Dear Mr. xxxxxx:

As we move into April, I want to bring you an update on the past month from Washington D.C. and the Fourth Congressional District. We have been busy the last few weeks working to pass a federal budget, providing aid and support to Ukraine, and ensuring that the vulnerable are protected against the brutal actions of Vladimir Putin.

Passage of the Federal Budget

In early March, the House passed two packages funding the federal government for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22). I was glad to support the security portion of the FY22 budget which funds our military at a higher rate than the Biden Administration wanted; increases funding to both strengthen our border and counter the ongoing crisis at our southern border; and funds NASA at $24 billion to ensure we maintain American space leadership.

While I was ultimately unable to support the passage of the non-security portion of the FY22 budget, I am happy we were able to maintain longstanding pro-life provisions like the Hyde Amendment, which protects taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions, and remove Democrat poison pills from the bill. Here is a list of highlights from the final FY22 appropriations bills:

FY22 Defense Appropriations Bill

·      Increases Department of Defense funding by $32.5 billion over FY21 levels.

·      Fully funds a 2.7 percent military pay raise.

·      Allows the Department of Defense to start new phases of procurement programs.

·      Contains an additional $1 billion for the Iron Dome to allow Israel to replace the interceptors that were used in the most recent conflict.

FY22 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill

·      Increases Department of Homeland Security funding by roughly 11 percent over FY21 levels.

·      Increases Customs and Border Protection funding by $800 million over FY21 levels.

·      Increases ICE funding by $400 million over FY21 levels.

·      Provides $78 million to maintain the FY21 ICE detention bed level and funds President Trump’s successful “Remain-in-Mexico” program.

FY22 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill

·      Increases funding for law enforcement partners to address the nationwide increase in crime.

·      Increases funding for space programs critical to U.S. efforts to establish a strategic presence on the moon ahead of Russia and China.

·      Enhances cybersecurity prevention and recovery efforts.

·      Increases critical funding for anti-opioid programs to combat the ever-growing opioid epidemic and support recovery.

Emergency Funding for Ukraine

I was pleased to support emergency funding for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The legislation provided $13.6 billion in aid to Ukraine, including critical military assistance, sanction enforcement against Russia, and supporting the FBI in countering cyber-threats from Russia.

It is important that we support Ukraine against Putin’s brutal regime. His violent efforts to undermine a nation’s sovereignty in an attempt to reinstitute a Soviet-era control over the region must not be tolerated.  

Protecting Ukrainian Children

I was proud to join my fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in penning a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken last week in support the protection of Ukrainian children currently engaged in the adoption process with American families.

The bipartisan and bicameral letter requested that Blinken and the State Department locate and identify the approximately 300 Ukrainian children waiting to join American families, as well as work with Ukrainian government officials in transporting these children out of harm’s way.

Putin’s merciless invasion has placed many, even children, in fear for their lives. It is important that we work to ensure these children are safe and continue to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Basketball Champions

In the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs in Birmingham, schools from the 4th District did extremely well.  There were 14 state titles up for grabs, and schools from the 4th District claimed six of them.   I was glad to speak about this on the floor of the United States of House of Representatives.  You can watch the video below.

I hope you have a great weekend and a great April.  I also hope you have a happy and blessed Easter.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,


Robert B. Aderholt