7. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of cryptocurrency regulations, particularly taking aim at SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s approach, which she claims has stifled innovation and created uncertainty for investors. With Bitcoin recently experiencing a surge, Britt argues that the administration’s regulatory focus has hindered the growth of the U.S. digital asset sector and called for a new SEC chair who would support a more transparent and pro-growth regulatory environment. Her stance aligns with the view among many in the industry who argue that the SEC’s enforcement-heavy approach has unnecessarily politicized crypto regulation and deterred potential economic opportunities.
6. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen opposes the proposed Alabama Voting Rights Act, calling it a threat to election security and transparency due to provisions like same-day voter registration and no-excuse absentee voting. Democratic lawmakers, alongside groups like the SPLC, support the bill, which aims to restore voting rights for felons, expand voting access, and establish a commission to address voter discrimination. Despite potential Republican interest in early voting reforms, this is not what they are talking about and the omnibus legislation faces significant challenges in Alabama’s Republican-dominated Legislature.
5. President-elect Donald Trump plans to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), signaling major shifts in U.S. health policies. Known for his skepticism of vaccines, Kennedy aims to overhaul HHS, focusing on limiting corporate influence, banning certain pesticides, and regulating food additives and chemicals. His appointment has raised concerns among public health officials who question his unconventional views, especially regarding vaccines and food safety.
4. State Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) may be stepping down as President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate, though his office has not confirmed these reports. Reed’s spokesperson stated he looks forward to meeting with colleagues on upcoming legislative priorities, with a Republican caucus meeting scheduled Tuesday that could address leadership changes. If Reed vacates his role, the Alabama Senate will officially vote on his successor during its February organizational session; meanwhile, Republicans hold a strong 27-8 majority in the chamber.
3. Colorado officials are fiercely and desperately opposing President-elect Donald Trump’s potential, but all but guaranteed, decision to move U.S. Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, with bipartisan leaders arguing it would waste taxpayer dollars and harm national security. Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper criticized Alabama’s efforts, accusing them of pushing Trump to prioritize local gains over national defense. Gov. Jared Polis’s spokesperson also warned that relocating Space Command would disrupt mission readiness, urging Trump to prioritize the armed services over what they see as political maneuvering.
2. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) cautioned Republicans and “swamp creatures” against abandoning President-elect Donald Trump’s policy agenda telling his fellow senators, “We’re gonna try to get you out of the Senate if you vote against Trump,” Tuberville emphasizing its importance to conservative values, voter expectations, and Trump’s appointees. He argued that the GOP’s success depends on staying aligned with Trump’s priorities, particularly on issues like immigration, the economy, and military support. Tuberville warned that any shift away from Trump’s principles could hurt the party’s standing with its base.
1. Senate Republicans have expressed strong doubts about the likelihood of the confirmation of former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as attorney general. Concerns revolve around his polarizing reputation and potential opposition within the GOP. Some Republicans believe his nomination could be “doomed” due to expected bipartisan resistance in the Senate. A source familiar with Republican senators’ discussions stated that “significantly more than four” senators oppose Gaetz’s nomination, possibly over 30, making his confirmation unlikely and “not even close.”
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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 Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
