2025

Dear John,

March was a busy month for me and my team! Keep reading to hear about the progress we've made on your behalf.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell

ADVANCING OUR VOTING RIGHTS LEGACY

This month, we welcomed elected officials and community leaders from across the nation to Alabama to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, we retraced the footsteps of giants and paid tribute to the bravery and heroism of so many Foot Soldiers—known and unknown—who were brutally attacked while peacefully demonstrating for the right to vote.

60 years may have passed since Bloody Sunday, but we know that the fight for voting rights is just as urgent today. Last year alone, state lawmakers proposed at least 317 bills to make it harder for Americans to vote!

That's why on March 5, I proudly reintroduced H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement, with the support of every House Democrat.

Our bill would restore and modernize the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It would give us the tools necessary to address modern-day voter suppression and ensure every American has equal access to the ballot box.

Despite being blocked by House Republicans, we will keep fighting to get this bill passed and signed into law!

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

This month, we took important steps to fight back against the Trump Administration's disastrous policies.

When Elon Musk put the site of the Freedom Rides Museum up for sale, we sprang into action. Congressman Figures and I immediately sent a letter to the General Services Administration demanding a reversal. We brought Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to the Montgomery Bus Station to make clear that our civil rights history is NOT for sale. We also filed a new bill to prevent any future administration from selling off our civil rights sites without congressional approval.

Thanks to our collective calls, the Trump Administration removed this landmark from the list of properties for sale. It is an important lesson that when we use our voices to speak up and speak out, we can make difference!

We're fighting in the courts. So far, more than 110 cases have been filed against the Trump Administration's illegal actions, and many have stopped them in their tracks. Just this week, I signed on to an amicus brief with more than 200 of my Democratic colleagues opposing Trump's illegal dismantling of USAID, which blatantly violates Congress’ lawmaking and spending powers. 

On March 12, I voted NO on Trump's partisan spending bill. Rather than working with Democrats to responsibly fund the government, House Republicans took an axe to cancer research, rental assistance, and funding to preserve our civil rights history, all to give trillions in tax cuts to the wealthy.

On March 18, I hosted a roundtable in Selma to hear from local providers about what Republicans’ health care cuts will mean for Alabama. These cuts will rip health care away from our most vulnerable Alabamians and devastate our nursing homes, community health centers, and rural hospitals.

On March 20, I hosted a community conversation in Eutaw. I was joined by leaders from a local food bank, hospital, and school system for a discussion about Trump's cuts to education, housing, and health care.

On March 25, I questioned trade experts on the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional tariffs. Trump’s trade wars are threatening more than 90,000 Alabama jobs and will raise prices on everyday goods.

My Democratic colleagues and I will continue legislating, litigating, and mobilizing to hold the Trump Administration accountable.

HELPING OUR COMMUNITIES RECOVER

On Saturday, March 15, Alabama was struck by devastating tornadoes which tore through Dallas County, Greene County, and other parts of the state. They destroyed homes, businesses, churches, and claimed the lives of two precious individuals in Plantersville. My heart goes out to their families and everyone impacted.

Following the storms, I visited Plantersville and Gordo to survey the damage, meet with families, and help coordinate a response. My team has remained in close communication with local officials as we begin the recovery process.

I want to thank the amazing state and local partners, first responders, and volunteers who sprung into action. The damage was extensive, but we are a resilient people and we will get through this together.

I am committed to getting our communities get the support they need to rebuild.

PROTECTING ACCESS TO AMBULANCE SERVICES 

This month, I introduced bipartisan legislation to protect access to ambulance services in our rural communities. Watch my interview here!

Inadequate Medicare reimbursement policies are putting an immense strain on our rural ambulance providers, and we in Alabama are all too familiar with the consequences. When Alabamians have to wait hours for emergency medical care, lives are put at risk.

Our legislation would extend critical Medicare add-on payments for three years and ensure that ambulance providers are adequately reimbursed for the services they provide.

I'm working hard to get it passed and signed into law!

RETURNING STOLEN MONEY TO TAXPAYERS

On March 31, the House unanimously passed my bill to return stolen money to taxpayers! Watch my remarks here.

A number of Alabamians have reached out to me after having their IRS checks lost or stolen in the mail. For many of my constituents, a lost check is more than just an inconvenience. It can cause real financial hardship!

Our bill would allow taxpayers who are victims of lost or stolen checks to receive replacements via direct deposit.

It is a commonsense measure that will protect Americans from financial fraud and ensure taxpayers receive the money they are owed.

CONNECTING WITH CONSTITUENTS

I'm committed to ensuring the voices of my constituents are heard. In March, we continued our annual Congress in Your Community Tour through Alabama's 7th Congressional District.

In Greene County, I toured the OnMed CARE Station, visited the Greene County Hospital, and hosted a community conversation with constituents and local leaders.

We also made stops in Dallas County and Pickens County, and welcomed a group of young people from Jefferson County to our nation's capital! 

Stay tuned—We look forward to visiting a city near you!

2025 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

Our office is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition! Our theme is "Picturing a Future for our Historic District."

This annual program serves as a way for high school students in the 7th Congressional District to highlight their artistic abilities. The winner will receive roundtrip airfare to Washington D.C. and their artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Getting to review your art each year is one of the best parts of my job. The talent and creativity of our students never ceases to amaze me!

Be sure to submit your artwork by Monday, April 21. To learn more about this year's guidelines, click here or contact Delphine Lee in my Montgomery Office at (334) 262-1919.

SERVING YOU

In March, the Concerned Citizens of Hueytown reached out to my office while planning a trip for 35 students to Washington D.C.

I was thrilled to meet with them and discuss my work as a Member of Congress! Our office provided them with a tour of the U.S. Capitol and helped them visit the White House and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Are you planning a trip to the Washington D.C.? My office can help you make plans to visit the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and other popular attractions!

To learn more, visit my website or contact my D.C. office at (202) 225-2665.

To keep up with my work, please be sure to check in regularly with our website and social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). If you'd like to share your thoughts or concerns, you can email me here.

It is an honor to serve you in Congress. I look forward to hearing from you soon!