Rep. Dale Strong—March Recap

From the Office of Rep. Dale Strong

Thank you for taking a few minutes to catch up with me. As you know, each month, I share important updates from Washington and around Alabama’s Fifth District. March was a very busy month. I worked alongside my colleagues to push commonsense legislation, met with constituents and local leaders, and fought to ensure North Alabama’s voice is heard loud and clear in Washington.

Read my full March update below:

District Visits & Events

Securing Reliable Water for Ardmore

Early in the month, I visited the Ardmore Sewer and Water Board to talk with local officials about progress on a new groundwater treatment facility. I was proud to help secure over $5.1 million in community project funding through H.R. 5371, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill, to make this project a reality. This investment will give Ardmore an independent water source, ending years of challenges and reliance on neighboring systems, and ensuring families and businesses have reliable access to clean water for years to come.

Bringing New Jobs to Huntsville

I cut the ribbon on RTX’s newly expanded Missile Integration Facility on Redstone Arsenal last month. The $115 million investment adds 26,000 sq ft of advanced production space, boosts capacity by over 50%, and supports over 2,200 jobs right here in the Rocket City. It's another big step toward keeping North Alabama at the forefront of America's defense industry, while strengthening our national security. 

Securing a New Post Office for the 35763 Zip Code

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced that it is moving forward with plans to construct a new post office for the 35763-zip code. I am pleased that USPS is moving forward on plans to construct a new post office to keep pace with residential development and southeastern Madison County’s unprecedented population growth. I've long raised concerns with USPS leadership regarding ongoing mail service issues across North Alabama.
 
While this is a step in the right direction for the residents of the 35763-zip code, there is more work to be done across North Alabama. I will continue to press USPS leadership for improved staffing, upgraded facilities, and better mail processing operations so that every community in our district receives the reliable service they deserve. 

Celebrating Constituent Accomplishments

I had the honor of welcoming Hannah Rumney to the office this month to present her with a scholarship to the Marion Military Institute. Hannah is a recipient of the MMI Patriot Pipeline Scholarship and is following in her father's footsteps to pursue her dream of becoming an Army Aviation officer. The Patriot Pipeline program gives students access to a low-cost route to higher education and officer careers. After two years at MMI, cadets commission as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard.

Building Opportunity at Athens State

I visited Athens State University to tour the construction of the Workforce Development and Multipurpose Center. I was proud to secure $1 million in community project funding for the project, to enable the center to provide valuable training opportunities and help even more North Alabamians land good jobs. It’s a huge win for the Athens community!

Expanding Manufacturing in Alabama

I had the privilege of attending the grand opening of Hadrian’s Factory 4, a world-class advanced manufacturing facility that embodies President Trump’s vision for American maritime dominance and industrial strength. With this facility, we're taking a big leap forward in shipbuilding and maritime dominance, right here in North Alabama. Thanks to the partnership between Hadrian Automation, AE Industrial Partners, and the people of Alabama, this project represents everything we love about America: innovation, grit, and hard work.

Washington, D.C. Meetings & Events

Touting MSFC Capabilities 

Ahead of the Artemis II Launch, I had the opportunity to catch up with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to discuss the next chapter of American space exploration — specifically, how North Alabama will continue to play a key role in NASA’s mission to get our astronauts back to the Moon. With the unmatched talent at Marshall and across our region driving SLS, HLS, and nuclear propulsion, we’re ready to help deliver the future of space exploration — and keep America leading the way.

Supporting NASA's Supplier Network

I also met with NASA Artemis suppliers to discuss the Artemis II mission, as well as North Alabama's role in the entire Artemis program and future deep-space missions. As Vice Chair of the Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science subcommittee, I’ll continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure NASA has the funding to support its mission, workforce, and partnerships that make human spaceflight possible.

Meeting with Southern Cotton Growers

It was great to meet with the Southern Cotton Growers group while they were in D.C. After decades of globalization, I'm proud to support commonsense legislation to level the playing field for our cotton producers. The Buying American Cotton Act would create a federal tax credit for using American-grown cotton, strengthening domestic textile manufacturing, supporting jobs across the supply chain, and helping American cotton compete against lower-quality foreign imports. I’m encouraged to see this legislation gaining momentum in the House and am hopeful this bill will cross the finish line for our producers.

Bolstering Army Aviation

It was a privilege to gather with the Army Aviation Caucus this month to discuss a critical priority: Dominating Vertical Ground Combat. We received great updates on the future of training aviators, the development of the MV-75 (FLRAA), UAS, and launched effects, and maintaining the enduring fleet. These technologies are ensuring our warfighters maintain a decisive edge.

A special shout-out to the leadership from Redstone Arsenal leaders in attendance from PAE Maneuver Air, CPE Aviation, Aviation & Missile Command, DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center, and the Army Aviation Association of America (QUAD A) for co-hosting. North Alabama continues to provide the expertise and innovation that keeps the U.S. Army flying.

Legislation & Committee Hearings

Cracking Down on CDL Fraud

If you’re driving a commercial truck on American roads, you must be able to read and understand English. That’s just common sense. During an oversight hearing held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, I asked the Transportation Inspector General how they are enforcing this order and cracking down on the dangerous CDL fraud and abuse we saw under the Biden Administration. I also raised another serious safety issue: the nationwide shortage of safe truck parking. When drivers can’t find a safe place to stop, they’re forced onto highway shoulders or pushed to exceed driving limits. We owe it to truckers and the American public to keep our roads safe.

Defending American Property Abroad

I was proud to support H.R. 7084, the Defending American Property Abroad Act, on the House Floor before voting with my colleagues to pass it. The legislation makes it clear: the United States will not stand for unlawful harassment campaigns against American companies and American workers. For over 35 years, Alabama-based Vulcan Materials Company has lawfully owned and operated a limestone quarry in Mexico. Since 2018, the Mexican government has harassed the company, attempted to seize the property, and issued shutdown orders. The Defending American Property Abroad Act gives the United States the tools to push back against foreign countries and trading partners when our companies are unlawfully targeted and harassed.

Advocating for New Weather Radars

During a National Weather Service Oversight hearing, I pushed for answers on the National Weather Service’s plans to replace a decades-old weather radar system that serves as a lifeline for hazardous weather warnings across North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. For many years, the Hytop radar has helped forecasters track storms and provide the data needed for timely warnings in multiple states at the foot of the Cumberland plateau. Unfortunately, due to age and general wear and tear, the radar has at times gone offline for long periods, creating gaps in coverage when people need it most. As the Radar Next program moves forward, we must ensure that the areas with critical regional coverage, like Hytop and offices with advanced research capabilities such as Huntsville, are prioritized for early investment and deployment.

Funding the Department of Homeland Security, Ending Democrat Shutdown

All twelve Fiscal Year 2026 spending bills were negotiated with bipartisan support, yet Senate Democrats decided at the eleventh hour to hold DHS functions and personnel hostage in an attempt to advance their partisan agenda.

I applaud President Trump for taking executive action to pay TSA personnel, providing immediate relief from the Democrats’ shutdown for frontline workers. At a time when threats to our homeland security are at an all-time high, we must ensure that every security mission and employee is fully supported and paid, and that this administration has the tools to fully enforce our immigration laws and secure our nation. In the coming days, Congress will be following through on the President’s directive to fully fund the entire Department of Homeland Security.

As always, it is an honor to serve you in Congress and to fight for the priorities that matter most to North Alabama families. I remain committed to cutting through the noise in Washington and delivering meaningful results that strengthen our communities, support our workers, and secure a brighter future for the next generation.

Thank you for your continued trust, your input, and the opportunity to represent you. I look forward to keeping you updated on our work and continuing to stand strong for North Alabama. I hope everyone had a blessed Holy Week and wish you all a joyful and happy Resurrection Sunday with family and friends.

Sincerely,

Dale W. Strong
Member of Congress