In the News
Trade deal threatens Haleyville sleeping bag maker
By Mary Orndorff | The Birmingham News | September 20, 2011
WASHINGTON -- A trade deal that would remove the tariff on foreign-made sleeping bags moved closer to becoming law Monday night, jeopardizing a Haleyville manufacturer who has lobbied hard for two years to protect his product from an onslaught of cheaper imports.
Aderholt urges FEMA policy change
By Lindsay Slater | Times Journal | September 14, 2011
Congressman Robert Aderholt said Thursday he's working on a plan to allow Plainview school to keep a "temporary" safe room at no additional cost.
Local veterans group to visit Vietnam Veterans Memorial
By Andy Powell | The Gadsden Times | September 15, 2011
A trip this weekend to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington by local Vietnam War veterans who are being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder will be a “therapeutic experience” that should provide healing, according to a counselor working with the group.
Heavy-lift rocket decision 'very positive news' for Huntsvill, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
By Steve Doyle | The Huntsville Times | September 15, 2011
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Cautious optimism.
That was the prevailing attitude among local aerospace, civic and government leaders after Wednesday's unveiling of a new NASA heavy-lift rocket designed to carry astronauts into deep space.
Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville will oversee development of the rocket's propulsion elements.
Spencer Bachus introduces bills to save storm shelters at tornado-damaged Alabama schools
By Robin DeMonia | The Birmingham News | September 14, 2011
Rules Stymie Conversion of Temporary FEMA Shelters Into Permanent School Structures
By John Roberts | Fox News | September 14, 2011
There's a comedic definition of bureaucracy that goes like this: You have two cows. The government takes them both. They kill one cow. They milk the other, then pour the milk down the drain.
In Alabama, people affected by a case of bureaucracy say it would be hilarious if it weren't so tragically misguided.
Day of Honor
Cullman Times | September 11, 2011
Disaster Relief Funding Fractures Republicans
By Humberto Sanchez | Roll Call | September 7, 2011
A handful of Senate GOP appropriators might be setting themselves up for a standoff with House Republicans over whether to pay for disaster funding in the wake of several recent natural disasters that have menaced almost every state.
Republicans on the Senate Appropriations panel voiced no objections to approval of $7 billion in emergency disaster aid Tuesday, and some even defended their decision to allow disaster aid to pass without offsets.
Skepticism in state over plan
By David Clemons | Times Journal | September 9, 2011
DeKalb County's congressman is skeptical about the jobs program President Barack Obama proposed this week.
"While I appreciate the president addressing Congress [Thursday] evening on one of the most critical issues our country is facing, I think what is missing is the realization trillions of dollars of stimulus spending simply did not work," Rep. Robert Aderholt said in a statement.
Aderholt will honor 9/11 heroes
By Robert Aderholt | Times Journal | September 9, 2011
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt will honor heroes of Sept. 11 at a ceremony in Cullman on Sunday.
"Ten years ago a group determined through hate, challenged a nation," said Aderholt, R-Haleyville, in a statement released Friday by his office.
"The United States has long stood as a beacon of freedom and hope. As we have time and time again, Americans responded with resiliency and resolve. America was tested and America prevailed."