Dear Friend:

Crisis in Ukraine

Like me, I'm sure most of you are closely following the developments as Russia has invaded the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Putin says Ukraine and NATO are a threat to Russia's security.  The reality is that democratic, free nation's on Putin's border are a threat to Putin, not Russia.  Putin is afraid that freedom might start to spread in his own nation and he would be in danger.

This past week I got to visit our American troops who are stationed in Lithuania as part of NATO.  They are there as a stark reminder and deterrent to Putin from spreading his totalitarianism any farther into Europe.  The soldier seen above is from Alabama.  Our forces there are dedicated and determined to protecting freedom at home and abroad.

I spoke to CBS 42 in Birmingham after visiting our troops.  I also called on more military spending to make sure that we can always face any threats from any foreign adversary that wishes to do us harm.   This is not the time to be focused on leftwing, policies trying to shrink our military and make it more green and woke.

Inflation Through the Roof

This past month we felt the pressure of rising prices more than ever as inflation reached a 40-year high. Families and consumers took the heat with electricity increasing 4.2 percent in January alone, which served as the fastest increase in 15 years.  The average American is now paying $3,000 more per year in additional inflation related costs.

The Biden Administration has touted the record-high inflation as “transitory” and insists that it will improve within the year, we know they have no real plan for fighting inflation. President Biden has actually tried to make a case for more government spending as a way to combat inflation.

The Cost of Energy Dependence

Speaking of higher prices, as oil prices continue to increase, the ongoing conflict between Russian and Ukraine is going to make it worse. President Biden recently said that he “will not pretend this will be painless” on American families if the conflict deepens.

What he failed to acknowledge are the enormous restrictions and regulations he has placed on oil and natural gas, as well as shutting down American pipelines, that have led the U.S. to import more oil from Russia. Yes, you read that right.  We are now importing 100 thousand barrels of oil per day from Russia.  This has caused the U.S. to lose its energy independence that existed under the previous administration and has placed the U.S. in a dependency on Russia for a portion of the oil and natural gas that we need.

The Biden Administration must reverse on its green energy policies that are driving costs up at the gas pumps. The energy costs of the Russia/Ukraine conflict are just one more reason that the U.S. must return to energy independence.

Deadly Fentanyl On Our Streets

The issue at our unsecured southern border continues to instigate crises in our country and communities. The latest of such is the distribution of fake, illegal pills laced with fentanyl that are being trafficked across the border at record-high volumes.

Across the country we have witnessed these pills being seized by the thousands at a time. Law enforcement is helping us understand that this crisis does not only effect states on the southern border, but communities across the country. Just two months ago, 1,100 fentanyl pills were seized in a raid in Muscle Shoals, highlighting the scope of this issue and the extensive reach of drug traffickers.

Last week I joined Rep. Andy Harris (MD-01) and my House Appropriations Committee colleagues in writing to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding answers on the transportation and release of illegal immigrants into our communities by the Biden Administration. The letter also demands that the Department respond with a report detailing how many migrants have been released into our congressional districts at the taxpayer’s expense and what safety measures are in place for preventing traffickers from smuggling these illegal drugs across our border.

It is past time to hold the Biden Administration accountable for our unsecure and dangerous border and act towards reducing illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Around the 4th District


It’s been a busy month around the 4th District as well.  I got a great tour of Cullman Regional Medical Center pictured above.  They are doing great things at CRMC with new services and expansions.  This will all make it less likely people will have to drive to Birmingham or Huntsville for healthcare.

 

I was excited to take part in the ribbon cutting of DURA Automotive Systems in Muscle Shoals.  This new factory will employ 275 full-time workers and invest more than $75 million into the local economy.  I was happy to play a role in luring DURA to the 4th District.

Also in Muscle Shoals, but something that will help the entire region, a new airline.  I was at the announcement that Contour Airlines will begin serving the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in March.  The airline will provide non-stop service to Charlotte and be connected to the American Airlines system.  This will give people in the Shoals a convenient way to connect to cities all over America and the world.


The Gadsden-Etowah County Chamber of Commerce asked me to be the keynote speaker at their annual community luncheon and awards ceremony.  It enjoyed getting to talk to the group about what is happening in Washington and how it impacts everyone back home in the 4th District.

Finally, I got to attend the retirement dinner for one of my dear friends, Dr. John Anderson.  Dr. Anderson has been a dentist in Rainsville for almost 50 years.  He and his wife Mimi plan to travel, which is something they have enjoyed their entire marriage.  I certainly wish them both all the best.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,


Robert B. Aderholt