By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Thursday, Representative Martha Roby’s (R) from Montgomery office released quotes from officials and residents from across Alabama’s Second Congressional District reacting to the conservative congresswoman’s move to the Appropriations Committee, which is charged with overseeing federal spending.
Mayor Todd Strange of Montgomery said, “I was delighted to hear Rep. Roby will be joining the Appropriations Committee. Her influence and access to decision makers has been a tremendous help to Montgomery, and I know that will only increase with her new role on the Appropriations Committee.”
Mayor Strange continued, “Her work was instrumental for Maxwell maintaining the 908th Airlift Wing. And this coming Monday we’ll have a high-ranking and influential Member of the Armed Services Committee in town to tour Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, a visit Martha arranged. That just shows how well she utilizes her influence to help the community,. I’m confident she will bring her proactive attitude and initiative to the Appropriations Committee working to do what is best for Montgomery, but also what’s best for America.”
The President of the Alabama Farmers Federation, Jimmy Parnell said, “Congressman Roby has done an outstanding job representing Alabama farmers on the Ag Committee for the past three years. Her work on the farm bill and other issues important to our members has been extremely valuable. While we regret losing such a strong advocate on the Ag Committee, we are very pleased she will be joining Congressman Robert Aderholt [R-Ala.] on the House Committee on Appropriations. I’m convinced serving on this committee will allow Congressman Roby to continue to be a great champion of Alabama farmers. Her common-sense approach to reducing deficit spending, while recognizing the important role farmers play in feeding our nation, makes her a perfect fit for this important new committee assignment.”
The Chairman and CEO of AAA Cooper Transportation Inc. and Member of Friends of Fort Rucker Mack Dove said, “Representative Roby’s move to the Appropriations Committee is a major win for Fort Rucker and the entire Wiregrass community. It’s important to note that Fort Rucker has never had Congressional representation on the House Appropriations Committee. Roby understands how important Fort Rucker is to our local economy, and she has continually worked with military officials in Washington to protect Fort Rucker. With her new seat on the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Roby will be even better positioned to look out for Fort Rucker and our local communities.”
Troy Mayor Jason Reeves said, “The news of Rep. Roby’s appointment to the House Committee on Appropriations is great for the city of Troy, the Second Congressional District, and our nation as a whole. Rep Roby’s commitment to public service and her strong conservative fiscal principals are a perfect fit on this vitally important committee. Her service will greatly benefit our district and the diverse issues that impact it. I’m grateful for Martha’s willingness to serve us in this key role.”
The President of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce Matt Parker said, “We are extremely pleased with Representative Roby’s move to the Appropriations Committee. We could not be more proud of Representative Roby for her continued success and work to provide leadership that will contribute greatly to sound policies that are in the best interest of the United States and our area.”
The Mayor of Eufaula Jack Tibbs said, “Rep. Roby has been of great assistance to the City of Eufaula during her term of office. We are excited about her new appointment to the Appropriations Committee. She has proven time and time again she can get the job done. Martha has been influential in Eufaula on several occasions and we always know we can turn to her if needed. She takes a common-sense approach to matters at hand, and is a proven leader. The City of Eufaula congratulates her on this critical assignment.”
Alabama Farmers Federation Southeast Area Vice President and Houston County Farmer, George Jeffcoat said, “Rep. Roby has been a great friend to farmers while serving on the Agriculture Committee. Knowing her conservative values, I look forward to Roby serving on the House Appropriations Committee. This prestigious committee appointment will provide Roby with the opportunity to still represent farmers and to guide this nation to a time of responsible funding of government programs.”
Rep. Roby is also popular with her Republican Congressional colleagues.
The Chairman of the House Armed Service Committee, Representative Buck McKeon (R) from California said, “Last January, when it came time to do our subcommittee assignments, Martha was an obvious choice. As Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, she wasted no time becoming one of my most trusted and valued members. I entrusted her with critical assignments, including assessing how the Department of Defense responded to the Benghazi terrorist attacks and other important ongoing matters. With that said, I am very pleased to hear her talents will be put to good use on the Appropriations Committee. I know the people of Alabama appreciate her as much as I do, and I know Appropriations will find her national security prowess as valuable as I do.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Representative John Kline (R) from Minnesotta said, “Martha Roby has been a valuable member of the Education and the Workforce Committee. From leading Republican efforts to promote work-life balance to helping us successfully advance legislation to restore state and local control in education, Martha has been a champion for families, businesses, and schools. I know she will continue to promote the best interests of students, workers, job creators, and taxpayers in her new role as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.”
Rep. Roby said that, “Congress is working in a budget-constrained environment for the foreseeable future, and we must make sure every dollar spent is spent wisely,” she said. “After numerous discussions with senior colleagues in Congress and stakeholders in my state, I’m convinced having a seat on the Appropriations Committee will afford me more– not less – influence on issues that matter to the people of Alabama’s Second District.”
Congresswoman Roby is seeking a third term representing Alabama’s Second District next year. At this point, it appears that she will not face serious opposition.
Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby narrowly unseated incumbent Democratic Congressman Bobby Bright in 2010, but crushed her poorly funded Democratic opponent in 2012.
