Dear Mr. xxxxxx:

Good Saturday morning. I wanted to begin this month's newsletter by passing along my condolences over the passing of the University of North Alabama's mascot Leo III. My staff visited with Leo just two weeks ago while on a tour of the Shoals area, where they got to hear him roar and watch him play. As someone who attended UNA, I know how deeply this loss is felt. I send my condolences to all the students, alumni, staff and the UNA community as a whole. Leo and his mighty roar will be missed. 

Now to the latest news from Washington and the Fourth District....

Supporting our Allies 
 

Earlier this month, I voted to send weapons to three democratic nations under attack or threat by our enemies. I understand that some do not support helping Ukraine against attack from Putin and the war crimes his troops have and are committing like raping women and children. I've also seen some messages from constituents not wanting to help Israel defend themselves against attacks from Hamas and their overlords Iran. But at the end of the day, my vote came down to what I feel is in the best interests of our nation over the long term based on the information I have been presented.

Around 250 years ago, there was a small country that found itself fighting an enemy that outmatched them in every way. They were brave, determined, and relentless, but they still needed help from a European power to win. That small country was the United States, and that European power was France. Because of those beginnings and because we are now that “shining city on a hill” as President Reagan used to say, I feel we have a moral obligation to now also help those countries who are fighting for their very existence. 

I have seen some comments that these “are not our fights.” I wish the world was that simple. But it comes down to this: do we want to live in a world where the American voice is the most dominant one? Or do we want to surrender that voice and allow China, Russia or terrorist organizations like Hamas to spread their “values” across the globe? If we try to take a hands-off approach to world conflict, we will find our sons and daughters right in the middle of it.  

One last thing on this topic: this bill is NOT about sending huge amounts of cash overseas. This is about providing weapons that are built in the United States by American workers, including $1.5 billion in Patriot air defense missiles and $500 million for anti-drone weapons made right here in Alabama. These funds will help kick-start our domestic production and refill our own supplies as our adversaries in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea try to export death and chaos around the globe. 

Faith Month 

Congress designated April as Faith Month. It’s a time for us to recognize the rights we have in this country to worship as we choose. Faith is one of the founding principles of our nation. It’s why many of ancestors came here as Pilgrims. 

Recently, I demonstrated the religious freedoms we have under our Constitution by standing on the House floor to talk about my own personal faith in Jesus Christ.

There are many countries in the world, like China or Iran, where this would be prohibited. It’s one of the reasons we must not allow that type of world view to spread. 

Questioning the U.S. Secretary of Education on Leftist Biden Policies 

In my role as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, I questioned U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, during a hearing on April 10. 

I questioned the Secretary on a number of topics, including Title IX reforms being issued by the Biden Administration that would, among other things, allow biological males to use locker rooms designated for females. 

I also questioned him about cancel culture at many of our universities drowning out conservative voices. We've seen that this past week on many campuses where students and activists have caused destruction and chaos in support of terrorist organizations.

Demanding More Answers on Space Command

The final home of Space Command is still undecided. On Tuesday, April 30, I put on notice the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, that Congress remains concerned about how the Department of Defense is playing politics with our national security. Let me be clear, there is no doubt Alabama is the best location for Space Command headquarters. The Secretary gave me his commitment that he will abide by the legislation I proposed and passed in the 2024 budget that requires the Biden Administration to let the independent investigations run their course before they can break ground. I fully intend to hold him to it.

Fourth District Feel Good News:

Nominating Sam Duskin to the Air Force Academy 

Sam Duskin is standout student and basketball player at Cullman High School. Now, he will continue both his academic and athletic career at the United States Air Force Academy. It was my honor to nominate Sam to the Air Force Academy. He has been recruited to play basketball for the Falcons and he will enroll this fall. Congratulations, Sam! 

Until my next letter in June, I hope you have a great May. And let me wish all the mothers out there, especially my mom Mary Frances and my wife Caroline, a very Happy Mother's Day.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,


Robert B. Aderholt