Dear Friend,

It’s an honor to serve the people of Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District in Washington. As your representative, I am acutely aware of the weight of responsibility I have to communicate regularly and clearly to you about the issues facing our nation and to do my best to make good decisions and explain them. In that regard, this newsletter is one of the primary channels of communication that I use to keep you informed.

Many people have raised questions about President Trump’s decision to engage in the conflict with Iran, especially about the justification for the attack. The embassies of every nation are considered sovereign territory, consequently any attack on an American embassy is considered as if it were an attack on our homeland.  In 1979, Iran attacked our embassy in Tehran and held over 60 Americans hostage. In April 1983, they bombed our embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. In subsequent years, Iranian terrorists bombed our embassies in Kuwait, Kenya and Tanzania. In October 1983, Iranian terrorists bombed our Marine barracks in Beirut killing 220 U.S. Marines and 21 other U.S. military service members. They bombed the Khobar Towers where U.S. Air Force personnel were housed killing 19 Americans and injuring 500 people.

At least 603 U.S. military service members were killed by Iranian made and supplied Improvised Explosive Devices, and thousands more were maimed and disfigured. Yet, no U.S. president prior to now took decisive action against the Iranian terrorist regime that has waged war against the United States for 47 years. The final straw that led to President Trump’s decision to attack was when the Iranian negotiators bragged that they had enough enriched weapons grade uranium to make 11 nuclear bombs. Our own intelligence concluded that they could have one bomb within weeks.

From my perspective, the use of military force should always be the last option, but the decision to use force when it can prevent a more catastrophic outcome is both prudent and just. Past presidents, Republican and Democrat, should have taken action against Iran before the regime had drones, ballistic missiles and the ability to threaten the United States and our allies with a nuclear weapon. Their inaction has not only allowed Iran to reach this point, it allowed them to become the world’s single most prolific state sponsor of terrorism while murdering tens of thousands of their own citizens with impunity.  I sincerely believe that if the radical Iranian regime gained access to nuclear weapons, they would use them. 

Regarding my other responsibilities, as Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on the Environment, we recently held a hearing to discuss draft legislation to modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Reforms to this legislation are essential to deliver the accountability and transparency that is needed to ensure safety while also allowing American manufacturers to innovate and maintain a competitive edge on the world stage. I look forward to working more on this issue with the committee and advancing this crucial legislation to the House floor. You can watch my Opening remarks from this hearing here.

I invite you to read below to learn more about the work my staff and I are doing on your behalf. If you ever want to express your thoughts or comments regarding legislative issues, please call our D.C. office at (202) 225-4921 or email me through my website. If you need help with a federal agency, please call our district office at (205) 968-1290 or fill out this form on my website.

Sincerely,

Gary Palmer

Member of Congress

Americans are saving more this tax season thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts signed into law last July. This year, there is no tax on tip income up to $25,000, resulting in an average savings between $1,400 and $2,000. Hourly workers are taking advantage of no tax on overtime pay up to $12,500, with an average savings of $3,100. Senior citizens get an additional $6,000 deduction and over 51 million seniors will pay no income tax on their Social Security income including over 930,000 in Alabama. The average tax refund for working families is projected to increase by 11%, which averages out to over $2,800. These tax cuts are providing seniors, hourly workers and working families with more money to meet their needs, to provide more for their children, pay bills and maybe get to eat out or take a vacation. Finally, parents of newborn children can receive $1,000 to create an investment account for their children by registering for Trump Accounts. Nationwide, over 5 million have enrolled.  

• Watch my remarks on Tax Day here
• Learn more about Trump Accounts here.

On February 11, the House passed the SAVE America Act to protect our elections by requiring proof of citizenship while registering to vote and the presentation of a valid photo I.D. at the ballot box. This legislation is common sense, not voter suppression. I was proud to be a cosponsor and vote for this bill on the House floor, and I am continuing to call on my colleagues in the Senate to pass this legislation so we can put it on President Trump’s desk so he can sign it into law.

• Read my press release here.
• Watch my floor speech on the SAVE America Act here.

This year, I had the honor of nominating 29 students to the U.S. Service Academies! Nominating students to the U.S. Service Academies is one of the most important aspects of my job. Our process is tough because these are the future leaders of our military, and we want them to be prepared to possibly lead future generations into combat. I believe Alabama’s Sixth District has some of the brightest young people in our nation, and I am delighted these students have expressed their desire to serve our country. Last year, one of my nominees, Caroline Robinson of Mountain Brook, was selected as the First Captain of the U.S. Military Academy’s Corps of Cadets at West Point. She held the highest rank among the cadets and was responsible for the performance, discipline and leadership of approximately 4,400 cadets. This year another one of my nominees, Will Stallworth of Hoover, was named Brigade Commander at the U.S. Naval Academy’s 2026 spring semester. First Class Midshipman Stallworth will lead the 4,000 member student body, responsible for morale and training.

• Read my press release here

About two years ago, the Mexican government, in a clear violation of the rule of law, sent in its military to steal the port and aggregate facility built and operated by Vulcan Materials, an Alabama company. I immediately reached out to the Mexican ambassador and, along with other members of the Alabama congressional delegation, demanded the facility be returned to Vulcan, and for the harassment of Vulcan to cease. Thus far, the Mexican government has refused. To bring more pressure on the cartel-like Mexican government, I cosponsored the Defending American Property Abroad Act introduced by my friend August Pfleuger of Texas. If signed into law, this bill will prohibit any vessel that makes a port-of-call at the Vulcan port from entering any U.S. port. In addition, I had a private meeting with members of the Mexican congress and made it clear that I would be working to advise American companies to avoid making any investments in Mexico. If we fail to act here, then we invite more of this behavior, not just from Mexico, but from any nation watching to see how the United States responds. I was proud to support the Defending American Property Abroad Act to defend American businesses:

• Watch my remarks here.

In addition to the work detailed above, members of the Trump Administration policy team invited me to meet with them at the White House twice last month to discuss health care and drug costs, my ideas for getting the SAVE Act passed, and other work I am leading in the House.

If you are traveling to Washington, D.C. anytime soon, please contact my office to see how we can assist you. And feel free to stop by my office while in town!

Every month, my office welcomes constituents in town to an event called Pastries with Palmer. It’s a great chance for my staff and me to meet folks from the district while they are visiting Washington, D.C. To see if one is happening during your next trip to D.C., check here! Our next Pastries with Palmer event is May 20th at 9:00 AM.

Stay up to date by checking the In the News and Press Releases sections on my website, and following me on X and Facebook.

If you wish to share your thoughts or comments regarding legislation, please email me using this link from my website or call our D.C. office at (202) 225-4921. Additionally, you can view my voting record and bills that I have sponsored and cosponsored here.

Mayors Luncheon

I enjoyed meeting with mayors from throughout the 6th Congressional District. Thanks to the City of Hoover for hosting us.

Joint Chambers of Commerce Luncheon

Great to speak at a joint chambers of commerce luncheon in Pelham. Special thanks to the Shelby County, Homewood, Hoover, Mountain Brook, North Jefferson, Vestavia Hills, and Montevallo chamber directors.

Acme Brick

Thank you to Ed Watson, CEO of Acme Brick Company, Tricia Mayer, President of the Brick Industry Association, and Mike Shipley, VP Production of Acme Brick Company, for giving me a tour.

Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce

I enjoyed speaking at the Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Special thanks to Mayor Al Kelley and chamber CEO Brenda Robertson Dennis.

Blossman Gas

It was a pleasure to tour Blossman Gas, a propane gas company in Autauga County.

Elmore County Technical Center

I enjoyed touring the Elmore County Technical Center and seeing all of the career launching programs that are offered to junior and senior students.

Gardendale Prayer Breakfast

Always great to attend the annual prayer breakfast in Gardendale with Mayor Stan Hogeland.

Worthy Promotional

I enjoyed touring Worthy Promotional, a family-owned dog food and paper products company in Wetumpka.

Alabama Rural Water Association

It was a pleasure meeting with members of the Alabama Rural Waters Association.

Maplesville High School

I enjoyed speaking to the Maplesville High School 12th grade U.S. Government class. Special thanks to teacher Julie Knight.

North Jefferson Rotary Club

Great to speak at the North Jefferson Rotary Club luncheon in Gardendale. Special thanks to Club President Mark Barber and Mayor Stan Hogeland.

Alabama Fire Chiefs

It’s always a pleasure meeting with fire chiefs from cities across Alabama’s Sixth District. I’m thankful for their bravery and dedication towards keeping Alabamians safe.

National League of Cities

I enjoyed meeting with members of the National League of Cities from across central Alabama in my D.C. office.

University of Alabama Professional Development Students

I had the pleasure of meeting with students from the University of Alabama participating in a professional development program. It’s always an honor to speak with and encourage the next generation of leaders. These students have bright futures ahead of them!

The Nation’s Top Young Farm Family

Join me in congratulating Drew and Lauren Wendland from Autaugaville, Alabama, for winning the American Farm Bureau Federation's Achievement Award and being named the nation's top young farm family! Read more here.

If you need help with a federal agency, please see if we can assist you by calling our district office at (205) 968-1290 or filling out this form on my website.

Visit my website to learn more!

palmer.house.gov

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