Dear Mr. xxxxxx:

Good Saturday morning to you. Here we are, already in March, but I would like to give you a quick wrap up of all that has happened in Washington and the Fourth District during February.

Appropriations Process 

As you know, when Republicans took control of the House of Representatives, we made a commitment to fiscal responsibility and regular order by making commonsense cuts to all 12 spending bills.  In fact, the spending bill I’m responsible for, the Labor, Health & Human Services and Education (Labor-HHS) bill, we’ve cut almost 30% of its previous spending levels in the language approved by the subcommittee members. 
  
However, Democrats in the Senate continue to support their fiscally irresponsible spending bills that would increase federal spending and add poison pill riders that would be harmful to our country. I share the concerns of many in our district that these bloated omnibus bills, where everything is smashed together and passes Congress through a single bill, is not an effective way to govern or address the growing economic struggles of our country.

Unfortunately, these disagreements with the Senate have forced Congress to enact several Continuing Resolutions to keep government functioning (making sure our military members get paid/veterans services continue, etc) while we try to negotiate in good faith. In my capacity as Chairman of the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, I continue to be committed to reining in the reckless spending levels supported by the Democrat-majority in the Senate. 

Government Shutdown

I know some people wanted a government shutdown, but my belief is that we should try to avoid shutdowns if we can. Congress has a Constitutional responsibility to fund the U.S. government to ensure that our economy remains stable, our national security is strong, and vital services for seniors are protected. Additionally, services and pay for our veterans, active duty service members, and Department of Defense (DOD) employees would be negatively impacted during a government shutdown.   I don’t know about you, but I don’t like the idea of using our service members and veterans as bargaining chips.

Mayorkas Impeachment 

In my newsletter last month, I promised that the House of Representatives would hold Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas accountable for the failures he has allowed at our southern border. And so, on February 13, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas with my support. The Constitution now calls for him to be put on trial in the Senate. The Senate must now act but, while it is unclear what Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will do,, I believe it’s imperative that his trial take place, so that the American people can see on full display the purposeful failures of this Administration when it comes to border security. 
 
This is what I said the night we impeached Mayorkas: 
“I cast my vote to impeach Secretary Mayorkas because he has failed to stop the invasion of our nation by illegal immigrants, human traffickers, drug smugglers and terrorists,” said Congressman Aderholt.  “His failure to stop this invasion most definitely meets the criteria of a “high crime and misdemeanor.” 

“Since Mayorkas and President Biden began their respective roles three-years-ago, more people have entered our country illegally than the entire population of Alabama. Our government is a system of checks and balances. In that system, the Secretary is entitled to his own policies, but not his own laws. Republicans have promised to hold the Biden Administration accountable, and we are working every single day to fulfill that promise.” 
 
Polling shows that Americans, both Republicans and Democrats, think the Biden Administration is not doing enough to protect our border. This gives me hope that the President might soon put the Trump border policies back in place. However, I’m convinced that if he is reelected in November, he will quickly reverse course and once again make our border wide open. 
 

Calling on Nicaragua to Release Imprisoned Pastors 

In December 2023, eleven Nicaraguan pastors and other individuals associated with Mountain Gateway--a Christian organization based in Texas, founded by an Alabamian family, and with missionary presence in North and Central America-- were arrested and imprisoned by the Nicaraguan government without access to legal counsel, understanding of the allegations against them, or documentation of their alleged criminal charges. Prior to this, Mountain Gateway had a longstanding and welcomed presence in Nicaragua.  
 
The arrested and imprisoned people include a young mother of a newborn and a toddler, both of whom are Americans. She has not been allowed any contact with her children since December.   
 
I led a bipartisan, bicameral letter signed by the entire Alabama delegation and over 50 other Members of Congress to the Ambassador of Nicaragua expressing deep concern and asking for answers on religious freedom violations in Nicaragua. We are deeply concerned for the welfare of these Christian men and women of faith who have been arrested and imprisoned for simply sharing the Gospel.  This is part of a larger pattern of human rights and religious freedom violations in Nicaragua under its leftist regime, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to address this serious issue. 
 

IVF Services

In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF, has been in the news the last few weeks after the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision in LePage v. Center for Reproductive Medicine.

The pain of couples struggling with infertility has touched most families. And the story of the death of multiple human embryos because someone wandered into a clinic nursery is absolutely heartbreaking.

I support IVF and this tragedy underscores the need for common-sense regulation of the fertility industry on behalf of parents who have trusted them.  It’s essential to be clear that fertility treatment is not threatened by this ruling. By clarifying that embryos are deserving of legal protection, the Alabama Court has reaffirmed the rights of parents and the foundational value of human life.

AROUND THE 4TH DISTRICT

Cullman Regional Expansion

This past week I spoke at Cullman Regional Medical Center and received a tour of their new critical care and medical surgical unit. I was able to secure $1.5 million in the annual appropriations process to support this expansion.

I'm a firm believer in supporting and expanding quality healthcare in rural America. Just like with high-speed internet, just because you choose not to live in a big city, doesn't mean you shouldn't have access to good medical care.

Snead State Expansion

I was also able to secure $1 million for a new workforce development center Snead State Community College is building in Guntersville next to the Marshall County Tech School. Dr. Joe Whitmore, Snead President, gave Caroline and me a tour of the facility which is still under construction. The money I secured will purchase the instructional materials that will be used inside the facility.

Digital App Challenge

Brilyn Hollyhand, a junior at Tuscaloosa Academy, won our annual Digital App Challenge for high school students. Brilyn’s app, called “Your Voice,” helps people quickly register to vote and helps them plan to vote. And it works for all 50 states. I presented Brylyn with his plaque while visiting Tuscaloosa.

Fourth District Feel Good News: Franklin County Scholars

Russellville High School’s Scholars Bowl team qualifies for state tournament. From left: Steven McCormick, Damien Tompkins, Uriel Mojica, Callie Stevens, (team captain) Dalton Stoltz and Bianca Santamaria. 

Congratulations to the Scholars Bowl Team at Russellville High School. They recently qualified to attend the state competition in April. You can read more in a story from the Franklin County Times.

I enjoyed catching up recently with Alabama State Representative Randall Shedd.

I got to meet with Marshall County Sheriff Phil Sims during my visit to the Marshall County Tech School.

And I got to meet with local farmer and pastor Shane Wheeler in the West Point Community.

I hope you have a great month and a blessed Easter on March 31. I will be back in touch very soon!

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,


Robert B. Aderholt