February 2026 Update from Rep. Terri Sewell
From the office of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-07)
From the office of Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-07)
February was a busy month for Team Sewell! We got our cancer screening bill signed into law, secured millions for our district, celebrated Black History Month, defended voting rights, and fought to make life more affordable for Alabama families.
Keep reading to learn about the progress we've made on your behalf.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell
MAJOR WIN: CANCER SCREENING LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW!
This month, our legislation to expand access to cancer screenings became the law of the land! Watch my video announcement here.
After passing the House and Senate, the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act was signed into law on February 3rd.
Our law ensures that emerging cancer screenings are covered by Medicare and available to seniors after being FDA approved. These tools can detect many forms of cancer with a simple blood test, giving our seniors their best shot at catching cancer early. Our law will save lives and transform the way we detect and diagnose cancer for people all across America.
Last Congress, the bill's lead Republican sponsor—Congressman Jodey Arrington—named the bill after my mother who lost her battle to pancreatic cancer in 2021. Her legacy will live on in the millions of lives that will be changed by this new law.
This victory is years in the making. It is proof of what we can achieve when we put politics aside and work together for the good of all Americans. It wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of amazing organizations, survivors, and patient advocates.
BRINGING FEDERAL DOLLARS BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
In February, we announced more than $9.5 million for our district that we secured as a part of the annual appropriations process! Click hereto learn more about the improvements that you will see from this funding.
These investments reflect the priorities I hear from families, local leaders, and small businesses every day—safer streets, better infrastructure, and more opportunity.
Bringing federal dollars back to Alabama is one of the most effective ways that I can deliver real and lasting change for the people of our district. For example, in the FY 2023 federal budget, we secured $2 million for the Lovelady Center in Birmingham, an organization that helps rehabilitate women that have fallen upon difficult circumstances.
Earlier this month, I visited the Lovelady Center to check on their progress. I'm proud to report that our funding helped them reach even more women in need!
I will keep fighting to bring resources back to our district and to ensure that every federal dollar works for the people I represent.
FIGHTING TRUMP'S ELECTION TAKEOVER
President Trump has shown us that he will do whatever it takes to hold on to power, even calling for the federal government to "nationalize" and "take over" elections in clear violation of the Constitution.
As the top Democrat on the Elections Subcommittee, I will do whatever it takes to stop this illegal power grab.
In February, when House Republicans pushed new legislation to block tens of millions of eligible Americans from voting, I fought back, introducing amendments to protect voters and safeguard access to the ballot box. Watch my testimony in the Rules Committee here.
When Speaker Johnson brought that bill to the floor, I spoke out against it. Trump and Republicans claim their bill is about election integrity, but the American people know the truth. It is voter suppression, plain and simple.
No one understands the power of the vote better than the people of our district. I will continue fighting to defend that sacred right for all Americans.
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND HONORING OUR CIVIL RIGHTS HEROES
The story of the 7th District and the State of Alabama cannot be told without remembering the many African Americans who have broken down barriers and dared our nation to live up to its highest ideals.
That is why Team Sewell spent Black History Month highlighting the contributions of extraordinary Black leaders who who have moved Alabama and our nation forward.
Check out our Black History Month social media campaign here.
In February, we also paid tribute to two civil rights heroes who passed away. After losing Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., I joined CNN's Dana Bash to reflect on his extraordinary legacy of spiritual leadership and civil rights activism. Watch the full interview here.
I also spoke on the House Floor to honor the life of Ms. JoAnne Bland—a civil rights "shero" from my hometown of Selma—who passed away at the age of 72. Ms. Bland was among the youngest Foot Soldiers to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday. She dedicated her life to educating others on Selma's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
I was honored to bring Ms. Bland as my guest to President Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, and will miss her wisdom and friendship.
May they both Rest in Power and Peace.
WE'RE HIRING!
We're hiring! Our Washington D.C. and district offices are now accepting applications for summer 2026 interns.
Our internship program offers a great opportunity for college students and recent graduates to serve the people of Alabama’s 7th District while gaining critical experience in a fast-paced congressional office.
Click here for more information and be sure to submit your application by Friday, March 27, 2026!
THANK YOU
Want to learn more about my work? Check out my website and social media:
Also, I invite you to email me any of your thoughts and concerns here.
I am immensely proud to serve you in Congress, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
