June Recap from Congressman Strong

From the Office of Congressman Dale Strong

June was focused on strengthening North Alabama’s economy at home and advancing key priorities in Washington. I spent time across our communities meeting with constituents, local businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and organizations that are driving growth and creating opportunities throughout our region.

From workforce development partnerships to new investments in defense manufacturing, North Alabama continues to lead in innovation, job creation, and national security.

In Washington, I advanced legislation to strengthen homeland security, improve aviation safety, and ensure our country is prepared for emerging threats. I also worked to secure critical infrastructure funding for roads and water systems that will support continued growth across the Tennessee Valley.

As we approach Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary, it’s a time to reflect on the values that make our nation strong — hard work, resilience, and a commitment to building a better future. I remain focused on delivering results that support North Alabama families, businesses, and communities.

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

Creating a STRONG North Alabama

Speaking with Seniors at Brookdale Jones Farm

I appreciated the opportunity to visit Brookdale Jones Farm for “Conversations with Your Congressman.” Spending time with constituents, answering questions, and hearing directly from the people I represent is one of the most important parts of my job. Their perspectives help guide my work in Washington as I continue fighting for North Alabama.

Supporting New Workforce Development Programs

I was proud to join Boeing and Drake State to highlight a new Technical Apprenticeship Program in Huntsville. This is exactly what workforce development should look like — hands-on training paired with a clear pathway to a good-paying job. Partnerships like this strengthen our workforce while supporting industries that are critical to our national defense.

Visiting Circle Ranch to Support Foster Families

I spent time in Morgan County meeting with local organizations and businesses that play an important role in our community. At Circle Ranch in Danville, I saw firsthand the impact of their work supporting foster children and families across our region. Their work is truly making a difference in the lives of the children they serve.

Veterans Cemetery Town Hall 

 I participated in a town hall at Madison County High School to speak with the public about the 150-acre state veterans cemetery being developed in North Alabama. I was proud to support this effort at the federal level and am grateful for the state and local partnerships that made this a reality. Our heroes deserve a dignified resting place that reflects the deep gratitude our community holds for their service and sacrifice. Our veteran families will soon be able to pay respects to their loved ones close to home.

Visiting Weaver Meat Processing 

I went to Weaver Meat Processing, a family-owned business that processes over 4,000 deer each season, along with custom beef and hog processing. I was truly impressed with this operation in rural Morgan County. Small businesses like Weaver keep our farmers strong and families fed.

Investing in Rural Defense Manufacturing

It was an honor to be in Courtland for the ribbon cutting of Lockheed Martin’s new Missile Assembly Building. This state-of-the-art facility represents more than a new building — it’s bringing jobs, opportunity, and innovation to Lawrence County. The Next Generation Interceptor is one of our nation’s most critical missile defense programs, and I’m proud that North Alabama’s skilled workforce will play a key role in supporting this mission. This project will create high-skill jobs, open new career pathways, strengthen our local economy, and help protect the homeland for years to come.

Touring Pro Fab Machine

I toured Pro-Fab Machine in Hartselle to check out their $16 million expansion that is underway. Pro-Fab specializes in precision CNC machining and manufacturing components that support major industrial partners in the region. This major investment speaks to the reliability of North Alabama's workforce and vitality of our economy.

Supporting Family Farms

 I had the opportunity to visit Letson Brothers Farm in Hillsboro to see the family-owned operation firsthand. I’m grateful for the hard work of farmers who keep Alabama’s agriculture industry strong. Thank you to the Letson family for the warm welcome and for everything you do to feed and fuel America.

Cutting Regulation for Small Businesses

I enjoyed visiting with the guys at T&T Contractors of Hillsboro, a family-owned local business providing demolition, excavation, site work, land clearing, and hauling services. Businesses like T&T Contractors depend on reliable, affordable heavy-duty equipment to get the job done. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the Diesel Truck Liberation Act of 2026, introduced by Congressman Mike Collins. This legislation would remove the EPA’s authority to mandate emissions controls on heavy-duty diesel engines, helping reduce costs and regulatory burdens.

Working for YOU in Washington, D.C.

Advancing Homeland Security Preparedness Measures 

Keeping Americans safe requires both investing in proven security capabilities and preparing for the threats of tomorrow. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, I introduced two key pieces of legislation to strengthen our nation’s security and preparedness: the SAFEGUARDS Act and the Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026. This month, the House Homeland Security Committee moved those two bills forward. 

SAFEGUARDS Act:  

The SAFEGUARDS Act 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. The 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. 

Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act: 

The Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a nationwide exercise focused on preventing, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating an agroterrorism attack targeting the nation’s food and agriculture sector. The exercise would bring together federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as private-sector stakeholders, to identify preparedness gaps and strengthen coordination before a real-world incident occurs. 

Advancing Road and Infrastructure Projects 

This month, the House Appropriations Committee approved $16.5 million for transportation and infrastructure investments across North Alabama. These projects will improve roadways, reduce congestion, expand key corridors, and support continued economic growth throughout our region. As North Alabama leads in growth, innovation, and economic opportunity, I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure investments keep pace with that success. I am proud to advance targeted investments for North Alabama that reduce traffic congestion, support our growing communities, and speed the delivery of transformational transportation projects.  

The funding, approved by the Appropriations Committee during markup, includes:

• $500,000 for Lawrence County to resurface deteriorated roadway sections, replace failing culverts, and refurbish roadways on Lawrence County Road 434, County Road 700 (Cooperage Way), and County Road 222.
  
• $3,000,000 for the North Alabama Public Energy District to begin construction of a 137-mile natural gas pipeline to increase energy capacity and reliability in the region.
  
• $2,000,000 for the City of Madison to expand Wall Triana from the existing two-lane roadway to three lanes, adding a continuous center turn lane across two phases totaling approximately 2.6 miles.
  
• $1,000,000 for the City of Decatur to make improvements to Bibb Garrett Road – Airport Road.
  
• $4,000,000 for Madison County to widen two high-traffic sections of Jeff Road to help alleviate bottlenecks and delays caused by increased traffic congestion driven by the region's high population growth.  
  
• $500,000 for the City of Huntsville to extend State Route 255 from U.S. Highway 231/431 to County Road 93.
  
• $1,000,000 for the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority to make improvements to include an aircraft apron and connector taxiway.
  
• $3,000,000 for Madison County to widen the two-lane Blake Bottom Road to a five-lane roadway that includes two westbound lanes, two eastbound lanes, and a center turn lane.
  
• $500,000 for Calhoun Community College to complete the build-out of a facility to support high-demand healthcare workforce training.
  
• $1,000,000 for Madison County to widen a 2.44-mile segment of State Route 53 from Harvest Road to Old Railroad Bed Road.  

Advancing Funding for North Alabama Water Infrastructure Improvements

The committee also advanced the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which includes funding for two critical water improvement projects in rural North Alabama communities. These investments will strengthen wastewater systems, improve drinking water quality, and support long-term growth and reliability. Reliable water infrastructure is essential to protecting public health, supporting economic development, and improving quality of life in our rural communities. I’m proud to advocate for these projects that will help ensure that families and businesses in these communities have access to modern, dependable water infrastructure systems.

The bill includes the following infrastructure improvement projects: 

• $1,150,000 for the City of New Hope to make critical improvements to its wastewater system, restoring structural integrity, protecting public health and ensuring reliable wastewater service for residents and local businesses. 
  
• $1,000,000 for the Waterworks Board of Section and Dutton to upgrade their water treatment plant, improving drinking water, increasing operational capacity to meet current customer demands, and ensuring long-term service continuity.
  

Constituent Services

It is an honor to serve the people of Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. As we celebrate our nation’s 250th year of independence, may we remember those who have worn the uniform to preserve the American way of life. Our freedoms are safeguarded by courageous patriots who are willing to give their lives in service to this great nation. 

While the debt that is owed to our heroes may never be repaid, we should honor their sacrifice by working each day to uphold the foundational principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence. God bless your family, and God bless the United States.

Sincerely,

Dale W. Strong

Member of Congress