7. Americans for Prosperity has announced a $20 million campaign spanning all 50 states to urge Congress to renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, emphasizing the potential tax increases of over $2,127 per Alabama family and the loss of over 9,000 jobs if the cuts expire. The campaign, part of their Protect Prosperity initiative, includes meetings with congressional offices, roundtables with job creators, and local events to elevate pro-growth tax policy supporters while holding others accountable. The effort is the largest conservative push to support former President Trump’s second-term legislative agenda.
6. The House of Representatives passed the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” by a 218-206 vote, with all Republicans and two Texas Democrats supporting it, while most Democrats opposed it. The bill aims to restrict male participation in female sports, but Democrats, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Katherine Clark,(D-Mass) argued it could lead to harmful practices like invasive physical examinations, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies (R-N.Y.) said it will “unleash predators on girls” though the bill does not mention such actions. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration as debates over fairness in women’s sports continue.
5. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced that flags at the U.S. Capitol will be raised to full-staff Jan. 20 to honor President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, despite President Biden’s 30-day half-staff order for former President Jimmy Carter’s death. Johnson emphasized the need to unite the country during the presidential transition, with flags returning to half-staff the following day. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott similarly directed flags at the state Capitol to be raised for the inauguration, while Trump has criticized the continued half-staff order as politically motivated.
4. At Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for Defense secretary, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) criticized “woke” policies, specifically DEI training, for negatively affecting military recruitment, sharing personal stories of young people rejecting service opportunities. Hegseth echoed Tuberville’s concerns, promising to eliminate divisive policies and streamline Pentagon leadership to focus on frontline readiness under Trump’s leadership, and defended past controversial remarks and allegations, calling them a “smear campaign” against his efforts to reform military culture. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) criticized Democratic senators for “hypocrisy” in questioning Hegseth’s qualifications and personal integrity, while ignoring similar behaviors among their own ranks, such as working while intoxicated or facing personal scandals without consequence.
3. A federal lawsuit filed by University of Alabama professors, UAB students, and the Alabama NAACP challenges Alabama’s anti-DEI law, asserting it violates the 1st and 14th Amendments by restricting free speech and equal protection. The plaintiffs argue the law censors classroom discussions on racial discrimination and has led to the closure of DEI offices, defunding of student groups, and faculty self-censorship out of fear of violating the law. Supporters of the law, including Gov. Kay Ivey, maintain it prevents misuse of taxpayer funds for political agendas while critics claim it unfairly targets minority-support programs.
2. The Alabama Legislature may be looking to take swift legislative action to support President-elect Trump’s agenda on immigration reform, according to Alabama State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) who emphasized the need to protect Alabama citizens from the impacts of illegal immigration. He argued that failed federal policies have turned every state into a “border state” and stressed the importance of collaboration with federal authorities. Gudger clarified that the reforms aim to target illegal immigration specifically, while supporting those who have followed proper legal channels.
1. Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is urging the Alabama Legislature to prioritize public safety by increasing funding for districts attorney offices to address a surge in violent crime, including Birmingham’s record-breaking homicide rates in 2024. Alabama Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainesville) echoed these concerns, emphasizing collaboration with local leaders and law enforcement to tackle the issue. A pre-filed bill by Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Montgomery) proposes allowing the governor or attorney general to appoint interim police chiefs in cities facing severe crime spikes.
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Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast on WVNN at 10 p.m.
