U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville Archives

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is continuing the fight against the rise of radical Islamism in America.

Moore, who is also a candidate for the U.S. Senate, introduced the Defeat Sharia Law in America Act last week.

The legislation to clarify that discrimination carried out through the implementation of Sharia Law violates the protections guaranteed under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“Our Constitution and the rule of law must always come first in this country,” Moore said. “The Defeat Sharia Law in America Act makes clear that using Sharia Law as a basis to discriminate against Americans violates the Civil Rights Act, and it ensures that foreign legal doctrines cannot undermine the freedoms and equal protections guaranteed by our Constitution.”

https://x.com/RepBarryMoore/status/2034699912642806193

The congressman is a member of the Sharia-Free America caucus, which was launched earlier this year and is meant to spark conversation throughout the halls of Congress and the entire country about the dangers of Islamic Sharia Law.

“Radical ideologies that reject American values pose a real threat to our communities and our young people,” Moore added. “Congress has a responsibility to ensure that the Constitution, not any foreign or religious legal code, remains the highest law of the land.”

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who is also a member of the Sharia-Free America caucus, has introduced companion legislation in the upper chamber.

“Radical Islam and Sharia Law are a CANCER,” Tuberville said. “We’ve seen it infiltrate and tear down Europe. We CANNOT let this poisonous DEATH CULT tear down America.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/2034711012859944962

Key provisions of the Defeat Sharia Law in America Act include:

Clarifies that establishments covered under Section 201(a) of the Civil Rights Act may not discriminate in providing goods, services, facilities, privileges, or accommodations by implementing Sharia Law.
Establishes that such practices constitute segregation and discrimination in violation of federal civil rights protections.
Adds a rule of construction to prevent the private, unconstitutional implementation of Sharia Law within the United States.

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

Alabama’s U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) praised President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night — and torched the childish response by Democrats.

During the speech, Trump reacted to Democratic members of Congress staying seated after he spoke about wanting to protect minors from radical transgender procedures.

“Look, nobody stands up,” Trump said. “These people are crazy. I’m telling you. They’re crazy.”

After the speech, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it the “state of delusion.”

Tuberville defended the President’s comments, saying he colleagues on the other side of the aisle deserved it.

“Democrats are upset that President Trump hurt their feelings by calling them ‘crazy.’ Well, that’s too bad,” Tuberville said. “For YEARS, Democrats have vilified [the President] and Conservatives by calling anyone who disagrees with them ‘Nazis’, ‘fascists’, and ‘threats to democracy’. Sounds pretty crazy to me.”

https://x.com/sentuberville/status/2026707195480429047?s=46

Britt also blasted the fact that Democratic members stay seated for most of the speech.

“But it was overwhelming that the Democrats chose to sit down, saying their duty was not to the American people, but yet that to illegal aliens…President Trump was masterful,” Britt said on Fox News after the speech. “And unfortunately, Democrats sat still when they should have been standing up.”

Britt also praised Trump’s overall message for the American people.

“He said, look, Joe Biden gave us record high inflation, but what I’m going to do is I’m going to make sure that life is affordable for you. Look at where our gas prices are,” she explained. “We’re going to tackle home prices. Look at what we’re doing for safety and security of our streets. And here’s the opportunity we’re going to present to you. You just heard (HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy) say that of … prescription drugs, he said the hardest things in front of us, I am going to tackle, because I believe in you, and my duty is to the American people.”

“[E]verything he said he was going to do, he has done,” she added. “We have never seen a politician ever in our history to do that, to say they’re going to do something and then follow through. President Trump is a man of the people and he proves that every day.”

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. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) sent a message to drug cartel members in Mexico not to harm any Alabamians or other Americans who are currently present in the country.

There have been reports of cartel henchmen blockading highways with burning cars, torching businesses, and committing other acts of violence in more than a half ‌a dozen states, all in reaction to the Mexican government killing a notorious cartel leader Sunday.

Nemesio Oseguera, or “El Mencho,” was killed in a military raid. According to Reuters, a new U.S.-military-led task force played a role in the raid led and carried out by Mexican forces. The White House confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support.

“To all Alabamians and Americans who may be in Mexico, STAY SAFE and follow guidance from [The State Department],” Tuberville said on X. “Rest assured, if any of the cartel thugs lay a finger on an American, there will be hell to pay.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/2026037601002459500

The senator has long been an advocate of taking tougher action against the drug cartels in Mexico. He also has been supportive of the Trump administration’s military strikes against cartel boats in the Caribbean.

“It’s been going on for years, and years, we have lost hundreds of 1000s of people because of the drugs coming this country. So it is a war,” Tuberville said in December.

“It’s a war trying to save American lives, and President Trump knows that, and Pete headset knows that, so that’s the reason they’re attacking all these drug boats coming out.”

According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, order had been restored by Monday morning. However, the death toll continues to rise.

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. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) wants his colleagues in Congress to help him pass a bill he believes will ensure the integrity of federal elections.

Tuberville, who is also a candidate to be Alabama’s next Governor, spoke on the Senate floor Monday to urge his fellow Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, which would secure elections by requiring a government-issued photo ID to vote.

“It’s far past time for my Republican colleagues in the Senate to stop worrying about getting reelected and pass one of the most critical pieces of legislation that we will see in our lifetime: the SAVE America Act,” Tuberville said. “The SAVE America Act is most important—it requires voters to show a government ID to vote in federal elections. What a thought.”

The senator also highlighted a recent Pew Research poll showing that 83% of Americans support requiring a photo ID to vote.

“This is common sense—[…] 83% percent of all Americans—they support it. According to a 2025 poll [from Pew Research], there is bipartisan support for it [with] 95% of Republicans and 71% percent of Democrats across this country agreeing that a voter ID should be used in all of our elections,” he explained. “Interestingly, the support also transcends demographics among American citizens—82% of Latino voters, 76% of black voters, [and] 85% of white voters favor photo ID.”

“This really isn’t complicated,” he added. “The SAVE America Act also requires proof of citizenship for an individual to register in your state. If you are here illegally, you should not be voting in our elections—period. Lastly, the bill requires states to remove non-US citizens from existing voter rolls. It makes sense.”

Tuberville also criticized the Democrats for coming out so strongly against the measure.

“These policies, they’re not controversial, yet the Democratic Party is throwing a tantrum,” he argued. “You should be asking yourself, why is that? Why are they against voter ID, no mail-in ballots, no ballot harvesting, and one-day voting? Why is that? Is it because their illegal voting base will no longer be able to keep them in power once the legislation becomes law? Sure, it is.”

Tuberville said passing this bill is something that his constituents in Alabama are demanding.

“In my state of Alabama, I get two questions. Are you gonna close the border? And are you gonna have fair elections? I want my vote to count,” he said. “And that’s the reason I’m here today. If we don’t secure our federal elections, we will become a banana republic. It is right around the corner. The American people want it. The only question is, do my colleagues in the Senate want to keep their tradition of the Senate? Or do they want to work for the American people? That’s the reason we’re here. Or are we just interested in protecting our own power? I hope not because it won’t be here long if we don’t.

“Let’s do the right thing for the American taxpayers and pass the SAVE America Act,” he continued. “Our nation and future and the future of our kids and grandkids depend on it. Think about it.”

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. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) are showcasing the victories they secured for Alabama in the appropriations package that was passed be the U.S. Senate last week.

Both lawmakers voted for the legislation which includes the FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act, the FY26 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (EWD) Appropriations Act.

“As of today, Congress has sent six appropriations bills to the President’s desk. While we have much more to do, I’m proud to see our diligent work on the Appropriations Committee deliver real wins for Alabamians,” Britt said.

“The passage of this package of bills will support our dedicated law enforcement officers, strengthen our inland waterway infrastructure and Mobile Harbor, elevate Alabama’s leadership in space exploration, upgrade drainage, drinking, and wastewater infrastructure, and more.”

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/2012221087933681682

In total, Britt secured $50.7 million for the Yellowhammer State.

“These bills not only reflect my continued commitment to restoring regular order to our broken government spending process, but also my dedication to investing Alabama taxpayer dollars back in our communities,” Britt added.

“I look forward to continuing this important work for our state and nation.”

Tuberville also promoted what he was able to secure for Alabama in the package.

“I’m proud that we were able to secure several big wins for Alabama in today’s appropriations bill, including $500,000 for the Alabama Port Authority, $1.4 million to support law enforcement across the state, $3.5 million for water and sewer projects, and more than $4.4 million to help with critical waterway projects,” Tuberville said.

“As long as I am Alabama’s Senator, I will continue fighting every day to make sure Alabama is first in line for every opportunity.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/2011920114715598883

A detailed breakdown of the Alabama priorities secured by Britt in the three appropriations bills can be found here, and a breakdown secured by Tuberville can be found here.

This package now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

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. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has not changed his mind on possibly sending the National Guard to clean up crime in Montgomery if he’s elected as the next Governor of Alabama.

“A lot of that goes on in our state of Alabama, and if it takes the National Guard, you betcha,” Tuberville said last September.

Earlier this week, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed’s PAC sent out a mass text message to voters, seeking to fundraise off Tuberville’s previous comments on the issue.

“Tuberville is leaving office,” the text read. “But despite having a rare chance to operate without fear of retribution from the DC political machine, has stayed in line with the people voting to cut our healthcare and unleash chaos in our communities. And his campaign rhetoric isn’t any better—he’s threatened to sic the national guard on Montgomery and has vocally opposed our actions to improve our city.”

In a call with reporters on Wednesday, Tuberville said he hasn’t seen any improvement in Alabama’s capital city when it comes to crime.

“No, it seems to be getting worse,” Tuberville argued. “I think they had another shooting last night, if I’m not mistaken, we get calls all the time about several our cities around the state and really around the country. I mean, this is getting out of control. The Democrats are pro crime for some reason, and we’ve got to stop this nonsense.”

Tuberville said he will do what it takes to get crime under control, even if that means sending the National Guard.

“And I’ve made several statements about, you know when, when and if I take over as governor of the state, we’re we’re going to help the people in their neighborhoods. We’re going to help the local law enforcement,” he explained. “We’re going to help the Sheriff’s Department. We’re going to do everything we possibly can, because we have to have safe streets and safe neighborhoods to make sure our state grows, because we have to bring in new manufacturing folks that are not coming, and you’re going to be losing people manufacturing or or our places of business if we don’t get control of this.”

The Montgomery Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit has helped reduce crime some in the city, but the area has still faced some serious issues, including a recent mass shooting in downtown Montgomery that killed two people and wounded 12 others.

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. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is concerned that the United States will become more like Europe when it comes to the spread of radical Islamism.

The senator has been calling for an end to any implementation of Sharia Law in America. Tuberville, who is also a candidate for Governor of Alabama in 2026, recently spoke about it on the Senate floor and also introduced the No Sharia Act and the Preserving a Sharia Free America Act.

Tuberville pointed to New York City as the epicenter of the growing problem on “The Todd Starnes Show” Friday.

“Muslims are getting ready to take over New York,” Tuberville said. “They’re going to run everybody out of New York, unless you’re a Muslim and Sharia law and and study the Quran, all those crazy things that are trying to take over this country. We’re going to turn into Europe, but we don’t want don’t watch it.”

Tuberville’s comments are also in reaction to the recent election of Zohran Mamdani to be the next mayor of New York City.

“Todd, in your or in my lifetime, we will see New York City nothing but Muslims,” he continued. “It will be a third world country, just like San Francisco, just like Detroit, it will be brought to its knees, it’ll continue to spread. We have got to do something about this Muslim Brotherhood nonsense. If you teach in Sharia law, you got to go now.”

“We’re a country of immigrants,” he added. “If you want to assimilate and go to the Constitution and don’t want to burn a flag, you know, don’t chant Death to America. Hey, we’re all for you. You know, big part of our country. But if you’re coming here to change it, it’s time to take your butt home, because we cannot allow this to fester up and this, this should ring alarm bell. What happened in New York? Because they will take it over. Everybody will move out, except if you’re a Muslim, and Sharia all over. And then it will continue to grow. It’s got to stop.”

Tuberville believes this is one of many reasons to consider getting rid of the filibuster in the U.S. Senate.

“And so we got to give President Trump the ability to what the American people wanted is take our country back, and we’re sitting here in the Senate going, Oh, it’s the tradition. We can’t do it. I mean, that’s not the way we’ve done in the past,” he said. “This is not the same country we’ve had in the past. And we better wake up and smell the road.”

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

Fall back, spring forward. Repeat every six months.

On Sunday, Americans again changed their clocks at 2 a.m., falling back one hour onto Standard Time and off of Daylight Savings Time. They will change them again, springing forward an hour on March 8, 2026.

On Sunday night, and all evenings for the next four months and one week, the sun will go down an hour earlier, according to our clocks. The sun set at 5:03 p.m. Sunday. On Saturday, it had set at 6:03 p.m. – quite an abrupt change.

The way God made sunsets, they change by just a moment each day. The way the government made it twice a year, it changes suddenly by about an hour. People seem to like God’s way better.

That setting will continue to be earlier until the earliest sunset of the year, 4:50 p.m. on December 2.

People coming home from work will be driving in the twilight. People running errands after work will do so in the dark. Afternoon activities will go from daylight into twilight.

While many Americans and some officials have been calling to “lock the clocks” – to do away with the changing and stay on the same time regimen all year – there has been one national voice that has been louder and clearer than most, Alabama U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville.

Tuberville has taken the lead on trying to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would stop the twice-a-year clock changing. With Sen. Tuberville’s guidance, the bill passed the U.S. Senate in 2022 but failed to pass the House. So the clock changing continues.

Tuberville is still on the Senate floor pleading his cause. Here is the speech he made on October 28.

Tuberville’s column for the month of October addressed the issue he calls the one he hears about most from the people of Alabama:

In the five years I have served in the Senate, making DST permanent is the number one issue I hear about. A lot of folks have asked me over the years, “Why do we even have Daylight Saving Time?”

DST was first introduced during World War I and then used again during World War II as a temporary way to help conserve fuel and energy. Following the ends of both wars, the decision to spring forward and fall back was returned to individual states. It wasn’t until 1966 when the system of changing our clocks twice a year was made permanent.

Changing our clocks twice a year might have made sense in the ’60s. But we aren’t the same country we were back then. Thanks to technology – farming, manufacturing, and other industries look entirely different today. The twice-a-year time change just doesn’t make sense anymore – and it hasn’t for a long time.

Changing our clocks twice a year isn’t just outdated, it is also dangerous. Northwestern Medicine found that the practices of “falling back” and “springing forward” are both connected to a 6% spike in fatal car accidents and a 24% higher risk of heart attacks. Changing clocks disrupts sleep patterns and means it is darker much earlier in the day – which can have fatal consequences.

The time switch in the fall can also negatively impact people’s physical health. The long-term health effects linked to changing our clocks include weight gain, cluster headaches, and depression. It also increases Seasonal Affective Disorder every single year, which causes many Americans to feel depressed.

Thanks to RFK Jr.’s great work at HHS, a lot of Americans are taking their health more seriously by eating healthier ingredients, getting more exercise, and prioritizing sleep. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I am extremely passionate about improving the health of ALL Americans. The back-and-forth switching of our clocks is the exact OPPOSITE of the MAHA movement. It is bad for our sleep, nutrition, and overall health.

If we were to make DST permanent, Americans would enjoy an extra hour of sunlight in the evening. This may not seem like a big change – but it would make a difference in the lives of many Alabamians. No one wants to walk home at 4:45 p.m. during the winter in the pitch-black dark. It’s depressing and makes it difficult to be active outside after work.

As a dad, I always loved spending time throwing the ball around with my two boys outside. An extra hour of sunlight in the evening would give every parent more time outdoors with their kids. Kids don’t need to be inside playing video games. They need to be outside being active after school. Locking the clock is an important first step to helping Americans of all ages live longer, healthier lives.

It would also be a huge benefit for the economy. Studies have shown that longer days mean more people are going out to eat, shopping in the evenings, and supporting local businesses – stimulating local economies. I know our farmers would love an extra hour of sunlight. More sunlight means more time that can be spent making a profit in the fields and providing food to put on our tables.

It’s also safer during DST. Studies from Stanford University and the Brookings Institution have shown crime plummets when DST ends. Reports of robberies fall by 27%, murder falls by 48%, and rape falls by 56%. This should be a no-brainer.

Locking the clock would be a massive win for our country. A permanent, year-round DST is not only healthier and safer for Alabamians, but better for our economy than switching back and forth twice a year. I’m proud that Alabama has led the charge and has already passed state legislation that would lock the clock permanently. It’s time for the federal government to follow the lead of the majority of the states and lock the clock. It’s time for America to move forward – and stop falling back.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) praised the recent decision by ABC to indefinitely suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live” over comments the Kimmel made about Charlie Kirk.

“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he calls a friend. This is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish,” Kimmel said mocking President Donald Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s death.

The network made the decision after Nexstar Communications Group said it would pull the show from it’s 23 ABC affiliates starting Wednesday.

Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, said that Kimmel’s comments on Kirk were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”

Trump weighed in on the issue Thursday saying, “Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”

Tuberville echoed Trump’s sentiment on the cancellation Thursday.

“Jimmy Kimmel made DISGUSTING and FALSE comments in the wake of the ASSASSINATION of a beloved American patriot,” Tuberville posted on X. “It isn’t ‘cancel culture for Sinclair and Nexstar to hold him ACCOUNTABLE for his words. I’m glad to see ABC and Disney grew a spine, for once.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1968691265593029032

The senator also talked about the rhetoric he’s seen on the left since the assassination.

“The Democrats now are just trying to find an avenue where they can make an excuse,” Tuberville said on “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. “They’re looking for excuses. They have no excuse. They’ve lied to the American people—ever since I’ve been here for five years in the United States Senate—about the border, about our debt, about our education, and they just keep on and on, but they’re looking for a way to prove that, ‘Hey, it really wasn’t our fault. We didn’t mean any of this stuff that we said, but at the end of the day, it was all the Republicans’ fault.’ And they’ve done that since I’ve been here, so it’s a crock of crap and J.D. Vance, our Vice President, was exactly right. They need to own it because they own every bit of it and they tried to create a narrative and they did it and, unfortunately, we lost a great person.”

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. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) is continuing to promote his bill aimed at preventing China from owning an excessive amount of farmland in the U.S.

The congressman reintroduced the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, earlier this year. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

Strong discussed this issue during a recent appearance on “The Joe Pags Show.”

“Over 380,000 acres of that is owned or leased by China in America,” Strong said. “And when you look at it, it’s a threat to national security.”

.@RepDaleStrong discussed the 380,000 acres of American farmland owned by Chinese nationals on the @JoeTalkShow:

“That property should be in American hands. American famers ought to be farming it, creating consumable products for the American people.” pic.twitter.com/CMl1i3cAPb

— House Homeland GOP (@HomelandGOP) July 10, 2025

A January 2024 GAO report suggests that foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land continues to increase. As of 2021, it was more than 40 million acres, with some 340,000 known to be owned by China.

“Finally, Kristi Noem is on it, the Department of Agriculture is on it, Pam Bondi is on it,” Strong continued. “But we have this property located around some of our largest military installations, and I will promise you this is a threat to the national security of America, and I think we’re fixing it finally and going to get something done.”

Earlier this week, Tuberville and senior members of the Trump administration announced the formation of a new, multiagency operation to protect domestic farmland and America’s food supply from foreign adversaries.

Strong said his bill will put much foreign-owned property back in American hands.

“I call it repatriating that property,” he explained. “That property should be in American hands. American farmers ought to be farming it, creating consumable products for the American people.”

The “Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act” would also prohibit individuals associated with the governments of our foreign adversaries from participating in certain U.S. Department of Agriculture programs. These restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

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

As speculation continues on who is likely to through their hat into the ring for one of the many open political seats in Yellowhammer State, ALGOP leadership wants potential candidates to understand the rules before the 2026 elections.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman discussed the issue recently on FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show.”

“Well, again, the first thing is, this is rooted in the fact that here in Alabama, we take it very seriously that only Republicans should be running in the Republican primary,” Wahl said, not referencing any candidate in particular.

“If you’re going to say that you want to be our Republican nominee, you should be a Republican. Democrats should run as Democrats. Republicans should run as Republicans. And so we have created, over the years, the party has created some very clear guidelines that reinforce this and make sure we keep the ballot as secure as possible, because that’s Republican primary voters trust us to make sure that we only qualify Republican candidates for them to choose from in the primary.”

The issue has come up in the party as Auburn men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl, who has supported Democrat candidates in recent elections, is considering to run as Republican for the U.S. Senate.

“Some of these these rules include if you’ve endorsed a Democrat, if you’ve run as a Democrat, if you’ve contributed financially to a Democrat or Independent, that you cannot run as Republican, and that rule is put in place,” Wahl explained.

This would be a major problem for Pearl, given his $1,000 contribution to the Committee to Elect Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) through the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) during the 2024 election cycle. He also contributed $1,000 to U.S. Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.).

Wahl said there is a process for a potential candidate to switch parties and campaign in the state — but it’s a high bar to overcome.

“And this is important to remember, too,” Wahl continued. “It’s not this is not a complete qualifier, but automatically, any candidate can be ballot challenged and be reviewed by the state party, but every candidate in the bylaws that has made one of these actions in the last six years is automatically denied ballot access. They cannot even qualify as a Republican unless they get a waiver from either the county party or the state party with a three quarters vote.”

It’s still possible in the end that the Steering Committee could vote to allow Pearl on the ballot, but sources within the ALGOP say that seems highly unlikely.

“We still have that process where, if you run as a Democrat in the past, but you know, you decide you want to leave that party, that the state or county party can come in and take a vote on whether they want to allow you, and feel like that’s sincere, and you’re truly a conservative, and allow that person to switch parties to make him a Republican,” Wahl added.

The only candidates to have officially announced their intention to seek the party’s nomination for U.S. Senate so far are Attorney General Steve Marshall and former U.S. Navy SEAL Jared Hudson.

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

A bill to target a tax loophole that hurts state-led wildlife conservation efforts has been introduced by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

Tuberville and Sen. Mike Crapo said the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act would hold foreign sellers to the same tax regulations as domestic manufacturers.

“Alabama is proud to be home to hundreds of small businesses who make sporting equipment that outdoorsmen and conservationists rely on,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “The last thing these business owners need is to be punished for producing goods right here in the U.S.A.”

“I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Crapo, which closes a loophole allowing foreign sellers to exploit our domestic retailers and rob money from our state conservation programs.”

Conservation and sporting groups, including the Alabama Department of Conservation, Archery Trade Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, American Sportfishing Association, and The Conservation Fund, have endorsed the legislation.

“We applaud Senator Tuberville’s support of the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “These funds are critical to supporting outdoor activities in the U.S., and we rely on them heavily in Alabama.”

“This legislation will help secure state conservation funding and ensure all Americans have access to quality outdoor recreation throughout the country.”

For decades, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act have provided states and territories with essential funding for wildlife restoration, conservation, hunter education programs, and boating access programs.

These programs, funded through excise taxes on sportfishing and archery equipment, have contributed more than $1.3 billion in FY2025 to support conservation efforts across the country.

However, a loophole in current tax policy allows some online purchases of imported sporting goods to bypass these excise taxes when purchased directly from foreign sellers, leading to a shortfall of tens of millions of dollars from going to conservation funds.

Many consumers are unaware that they may be responsible for these taxes, and even those who are aware often struggle to navigate IRS guidelines on calculating and paying them.

“Federal excise taxes on certain recreational outdoor sporting equipment provide funding for conservation programs,” said Crapo (R-Idaho). “This bill closes loopholes on imported fishing and archery equipment that deprive fish and wildlife conservation programs of additional critical funds.”

“This move will help level the playing field for Idaho and American companies and strengthen existing conservation programs.”

A recent Government Accountability Office report recommended that Congress address the issue by ensuring that U.S. online marketplaces, rather than consumers, are responsible for collecting and remitting these excise taxes.

The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act would:

Require U.S. online marketplaces to collect and remit federal excise taxes on imported archery and fishing equipment, treating them as the importer of record.
Ensure that funding for state-led wildlife conservation efforts is not lost due to tax loopholes.
Maintain fairness for domestic retailers who already pay these taxes on sporting goods they sell.
Simplify the tax process for consumers, eliminate confusion, and ensure that conservation programs receive the full funding they deserve.

“We thank Senators Tuberville and Crapo for their leadership in helping to make the Sport Fish Restoration and Wildlife Restoration funds whole,” said Jim Fredericks, chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Fisheries and Water Resources Policy Committee and Director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. “State fisheries programs count on these funds to maintain the good quality fishing opportunities that keep our anglers coming back for more.”

A complete text of the bill can be found here. U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-Utah) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

“The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act will ensure the future viability of the Sport Fish Restoration Fund by closing a loophole and securing millions of dollars in lost excise tax revenue to improve recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of American Sportfishing Association. “Since 1950, excise taxes on fishing equipment have provided $12 billion for conservation efforts and improved access for anglers across the country – a unique user-pay, public-benefit system that has become a cornerstone of the American conservation model.”

“We applaud Senators Tuberville and Crapo for introducing this legislation and for their commitment to the sportfishing industry, which contributes $230 billion to the U.S. economy each year.”

Courtesy of 256 Today

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) said he still hasn’t decided whether to run for governor or run for another term in the Senate.

Yellowhammer News confirmed last month that Tuberville told a group of donors at a private event on that his mind is officially made up and that he will run for governor.

Despite the reports, Tuberville says publicly that he’s still weighing his options.

“You know what I want to do is what’s best for the people of Alabama, whether it’s a senator or governor,” Tuberville said Thursday on WVNN. “Now, there’s so much going on up here right now, and there’s really not a reason, other than a couple reasons I can think of, to make a decision one way or the other, because there’s not enough time in the day.”

Tuberville said he’s going to need to make a decision soon because he believes it could affect other political leaders’ futures.

“But I want to do what’s best for the people Alabama, but I will make a decision here soon, for this reason: There’s people waiting for me to make this decision,” he explained. “And if I stay, people need to get in the governor’s race. If I go the governor race, people need to get in this race. And we’ll need a very good senator up here that really understands the situation going on, that can make strong conservative decisions. So, you know, it’s not too far away…so we’ll keep, as you said, praying about it.”

Most likely the politician Tuberville is thinking about is Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, who is expected to run for governor, but will have a much harder time winning a race against the senator.

While some believe Ainsworth might decide to run for Senate instead, the lieutenant governor said Thursday that he’s never really wanted to be a Senator.

“I really don’t have that much of an interest in running for the Senate,” Ainsworth said on FM Talk 106.5. “I think the only thing that I would consider running for is governor.”

“Obviously, there’s some big names out there, but, hey, I’ve been the underdog before, and if that happens again, that would be a lot of fun,” he added. “And that’s always kind of where I thought I could help the state the best is as governor, but we’ll see what happens.”

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

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will now offer illegal immigrants a $1,000 travel stipend and free commercial flights if they self-deport from the United States.

The decision is expected to reduce current deportation costs on American taxpayers by as much as 70%.

With the now-added incentive to self-deport, lawmakers are hoping those in the country illegally will voluntarily leave the U.S.

On Monday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined Newsmax to discuss the stipend and airfare coverage.

“The American people have really suffered, as you said. There’s not 11, there’s not 15 million, there’s not 20 million. There are closer to probably 30 million people here that are not supposed to be here,” said Tuberville. “They’re illegal.”

The lawmaker stressed that the offer cuts costs significantly for both the federal government and those paying taxes.

“President Trump’s probably putting a little bait out there for him to say, listen, we’ll pay you $1,000 to go back. Because it costs much more than $1,000 to run these people down, transport them to the border, and transport them to wherever they want to go. It would probably be a very big discount for us to be able to send everybody back for $1,000.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1919774451161239774

According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the offer of financial assistance and coverage of travel expenses is meant not only to facilitate deportation but also to protect those enforcing immigration laws.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” Noem told Fox News. “DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App. This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens, and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers.”

Illegal aliens submitting their intent to voluntarily self-deport in CBP Home will also be deprioritized for detention and removal ahead of their departure as long as they demonstrate they are making meaningful strides in completing that departure.

DHS has released data showing that, on average, it costs over $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport a single illegal immigrant. With the stipend included, the cost for deportation of an illegal alien can be reduced to just $4,500 on average.

The Trump Administration has so far deported only 152,000 individuals since January 20.

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

Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl believes the U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is going to run for governor and will probably win the contest easily.

While Tuberville has not officially announced his candidacy yet, Yellowhammer News confirmed this week that his mind is made up and he will run for the position.

Wahl discussed the upcoming election during a Friday appearance of WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program.”

“I think Tuberville is definitely looking that he wants to come home to Alabama,” Wahl said. “He has his first grandchild. You can’t blame him. D.C. is a is a rat race, and he really does love Alabama. He loves the people of Alabama, and I think that’s what’s driving him with making this decision at the end of the day.”

There has been some speculation that President Donald Trump is interested in part doing the commencement address at the University of Alabama this year because he wants to use the opportunity to endorse Tuberville.

Wahl said he doesn’t think that’s Trump’s main motivation for agreeing to do the speech.

“Interesting timing, isn’t it? No, ironically, I do not think that it does, though,” he said. “So, Donald Trump has always made it a priority to reach out to everyday Americans. We saw this during the campaign. We’ve seen it with his administration, and I think this continues as he wanted to take part in some commencement ceremonies across the country, and from what I understand, he picked the University of Alabama as one that he wanted to highlight, that one that he wanted to go to.”

Wahl also addressed some of the hit pieces that have already come out against a possible Tuberville gubernatorial campaign.

“Of course, he’s going to have hit pieces against him,” he argued. “I have never seen a true, strong conservative who doesn’t have hit pieces. If you don’t, if the media is not attacking you, you’re probably not doing your job right, if you’re a Republican. So I expect that to continue.”

Wahl said that he can’t imagine anyone being able to win against a Tuberville candidacy.

“But I expect if he, if he gets in this race for sure, at the end of the day, I think he wins,” he explained. “I think it’s very hard for anyone to compete with his name ID, with the work he’s done, with his closeness to Donald Trump, and just the way he has fought for conservative values and fought for Alabama, he has a track record. He proved himself.”

“And, you know, this is a day and age where people are are respecting candidates who have put the time in and prove themselves, and who who really have proven that they’re fighters,” he added. “You know, they’re not afraid to send them to the political machine. They’re not afraid to drain the swamp. And I think that’s what Tuberville brings to the table.”

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

April 15 is traditionally known as the deadline to file your tax return. This time last year, Alabama political insiders had marked their calendars as that being the date that our 2026 political season would begin. It was thought that all of the thoroughbred horses would be at the gate to begin their races for the state’s four top political posts by April 15, 2025. Our Republican primary is our election in Alabama. Therefore, the election for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and one of our U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot next year. It will be a very big year as the three top constitutional offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General are incumbent-free. The big question is whether the U.S. Senate Race will be incumbent-free.

The horses are late getting to the gate. However, we will have a probable starting gate date of Memorial Day, May 26, for the horses to be in their chutes. This is the date for fundraising to begin for the May 2026 Primary Election.

The looming question is, will our senior U.S. Senator, Tommy Tuberville, run in the 2026 election cycle? Will he run for re-election to his Senate seat, or will he run for Governor next year? That question will more than likely be answered in the next four to six weeks.

Coach Tuberville has flirted with the idea of running for Governor for the last six months. It has been the dominant question in Alabama politics over the past year. “Will he or won’t he?” is asked by politicos of each other on a daily basis. Well, it is getting late in the day, and it is getting close to time to fish or cut bait.

Having grown up in and around Alabama politics, my answer would be simple. If I were 72 years old like Tuberville, had one six-year term of seniority under my belt, was in the Republican majority, and was best friends with the Republican President, Donald J. Trump, it would be a no-brainer. I would run for another six-year term as a U.S. Senator. In most states, being Governor is a stepping stone to moving up to the U.S. Senate.

Being Governor of Alabama is not all it is cracked up to be. You have to really want to govern and have an agenda. You also have to have a good working relationship with the Alabama Legislature. Our Alabama Constitution inherently places the bulk of the power with the legislature. A lot of folks think the ultimate authority rests with the Governor. It does not. That perception, to a large degree, was derived from the influence that Governor George Wallace had during his four-term reign as governor. He, in essence, became a king. He controlled the legislature. In his heyday, he made the legislature an appendage of the Governor’s office. That day is gone. Over the past two or three decades, the legislature has taken that power back. Today, the adage the Governor proposes, and the legislature disposes, prevails.

Coach Tuberville would enjoy wearing the title of “Governor” and like the trappings and glamour of being governor but at the end of the day, he has got a much better job as a U.S. Senator.

Speaking of our Washington delegation, our Senior Congressman, Robert Aderholt, and his outstanding wife, Caroline, put on one whale of a wedding for their daughter, Mary Elliott, a few weeks ago. It was the closest thing to a regal wedding in Alabama history.

Robert Aderholt has indeed made the Alabama history books. He went to Congress in 1996 at the ripe age of 30. He is close to closing in on 30 years in the U.S. House, always representing the fourth district. Caroline is from a prominent North Alabama political family.

I remember being in Washington 25 to 30 years ago and seeing a young Congressman Aderholt and Caroline pushing their young baby girl around the capital in a baby buggy. That young baby has grown into a beautiful, successful young lady. Mary Elliott Aderholt married Grant Whitt, who is the son of Huntsville State Representative Andy Whitt and his beautiful wife, Jennifer, on March 29. Andy Whitt is a powerful North Alabama Legislator and successful banker.

The wedding was one for the record books. It took place at the majestic First Methodist Church of Huntsville. The wedding was magnificent. However, the reception at the elegant Ledges Country Club of Huntsville was something to behold.

Mingling for hours was truly a “Who’s Who” of Alabama politics. Every major, statewide political figure in Washington or Montgomery politics from past and present were there. I have never seen such an assemblage of Alabama political royalty gathered at a wedding or any event. It was truly a royal Alabama wedding.

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.

Around 91 residents have been evacuated from the Benny G. Adkins Veterans Home in Enterprise after a fire broke out in the building around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The state-of-the-art facility was opened just months ago.

According to the Enterprise Fire Department, firefighters responded to the scene and began to cut into the roof to stop the spread. Due to the complex construction design, fire crews worked through the night to control and isolate the fire, preventing it from spreading further.

According to WDHN, first responders have said that as of 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the fire was contained to the exterior roof of the building.

No injuries have been reported, and all residents have been transported to Enterprise Health and Rehab.

First Responders from Dothan, Opp, Troy, New Brockton, Elba, and Ariton were on scene to provide mutual aid. Fire coverage was provided by surrounding departments.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and vocal advocate for those who have served, asked for prayers for those affected as solutions are identified.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1912879888156999713

Enterprise native U.S. Senator Katie Britt praised rescue workers and the local community for assisting the displaced veterans.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the brave first responders from across the Wiregrass who came together and worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of the residents at the Benny G. Adkins Veterans Home in my hometown of Enterprise,” said Britt (R-Montgomery).

“As local officials work to identify the cause of the fire, my family and I continue to pray for the veterans who were displaced as a result of this unfortunate incident. The Enterprise community is one of unselfish service and hospitality, and I’m glad to hear efforts are already underway to help our veterans receive the care and support they need during this time.”

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

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is defending President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which he believes will help the American economy in the long run.

Trump is expected to announced his new tariff program Wednesday and is calling it “Liberation Day.”

“This is the beginning of Liberation Day in America,” Trump said. “We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth, taking a lot of things that they’ve been taking over the years. They’ve taken so much out of our country, friend and foe. And, frankly, friend has been oftentimes much worse than foe.”

Tuberville, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s economic policies, defended the president’s tariff plan to reporters Tuesday.

“We have built China–the American taxpayers. We have built the Middle East. We have built Europe,” Tuberville said. “So now it’s time they help us build back our country as we’ve helped them so much, and that’s through tariffs.”

🚨 Senator Tuberville: “We have built China–the American taxpayers. We have built the Middle East. We have built Europe.” pic.twitter.com/1T60IPkWd6

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) April 1, 2025

The administration has not yet released the details of his plan, but there are some suggesting he could implement a 20% tariffs on most imports.

“It’s going to be a slow process,” Tuberville continued. “There’s going to be some pain before gain, but we got to do it.”

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

In an effort to protect American beekeepers and honey producers, Senator Tommy Tuberville recently introduced legislation that would shield domestic operations from much of the financial harm caused by counterfeit foreign honey imports.

The Honey Integrity Act, according to Tuberville, would help keepers and producers in the United States by instructing the FDA to create a standard identity for honey and require the HHS Secretary to report enforcement against adulterated/misbranded honey to Congress.

On Wednesday, Tuberville (R-Auburn) joined Auburn-Opelika This Morning to discuss the need for his bill.

“I’m doing everything I possibly can to help our farmers because they’re in bad, bad trouble in every area,” said Tuberville. “There’s two things I’m gonna bring up this month. I brought up the honey bill. The honey bill means that if it’s not 100% honey, you ain’t selling it in this country. Don’t call it honey. ”

The Senator explained that many of the foreign honey products coming into the United States are packaged in a particular container that consumers should avoid if they are looking to purchase pure, domestically produced honey.

“What’s happening is you got China and some of these other countries in Asia that mix together corn syrup and water and put a little flavoring in it, and they put them in these little plastic bear containers. Anything that you buy in these bears is not honey,” Tuberville said. “It is fake honey.”

“It’s really killing the industry of the honey growers in our state.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1902422182845693974

Tuberville stressed that those in the U.S. honey industry deserve a “level playing field.”

“America’s beekeepers and honey producers work tirelessly to ensure that we have access to pure, quality honey,” he said. “But sadly, the lack of uniform standards is creating loopholes that foreign honey producers are increasingly exploiting. Americans deserve to know exactly what they’re putting in their bodies.

The Honey Integrity Act is supported by the American Honey Producers Association, the Alabama Commercial Beekeepers Association (ACBA), and the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA).

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

The leader of Alabama’s Republican Party is skeptical that there will be any kind of successful effort to block a potential gubernatorial bid by U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) based on a residency issue.

According to multiple reports, Tuberville has been showing a strong interest in running for Governor of Alabama in 2026 instead of seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate.

State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) recently suggested that Tuberville might not be eligible to run for governor because of state law that requires candidates be residents for seven years, and that the requirements to seek the office, is far more stringent than the one-day rule to run for U.S. Senate.

“So, as far as governor, you know, the first thing, we still got a question, because owning a house in Alabama is not enough,” Givhan said. “I mean, you gotta’ live here seven years. And that’s, you know, you don’t have to live here a day to run for U.S. Senate. So, that’s going to be a hurdle.”

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Wahl recently joined “The Jeff Poor Show” on FM Talk 106.5 to give his thoughts on a potential Tuberville campaign.

“[H]e has been serving the people of Alabama in the U.S. Senate for six, it will be six years by the time this election comes up, Wahl said. “And he was in state for well over a year before that campaigning for the position. And so, I don’t see how there’s any basis right now for a challenge on residency. Of course, the specifics have to be looked at.”

Wahl argued that it’s not the job of the party to be used as a weapon by one candidate over another in a primary.

“You know, this is something that the party has a process of someone to do a ballot challenge. What I don’t want to see is the party put in a position where they’re trying to be used as a tool on any side,” he said. “Like, we’re the referees. This is the primary. This is where the people are our Republican voters, the people of Alabama will vote and decide. And as much as possible, all the Republican Party should do is be a referee in that process and try to help make sure that our voters have access to information, make sure they have qualified good candidates that they can choose from in our primary process. And that’s the goal of the party here.”

Wahl said the ultimate question remains whether or not he will actually run.

“I think it’s going to be to be interesting to see what happens,” he said, “but I think the big question is, does Tuberville actually pull the trigger and run for governor, more than the whether he’s qualified or not?”

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

To help raise awareness of and encourage healthy eating, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville joined Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in introducing the “Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act,” which would expand access to frozen fruits and vegetables through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

“SNAP participants deserve access to healthy alternatives,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “RFK Jr. has exposed the scary truth behind much of America’s processed food. Expanding access to frozen fruits and vegetables is a step in the right direction of Making America Healthy Again. It is important we continue to increase options and encourage Americans to make healthy choices.”

This comes as March is National Nutrition Month and National Frozen Food Month, which raise awareness of the importance of developing healthy eating habits.

“Access to whole, nutrient-dense foods are essential to making America healthy again,” said Cornyn. “The SHOPP Act will help meet this need for Texas families and communities across the country by ensuring SNAP participants are able to put well-balanced meals full of fruits and vegetables on their dinner tables.”

Lujan said the legislation strengthens food security, especially for rural and Tribal communities.

“I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan SHOPP Act to expand access to fruits and vegetables for families across the country,” said Luján. “This legislation helps strengthen food security and supports healthier communities in New Mexico and nationwide, especially in rural and Tribal communities where access to fresh produce can be limited. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to move it forward.”

U.S. Reps. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) lead the bipartisan effort in the House.

The Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program (SNAP) and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) are designed to help low-income families and individuals access the healthy food options they need.

However, the GusNIP program only includes funding for fresh produce, not frozen.

The SHOPP Act would allow local GusNIP providers to provide frozen fruits and vegetables, which would be better for SNAP participants who may live in rural or urban food deserts.

Increased access to frozen produce allows these families and individuals to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, and it is also easier to transport to areas on the last mile of a delivery route.

Courtesy of 256 Today

While en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation declaring Sunday as ‘Gulf of America Day.’ The order was appropriately signed as Air Force One flew over the newly named body of water.

“Today, I am very honored to recognize February 9, 2025, as the first-ever Gulf of America Day,” Trump’s proclamation read. “I took this action in part because, as stated in that Order, “the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.”

One of the pilots on Air Force One announced midflight that the plane was flying over the Gulf of America:

https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1888705072562929894

On hand for the historic occasion were several elected officials including Alabama Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt. The two lawmakers, who received personal invitations from Trump to travel on Air Force One, have become among the most supportive of the President’s second-term agenda in Washington D.C.

Tuberville posted a photo of himself and Britt along with another including Ivanka Trump during the plane ride on X and wished everyone a happy ‘Gulf of America Day.’

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1888719458384150579

Prior to the flight, Britt also posted photos on X featuring fellow elected officials and Ivanka Trump.

https://x.com/KatieBrittforAL/status/1888713830722834831

Trump is the first sitting President to ever attend the Super Bowl since it first kicked off in 1967.

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

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt have fiercely contested allowing men in women’s sports on both the high school and collegiate levels. In recent years, the practice of permitting biological males to compete against biological females under Title IX has led to injuries and lost opportunities for women across the country.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump addressed the issue and made good on a key campaign promise, issuing an executive order banning men from competing in women’s sports. At the signing ceremony, Trump made sure to thank Alabama’s two Senators for their hard work protecting competition for women in America:

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1887244135590936795

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1887260561110712532

Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Britt (R-Montgomery) both praised Trump’s decision to sign the executive order.

“I’m very thankful for his leadership on this,” Tuberville said. “President Trump’s Executive Order will make sure women’s sports are protected for at least the next four years. But unfortunately, Executive Orders can be reversed. Congress needs to act on this to make sure the next Democrat administration, whenever it is, can’t take the same steps to destroy Title IX that the Biden administration took.”

“Today, President Trump said no more, and he restored longstanding, commonsense protections to ensure daughters across America, like my own, can continue to unlock their potential,” said Britt. “I appreciate President Trump’s leadership on this critical issue, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of Senator Tuberville’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would codify these protections.”

Also on hand for the signing ceremony was Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, who has played a leading nationwide role in protecting female athletes.

“Since returning to the White House, President Trump has wasted no time tackling the issues that matter most to the American people. With a single stroke of his pen, he has reversed years of radical and damaging policies,” Marshall said. “Americans should not have to worry about their daughters losing out on critical opportunities—whether spots on sports teams, scholarships, or the countless other advantages sports provide. It is simple common sense: Biological males don’t belong on sports fields or in locker rooms with girls.”

“I am proud to have stood beside President Trump as he signed this urgently needed executive order.”

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

Alabama’s U.S. Senators are celebrating the recent decision to ban Red Dye 3 in the country — but admit it’s only the first step in “Making America Healthy Again.”

The Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this month that it is banning the use of Red Dye N0. 3 in all foods produced in America.

“The FDA is taking action that will remove the authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in food and ingested drugs,” said Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods. “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No.3. Importantly, the way that FD&C Red No. 3 causes cancer in male rats does not occur in humans.”

U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) are now calling for more action. They also believe confirming President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is needed to bring about more positive changes in the nation’s food supply.

“We recently saw the FDA make some progress in protecting Americans’ healthy by banning Red Dye 3, but there’s so much more that needs to be done (for starters, Red Dye 40!),” Britt said. “I look forward to the Senate confirming [Robert Kennedy Jr.] as HHS Secretary so we can work together to Make America Healthy Again!”

We recently saw the FDA make some progress in protecting Americans’ healthy by banning Red Dye 3, but there’s so much more that needs to be done (for starters, Red Dye 40!).

I look forward to the Senate confirming @RobertKennedyJr as HHS Secretary so we can work together to Make…

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) January 28, 2025

Tuberville is in firm agreement with Britt about the need to remove unwholesome ingredients from foods, like Red Dye 3.

“Let’s get control of our food supply, let’s get control of what our kids eat,” Tuberville said on Fox News. “Everybody eats in this country. Let’s protect people. When Europe is 20 years ahead of us in terms of food research, something’s wrong.”

The senator also said Kennedy is the right man for the job to accomplish these goals.

“The FDA’s banning of Red Dye 3 is a good first step, but we need to take a closer look at what we are allowing to be put into our food,” he said. “[Robert Kennedy Jr.] is the man we need at HHS to lead the charge & Make America Healthy Again.”

The FDA’s banning of Red Dye 3 is a good first step, but we need to take a closer look at what we are allowing to be put into our food.@RobertKennedyJr is the man we need at HHS to lead the charge & Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/XAb8KHFiv8

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 27, 2025

Kennedy is scheduled to answer questions from Sens. Britt and Tuberville in confirmation hearings this week.

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