Rural Broadband

One of my top priorities in Congress has been to secure rural Alabama and rural America with proper funding for broadband. This is something I have fought for and will continue to fight for until we get rural broadband done. That's why I created the ReConnect Program years ago, and it's why I called on Congressional leadership to provide adequate funding for this issue at the start of the pandemic.

I am proud to say that we have made leaps and bounds in the right direction for rural broadband in 2020. $340 million was allocated by Congress at the end of March to tackle this issue, and $100 million of CARES Act funds was directed by Governor Ivey to specifically address rural broadband in Alabama. To add to this, I have pushed for Congress to pass a bill that would allow states to allocate stimulus funds for their own rural broadband needs.

While we still have a way to go to get rural broadband done, I am pleased with the progress we have made this year. Be assured I will continue this fight into 2021 and beyond. ​​​​​​​

Hometown Heroes

It's no secret that in our community we look out for each other. This was put on full display for our state and the nation when the Coronavirus hit. We had many local companies answer the call for help and produce critical needs like masks, hand sanitizer, and PPE. Here are a few that I'd like to highlight:

• HomTex: One of the most vital PPE products is face masks, and we are fortunate to have a company here in our community that is leading the charge on producing them. HomTex, which is based in Cullman, has become one of the largest producers of masks in North America. They also were awarded a contract with the U.S. Capitol to supply masks throughout the complex in D.C.
• Back Forty: Another essential need during this health crisis has been hand sanitizer. Thanks to brewing and distilling companies like Back Forty, the critical shortage and outrageous prices of hand sanitizer no longer exist. Based in Gadsden, Back Forty is a great hometown company that we can all be proud of.
• Kappler: Kappler has been making protective suits for front line workers since 1976. Based in Guntersville, this great company has answered our nations call for help on many occasions. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Kappler relied on their 54 years of experience and production to act quickly and ensure protective suits would be available to those who needed them.

While I only mention a handful of companies here, there are many more throughout our district and our state that have provided invaluable aid in the fight against the Coronavirus. To all these hometown heroes, I want to say thank you!

Vaccines on the Way

Remember at the beginning of the pandemic how the media and various experts said it would take at least a year to produce a vaccine? Well, thanks to President Trump and his leadership on Operation Warp Speed, a vaccine has been produced far quicker than anticipated. Both Pfizer and Moderna have begun the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine which is fantastic news. It is my hope that we can get back to normal quickly in the New Year when this vaccine is widely available.

Merry Christmas​​​​​​​