By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
US Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) admitted that legislative accomplishments were scarce during 2015, but says that the year did actually see several successes on issues important to Alabama.
Congresswoman Roby said in an email to constituents, “As 2016 comes to a close, it offers us all a chance to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, find areas where we may have fallen short, and gain a sense of renewed priorities for the year to come. As frustrating as it can be to work in the halls of Congress where legislative achievements are scarce, this year actually saw several successes on issues important to Alabama.”
Rep. Roby said, “Empowering States in Education Decisions: In a huge win for states’ authority, a bill to replace the flawed “No Child Left Behind” policy was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. The strong “State authority” provisions I previously introduced and championed were included in the final bill and are now law. These provisions bar the federal government from using funding grants or rule waivers to coerce states into adopting their preferred policies, like Common Core.”
While many conservatives, including Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) were critical of the transportation bill, Roby listed it as an accomplishment. Roby said, “For the first time in a decade, we were able to get a long-term highway bill passed and signed into law. The legislation provides for our nation’s infrastructure for five years, which is huge news for local and State governments that need certainty and stability when planning for long-term projects. It’s Congress’ responsibility to fund transportation and infrastructure and make sure the tax dollars you send to Washington come back to benefit you. I believe we need to defer as much decision-making as possible to state and local governments so I’m pleased this bill includes many provisions to do so.”
Roby listed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act as the third accomplishment of this Congress. She said that the legislation, “Closes any gaps in security protocol that previously existed, and thereby prevents terrorists from exploiting our relationships with other nations to gain entry into the United States. This is just one of many steps we need to take to beef up security and make sure authorities have the tools they need to protect Americans here at home.”
Rep. Roby said that, “On several other important issues, we made progress but fell short of getting legislation signed into law.” Roby said that those included: Halting EPA Overreach and defunding Planned Parenthood. Rep. Roby said, “The horrific Planned Parenthood videos released this year confronted Americans with the uncomfortable reality that the nation’s largest abortion provider has engaged in the harvesting and trafficking of aborted babies’ organs and that their tax dollars support the organization. I have fought to end funding for this organization since first coming to Congress, and this year I was the last one standing in a “last ditch” effort to remove their funding. The Senate may have blocked us this year, but I believe highlighting the issue and not allowing the media to ignore it represented major progress. Fighting for the unborn remains a top priority of mine next year and in the years to come.”
Rep. Roby promised that, “In the coming year, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on conservative legislation that puts the priorities of Alabamians, and all Americans, first.”
Congresswoman Martha Roby represents the Second Congressional District.
