February Update from Rep. Robert Aderholt

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

Good morning. It’s the first Saturday in March, which means it’s time for my monthly newsletter. As you’re likely aware, it has been an eventful month, in Washington, on the international stage, and back home in Alabama. So grab a cup of coffee and join me as I walk through some of the key developments from the past few weeks.

Military Operations Against the Iranian Regime

The situation in Iran and across the Middle East remains extremely fluid and is changing by the minute.  

To call the Iranian regime brutal would be an understatement. For nearly 50 years, its leaders have openly called for “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” The regime has American blood on its hands, including the 241 U.S. Marines murdered in the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, as well as hundreds of other American service members killed through direct action and terrorist proxies backed by Tehran over the past five decades.

Iran has been actively trying to build nuclear weapons and rockets capable of carrying a nuclear warhead all the way to the United States. It was clear during negotiations that they were not willing to give up these programs. Their goal was to try to bide time. This was their primary reason for signing the 2015 agreement with the Obama Administration. It gave them time, and also unfroze billions of dollars they have spent funding terror and pouring into their weapons programs.

And while they focused on destroying western civilization, the Iranian regime has oppressed its own people for decades, silencing dissent and violently suppressing those who simply seek a voice in their government. Tens of thousands of Iranians have suffered imprisonment, persecution, and death at the hands of their own leaders. 

At the time of the writing of this newsletter, several American military personnel have been killed and wounded. We, of course, pray for them and their families. They are truly the treasure of this nation. Their sacrifice is in service to a world where Americans are no longer killed decade after decade by this evil regime. 

I stand with President Trump in leading America to take decisive action to restore stability to a region that has lacked it for far too long. Peace through strength remains essential. The Iranian regime must understand that threats against the United States and our allies will not go unanswered. 

State of the Union

A few weeks ago, President Trump delivered a strong and inspiring State of the Union Address as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. America is strong, prosperous, and respected. 

Under President Trump’s leadership, we are restoring peace through strength, securing our border, rebuilding American manufacturing, and putting American families first. I fully support the President’s agenda and will continue working to deliver real results for the American people. 

Securing the border has been a top priority, leading to record-low illegal crossings and safer communities. By strengthening law enforcement and combating drug trafficking, lives have been saved and America’s security has been reinforced at home and abroad. 

Working families are seeing meaningful relief through historic tax cuts, including no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security. Wages are rising, jobs are growing, inflation is cooling, and homeownership is becoming more attainable. 

The Biden Administration had dug this country into a deep hole. Consumer prices rose 21.5% and Americans take home pay shrank by 4%. We are still trying to dig our way back out, but we are seeing progress.

Rural America is also benefiting. The Rural Health Transformation Program has directed more than $203 million to Alabama, expanding access to quality healthcare in our rural communities, an investment that will make a lasting difference. 
Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District believes in faith, family, and freedom. I am proud to stand with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to advance an America First agenda that strengthens our economy, protects our communities, and delivers peace through strength. 

The state of our union is strong, and the future is bright. 

House Passage of the SAVE America Act 

Last month, I voted “Yes” on the SAVE America Act, which passed the House of Representatives.

The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and strengthen election integrity standards.

I was proud to support this legislation to help ensure that American elections remain fair and secure. Restoring confidence in our election system is critical, and it is simply common sense that American elections should be decided by American citizens—and American citizens alone.

According to the Pew Research Center, 83% of Americans support requiring voters to show a government-issued photo ID. Majorities of both Democrats and Republicans support verification. It's just Democrats in Washington that seem opposed to it for some reason.

Americans already use photo identification in many aspects of daily life: checking into hotels, purchasing alcohol or tobacco, opening a bank account, boarding a flight, or even shoveling snow in New York City. The SAVE America Act would simply add voting in a federal election to that list. Now it's time for Senate to pass it as well.

Coast Guard to Utilize Birmingham-Southern Campus  

I was pleased to welcome the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to utilize the former Birmingham-Southern College campus as a new training center. As a proud Birmingham-Southern alumnus, it is especially meaningful to see this historic campus continue its legacy of education, service, and leadership.

I worked with Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville to encourage federal leaders to pursue this opportunity, which will bring new jobs and investment to North-Central Alabama, while helping train the next generation of Coast Guard service members.

Highlighting Alabama Community Colleges in Congress

I recently chaired a congressional hearing on the important role community colleges play in preparing students for the workforce and strengthening local economies. I was especially proud to welcome testimony from two outstanding leaders from North Alabama—Shawn Morgan of Bevill State Community College in Jasper and Dr. Patricia Sims, president of J.F. Drake State Community & Technical College in Huntsville. 

Their testimony highlighted how Alabama’s community colleges are equipping students with the skills needed for today’s high-demand careers while partnering with local industries to support economic growth. I appreciate their leadership and remain committed to ensuring these institutions have the resources needed to train the next generation of Alabama’s workforce. 

Reminder About Our Art Competition

There are 435 members of Congress and every one of us holds an annual art competition for high school students in our districts. So, I want to remind you about our competition that is currently underway. This competition has scholarships on the line at Wallace State.

Competition Details 
• Eligibility: Open to all high school students, grades 9-12, residing in Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District, including homeschooled students. 
• Submission Deadline: April 8 by 4:00 p.m. to Congressman Aderholt’s district offices. 
• Guidelines: Students may submit original artwork in various media including painting, drawing, collage, prints, mixed media, photography, and computer-generated art. 
• Judging: A panel of local art professionals will review all entries and select the winning piece based on creativity, skill, and originality. 

The artist selected as “Best of Show” will have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for approximately one year, where it will be viewed by Members of Congress, staff, and visitors from across the nation and around the world. Additionally, the winning student will be honored at a reception in Washington, D.C.  

All category winners will receive a scholarship offer to Wallace State that may be used for any course of study offered at the college. 

Fourth District Feel Good News: State Basketball Championships

There are several schools from the Fourth District competing for state titles in basketball down in Birmingham this weekend. I just want to wish them all good luck and hope they bring their state titles back to the Fourth District!

I will be back in touch the first Saturday in April.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Aderholt