July Recap: Fighting for North Alabama

From the Office of Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL-05)

July was a productive month in Washington and back home in the district, as we secured several legislative and constituent services wins for North Alabama. 

From public safety agencies and small businesses to utility personnel and faith leaders, I met with folks across the district who are committed to serving our communities and preserving our way of life.

In Washington, the House unanimously passed my bill to enhance air travel safety. My legislation to prohibit nationals from adversary countries joining our military also advanced the full House. I helped pass legislation to ban congressional stock trading and make Daylight Saving Time permanent, and I introduced a bill to hold the Postmaster General accountable to the American people. 

I was proud to announce this year’s slate of impressive North Alabama students who have earned appointments to our nation’s prestigious service academies. I am confident that these young men and women will represent our community well and serve our country with honor.

I hope you’ll take a moment to review some highlights from this past month.

Fighting for a STRONG North Alabama 

Securing Investment for Ardmore’s Water Infrastructure

I held a community event alongside the Ardmore Sewer and Water Board and Mayor Billy Shannon to discuss the town’s plans to construct a new groundwater treatment facility. I was proud to support this project by securing a $5.1 million federal investment to ensure residents have access to safe and reliable drinking water. The hardworking taxpayers of North Alabama pay just as much in taxes as anyone, and I will always fight for our fair share.

Defending our Christian Values

I gathered with local pastors and discussed my work to defend our Christian values in Washington. These men tend to the needs of the church through their passion for the Gospel. I view it as my duty in Congress to defend life, protect religious liberty, and uphold the common sense values we cherish in North Alabama.

Fighting for Rural Volunteer Fire Departments

I met with volunteer emergency response personnel at Stevenson Fire & Rescue to discuss my efforts to bring home grant dollars to support our local departments. As a lifelong volunteer firefighter and chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management Technology, I know firsthand the importance of having up-to-date assets in the hands of public safety professionals.

Hosting Mobile Office Hours for Senior Citizens

My staff held Mobile Office Hours at the Residences at Wellpoint in Hampton Cove to check in with constituents and assist with federal casework. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with residents and discuss my work in D.C. to support our senior citizens. Since taking office, we have returned over $15.5 million owed to North Alabamians through casework. Unparalleled constituent services remain my top priority, and I am proud of what we have accomplished for our residents.

Supporting Local, Family-Owned Propane Suppliers 

Nearly 20,000 homes in the Fifth District are heated by propane gas, so I visited some of the folks that make it happen at Ferguson LP Gas in Ardmore. Propane suppliers play an important role in the gas industry, and I am thankful for the work they do to keep families warm in the winter.

Partnering with Local Law Enforcement

I sat down with Jackson County Sheriff-Elect Craig Holcomb to learn about his priorities. I am grateful for strong relationships with sheriff’s offices and police departments across North Alabama. I will always partner with our brave men and women in blue who serve day and night to keep us safe. We are blessed to have such dedicated law enforcement leaders across the Tennessee Valley.

Visiting the High-Skilled Workforce at Old Mill Ironworks

I toured Old Mill Ironworks at their metal fabrication and industrial welding facility in Elkmont. I visited with their talented workforce, and it was clear that the skills they acquired have prepared them to hold these in-demand and high-paying jobs. North Alabama's workforce is second to none, and that is why we are the engine that fuels the state's economy.

Supporting Small Business in Rural Limestone County

It was great to meet with the folks at 53 Farm and Hardware Limestone County. From home tools and hardware to agriculture and animal supplies, they are an example of a small business that serves a vital role for many within the community.

Expanding Sand Mountain Water Infrastructure

The Waterworks Board of Section and Dutton hosted me at their treatment plant in Langston. I am proud to be actively supporting federal investment to help the utility expand operational capacity to meet customer demand and ensure Sand Mountain residents have viable water infrastructure for years to come. 

Working for YOU in Washington, D.C.

Holding USPS Leadership Accountable

I am proudly leading the entire Alabama congressional delegation in introducing the PERFORM Act, legislation that ties the Postmaster General's compensation to the U.S. Postal Service's mail delivery and financial performance. Millions of Americans have faced delays in receiving medications, bills, checks, legal documents, election mail, and other time-sensitive correspondence. At the same time, USPS has reported more than $25 billion in net losses over the past three fiscal years.

Despite these persistent service failures and financial losses, the Postmaster General remains eligible for a performance-based bonus, continuing a pattern in which Postmaster Generals have received more than $2 million in bonuses over the past decade.

The PERFORM Act restores accountability by prohibiting a performance-based bonus for the Postmaster General if, during the preceding fiscal year, the USPS:

• Fails to meet nationwide performance targets;
• Reports a net loss;
• Receives a material weakness, adverse audit opinion, or disclaimer in its financial audit; or
• Fails to submit a required report to Congress

The American people don't get bonuses for failure, and neither should the Postmaster General. The PERFORM Act ends the practice of rewarding poor performance and makes clear that leadership must earn incentive pay by delivering results - not excuses.

Banning Foreign Adversaries from Infiltrating the Military

I am grateful to my colleagues for voting to pass my legislation that addresses longstanding vulnerabilities in the Department of War's vetting process for screening foreign nationals from adversary nations seeking to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

The TRUST Act bans the enlistment of foreign nationals from covered nations, including China Russia, Iran, and North Korea; imposes stricter appointment criteria by requiring that candidates for officer commissions have not held citizenship in a covered nation for at least five years; and directs a new report to identify existing service members who are foreign nationals from covered nations.

My legislation, which was included in the House-approved Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, puts national security first and ensures that the U.S. military, defense capabilities, and sensitive technologies are secure.

Passing Legislation to Bolster Aviation Security

My bill to enhance air travel security, the SAFEGUARDS Act of 2026, passed the House unanimously. This legislation would ensure revenue collected through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is invested in aviation and airport security, consistent with the fee's original intent. Since 2014, approximately $15 billion in fee revenue has been redirected to unrelated, non-security purposes. 

My legislation supports long-term investments in checked baggage screening systems and advanced checkpoint technologies to strengthen security and improve efficiency at airports across the country. The SAFEGUARDS Act is endorsed by a broad coalition of aviation and travel leaders, including the Huntsville International Airport.

Supporting Permanent Daylight Savings

 I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act and was glad to support its passage in the House. North Alabama families and farmers are tired of changing time twice a year. Alabamians have spoken, and they want an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day.

Ending Congressional Stock Trading

I was proud to cosponsor and vote in favor of the Stop Insider Trading Act. Members of Congress often have access to information unknown to the general public, and this sensitive information should not be used for profit. Members are sent to Capitol Hill to serve the American people, not enrich their portfolios. Americans work hard to earn an honest living, and Congress should live by that same standard.

Securing Housing for Veterans and Military Families

I was honored to join the Military and Veteran Housing Caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers committed to ensuring our veterans and service members are provided access to safe and reliable housing. No one who serves this country in uniform should face housing insecurity, and I am proud to work with my colleagues to find solutions to address these serious challenges.

Recognizing North Alabama’s U.S. Service Academy Appointees

Each year, it is my honor to nominate student leaders across the Tennessee Valley for appointments to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies. I was proud to announce the appointments of 21 students from Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District to attend our nation’s service academies or their respective preparatory schools. North Alabama never fails to produce skilled, patriotic young men and women, and this year’s class is no exception. More information about this year’s slate of appointments can be found here. 

I host an Academy Day annually with recruiters from military organizations, collegiate ROTC, and admissions representatives from each service academy. 

Below is information regarding my 2026 Academy Day:

WHERE: Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus
345 Voyager Way, Huntsville, AL 35806

WHEN: Saturday, August 22 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Constituent Services

I am proud to have returned over $191,196 owed to North Alabamians through federal agency casework just in the month of July, bringing the total constituents’ savings up to $3,561,487 so far this year. Here are the stories of some of the constituents I've been able to assist:

Madison County Constituent
U.S. Department of Transportation
Our Motor Carrier operating authority has officially been activated! After four agonizing months of being stuck in a system loop, your office's inquiry forced the FMCSA to finally look at our file. Because of Congressman Strong, our business is finally alive, and we can finally put our truck to work. You have quite literally saved our family's business. We will never forget what you did for us.

Ms. Freeman
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
My daughter recently switched from private healthcare to Medicare. After the switch, Medicare denied the coverage of one critical drug she took to prevent seizures. This led to a hospital stay and a life-threatening situation. We did find a way to get coverage through Medicare.

Dr. Sims
U.S. Postal Service
Congressman Strong's office did a great job getting my problem with the USPS office here in New Market resolved. They were very quick to respond. The office worked closely with USPS in Birmingham and within a week had my problem resolved that I had struggled with for several years.

After a productive July, I am excited to spend time with the fine folks back home during August recess. I look forward to meeting with constituents across the Tennessee Valley and continuing my work to address our district’s priorities. It is an honor to serve as your member of Congress. May God bless you.

P.S. I hope all our teachers, parents, and students have a great start to the school year!

Sincerely, 

Dale W. Strong

Member of Congress