Dear Mr. xxxxxx:

It's the first Saturday of February and that means it time for our first newsletter of 2026. I hope all of you had a good Christmas season and got an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. It has already been a busy start to this new year. So, grab a cup of coffee with me as we take a look back at all that has happened.

Appropriations Bills Signed by President Trump

I had the opportunity this past Tuesday to join President Trump in the Oval Office as he signed several appropriations bills into law. With the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, these bills will fund the federal government through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026. We will revisit funding for DHS this coming week.

These bills will also fund several projects in Alabama's Fourth District that I specifically requested.

These projects include:

Transportation & Infrastructure

I-22 Connector Feasibility Studies — $5,000,000 for planning a major north/south corridor to enhance safety and economic mobility in Winston and Franklin Counties.

U.S. 278/SR 69 St. Bernard Bridge Replacement (Cullman) — $13,500,000 to replace the aging bridge, widen access, and add pedestrian/bike lanes.

Waterloo Bridge Replacement (Lauderdale County) — $7,000,000 for a new bridge supporting commerce and safer transport.

Winston County Road Resurfacing — $1,553,000 for resurfacing key roads leading to popular recreation areas.

Airports

Tuscaloosa National Airport Terminal Improvements — $8,500,000 to design and renovate the terminal for future travel growth.

Albertville Regional Airport Expansion — $5,000,000 to clear land and prepare for new hangars and runway expansion.

Community Development

Affordable Housing in Hanceville — $2,540,000 to build a tiny-home village with childcare support for students at Wallace State Community College.

Rural & Economic Support

Lauderdale County Agriculture Multipurpose Complex — $1,500,000 for a new facility supporting agricultural education and workforce training.

Already secured in related appropriations: funding for rural health clinic construction, medical equipment upgrades, and education/training tools for nurses and technical workers (from earlier announcements tied to the FY26 process) with a total of almost $60 million for Alabama's Fourth District.

Some members do not support these targeted projects, and prefer to let agencies in Washington decide how the money is spent. But I feel like I know the needs of the Fourth District better than an unelected bureaucrat who has never even set foot in Alabama. And also let me just say, that despite what you may have read or seen elsewhere about this budget we passed, no projects fund abortion or gender transition surgeries.

Annual March for Life

I was honored to join thousands of Americans in Washington, D.C. for the annual March for Life, a powerful event that brings together people from across the country to stand up for the unborn and affirm the value of every human life. The March served as a reminder of how far the pro-life movement has come, especially since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned the issue of abortion policy to the American people and their elected representatives.

While the Dobbs ruling was a major victory for life, it is clear that our work is not finished. I have always believed it is one of my greatest responsibilities in Congress to be a voice for the most vulnerable among us—our unborn children. My pro-life convictions are deeply rooted in my Christian faith and the belief that every life is precious and created by Almighty God.

Reconciliation 2.0 

I recently joined Republican Study Committee leadership at a news conference to highlight the family-focused priorities in the RSC’s newly unveiled Reconciliation 2.0 framework (the One Big Beautiful Bill was 1.0) a blueprint for the next reconciliation bill that I believe offers a strong opportunity to advance lasting conservative reforms. As Chairman of the House Values Action Team, I underscored our commitment to defending family, faith, and freedom, and I praised this framework as a chance to rein in wasteful spending and codify key executive actions.  

In particular, I emphasized several provisions that are important for families and reflect core American values: eliminating the marriage penalty in the Child Tax Credit, fixing unfair 401(k) contribution limits for single-parent families, making permanent the ban on federal funding for abortion providers, removing taxpayer funding for gender procedures and elective abortions, and establishing an excise tax on colleges that allow biological males to compete in women’s sports. I am proud to stand with my RSC colleagues as we work to deliver policies that strengthen families and guide our next legislative efforts. 
 

Honoring Bob French

I was honored to present a Congressional Record entry to Mr. Bob French during a special ceremony at the DeKalb County Courthouse. Bob French’s life is a powerful example of service, faith, and dedication to Alabama. An 8th-generation Alabamian, Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict, accomplished trial lawyer, devoted husband and father, and lifelong teacher of both law and Scripture, Bob has made a lasting impact on his community and our state.

From his military service and distinguished legal career to his leadership in faith and education, including his role in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court school prayer case, Bob exemplifies a life built on hard work, integrity, and great faith.

It was a privilege to recognize and celebrate his remarkable legacy. Alabama is better because of men like Bob French.

Honoring Jean Brewer

I also had the privilege of honoring Mrs. Jean Brewer of Marshall County for her lifetime of service and leadership in our community. I was proud to introduce a Congressional Statement recognizing Jean’s remarkable contributions, and I’m especially grateful to my wife, Caroline, for presenting it on my behalf at the Marshall County Republican Women’s Soup Supper.

Jean’s life reflects a deep love for family, community, and country—from her years supporting military families as an Air Force spouse to her strong leadership here at home in Marshall County. Her faith and commitment have made a lasting impact, and it was a joy to celebrate her alongside so many friends who know and appreciate her. Jean truly represents the very best of Alabama.

AUKUS Forum Huntsville

The America First agenda can't be accomplished if we are relying on adversaries to make portions of our own weapons. That's why we must improve our own defense industrial base.

That's why on January 30th, I convened the Second Annual AUKUS Defense Industry Forum to strengthen America’s national security and ensure the United States remains the world’s leading military power.

This forum brings together leaders and innovators to support the AUKUS partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia—working with our closest allies to advance critical defense capabilities and keep our nation secure in an increasingly dangerous world.

At the same time, we must continue to build up America’s defense industrial base, expand American-made production, and cut through unnecessary red tape so we can deliver the capabilities our warfighters need—faster and more effectively.
I’m proud to lead efforts that put America First, strengthen our national defense, and keep our country safe for generations to come.

One Year of President Trump’s Second Term 

I recently wrote a newspaper column reflecting on President Donald J. Trump’s first year back in office and the significant progress our nation has made during that time. In the column, I outline how strong leadership and a renewed commitment to conservative principles have delivered meaningful results for the American people in a relatively short period. 

From securing the border and restoring law and order to advancing pro-growth economic policies and strengthening America’s standing on the world stage, President Trump’s first year has been marked by decisive action and clear priorities. I believe these early accomplishments demonstrate what is possible when Washington focuses on results rather than rhetoric. To read my full article, click here.

Fourth District Feel Good News!

I always like to end our newsletter with good news from the Fourth District, and as you'll see below, this month we have several great stories.

2026 Student Art Competition

I’m excited to share that the 2026 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition is now underway! This annual contest invites high school students in our district, including those who are homeschooled, to submit original artwork in a variety of media, such as painting, drawing, photography, mixed media, and more. The competition celebrates the remarkable creativity and talent of our young artists and gives them a chance to be recognized for their hard work.

All category winners will receive scholarship offers to Wallace State Community College, and the student whose work is selected as the “Best of Show” will have their piece displayed in the United States Capitol. For more information, click here.

Service Academy Nominations

Congratulations to our 2026 United States Service Academy nominees from Alabama’s Fourth District. I’m proud to nominate each of them for admission to our nation’s service academies and wish them continued success as they pursue a life of honor and duty.

U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
• Kate Seidel — Indian Springs School, Vinemont
• Anglin Young — Northridge High School, Tuscaloosa
• Cooper Scott — Albertville High School, Albertville

U.S. Naval Academy
• Ferrin Thorne — Tuscaloosa County High School, Northport
• Eleanor Little — Homeschool, Northport
• Ayden Gargis — Brooks High School, Killen

U.S. Air Force Academy
• Anglin Young

I nominated Anglin Young to both West Point and the Air Force Academy. I'm proud to say, he has already been accepted to both. So, I know he has a tough decision ahead of him. Service academy nominations are highly competitive and reflect excellence in academics, character, leadership, and a desire to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Dalton Wins $25,000 Scholarship

I want to congratulate Clayton Dalton, a student at Sylvania High School in DeKalb County, on an incredible achievement—earning First Runner-Up (2nd Place) in the National Space Club and Foundation competition and receiving a $25,000 scholarship.

Clayton’s hard work and dedication have earned him national recognition, and it’s great to see a student from our district excelling at such a high level in science and aerospace. Clayton will be traveling to Washington, D.C. on March 13 to attend the National Space Club dinner, and we look forward to welcoming him to the nation’s capital.

This is an outstanding accomplishment, and Clayton represents the very best of Alabama’s future.

Albertville/Boaz Cheerleaders are Tops in Nation

I want to congratulate the Albertville Aggies for winning the DII Large Varsity Game Day National Championship, and the Boaz Pirates for capturing the Varsity Coed Non-Tumbling Division II National Championship. These victories represent more than trophies, they reflect months of sacrifice, discipline, and determination from the athletes, coaches, and families who supported them every step of the way.

Albertville’s championship marks the first national title in school history, while Boaz earned its first national championship since 2002. I am proud of these young men and women for representing our area with such excellence. Their achievements are a testament to what can happen when talent meets teamwork, faith, and relentless effort.

I will be back in touch the first Saturday in March. Until then, may God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,


Robert B. Aderholt