By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Tuesday, January 6, 2015, was the first day of the 114th Congress. US Representative Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) was sworn in for his first full term representing the First Congressional District of Alabama in the United States House of Representatives.
Congressman Byrne will continue serving on the House Committee on Armed Services, House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and House Committee on Natural Resources in the 114th Congress.
Congressman Byrne said in a written statement, “I am excited to begin my first full term in Congress, and I am ready to get down to business on behalf of the people of Southwest Alabama. With the largest Republican majority in the House since Herbert Hoover’s presidency and Republicans now controlling the Senate, I am confident we can push forward with conservative reforms that empower Americans to grow and succeed.”
Rep. Byrne continued, “I believe these committee assignments give me the best opportunity to advocate on the issues that matter most to South Alabama. On the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to stand up for our men and women in uniform and fight to keep the jobs at the Austal shipyard in Mobile. The Education and the Workforce Committee allows me to work on reducing the role of the federal government in education policy and support our district’s institutions of higher education. I will also be able to continue the push for a solution to our shortened Red Snapper season from my position on the Natural Resources Committee.”
Congressman Byrne concluded, “The next two years present a great opportunity to solve many great challenges facing our nation, and I am committed to advancing commonsense solutions.”
Congressman Byrne will continue to operate two offices in Alabama, in addition to his office in Washington. The two district offices are located in Mobile at: 11 North Water Street, Suite 15290 and in Summerdale at: 502 West Lee Avenue. Constituents can also visit Congressman Byrne’s web site at Byrne.House.gov.
Congressman Byrne was first elected in a special election following the retirement of Congressman Jo Bonner (R-Alabama) who left to take a job with the University of Alabama system. Then former State Senator Bradley Byrne narrowly defeated outspoken social conservative Dean Young in a race that drew national media attention. Young was a vocal opponent of Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). Boehner supported Byrne in that special election. On Tuesday, Byrne repaid the favor by voting for Boehner for Speaker of the House after 25 more right wing Republicans (including Alabama Congressman Gary Palmer) revolted and backed another candidate for Speaker.
Congressman Byrne has previously served the people of Alabama in the State Senate, on the State school board, and as head of the State’s two year college system. Byrne ran for Governor of Alabama unsuccessfully in 2010.
