August 29, 2013, Aderholt Address

Statement

Dear Friend,

Here is a quick update with the latest on what is happening in Washington and around Alabama's 4th District. As always, please let me know whenever I can be of assistance. Keep in touch and remember to follow me on Twitter and Facebook. Also, for updated information check out my virtual office and encourage your friends and family to sign-up for my montly e-newsletter, the Aderholt Address.

Sincerely,

Robert B. Aderholt
Member of Congress

August in Alabama
This August I was able to spend quality time in several counties in the 4th Congressional District and North Alabama. I'd like to share a few highlights from the month.

I had the opportunity to meet with constituents in my Jasper district office during office hours earlier this week. Office hours are a great way for me to interact one-on-one with folks from the 4th District. It's a chance for me to directly hear their concerns about what's happening in Washington and around North Alabama. Alabamians from the 4th District are informed and passionate about politics and government and as always, it was a pleasure to sit down with them.

Economic development and job creation continue to be priorities of mine in working with our state and local officials. Recently, Muscle Shoals Mayor David Bradford called to ask for assistance getting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release grant funds Governor Bentley had committed to help with infrastructure and site preparation for the Florence Business Park, future home to CBC America, TASUS Corp. and North American Lighting's expanded operation. Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape had stalled the funds from coming into our area so the infrastructure project could be completed and the companies building and creating nearly 500 new jobs in our area could get started. After putting our heads together and some discussions with Washington bureaucrats, HUD finally released the funds, so the project can be completed. This is great news for our area and as always it was a pleasure working with Mayor Bradford and Jim Byard at ADECA to the continue finding ways to bring new economic opportunities to Alabama.

I also met with the North Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) at their annual meeting as they discussed some of the challenges facing local governments in our area. It is never an easy time to be in local government, but as always it was a pleasure to see their leadership at work and I look forward to helping with their concerns as we get back to work in Washington in September.

Misguided Priorities
Last week President Obama's political organization, Organizing for Action, stopped by my district office in Cullman to protest my stand on climate change. Organizing for Action's demonstrations at our district office is a perfect example of the disconnect between the Obama Administration's policies and America's sluggish economic recovery. While Obama's Organizing for Action is concerned about the climate debate, hardworking Alabamians and I are concerned with our nation's dismal jobs climate.

Though Alabama continues to a bright spot in our nation's economic recovery, job creators across this country are fighting an uphill battle against an out-of-touch Administration that thinks burdensome bureaucratic regulations will somehow lead to economic growth and more jobs.

It is clear that some of the root causes of our nation's dismal jobs climate are the Obama Administration's major policy efforts like--burdensome EPA regulations that have increased the cost of manufacturing and doing business, Obamacare that is driving up the cost of healthcare and crippling hiring, and catering to special interest groups like those that are stalling the Keystone Pipeline.

The only climate we should be talking about today is this country's stalled economic and jobs climate. It is time for groups like Organizing for America to understand the continued impact of this President's policies and that they have directly produced the worst economic recovery in modern history.

Benghazi Update
I know many of you share my concern regarding the Administration's inaction regarding the Benghazi attacks that killed four Americans on September 11, 2012. However, earlier this month, the United State Department of Justice filed the first criminal charges in connection with the attack, charging several suspects including, Libyan militia leader Ahmed Abu Khattalah.

These charges certainly do not signify the end of the investigation into the attacks in Benghazi, as there are still many important questions that need answers. However, these charges are a sign of hope the Obama Administration is finally taking this issue seriously. Congressional investigations by the House Committee on Oversight and Government and the House Intelligence Committee also continue. I also remain a cosponsor of H. Res. 36 and am a strong proponent of establishing a select committee to do a full investigation, similar to the committees that looked into Watergate and Iran-Contra. Please know this matter should not be laid to rest until all of the tough questions are answered and justice is served.

Summer Sendoff
As summer comes to a close, I wish all of the students in Alabama's 4th District a safe and successful school year. I hope everyone enjoys the last few weeks of summer fun and has a wonderful Labor Day.

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