a golden age of prosperity and opportunity for hardworking families. As the representative for Alabama’s 100th District, I have made it my mission to serve the people of my district and our great state by focusing on policies that ensure security, economic stability, and accessibility to essential services.

As you have seen, we are committed to enforcing immigration laws while working to support legal immigrants who are ready to build their futures here. A strong and secure immigration policy isn’t just about protecting our borders—it’s about protecting communities and ensuring that those who come to America do so the right and legal way. This balance will help keep our state safe while strengthening our workforce and economy.

Speaking of our economy, Alabama’s farmers are the backbone of our state, and they deserve strong leadership that fights for fair trade policies and ensures their ability to thrive. That’s why I am working to support policies that protect Alabama agriculture, create more opportunities for our farmers, and secure the supply chains that keep our state, nation, and the world fed. National security and economic security go hand in hand, and our farmers must have the resources they need to compete on a global stage while continuing to provide for our communities.

Beyond these critical issues, I am also working to ease financial burdens on Alabama families in another important way—eliminating the state sales tax on eyeglasses and contact lenses. As an optometrist, I know firsthand how essential vision care is, yet Alabama remains one of only five states that continue to tax these necessities. That’s why I introduced a bill to remove the state sales tax on optical aids, making vision care more affordable and accessible for everyone in our state.

Far too many Alabamians, particularly seniors and working families, struggle with the costs of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Vision care is not a luxury—it is a necessity for daily life, work, and overall well-being. Clear vision impacts a child’s ability to learn in school, a worker’s ability to perform on the job, and a senior’s ability to maintain their independence. By removing this unnecessary financial burden, we can make it easier for people to get the care they need without having to make difficult choices between their health and other essential expenses.

Furthermore, by eliminating this tax, we also support small businesses and optometry practices that provide these services across Alabama. Reducing costs for patients allows these businesses to better serve their communities and ensure that more people have access to the corrective eyewear they require. This is a commonsense policy that prioritizes the well-being of our citizens while strengthening our local economies.

Whether it’s securing our borders, protecting our farmers, or ensuring affordable healthcare, I will continue to fight for the people of Alabama. Working with President Trump, I am committed to putting America first, protecting our families, and building a stronger, more prosperous future for our great state.

Mark Shirey represents District 100 in the Alabama House of Representatives. He is an optometrist, owner of Southern Vision Care in Mobile, and former president of the Alabama Optometric Association.

After months of resistance from the left, landmark legislation aimed at holding illegal immigrants accountable for criminal actions officially passed the U.S. Senate last night by a vote 64-35.

The Laken Riley Act, introduced and sponsored in the upper chamber by Alabama Senator Katie Britt, will require the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegals who have committed theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses in the United States. Additionally, it will ensure states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.

“Today is a new day in America and a new day in the U.S. Senate with the passage of the Laken Riley Act—which will become the strongest immigration enforcement bill enacted into law since 1996,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “I was honored to lead a bipartisan group of my colleagues to pass this lifesaving legislation.”

Britt believes the act’s passage in the Senate pays proper tribute to the bill’s namesake, Laken Riley, a young Georgia woman killed by an illegal immigrant last year.

“Today’s monumental vote honors the beautiful life and enduring legacy of Laken Riley, who was taken from this world all too soon by a killer who never should have been in America in the first place. I am proud the Laken Riley Act will be the very first landmark bill President Trump signs into law, and it is proof that President Trump and the Republican Senate Majority stand ready to turn promises made into promises kept. Together, we will secure our southern border, protect American families and communities, and return to law and order.”

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1881531404011659338

Allyson and John Phillips, Riley’s mother and stepfather, called it a “truly momentous day” following the bill’s passage.

“The Senate’s passage of this purely commonsense bill will help save innocent lives and prevent more families from going through the kind of heartbreak we’ve experienced. There is no greater gift imaginable to Laken and our country. We thank Senators Katie Britt and Ted Budd for their diligent, bipartisan work to get this bill through the Senate and Congressman Mike Collins for his continued leadership in championing the Laken Riley Act in the House.”

“Our family will forever be grateful for the prayers of people across our nation helping get this legislation into law. We pray Laken continues to do her good work here on earth and save lives. All glory to God.”

The Laken Riley Act now goes back to the House for a final vote. Should it pass in the lower chamber, it will likely become the first piece of legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

On Monday morning, after being sworn into office as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump began issuing executive orders to reclaim the U.S. Southern Border and quickly ensure it is no longer open and subject to chaos — along with a whole host of directives that will comprehensively address the failed policies of the outgoing administration.

Trump, who ran his campaign on fighting illegal immigration and closing the border, will deploy the U.S. military to aid with border security and to reactivate the project of building the wall. Trump will end the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan Parole (CHNVP) Program, which has allowed millions of unvetted illegals into the country, including into Alabama, reinstate the successful Remain in Mexico policy, and designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

“Today, I will sign a series of historic executive orders. With these actions, we will begin the complete restoration of America and the revolution of common sense,” Trump said in his inauguration speech.

“First, I will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came. We will reinstate my Remain in Mexico policy. I will end the practice of catch and release, and I will send troops to the southern border to repel the disastrous invasion of our country.

“Under the orders I signed today, we will also be designating the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. And by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will direct our government to use the full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement to eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to U.S. soil, including our cities and inner cities. As Commander-in-Chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is exactly what I am going to do. We will do it at a level that nobody has ever seen before.”

Various sources are reporting that Trump could sign as many as over 200 executive orders immediately upon his return to the White House today.

In a sweeping inaugural address on Monday, President Donald J. Trump promised a bold and immediate course of action to restore what he described as “American Greatness” through a series of executive orders related to illegal immigration, energy, and national security.

“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump said in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, as Vice President JD Vance, former presidents, and dignitaries looking on. “Our sovereignty will be reclaimed, our safety will be restored, and our nation will be proud, prosperous, and free.”

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

U.S. Senator Katie Britt said Republicans have a renewed sense of hope for the future due to President-elect Donald Trump recent victory. The senator said that she had many conversations with family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday about how Trump and Republicans are going to make America great again.

“[T]he theme in every one of those conversations was hope,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said Friday on Fox News. “It’s hope not only for tomorrow but hope for a brighter long-term future for our children. You know, it’s seems that people finally have resiliency back because they believe in our nation, and we’re seeing this, as just as you were talking with the speaker before me, other countries are realizing this as well. Donald Trump is bringing strength back to the White House and strength back to our nation, and it’s not going to happen on January 20. It’s happening today.”

Britt also commented on the fact that Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently visited Trump at his home in Florida.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1862700240031068185

“Republicans are not only going to be on board but you’re going to find Democrats that are seeing the writing on the wall as well,” she argued. “Just as you mentioned, Mark Zuckerberg coming down to Mar-a-Lago, you know, I think he learned an important lesson the hard way and that’s that you can’t cancel Donald Trump. You can’t cancel conservatives either and our voices are going to be louder than ever starting on January 20. We’re going to get to work and get things done.”

Britt predicted that even some Democrats will vote for stronger border security because of Trump’s sweeping victory.

“Absolutely…they have to,” she said. “People know that a nation without a border isn’t a nation at all. We have seen our nation be overrun time and time again…People have said enough is enough. They’re sick of our leaders prioritizing others in front of Americans. So yes, they will have to cast that vote because Americans are expecting real results.”

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

The American people made their voices heard loud and clear on November 5th. After 4 years of failed leadership by the Biden-Harris administration, folks in Alabama and all across this country are ready for new leadership so we can get this country back on track. Thankfully, Republicans kept control of the House, flipped the Senate, and won back the White House. Now, it’s time for us to get to work.

On day one, we need to secure the border and stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into our communities. Everybody wants safer communities and a secure country, and this is evident in the results of the election two weeks ago. Thankfully, Republicans know how to do this and have already laid the groundwork.

My colleagues and I passed H.R. 2, which is the strongest border bill the House has ever voted on, just a few months ago. I also have full confidence that President Trump will reverse the disastrous open border policies put in place by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and that he will enforce the laws we already have on the books.

I also wrote a few weeks ago about how tax hikes were looming if Congress didn’t act quickly in early 2025, or if Democrats took control of Congress. President Trump (in his first term) and Republicans in Congress passed massive tax cuts nearly 5 years ago, and many of those provisions expire this coming year. At a time when Bidenomics has driven up the cost of living, Americans can’t afford tax hikes on top of the existing inflation.

That’s why Republicans in Congress already have plans in place to extend these tax cuts, while investing in American companies to create more jobs here in the United States and unleash our economy.

Republicans are committed to reducing the size and scope of the federal government so that we can eliminate even more wasteful spending and get big government out of the way of private businesses and individuals.

The last thing we need is to keep spending money we don’t have to further bloat the federal government. We simply need to get big government out of the way, and Republicans have plans to do just that.

President Trump is putting together an incredible team for his second term, and I’m excited for what this team will be able to accomplish with the help of a Republican majority in the House and the Senate. There’s a lot to be done, but we have all been working hard for many months to prepare for this. The American people have spoken – now, let’s get to work.

Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.

The Alabama Republican Party is committing to a “Contract with Alabama.” In a new list of goals released on Thursday, the party laid out its plan to improve the quality of life for residents in the state just weeks ahead of the 2024 Presidential election.

“America was founded on the ideals of limited government, individual liberty, and that all men are created equal,” the contract reads. “The Alabama Republican Party remains committed to defending and protecting those ideals. Our mission is to safeguard the rights and freedoms of every single American, and support policies that will help the people and families of Alabama be successful in the coming years.”

The ALGOP committed to the following priorities in the contract:

Rebuilding the Economy
Securing the Border
Supporting Parental Rights & Families
Defending Constitutional Freedoms
Protecting Children from Woke Policies

John Wahl, Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, said the platform epitomizes what conservatives in the state represent.

“These priorities represent the core of who we are as Republicans and what we stand for. We are focused on the issues that matter most to Alabama families—rebuilding our economy, protecting our communities, and safeguarding the freedoms that made this country great,” explained Wahl. “We believe in trusting Alabamians to make the decisions that are best for their families, not having bureaucrats or politicians in Washington tell them what to do.”

“Our contract with Alabama is a pledge to always put the people first, to stand up for their rights and freedoms, and to build a future where every Alabamian can thrive.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

While campaigning for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Georgia on Sunday, former President Bill Clinton spoke about Laken Riley, a young Augusta University nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant in February.

The suspected killer, Jose Antonio Ibarra, is from Venezuela. He has a previous arrest record in New York and currently faces extensive charges in Georgia. During his comments, Clinton told the crowd that, had there been necessary screening at the southern border, Riley’s killing might never have happened.

“You had a case in Georgia not very long ago, didn’t you? They made an ad about it,” said Clinton. “A young woman who had been killed by an immigrant. Yeah, well, if they’d all been properly vetted that probably wouldn’t have happened.”

However, he did not speak about the role that the Biden-Harris Administration played in the tragedy. Instead, Clinton touted the Democratic nominee for president as the only candidate in the race who has “actually endorsed a bill that would hold down immigration any given year to a certain point.”

Following the former president’s misleading remarks, U.S. Senator Katie Britt, who sponsored the Laken Riley Act, posted about her disappointment in Clinton’s overt deception.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1846613830975344960

Britt (R-Montgomery) also issued a statement to FOX News. “The Biden-Harris Administration suspended deportations, halted construction of the border wall, and announced a plan to give amnesty to millions,” she said. “That made it crystal clear from the start of their tenure that their goal was mass migration – not the safety and security of the American people.”

The Laken Riley Act would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses and mandate that those who commit such crimes are detained until they are removed from the United States. So far, Senate Democrats have continued to vote it down.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

A 64-year-old retired U.S. Army veteran was shot three times by an illegal immigrant on Sunday after the veteran traveled to meet the individual for a Facebook Marketplace transaction involving work equipment that had been previously arranged online.

At a Wednesday press conference, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry announced the shooter was identified as Abel Medardo Sacrab-Chen of Guatemala. He was also shot by the tactically-aware, retired Army veteran.

“I’m pissed off today,” said Gentry. “I’m pissed off that we’re having to even have this conversation. And what we’re going to talk about is an incident that happened September 1.” Gentry delved into detail about the attack.

“On Sunday, we responded to a call where an American, a veteran of 36 years, was shot. Some people always say, well, what does that have to do with what we’re talking about? So we have a veteran, an American, a 36-year veteran of the military, who was looking to purchase something online from an individual here in Cullman, who travels to Brunner Street in the city of Cullman, meets an individual who’s going to sell a piece of equipment.”

“The individual tells him that the equipment is not on site. They’ll have to go look at it. The veteran or victim felt that something wasn’t right. And so, like good, law-abiding citizens, he had his firearm with him, which is probably the only thing that saved his life. And they get in the vehicle going down the road from Brunner Street in the city of Cullman. This individual takes a knife sticks it to the victim’s throat and says, give me your money or I’m going to kill you. Well, the victim, being a veteran, being tactically aware, shoots the bad guy.”

The Sheriff then revealed the part of the crime that angered and concerned him most.

“Now, this is the interesting thing about the bad guy. He is an illegal alien who crossed the border a couple of years ago, was identified, and let go into the US to become a violent criminal in our community,” said Gentry. “Now, I don’t know about you, but to me, that pisses me off that we allow an illegal alien, who is identified as Abel Medardo Sacrab-Chen from Guatemala, into our country to make his way.”

“He’s only been in Cullman for what we know, a couple of months to make his way here, to pose and sell something on the Internet, to then try to murder and rob not only a victim but a veteran.”

Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker said that Sacrab-Chen has been charged with first-degree robbery and more charges are expected.

“Being in the country illegally may get you a free house in California, but it does not entitle you to immunity from prosecution in Cullman County,” Crocker said during the press conference.

The veteran is reportedly recovering at home with his family.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Republican candidate for Alabama’s newly redrawn 2nd congressional district, Caroleene Dobson, toured the U.S./Mexico border in El Paso, Texas Thursday. While there she had the opportunity to participate in a ride-along with officers to see the chaos and disorder in the area firsthand.

Dobson, who has made fighting illegal immigration a core tenant of her campaign, joined Fox and Friends this morning to discuss the issue and her visit.

The first topic touched on was an incident in California this week that saw illegal immigrants attempt to hijack school buses full of children. Dobson said her opponent, Shomari Figures, will only contribute to the rapidly-worsening situation if elected to Congress.

“I mean, these situations are terrifying, and we have felt the impacts in Alabama’s second congressional district of the open border policies of the Biden-Harris administration,” said Dobson. “It’s no surprise that my opponent is trying to deny that this is a problem because he was part of that administration. He was part of Biden’s transition team. He helped put in place policies that have harmed our economy, that have endangered our citizens.”

https://x.com/DobsonForAL/status/1829346075217682672

The Republican detailed the rise in crime due to the lack of border security noting that it’s now affecting her district.

“You can talk to anyone in the district, parents, grandparents, law enforcement officers, city officials, business leaders. We’re all concerned about the impacts of the open border policy. There’s certainly a rise in crime. A 19-year-old in the district was killed earlier this year because of an illegal alien who had not only illegally come here, but then had been apprehended for a DUI and then released about three years ago. Additionally, 1300 Alabamians died of fentanyl overdoses just last year, much of it manufactured in China and ushered across the border due to the open border policies of the Biden Harris figures administration.”

She joined Fox & Friends on Friday morning to talk more about a trip that politicians trying to run from the situation refuse to make:

Dobson said Figures “is trying to deny this is a problem because he was part of the admin,” and that Kamala Harris is engaging in “textbook plausible deniability.”

“But the people of Alabama and the people of America can see right through it because they know this is a huge problem. And that’s why I came here to El Paso, to witness the problem on the ground.”

According to the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, the Customs and Border Protection agency has recorded more than 10 million encounters with illegal immigrants under the Biden/Harris administration along with more than two million known “gotaways” who entered the country illegally and escaped apprehension.

The committee also reported that the Department of Homeland Security had “identified more than 400 individuals who crossed into the United States illegally with the help of an ISIS affiliated human smuggling network. The whereabouts of more than 50 of these individuals remain unknown.”

In addition, a report by DHS noted that more than 80% of illegal immigrants who are not expelled by CBP or detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents remain undocumented and untracked residents in the U.S. years after gaining illegal entry.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

While back in state for August recess, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt visited with local and regional leaders at an Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) congressional luncheon last week in Guntersville to offer updates on his work in Washington and solidify partnerships at home.

Aderholt (R-Haleyville) spoke to the importance of being fiscally responsible while collaborating with Senate lawmakers and local leaders to bring federal funding back to the district and state. As Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, Aderholt spoke candidly about the challenges Congress faces in passing all 12 appropriations bills before the new fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. With just weeks left, Aderholt acknowledged the difficulty of meeting the deadline.

“We have a hard deadline of passing those 12 appropriation bills by September 30. So far this year, we have passed all 12 out of our committee, which is actually ahead of the game in many ways, and we passed five on the floor of the House. We have seven still to go,” he said. ”To be honest, between now and September 30, we’re going to have a very difficult time passing all those individual bills. So what we will do, as usual, is pass a continuing resolution to bridge us over until we can get all the bills together.”

Aderholt said the Alabama delegation has fostered a partnership together that others have not in Washington. “We can’t do anything in the House without the Senate, and the Senate can’t do anything without the House. It takes us both working together,” he said, thanking U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery).

The veteran congressman also expressed a commitment to helping small towns and cities in his district secure federal funding through community projects, which are crucial for driving economic development in areas with limited local budgets.

Beyond the appropriations process, Aderholt raised urgency around Congressional action to secure the Southern Border and forecasted the stakes of the 2024 election.

“Over the last four years, we’ve seen approximately 10 million aliens – illegal aliens – that have come across our border. There’s probably another 2 million or so that have escaped that we don’t know about. And out of the ones that have been apprehended, there’s been 350 at least, that have been on terrorist watch list. So that is something that I take seriously,” Aderholt said.

“I know that you take seriously your own communities, and we have got to make sure the federal government addresses that issue, and hopefully we get back to Washington, I hope that there’ll be pressure on Congress truly act, especially on this administration, that we need to put partisan politics behind this.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming November general election, Aderholt said that control of the House and Senate could hinge on just a few key races.

“The House, Senate and the President is all up for grabs. The House, as I mentioned, we’re all up for reelection right now. We have a four-seat majority in the House of Representatives. There’s 435, seats up, there’s only about 20 or 25 that are really what I would consider toss-up races.”

“The Senate as you know, is controlled by the Democrats of one seat. But obviously that is one of those things that with [U.S. Senator Joe Manchin] seat now flipping Republican, and most likely that’s going to go Republican — I don’t see West Virginia voting for a Democrat for their Senate. Then that puts it 50-50. So whoever picks up one seat after the West Virginia seat will control the Senate.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate considered the impeachment brought by the House of Representatives against U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate, led by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), voted to dismiss the charges against Mayorkas in a party-line vote.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville was livid at what he considered to be a refusal by the Senate to do their constitutional duty.

Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined “Frontline” with Carl Higbie on Newsmax to respond to Wednesday’s swift dismissal of the House’s case against Mayorkas.

“Whether it was a three-ring circus or kangaroo court or organized grabass. I’m telling you, it was the worst four hours that I’ve spent up here in three years that I’ve been a United States Senator,” Tuberville said.

“But, here’s what you gotta’ look at. This is not just Mayorkas on trial here. This is every Democrat in the House, in the Senate, and in the White House. They have orchestrated and pushed this open border, globalist system for the past three and a half years, and hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives, but they could care less. They want power. And that’s what this is all about. So, if they put Mayorkas on trial, they were also on trial today.”

Tuberville also gave remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate after the impeachment trial was canned by Democrats:

Schumer said that Mayorkas did not commit any high crimes — and that holding a trial in the Senate would be a dangerous precedent.

“We’re supposed to have debates on the issues, not impeachments on the issues,” said Sen. Schumer in a press conference after the vote. “We are not supposed to say that when you disagree with someone on policy, then that’s suddenly a high crime and misdemeanor. That would degrade government. The dangerous precedent is not the one that Republicans are talking about. But the one of letting impeachment take the place of policy disagreements. Cabinet person after Cabinet person could be subject to this — we cannot have that happen.”

Tuberville disagrees.

“Well, he just said that there wasn’t a high fault of a felony,” Tuberville said. “It was not high crimes. He kept telling everybody, ‘This was just something that just happened.’ If this wasn’t high crimes, I don’t know what it is. It is absolutely ridiculous how he tried to portray this.”

“This has never happened in the United States Senate,” Tuberville continued. “You know, when the majority was held by the Republicans and Donald Trump came up for impeachment twice—they held a trial. That’s what you do. That’s what we get paid for. If somebody does something wrong, we hold them to the highest degree with a law. And we did not do that today because as I said, again, every Democrat should have been on trial today. Every Democrat in the House, in the Senate, and in the White House should have been on trial today because of what they’ve done at the border. It is an absolute disaster, and it’s gotten thousands of people killed.”

The short hearing ends months of efforts by Republicans to use the impeachment process to highlight the conditions on the southern border and highlight the fact that the administration is not enforcing immigration laws that are on the books.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

Among the five men arrested this week in an undercover child exploitation sting, two were illegal immigrants, officials said.

The Albertville Police Department, in conjunction with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested the five men who are each being held on a bond of $1 million.

Albertville police described the operation as “the result of months of preparation and planning,” adding, “Marshall County authorities will continue to pursue those who seek to prey upon children.”

Alabama’s top law enforcement official, Attorney General Steve Marshall said federal policies have consequences.

“Each day reveals more of the devastating consequences of Biden’s decision to open our borders. Millions of people have illegally entered our country on his watch, including countless hardened criminals who are trafficking deadly drugs and innocent children. That chaos is not inevitable. It is Biden’s choice. And everyone should remember that in November,” Marshall stated.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) also blamed Biden’s border policies and refusal to enforce deportation.

“These are the consequences of the Biden Administration’s horrible open border policies and refusal to enforce deportation. Less than a week after a college student was brutally murdered in Georgia by an illegal immigrant, two illegal aliens were arrested for exploiting children right here in North Alabama,” Strong said.

“I can tell you for a fact that stories like these are happening in virtually every community across this nation. I have seen the evidence firsthand as a member of the Homeland Security Committee. I am committed, as your Member of Congress, to addressing this national crisis,” he concluded.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) thanked local law enforcement and also pointed to failed border policies reaching his state.

THANK YOU to all of our heroes in uniform – especially to the Albertville Police Department, who just arrested 5 people, including 2 ILLEGALS for allegedly trying to abuse children.

Thanks to Joe Biden, EVERY state is now a border state. https://t.co/7BF71XiOtc

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) February 27, 2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) believes the latest case of illegal immigrants being arrested in Alabama is another reason it’s time to secure the U.S. southern border.

“These are the kinds of criminals that are entering our country and making themselves at home in your backyard. Every single state is a border state,” Rogers said.

If you’re still asking why @HouseGOP is so concerned about the border crisis, you’re not paying attention. These are the kinds of criminals that are entering our country and making themselves at home in your backyard. Every single state is a border state. https://t.co/20nJbOfXyt

— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) February 28, 2024

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) also commented on the recent murder of Laken Riley, who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Riley, who was a nursing student attending the University of Georgia, was assaulted by Jose Ibarra while she was out jogging.

“This is a man that shouldn’t even be in the country, but was allowed in due to Biden’s open border policies,” Rogers argued. “He should still be in prison in New York for injuring a child, but was released due to Alvin Bragg’s woke bail policies. Our country needs President Trump’s policies!”

House and Senate leadership are currently trying to negotiate a deal that would secure the border while also providing aid to Ukraine in it’s war against Russia.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) believes that the Senate’s border security bill won’t pass because Republicans are united against it.

Senate negotiators released the text of the national security bill Sunday, which includes $20 billion in border investments, $60.1 billion in military assistance for Ukraine, and $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel.

Britt reacted to the details of the legislation Tuesday on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show.”

“I believe that we will vote this bill down,” Britt said. “We will deny cloture tomorrow when Chuck Schumer brings it to the floor…They didn’t actually want to secure the border. What they tried to do is have a political win and we’re calling their hand on it because we know that the tools that they use to continue to allow this massive migration into our nation are still available to them and they weren’t willing to give them up.

“So I believe that Republicans will stand firm, will stand together, and I believe that we will deny cloture come tomorrow.”

The senator explained how the Biden administration continues to abuse the process to allow more illegal immigrants into the country.

“He has not only destroyed our southern border by having 94 executive orders that he has put in place to undo the policies of the Trump administration, the policies that were working, the policies that were securing our border, but he is also abusing the system,” she argued. “He’s allowing the asylum system to be abused by the drug cartels and as the push the mass numbers of migrants across our border, and he himself is abusing our parole system.”

Britt thinks it’s very difficult for Congress to solve this problem because Democrats have no real interest in securing the border.

“There could come a time where Congress is able to pass it, but we all would have to have the same goal,” she said, “and the goal would be putting the American people first. We know we are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws, and if Democrats can ever understand that having a secure border is in everyone’s best interest. Knowing who is coming here is exactly what we are obligated to do. We need to know who is here, where they are going, and what their intentions are. And if we can ever find a way to both want that goal, than we could move something forward.”

She also believes the Democrats are intentionally leaving the border open.

“They want to facilitate this mass migration,” she lamented. “It is part of a broader strategy and unfortunately the American people are paying the price.”

At every step along the way, President Biden has made it clear that he doesn't want to end the border crisis – he wants to enable it.

I won't support this supplemental funding bill, because it would not effectively stop President Biden from continuing his mass migration agenda.

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) February 5, 2024

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee

Over the last year, the House Committee on Homeland Security has conducted an investigation into the causes and costs of the crisis at our southern border. That investigation laid bare the mistakes, recklessness, and irresponsibility of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the Biden Administration.

There are two indisputable facts that came out of our investigation. First, we have, in no uncertain terms, a crisis at our southern border. Second, Secretary Mayorkas’ willful refusal to uphold federal immigration law is a direct cause of that crisis.

Before Secretary Mayorkas took over DHS, our borders were more secure than they have ever been. Under President Trump, the United States instituted sound border policies and immigration law aimed at doing precisely what DHS is supposed to do, protecting the Homeland.

However, under Secretary Mayorkas, our homeland is anything but safe. Over 8.3 million illegal aliens have crossed the southern border during the Biden Administration, a direct result of Secretary Mayorkas’ deliberate attempt to circumvent federal law.

Over 360 individuals on the terror watchlist have been stopped trying to enter the country, with countless more likely evading detection. To put that in perspective, 19 men on the watchlist were apprehended in December alone, the same amount of individuals that carried out the 9/11 attacks. Those that wish the United States and Americans harm are exploiting the weakness of this border crisis, yet Secretary Mayorkas does not seem to care.

The lack of consequences for those crossing our border illegally puts American lives in danger and invites yet more illegal immigrants. In fact, December 2023 was the 34th month in a row that illegal border crossings have been higher than even the highest month under President Trump.

Just weeks ago, Secretary Mayorkas stated that they were releasing over 85% of illegal aliens that are “apprehended,” despite federal law stipulating that migrants are only to be released on a “limited, case-by-case basis.”

I don’t know about you, but I have never heard of 85% being described as either limited or case-by-case. There is no doubt that Secretary Mayorkas’ refusal to enforce federal law caused this massive crisis.

The Committee has dutifully and thoroughly conducted its investigation and voted just last week to send the articles of impeachment against Secretary Mayorkas to the House floor. I want to be clear; this is not a decision that I or any of my colleagues took lightly.

This is the result of 10 hearings, the testimony of over two dozen witnesses including the chiefs and deputy-chiefs of each of the nine Border Patrol southwest border sectors, and hundreds of hours of investigation.

Facing the reality of the situation our country finds itself in means that we must resort to the last solution available to us, the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas for his willful refusal to enforce the law and his breach of the public trust.

Congressman Dale W. Strong represents the Fifth District of Alabama and is a member of the House Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Science, Space and Technology Committees.