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Coffee with Congressman Robert Aderholt — May Update

From the Office of Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04)

From the Office of Congressman Robert Aderholt

Good Saturday morning. It's the first Saturday in June and that means it's time for my monthly newsletter update on what has been happening in Washington and Alabama's Fourth District. So, I invite you to grab a cup of coffee with me this morning as I give you an update.

Funds Secured for Red Bay Lighting Project

I am pleased to highlight continued progress on the City of Red Bay’s lighting improvement project following the Alabama Department of Transportation’s award of a construction contract for roadway lighting from the Bear Creek Bridge to the 9th Street West/Water Plant intersection.

This project is funded through federal Community Project Funding that I secured specifically for Red Bay. The improvements will enhance public safety and strengthen local infrastructure by providing much-needed lighting in areas identified as concerns by residents and drivers.

I was proud to support funding for this project because improved lighting increases visibility, enhances public safety, and helps deter criminal activity. Rural communities deserve the same high-quality infrastructure and safety investments as larger cities, and this project is an important step toward that goal.

The construction contract was awarded to Big River Electric, Inc. of Killen, Alabama.

New Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has launched a new Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program (RHPAP).

As Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for health funding, I was proud to secure and advance this program through the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

RHPAP reflects a strong commitment to ensuring rural hospitals have the resources they need to continue serving their communities. Through this initiative, eligible hospitals will receive direct financial assistance to help maintain and strengthen essential healthcare services.

Nearly 30 rural hospitals across Alabama are eligible to apply, including five in Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District: Fayette Medical Center, Lakeland Community Hospital, Marion Regional Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center, and Russellville Hospital.

While individual award amounts will depend on the total number of participating hospitals, grants are currently estimated at approximately $150,000 per hospital.

Applications will close on July 1, 2026.

U.S. Department of Education Issues Final Rule to Create New Workforce Pell Grant Program

It was great to hear that the U.S. Department of Education has finalized the expansion of Pell Grant eligibility through Workforce Pell Grants. This new program will strengthen our education and workforce development for the next generation, in turn, helping more students gain the skills needed for high-demand jobs.

For too long, students were told a four-year degree was the only path to success. The new Workforce Pell Grant changes that.

Soon, low-income students can use federal student aid for job training programs leading to in-demand careers with less debt and faster pathways to work, in as little as 8 weeks.

Special Order Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Continental Congress Establishing a National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving

This month, I was honored to speak on the House Floor for the Special Order in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congress’ role in establishing a “National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving.”
As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and look towards our Nation’s future, we must rededicate ourselves to the foundation of faith that has sustained us.

Bank Independent Operations Center Ribbon Cutting in the Shoals

Caroline and I enjoyed being in the Shoals to take part in the ribbon cutting for the new Bank Independent operations center.

The campus now brings together over 230 Bank Independent team members across both Lauderdale and Colbert counties into one shared workplace.

This new operations center is going to play a key role in supporting continued growth—not just for Bank Independent, but for the entire Shoals region.

Preparing Students for the Workforce

While we were in the Shoals area, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the outstanding partnership between Florence City Schools and SouthWire that is helping prepare students for successful careers long before they graduate.

This collaboration is providing students with valuable hands-on experience, industry training, and exposure to real-world career opportunities. Programs like this help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce, ensuring students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in today's economy.

I am encouraged by the commitment both partners have shown to investing in our young people. Initiatives like this not only benefit students, but also strengthen our local economy and help ensure Northwest Alabama remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Community Luncheon

I enjoyed being the guest speaker at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center monthly community luncheon. As part of the “State of the Nation” luncheon, I gave a Washington update and answered questions on important issues impacting our state, nation, and local business community.

It is always great to be with community leaders and business owners to hear about matters shaping the Fourth District.

Fourth District Guardsmen Supporting America 250 Celebration

As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, I am proud that soldiers from the Alabama National Guard's 123rd Quartermaster Company, based in Arab, will play an important role in supporting the America 250 events in Washington, D.C.

These Soldiers will provide critical logistical support during the historic celebration, helping ensure the success of events marking this significant milestone in our nation's history. Their participation reflects the professionalism, readiness, and commitment to service that have long defined the Alabama National Guard.

The America 250 commemoration offers a unique opportunity to honor our nation's founding and reflect on the freedoms and opportunities that generations of Americans have worked to preserve. It is especially meaningful that a unit from Alabama's Fourth Congressional District will be among those supporting this historic event.

I am grateful for the men and women of the 123rd Quartermaster Company and for the sacrifices they and their families make in service to our state and nation. Their dedication continues a proud tradition of military service that is deeply rooted throughout North Alabama.

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Ribbon Cutting at Birmingham-Southern

I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday for the U.S. Coast Guard’s new Training Center (TRACEN) Birmingham-Southern, which will serve as the Coast Guard’s Enlisted Training Center of Excellence. It was an honor to join Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Coast Guard leadership, and Alabama officials as we celebrated this important milestone for our state and our nation.

As a proud Birmingham-Southern alumnus, I was committed to ensuring this historic campus would continue serving future generations after the college’s closure in 2024. I worked closely with Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville to encourage the Coast Guard and the Administration to consider Birmingham-Southern for this mission, and I am grateful those efforts were successful. The new training center will preserve the campus’s legacy of education and service while bringing significant economic opportunities to the Birmingham area.

The Coast Guard’s investment is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs and will help train the next generation of service members as the Coast Guard expands its workforce and strengthens its capabilities. This is a tremendous win for Birmingham, for Alabama, and for our country.

Happy Father’s Day!