It was reported that the City of Birmingham was considering removing the monument at the center of the controversy after the law was struck down. The Sailors Monument has been covered by a large black wall since August 2017, near the end of former Mayor William Bell’s tenure.

“The Supreme Court’s stay allows the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act to remain in effect until the Supreme Court resolves this appeal over the Act’s constitutionality. We continue to hold that the Circuit Court erred when it ruled that the U.S. Constitution grants cities free speech rights that they can enforce against the State,” Marshall added. “For more than a century, the U.S. Supreme Court has held just the opposite, recognizing that ‘a political subdivision, created by the state for the better ordering of government, has no privileges or immunities under the federal constitution which it may invoke in opposition to the will of its creator.’ We look forward to presenting these arguments to the Alabama Supreme Court.”

The Supreme Court’s order Friday also stayed the accrual of any financial penalties under the law.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Sources confirmed to Yellowhammer News Friday that federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan sent out an email announcing Cole’s departure and thanking him for his commitment to Alabama agriculture — the state’s biggest industry. Pinyan also outlined how the staff would be moved around in response to Cole leaving.

Director of External Affairs Matthew Durdin – and his staff members, Director of Agricultural Legislation Preston Roberts and administrative assistant Jessica Mims – will now be involved in some state governmental affairs work. Former Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman, who has been working as a political consultant for the federation, will now add governmental affairs work on contract.

An official announcement with details of the federation’s staff changes is expected to be released in the coming week.

Update, 6:15 p.m.:

BCA President and CEO Katie Boyd Britt announced the two major additions in an internal email sent out to the business council’s leadership Friday evening. Britt took the reigns of BCA January 2. Cagle and Cole are her first hires.

The email detailed that Cole is being named senior vice president of governmental affairs and Cagle vice president of governmental affairs.

“These two additions to our team position the BCA to serve our members and advocate effectively on behalf of the business community,” Britt wrote.

Mark Colson, who most recently filled in as BCA’s interim president after serving as chief of staff and senior vice president for governmental affairs, will continue to serve the organization in his new role as senior advisor through the transition period.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“My time at Manufacture Alabama over the last four and a half years has been incredibly rewarding. The friendships, lessons, and advice are things that I cherish and will take with me throughout my career,” she wrote.

Cagle comes to BCA with an impressive track record in legislative work, including past service as the Senate Liaison for Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh. She received her bachelor’s in Political Science, with a minor in Broadcast Journalism, from Troy University.

Named to Yellowhammer Multimedia’s “Power and Influence: Who’s Next?” list for 2018, Cagle will be a major addition to BCA as the organization refocuses on its pro-jobs mission of “making a sweet home for business” in Alabama.

Cagle’s email noted, “As I prepare to take on my new role, I want to assure everyone that the staff at Manufacture Alabama has taken the steps to make my departure as seamless as possible. A special thank you to George Clark for his guidance and support not only over the last several years but also throughout this process.”

The state legislative session begins March 5.

As of Friday at 2:30 p.m., BCA had taken down its online staff directory. An official announcement of the hire is expected in the coming days.

Update, 6:15 p.m.:

Cagle is being named BCA’s vice president of governmental affairs.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Allegations have been made that the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) run by the state party’s vice chair for minority affairs, Joe Reed, has stacked the composition of the SDEC so as to control the outcome of the party’s internal elections.

Worley said last year that “there could be a tiny bit of racism” behind the challenges, which were backed by Sen. Doug Jones (D-AL). Jones helped lead the charge for the candidate running against Worley in the summer and spoke against her at the DNC credentials committee meeting Thursday.

Doug Jones: Nancy Worley’s election is a total sham.

— Christopher J. Hale (@chrisjollyhale) February 14, 2019

Jones and other critics of Worley and Reed want less African Americans on the state party’s executive committee.

Worley will remain chair until the re-election is held, however, that decision was barely approved by the credentials committee via a 12-11 vote on an amendment to the main resolution.

Worley said that she disagrees with the decision to hold the re-election. However, she looks “forward to the opportunity to lay any concerns to rest.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

.@IlhanMN tweets were a disgrace & her apology was inadequate. Anti-Semitism has no place in the United States Congress, much less the Foreign Affairs Committee. Those who engage in anti-Semitic tropes should not just be denounced, they should face consequences for their words.

— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) February 13, 2019

Omar received further criticism for claiming to “unequivocally apologize” while continuing to equivocate in the same statement, with her second paragraph beginning, “At the same time…”

To make matters worse, Omar used her position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday to berate a Jewish-American, well-respected diplomat.

OMAR: “Do you think [the El Mozote] massacre [in El Salvador] was a fabulous achievement that happened under our watch?”

ABRAMS: “That is a ridiculous question.

OMAR: “Yes or no?”

ABRAMS: “No!”

OMAR: “I will take that as a yes.”https://t.co/Wkwc5wtLn5 pic.twitter.com/QfoaAMTWvY

— David Rutz (@DavidRutz) February 13, 2019

Byrne said he is “outraged” by Omar’s “absurd comments.”

“I am outraged by the continued absurd comments from Rep. Omar, as I think most Alabamians are,” Byrne told Yellowhammer News. “Frankly, they show just how radical the Democrat Party has become.”

He concluded, “Given her anti-semitic views, she most certainly should not be allowed to continue serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

He called “Socialist Democrats” elevating illegal immigrants over American citizens “the worst betrayal of America in history.”

“Inasmuch as socialist Democrats refuse to protect American lives from illegal alien homicides, drug deaths, and America’s porous southern border, I urge President Trump to secure our borders and build the wall under existing law and presidential powers,” Brooks stated.

He then outlined the president’s legal authority to order the military to assist in this “fight,” warning that “a minimum of 50 Americans die each day we delay securing our southern border.”

Brooks added, “While 9/11 was horrible, 9/11 deaths pale in comparison to hundreds of thousands of Americans who are dead, or will die, over the years because of illegal alien homicides and overdoses caused by deadly drugs shipped across America’s porous southern border.”

Full text of Brooks’ speech as follows:

Mr. Speaker, in Fiscal Year 2018, more than 2,000 illegal aliens were apprehended by federal agents for homicides committed on American soil.

In addition, over 70,000 Americans are killed each year by poisonous drugs, much of which is shipped illegally into America across our porous southern border by illegal aliens, MS-13 and other drug cartels!

Stronger border security, which must include wall construction, will save thousands of American lives every year.

Unfortunately, in the worst betrayal of America in history, Socialist Democrats, motivated by a lust for political power, selfishly elevate illegal aliens over American citizens because illegal alien families overwhelming rely on welfare, thus making them highly reliable Democrat voters who elect Socialist Democrat politicians by diluting the votes of American citizens.

Inasmuch as Socialist Democrats refuse to protect American lives from illegal alien homicides, drug deaths, and America’s porous southern border, I urge President Trump to secure our borders and build the wall under existing law and presidential powers.

For example, Title 10, Section 284 of the United States Code empowers presidents to order America’s military to assist federal drug and law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug and transnational organized crime.

Pursuant to this law, the president may deploy active military and National Guard troops to:

• Establish and operate bases of operations;
• Detect and monitor surface traffic in Mexico and in the United States within 25 miles of the southern border;
• Construct roads, fences, barriers and lighting to block drug smuggling corridors across the southern border; and
• Use aerial and ground reconnaissance.

For emphasis, this federal law empowers President Trump to order America’s military to construct walls and barriers to block drug smuggling corridors, with the side benefit of stopping illegal aliens.

Mr. Speaker, another example of existing presidential authority is the power to declare a national emergency and divert Congressionally appropriated money to border security and wall construction.

America invaded Iraq and Afghanistan based on 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed roughly 3,000 people. In response, America spent trillions of dollars and lost thousands of lives in military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While 9/11 was horrible, 9/11 deaths pale in comparison to hundreds of thousands of Americans who are dead, or will die, over the years because of illegal alien homicides and overdoses caused by deadly drugs shipped across America’s porous southern border.

For emphasis, a minimum of 50 Americans die each day we delay securing our southern border! That is a minimum of 15,000 dead Americans each year!

That death rate easily justifies a presidential declaration of a national emergency. In fact, not one of the 58 national emergencies declared by a president since 1979 is supported by a worse death rate or threat to America and American lives!

Mr. Speaker, an extraordinarily weak and conflicted Congress is of no help. Worse yet, this Congress is a hindrance.

As such, I urge President Trump, as America’s commander in chief, to invoke Title 10, United States Code Section 284, to declare a national emergency, and to use every other statutory and Constitutional power he possesses to direct the military to secure our southern border, build the wall, and protect and save American lives!

America’s military protects the borders of, and lives in, South Korea, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Europe, and many other countries.

America, and Americans, deserve no less protection!

Update:

After Brooks’ speech, the White House on Thursday afternoon announced that Trump will indeed declare a national emergency and “take other executive action” to help secure the border. The president also will sign the border security and funding deal negotiated largely by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL).

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“I call ‘born-alive abortion’ what it is: Infanticide. No matter how our stances on abortion might vary, I hope we can all agree that if an abortion fails and a child is born alive, the child must be given the same medical care that any other living, breathing infant would otherwise be given,” Roby said in a statement.

She added, “I cannot express how strongly I support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill I cosponsor that would protect babies who are born alive during botched abortion procedures. I cannot fathom how any person would oppose it, but every single member of Congress should be forced to vote either for or against infanticide. The American people deserve to know where each of us stands on this humanitarian issue.”

Just joined my colleagues on the floor to voice STRONG opposition to the recent pro-abortion efforts in NY & VA & to express my unwavering support for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill I cosponsor to protect babies born alive during failed abortions. pic.twitter.com/YmERK0HSCS

— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) February 13, 2019

The full text of Roby’s remarks, as prepared, follows:

Good evening. I’d first like to thank you, Congresswoman Walorski, for leading this Special-Order tonight. This topic is critically important, especially in light of the heartbreaking news that has come out of New York and Virginia in recent weeks.

Truly, I was stunned to hear the boisterous cheering upon the New York state legislature’s passage of a bill that would significantly loosen restrictions on late-term abortions.

Meanwhile, in Virginia, the Democratic Governor recently threw his support behind similar legislation and made comments that served as a horrific defense of born-alive abortions. For the purpose of tonight’s discussion, I’ll call “born-alive abortion” what it is: Infanticide.

Here in Congress, part of our job is to debate the issues. Our dialogue surrounding legislation is a critically important component of the democratic process in this country. Still, no matter how our stances on abortion might vary, I hope we can all agree that if an abortion fails and a child is born alive, the child must be given the same medical care that any other living, breathing infant would otherwise be given.

I want to take this opportunity to reassure the people I represent in Alabama that I remain unapologetically pro-life. I believe life begins at conception and am opposed to abortion at any stage. I understand that not everyone shares my views, but still, I am severely disturbed that this country now requires written legal provisions to protect living babies.

But sadly, in the aftermath of the news coming out of New York and Virginia, it is clear that this step is immediately necessary.

That’s why I am proud that House Republicans have wasted no time in acting. I especially appreciate my colleagues Mr. Scalise and Mrs. Wagner who have been working tirelessly to force a vote on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, a bill I cosponsor that would protect babies who are born alive during botched abortion procedures.

I cannot express how strongly I support this measure, and I cannot fathom how any person would oppose it. Every single member of Congress should be forced to vote either for or against infanticide. The American people deserve to know where each of us stands on this humanitarian issue.

Thank you.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“[T]here are some serious concerns and issues with H.R. 1 in our opinion,” he cautioned.

Merrill outlined, “Number one: significant federal overreach has been indicated through the introduction of this legislation. And it appears to provide certain things that need to be done but the lack of resources in order to be able to do those effectively. There’s strictly underfunded or unfunded mandates. Number two: there are many prescriptive requirements that have been indicated that states that would accept these funds would face significant difficulty in enacting those new programs without the resources necessary to do that… Number three: the amount of time that the states have to meet the requirements is not something that is going to be able to be met…”

He added that H.R. 1, if it was to pass against all odds, would not be able to be adhered to on the timeline mandated by the legislation because the federal government and most state agencies across the nation “move at the speed of government.”

In his first question during this panel hearing, Rogers asked Merrill if there is anything in H.R. 1 that he would find helpful to securing elections in Alabama.

“No, congressman,” Merrill answered.

The Alabama secretary of state recommended that Congress alter the bill to allocate election security funding to the states that included guidelines but not mandates so states and localities could decide how to best utilize their resources in their unique situations.

Responding to a later question by a Democrat on the committee, Merrill warned that election laws can only help so much when local prosecutors are not willing to charge violators.

Merrill said that since he became secretary of state four years and 25 days ago, 874 unique instances of alleged voter fraud have been reported to his office.

Out of the 870 of these cases that have been investigated fully already, six have resulted in convictions, with three elections being overturned, according to Merrill. However, this does not mean that only six of 870 cases were found to have violated the law.

“I think it’s important to know that we have a number of prosecutors in our state that are not really interested in advancing investigations into voter fraud because they think the penalties are too stiff,” he advised.

In a follow-up, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) asked Merrill if he was suggesting that there has been “much more voter fraud” in Alabama than has been prosecuted.

“Yes, sir,” the secretary of state responded. “We have some – I actually have two instances that I can share with you just briefly: one, 119 absentee ballot applications were mailed to one location and nobody lives in that home. In another jurisdiction, 109 absentee ballot applications were mailed to the mayoral candidate’s mother’s home. And neither one of those have been prosecuted yet.”

Cleaver asked, “Were there many more such cases?”

“Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir, we have them frequently,” Merrill emphasized. “And they’re not just related to certain parts of our state, either.”

He added, “The main instances we see are in the area of absentee balloting, not in walk-up, in-person voting.”

Watch:

It was my privilege to testify before the House committee on Homeland Security today! The title of the hearing was Defending our Democracy: Building Partnerships to Protect America’s Elections! I am thankful for the opportunity to represent our state and protect local elections! pic.twitter.com/2y9NgFesf8

— John Merrill (@JohnHMerrill) February 13, 2019

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Trump also took time to highlight that the deal was made knowing that “lots of money from other sources” will supplement the money for a border wall – or physical “barrier” – appropriated by Congress.

Additionally, the overall amount of funding approved for border security measures in general – including increased staffing, monitoring and technology upgrades – was impressive.

“Will be getting almost $23 BILLION for Border Security,” Trump emphasized.

Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, one of the architects of the proposal, stressed “this is a down payment” for border barriers.

— NPR (@NPR) February 12, 2019

Trump has hinted at declaring a national emergency over border security previously, and he could still do so after the deal is passed by Congress in order to use emergency funds to supplement the amount of money available to build the wall on the nation’s southern border.

Good work, @SenShelby! https://t.co/CXgK9wEq5R

— Bradley Byrne (@BradleyByrne) February 12, 2019

The president’s comments on Twitter came shortly after he and Shelby spoke on the phone Tuesday.

Senate Approps Chair Richard Shelby tells reporters he just got off the phone with President Trump.
Briefed him on the details of the agreement, said POTUS didn’t make any commitments one way or the other, but said he would study the agreement

— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) February 12, 2019

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Sen. Shelby announces conferees reached an agreement “in principle” and staff will work on hammering out the language now

— Heather Caygle (@heatherscope) February 12, 2019

This came after Shelby appeared on Fox News Sunday, announcing that negotiations had “stalled” over Democrats wanting to cap the number of illegal immigrants ICE could detain, rather than “catch and release.”

The government is set to partially shut down again Friday at midnight. Shelby had circled Monday as a deadline for agreeing to a deal because Congressional rules eat up time as legislation makes its way through both chambers before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.

Details of the agreement in principle have yet to be announced.

When asked if the White House was on board with the agreement, Shelby reportedly said, “We think so. We hope so.”

Update, 9:30 p.m.:

According to Politico, Shelby advised, “The White House has been consulted all along,” noting that he has been given “latitude” to negotiate on behalf of the Trump administration.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“[T]alks have stalled right now. I’m hoping we can get off the dime later today or in the morning, because time’s ticking away,” he said. “But we’ve got some problems with the Democrats dealing with ICE – that is detaining criminals that come into the U.S., and they want a cap on them. We don’t want a cap on that.”

Shelby continued to say that they have also not reached an agreement on the number of dollars to go specifically towards a physical barrier – or wall – on the southern border. This component is considered of major importance in the negotiations, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) vowing not to give Trump any money for his signature campaign promise.

“We’re working, and we’re hoping we can get there,” Shelby added of trying to reach a compromise on the wall funding. “We’ve got to get fluid again, we’ve got to start movement.”

This came after Shelby met with Trump in the White House Thursday. Immediately following this “positive” meeting, Shelby told reporters that the period between then and Monday was especially crucial to reaching a deal in time.

“The president urged me to get to yes,” he said at the time.

However, things have hit a snag, as Shelby explained to Wallace. The senator did emphasize to the Fox News host that Trump was indeed being “very reasonable” in being flexible on the dollar amount he originally wanted for the wall.

“Our talks with the president are confidential, but I came out of the meeting thinking we could make a deal with the Democrats if they’re willing to meet us halfway,” Shelby outlined. “Secondly, the president basically in the conversation gave us some latitude to talk and that’s what we’re trying to do to get to yes today.”

Tester then said that negotiations have high and low points, and the current stall was to be expected at some time in the process. He also praised Shelby’s leadership and efforts to bring the two sides together for the betterment of the American people.

“Chairman Shelby is correct,” Tester added. “Time is of the essence. We need to move forward. We need to keep our eyes on this.”

However, when asked, Tester would not answer why Democrats want to cap the number of detention beds ICE can utilize.

ICYMI: Today on @FoxNewsSunday, I discussed how our homeland security funding negotiations have stalled. Dems want to cap the number of dangerous criminals that ICE can detain, putting the safety of the American ppl in jeopardy – which I strongly oppose. https://t.co/EXQN3GRwbr

— Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) February 10, 2019

Responding to the host’s next question, Shelby then confirmed that Monday was being viewed as a pretty firm deadline by negotiation leaders, with the government set to partially shut down again Friday at midnight.

“Chris, that is a deadline,” he said of Monday. “I’m not confident we’re going to get there. I’m hoping we’ll get there.”

Shelby explained that a deal needs to be reached with time to spare for legislative machinations and voting before Friday, as both the Senate and House have rules in place that can take days to pass bills.

While he acknowledged that there are options for Trump and for Congress if they cannot reach a deal in the necessary amount of time, Shelby stressed that these options are less desirable.

“[S]hort of a deal, they’re not good options,” he summarized.

Shelby concluded the interview by reinforcing the urgency of the negotiations.

“I don’t think [Trump] is misleading or exaggerating,” the senator emphasized. “We’ve got real problems along our border. We’ve got millions of illegal immigrants in this country. We’ve had a lot of drug dealers, gangs and everything come across that border. He’s not exaggerating it. We’ve got to secure the border. We’ve made progress, but we can do better than this. I think we owe it to the American people.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

“I think it’s true. It’s a true statement, it’s not going to happen. It’s that simple, nobody wants it to happen,” Jones advised on Trump’s vow that America will never become socialist.

The senator also dismissed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) proposal to marginally tax the nation’s highest income earners at 70 percent.

“There’s a lot of talk about things like that. I think we need to look at practical issues when it comes to tax and things like that and I’m not sure how practical that is,” Jones opined.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

He then advised that he believes it is “a real long-shot” that the leaker will actually be caught through this internal probe.

“But the thing that strikes me about it is just the sheer effort that went into this,” Sims added. “I received these schedules every morning when I worked in the White House, and to leak three months of them – it’s not like there’s a document all packaged up and ready for you to just show to somebody. You would have to go back through weeks and weeks and weeks of emails to get these [and] obviously you can’t just email them out, so you kind of speculate on how they would even get those out – take pictures of their screen or whatever it may be.”

Stelter then asked if the administration was “less leaky” now than at the beginning of the Trump presidency.

“You know, that’s a great question. I think the leaks are different now,” Sims responded. “I think there was perhaps a little bit more of what I would call staff-on-staff violence back then.”

“But a leak like this, I mean I have to sit back, Brian, and ask myself, ‘Who are these sociopaths working in the White House?'” Sims said.

He continued, “I think about the psychology behind leaks like this, and often I think they are a direct reflection of the level of respect that an individual at the staff level has for whoever their superior is… This one seems to be a direct shot at the President of the United States. That is a level of insubordination that I think is rarely seen in corporate America, rarely seen in government and certainly rarely seen at this level.”

“This one seems to be a direct shot at the President of the United States. That is a level of insubordination that is … rarely seen at this level,” fmr. director of White House message strategy @Cliff_Sims says on Trump’s leaked “executive time” schedules https://t.co/8Ka4RmBORZ pic.twitter.com/13CMengEsq

— Reliable Sources (@ReliableSources) February 10, 2019

Shortly after Sims’ interview on CNN, Trump took to Twitter to express his own thoughts on the leaks of his schedule.

The media was able to get my work schedule, something very easy to do, but it should have been reported as a positive, not negative. When the term Executive Time is used, I am generally working, not relaxing. In fact, I probably work more hours than almost any past President…..

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 10, 2019

Hours later, Axios reported on new leaked schedules they just received – this time covering as recently as last week. The fresh leak happened as the White House internal leak probe is reportedly in full swing.

What a troll. Leaker showing a total aversion to the hunt to find him/her. It’s pure mayhem for the sake of mayhem. This is Maximus in the arena screaming, “Are you not entertained?!” Why not just quit? https://t.co/UVGuNfVcrp

— Cliff Sims (@Cliff_Sims) February 10, 2019

Sims is the founder and former CEO of Yellowhammer Multimedia. He sold the company after signing on to serve on the Trump campaign in 2016 and then in the White House.

Sims’ book on his 500 days serving on the president’s staff, Team of Vipers, is a New York Times and Amazon bestseller.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

The release further explained that these alleged delay tactics are occurring as Coffman’s attorneys try to obtain information from Moore “which she will use to substantiate her false and malicious claims.”

Per the release, Coffman’s attorneys “now refuse to allow their client to be examined under oath until Judge Moore answers specific questions regarding his home, car, and property in 1979.”

“Judge Moore by and through his attorney, Mrs. Melissa Isaak, has now filed a Motion to Dismiss Corfman’s frivolous lawsuit, for simply denying her false claims,” the release concluded. “Not only does Judge Moore have a right to deny Corfman’s claims, he also has a right to confront her in court. Where is Leigh Corfman? It’s been a year!”

Full release as follows:

“Where is Leigh Corfman?”

The case of Corfman v Moore in Montgomery [C]ounty has been pending for over a year and Leigh Corfman has yet to appear before a court reporter to give her testimony under oath. On the other hand, Judge Roy Moore appeared for an entire day to give sworn testimony under extensive examination by Corfman‘s attorneys while Corfman has successfully avoided numerous motions to compel her testimony[.]

Corfman’s attorneys from New York, San Francisco, Washington DC and Birmingham who represent Corfman pro bono (for free) now refuse to allow their client to be examined under oath until Judge Moore answers specific questions regarding his home, car, and property in 1979.

Shortly after Corfman‘s story was printed by the Washington Post she appeared on several national television and media outlets. Before her appearances Corfman was “coached “for 6 to 8 hours by her present attorney from New York on how to respond to the media. But now in court documents she cannot recall whether or not Judge Moore lived in a mobile home or a house in 1979, whether he had a carport or a garage, or any specifics concerning his property.

Judge Moore has refused to give Corfman facts which she will use to substantiate her false and malicious claims.
Every person has an absolute right to defend his or her character and reputation from false and slanderous attacks. In a strange twist of logic Judge Moore has now been sued for defamation for simply denying Corfman’s false and malicious accusations[.]

Judge Moore by and through his attorney, Mrs. Melissa Isaak, has now filed a Motion to Dismiss Corfman’s frivolous lawsuit, for simply denying her false claims.

Not only does Judge Moore have a right to deny Corfman’s claims, he also has a right to confront her in court.

Where is Leigh Corfman? It’s been a year!

RELATED: Doug Jones: ‘I don’t know how’ you can compare Virginia Democrat, Kavanaugh sexual assault allegations

“[T]he five Democratic senators asked, who all opposed Kavanaugh’s confirmation due to the allegations, all dodged the question or acted like they had not heard about it, despite the fact it has been major national news for nearly a week,” the publication reported.

Alabama’s junior senator directly said he could not draw a comparison between the respective allegations.

“I don’t know how you can apply to somebody that’s in office now with somebody who is trying to get a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court,” Jones said.

He would not say what should happen in Fairfax’s situation.

Jones added, “What I said though is consistent that accusers like that need to be heard, they need to be listened to, and those grievances need to be aired and something needs to be acted on in one way or another. That’s it.”

The allegations against Fairfax came shortly after the state’s governor, Democrat Ralph Northam, became embroiled in his blackface scandal. Fairfax would be first in line to succeed Northam if he resigns.

Subsequently, the Democrat attorney general of Virginia has also been found to have worn blackface in the past. He is in the line of succession immediately following Fairfax.

In an interview with USA Today, Jones admitted that there was a “crisis” in Virginia.

“It’s a tough situation, especially for a Democratic Party that prides itself in being one of inclusion,” Alabama’s junior senator lamented.

If the three top Democrats in Virginia resign, the governorship would go to the speaker of the House of Delegates – a Republican.

RELATED: Doug Jones, Terri Sewell refuse to condemn Keith Ellison

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

I am honored to be invited by @RepMikeRogersAL to testify before the @HomelandGOP in Congress on Tuesday morning in Washington DC! He knows how important it is to ensure that local elections are administered by local officials! I look forward to representing our state next week! pic.twitter.com/Oqbv5Tm8gF

— John Merrill (@JohnHMerrill) February 8, 2019

Merrill is scheduled to be on the second of two panels during the committee proceedings. The first panel begins at 9:30 a.m. EST Tuesday.

The Homeland Security Committee has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees critical infrastructure – including elections infrastructure. DHS provides threat information, fosters coordination between the election community and DHS officials and, if requested, cybersecurity assistance and sensors to detect malicious activity.

The hearing will be broadcast live online here.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Jones’ full statement as follows:

I have spent nearly two months examining Mr. Barr’s record. I watched his hearings last month, during which he answered difficult but important questions from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I have listened to and considered the concerns of my constituents and leaders in the justice community. I have also spoken personally with Mr. Barr and asked him some tough questions of my own, informed by my own experience as a U.S. Attorney. After thorough consideration, I have concluded that Mr. Barr is qualified for the position of Attorney General and his record strongly suggests he will exercise independent judgment and uphold the best interests of the Department of Justice. Should the Judiciary Committee move forward with his nomination, I will vote to confirm Mr. Barr as Attorney General of the United States.

As a former U.S. Attorney, I believe the most important responsibility of an Attorney General is to uphold the rule of law and to do so with a commitment to transparency. While we often talk about the rights and freedoms guaranteed to us under the United States Constitution, the rule of law is what ensures those rights and freedoms are protected. We live in deeply divided times, but it is in precisely this kind of environment that this principle is so important. In addition, I believe that Mr. Barr shares my commitment to the institutional independence of the Department of Justice and that he will bring stabilizing leadership that is badly needed.

Many have expressed concerns that Mr. Barr’s views of executive power, which frankly are much more expansive than my own, would place the Special Counsel’s investigation in jeopardy and that he would not commit to publicly release any Special Counsel report. However, during his confirmation hearing last month, Mr. Barr said that nothing could be more destructive to the rule of law than tolerating political interference in applying the law. Mr. Barr said that the rule of law is what enables us to ensure that justice is not arbitrary; that laws must be universally applied, including to our highest officials. In my own conversation with Mr. Barr, he reiterated that no one, including the President of the United States, is above the law. He assured me that he would tolerate no level of interference with the investigation and reaffirmed unequivocally his commitment to the Justice Department’s independence. Further, while I fully support making the Special Counsel’s reports available to the public and will support legislation to that effect, Mr. Barr’s position is grounded in current Department of Justice policy. Given my background with the Department of Justice, my personal view is that it would be inappropriate for any Attorney General nominee to commit to releasing a report in its entirety without knowing its contents, especially when portions of it may contain sensitive intelligence and national security issues. That said, Mr. Barr has stated unequivocally to both the Judiciary Committee and to me that he believes there is a strong public interest in being as transparent as possible with the results of the Special Counsel’s investigation, and I take him at his word.

Finally, in my conversations with Mr. Barr I stressed how important the Justice Department’s civil rights functions are to me and to the people of Alabama. In response to my concerns, Mr. Barr assured me of his commitment to protecting civil rights, including the vigorous enforcement of voting rights protections.

If Mr. Barr is confirmed, I look forward to working with him and with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation continues unimpeded and that the rule of law is consistently upheld.

Barr previously served as attorney general under the late President George H.W. Bush’s administration from 1991-1993. Trump announced Barr’s nomination on December 7 to replace former Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Speaking of Trump’s “Initiative for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America,” Ivey added, “I, too, urge Congress to quickly fund this initiative to help, not just those of us in Alabama, but the entire United States.”

Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) highlighted the unifying theme of Trump’s remarks, with a focus on reaching “common sense solutions to pressing policy issues.”

The senior senator from Alabama again praised the economy under the president’s leadership, too.

Shelby’s statement as follows:

Tonight President Trump outlined a policy agenda that both parties can work together to achieve. During his first two years in office, the President has delivered on many promises to the American people, including signing historic tax reform into law, creating one of the strongest economies I have seen in my lifetime, and focusing on vital infrastructure projects.

While huge strides were made to address our nation’s most critical issues last Congress, I applaud President Trump’s dedication to solve the challenges still facing us today. It is imperative that we work to put our political disagreements aside in order to secure our borders with a comprehensive solution. As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find common ground on this critical issue.

As President Trump highlighted, we must strive to reach common sense solutions to pressing policy issues in the days ahead. I plan to continue working to promote safe and legal immigration, protect American workers, rebuild our infrastructure, lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, and prioritize our national security. The President’s remarks this evening were inspiring, and I look forward to implementing policies that ensure the success and prosperity of the American people. As he said tonight, victory is not winning for our party, victory is winning for our country.

Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) was effusive in his praise for the speech, also drawing attention to Alabama-centric issues.

Byrne’s statement as follows:

Tonight, President Trump’s message was clear: if we stop with the political games and focus on solutions, American Greatness knows no bounds. By supporting the President’s clear and bold agenda, the American people will be stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

Most notably, President Trump again outlined a commonsense strategy to secure our border. After decades of inaction by both parties, it is time we finally fix our broken immigration system and keep the American people safe.

President Trump also outlined many issues important to Alabama. From strengthening our military to expanding rural broadband to lowering prescription drug costs, under President Trump’s agenda the people of Alabama stand to benefit and our state will become even stronger.

It is time to stop with the politics of resistance and act on these critically important issues. President Trump is right when he said that great bipartisan achievements in this Congress are possible, especially when we rally behind a commonsense agenda building American Greatness. Let’s get it done.

In a press release, Congresswoman Martha Roby (AL-2) listed infrastructure on her list of highlights as well.

“In his second State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the economic success hardworking Americans are experiencing thanks to the implementation of pro-growth policies, including the historic tax reform overhaul,” Roby outlined. “I was also pleased to hear more about his plan to work with Congress to reinvigorate our badly aging infrastructure, strengthen our military, bolster our national security efforts, improve care for veterans, and defend the unborn.”

She continued, “In addition, President Trump laid out his vision for our country’s future as it relates to enhancing border security and finally addressing our serious illegal immigration problem. Now, with a divided Congress, I was encouraged by his remarks about the importance of bipartisanship and working together to get our job done. I am eager to continue working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to deliver the results that the American people and Alabama’s Second District deserve.”

Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-3) embraced the president’s call for unity, saying this “will only make our nation stronger.”

“Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed in his speech what makes our country great,” Rogers said in a statement.

“His vision for America is attainable if we all work together and his eloquent call for unity will only make our nation stronger. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to build an even stronger economy, ensure our national security remains a top priority and secure our Southwest border with Mexico,” he concluded.

In a press release, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-4) stressed that Democrats need to come to the table and reach a deal that will secure the border.

Aderholt’s statement as follows:

President Trump’s request for funding to build a wall along our southern border is not only reasonable, it is desperately needed. There is nothing “immoral” about a nation choosing to protect its borders and thereby protect its sovereignty.

What is immoral is to continue to allow a constant stream of drug traffickers, and human traffickers into the country. It is immoral to allow this unlawful door to remain open, because it encourages adults to put their children in grave danger – both from illness and from the strangers who transport them.

I fear that many of my Democrat colleagues are willing to set aside the laws of our land, and that is what we are talking about: immigration is governed by laws, to ensure fairness and safety. Many Democrats are willing to set aside these laws, and turn a blind eye to the dangers coming into our nation, for the prospect of future electoral gains.

I urge my colleagues in Congress to fund the border wall and to reopen our government.

Aderholt’s focus on border security was built on by his colleague from north Alabama.

Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-5) said, “President Trump did an excellent job of explaining why we must secure America’s porous southern border. Too many Americans have lost their lives and their jobs. Too many Americans have had their wages suppressed. Too many Americans are being forced to pay higher taxes to support welfare for illegal alien families. In short, President Trump laid bare for all to see the betrayal of American families by Democrats who care more about illegal aliens than Americans.”

“Whether the focus was on economic prosperity, free enterprise versus socialism, international relations, health care, national security, or the promise of America, President Trump hit the game-winning grand slam, shot the game-winning three point shot, and scored the game-winning touchdown. In sum, President Trump reminded us of how great America is and how proud we should be to be Americans,” he added.

Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-6) urged Democrats in Congress to return to a common sense, bipartisan approach.

“By cooperating together, we will surely preserve our country for future generations,” he said.

Palmer’s statement as follows:

The President’s theme tonight of choosing greatness was what I think the nation needed to hear. He made it clear that we have a choice—we can choose to continue to pursue agendas that will weaken us, or we can choose an agenda that will unite us and ensure a bright and secure future for America.

A strong economy, a strong value for life at all stages, and strong border security are all things that should unite us. We are certainly better off now than we were two years ago. Under this Administration, businesses have expanded, burdensome regulations have been eliminated, people are taking home bigger paychecks, and many businesses that had left the U.S. have returned. President Trump noted tonight: ‘The U.S. economy is growing almost twice as fast as when I took office, and we are considered by far and away the hottest economy in the world…More people are working now than ever before in our history – 157 million people at work.’

In terms of jobs, the economy, our relations with other nations, and our standing the world, the State of the Union is, as President Trump said, “strong.” But the President also made it clear that the greatest threat to the Union is the bitter partisan politics that divide us. He was right to challenge Democrats and Republicans to come together to ‘govern not as two parties, but as one nation.’

By cooperating together, we will surely preserve our country for future generations. I was glad to hear President Trump express value for those future generations by upholding the sanctity of life tonight. Recognition of the dignity of life at all stages and protection of the right to life are inherent to our nation’s ideals. We must continue defending this most basic right if we are to flourish as a country.

We also must defend our country where it is vulnerable to outside harm. For many weeks now, the need for strong border security has been apparent. Between the gang violence, human trafficking, and illegal drug trading, there is undoubtedly a crisis at the southern border. President Trump has now provided a window of opportunity for Congress to fund all of its agencies while also ensuring a secure border. In years past, there has been bipartisan support for border security that includes a physical barrier.

I hope my Democratic colleagues will heed President Trump’s words tonight and return to this bipartisan approach that he has encouraged. He summed it up well tonight when he said, ‘Together, we can break decades of political stalemate. We can bridge old divisions, heal old wounds, build new coalitions, forge new solutions, and unlock the extraordinary promise of America’s future. The decision is ours to make.’

Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-7) did not release a statement or share their thoughts on social media after the State of the Union.

I’m honored that Mrs. Tiphanie Carter is representing the 7th District at the #SOTU tonight. I hope the President focuses not on what divides us, but on what unites us as Americans! pic.twitter.com/kAd2YpT8hy

— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) February 6, 2019

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan lauded Trump’s call for unity, stating, “America is and will continue to be great, but we are stronger if we decide to come together and work to find solutions that better our nation.”

Lathan’s statement as follows:

President Trump showed true leadership through his incredible State of the Union Address. In calling for a renewal of bipartisanship and cooperation, our president was the picture of strength and resolve.

President Trump is right. America is and will continue to be great, but we are stronger if we decide to come together and work to find solutions that better our nation. To echo President Trump’s words, we must choose greatness. In putting aside our differences, we can make the seemingly impossible, possible.

We deeply appreciate President Trump’s strong determination to end
late-term abortions. All children are worthy of life. It is up to us to protect their innocence.

We were also reminded of President Trump’s accomplishments during the last two years. From historically low unemployment and tax rates to nearly eradicating ISIS, to rolling back burdensome federal regulations, one thing is crystal clear – our president is getting things done and improving life for Americans.

Alabama is proud to be a consistent and strong supporter of President Trump and his policies. His efforts to keep our nation safe, both internationally and at our borders are what America needs to remain secure. It is imperative that we build a wall to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and stop the flow of drugs, human traffickers and dangerous criminals from harming our citizens. It is American to embrace legal immigrants and the value they bring to America while simultaneously recognizing that our broken immigration system must be fixed.

While we witnessed the Democrats choosing to sit and not acknowledge the huge success of our American economy and the morality of stopping criminals crossing our borders who are harming our citizens, President Trump’s determination to protect all Americans is resolute for our nation’s safety.

The Alabama Republican Party will continue to support and partner with President Trump throughout his presidency. Now is the time to end divisiveness and act to ensure the future of our country remains on the right path.

You can read about Trump’s special guests at the State of the Union here.

You can read the transcript of Trump’s speech as prepared here.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Sen. Richard Shelby on what he expects from President Trump in #SOTU: “I would think he’s going to reach out to the Democrats and probably talk about some of the achievements. The economy’s good, the hottest I’ve ever seen in my lifetime.'” #SOTU2019 @HillTVLive pic.twitter.com/agkxOXedcG

— The Hill (@thehill) February 5, 2019

The remarks came as Shelby serves as vice chair of the bicameral conference of lawmakers charged with reaching a solution on funding the remainder of the government for the rest of the fiscal year, immigration policy and border security appropriations.

In the conference’s first meeting last week, Shelby delivered a strong call to action, emphasizing,”[T]hese negotiations must not end with platitudes or future promises; they must yield results that actually secure the border.”

Shelby’s full statement from the meeting as follows:

For 35 days Democratic leaders in the House and Senate pledged that negotiations on border security would occur once the government was re-opened.

With a three-week continuing resolution in place, today we begin – in earnest – a negotiation to resolve our differences on this critical issue.

Thus far, all sides seem to agree that border security is important.

That is a good start, but it cannot end there.

These negotiations must not end with platitudes or future promises; they must yield results that actually secure the border.

What is necessary to accomplish this goal?

Our border patrol professionals – those on the front lines – tell us that a comprehensive approach is necessary.

An approach that includes technology, infrastructure, personnel and physical barriers.

Smart technology is part of a comprehensive solution, but it is not the solution in and of itself.

Cameras, sensors, drones and other smart technology highlight the gaps and vulnerabilities along our border.

In short, they provide a greater awareness of exactly where our insecurities lie along the border.

But smart technology alone does not actually stop anyone from crossing into the U.S. illegally.

And if that is happening, our borders are not secure.

Our border patrol tells us that they need physical barriers to help them do their job.

Not from coast to coast, but strategically placed where traffic is highest.

Combined with technology, manpower, and other infrastructure, these strategic barriers comprise a comprehensive solution that is capable of fully securing the border.

It is a commonsense, all-of-the-above solution to a problem that both parties have said for decades we need to fix.

Stepping back for a moment, it is unfortunate that this issue has become so politicized.

That has not always been the case, even up until very recently.

Just last May the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a Homeland Security spending bill that included money for physical barriers by a vote of 26 – 5.

There was no partisan vitriol surrounding that vote.

The Committee simply decided on a bipartisan basis to increase funding for a project that Congress had funded the previous year.

Since that time, the President has increased his funding request based on the advice of our border security professionals on the ground.

I hope we heed the guidance of these professionals as our negotiations proceed.

As appropriators, we know how to work together on a bipartisan basis and solve problems.

That is what we have done for the majority of the FY2019 process, and that is what the American people expect of us now.

So I hope these negotiations yield results, and soon.

And I hope that by reaching a compromise here we will set a tone of bipartisanship for the appropriations cycle ahead of us.

Chairwoman Lowey, Vice Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Granger and all Members of this committee – I look forward to working with you, but I must stress that as long as we remain polarized, we will never resolve our differences on this critical issue for the good of the American people.

In interviews in recent days, Shelby has reaffirmed his support for a comprehensive border security package that includes physical barriers – or “walls” – in certain strategic locations. He also urged negotiators on both sides to put politics aside and listen to the experts that deal with the issue daily so the best policy solution can be reached.

Senator Richard Shelby: “I think that the President is dead set on keeping his campaign promise. I support border security, a wall, a fence, a barrier, whatever it takes.” https://t.co/CRthoFnWUE pic.twitter.com/aKs6cSWU3q

— The Hill (@thehill) February 4, 2019

Senator Richard Shelby: “The president hasn’t specifically said he’s going to invoke an emergency powers. But he’s, under the constitution, he’s probably got some rights there.” https://t.co/CRthoFFxMc pic.twitter.com/FE8CXNJ84S

— The Hill (@thehill) February 4, 2019

Last month, the senior senator from Alabama called the economy under Trump “the best [he has] ever seen.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

In a dismemberment abortion, a doctor dismembers a living unborn child and extracts him or her one piece at a time from the uterus using clamps, grasping forceps, tongs or scissors. Marshall argued that Alabama’s law is similar to the federal ban on partial-birth abortions which was enacted in 2003 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2007.

The attorney general noted that federal law already constitutionally prohibits partial-birth abortions and has asserted that the lower courts were wrong to enjoin the Yellowhammer State from enforcing its ban on dismemberment of a living fetus.

“There is no ‘meaningful difference’ between death-by-dismemberment abortion in the womb and partial birth abortion outside it,” Marshall wrote in his brief.

He further argued that the Supreme Court needs to act to resolve inconsistencies in how the two procedures are treated legally, and to ultimately reverse the lower court ruling in Alabama.

Louisiana was joined in the amicus brief by the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Governor Kay Ivey has previously expressed her support for this potentially historic appeal.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Mr. Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator
NOAA Fisheries
1315 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator
NOAA Fisheries
Southeast Regional Office
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Dear Mr. Oliver and Dr. Crabtree:

I was pleased to see the draft rule to increase the Red Snapper Annual Catch Limit (ACL) and Annual Catch Targets issued by NOAA late last year. Your efforts continue to show exactly what those of us on the Gulf Coast have known for years: the health of the Red Snapper fishery is incredibly strong. With that, I write today in support of Alabama’s 2019 Red Snapper season. As you are well aware, fishermen along the Gulf Coast have faced increasingly short fishing seasons for Red Snapper.

As with the Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) you approved in 2018 that also covers this upcoming 2019 season, I encourage you to approve Alabama’s 2019 EFP Updated Terms and Conditions which will allow for the monitoring of in-season daily Red Snapper landings to maximize season length and benefit anglers, while ensuring harvests stay within set limits. I have always been an advocate for states using innovative methods to manage local fisheries and encourage you to grant Alabama’s application. Approving the 2019 terms and conditions would be consistent with congressional intent, as authored by Senator Richard Shelby in the Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Appropriations bills, directing the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement a state-led pilot program to allow states to take the lead in managing Red Snapper.

I enjoy working with you and am grateful for the Department’s help with the 2017 and 2018 Red Snapper seasons. Given the Red Snapper stock in the Gulf of Mexico is healthy and continues to grow, I hope you will approve the Alabama 2019 EFP Updated Terms and Conditions with the increased ACL to allow fishermen access to the fishery. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Bradley Byrne
Member of Congress

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

The filing explains, “Mr. McInnes brings this action against SPLC for defaming him by use of the SPLC Hate Designations, and publishing other false, damaging and defamatory statements about him, as alleged in detail below; for its concerted, obsessive and malicious actions taken to ‘deplatform’ Mr. McInnes; for its tortious interference with his economic opportunities; and for intentionally interfering with his contractual relationships by causing, inter alia, the termination of Mr. McInnes’s employment, an almost complete deplatforming and defunding and subjecting him to employment discrimination based on his lawful non-employment recreational activities.”

In a statement to Yellowhammer News, SPLC president Richard Cohen called McInnes’ case “meritless.”

“To paraphrase FDR, judge us by the enemies we’ve made,” Cohen said. “Gavin McInnes has a history of making inflammatory statements about Muslims, women, and the transgender community. The fact that he’s upset with SPLC tells us that we’re doing our job exposing hate and extremism. His case is meritless.”

At a press conference across from the SPLC headquarters Monday afternoon, McInnes said that the Proud Boys was simply a pro-Trump drinking club.

The group has been designated by the SPLC as an “extremist” “hate group.”

McInnes is also the co-founder of VICE Media, as well as a prominent rightwing agitator who has enjoyed a significant national following on digital media platforms.

He was recently terminated by Blaze TV following its absorption of Mark Levin’s Conservative Review Television (CRTV), where McInnes hosted a show. This came after Proud Boys members were charged with assaulting protesters after a McInnes speech in New York City in October. He ended his ties with the group after the incident but told reporters Monday that the Proud Boys arrested had simply been defending themselves against violent far-left protesters.

McInnes has been banned from social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He alleges that the SPLC’s “defamation” has precluded him from traditional media employment opportunities that he has had in the past (he was formerly a regular guest on Fox News channel, for example), and now being “deplatformed” due to being labeled a “hate figure” has destroyed his ability to make a living or share his message through digital outlets.

The lawsuit is asking that the SPLC be forced to remove McInnes’ designation as a “hate figure” and the “hate group” designation given to the Proud Boys. He is also requesting monetary compensation to relieve the damages allegedly already done to him and a “public retraction, apology and appropriate corrective advertising.”

The SPLC paid a $3.4 million settlement and apologized to an anti-extremist organization last year after a similar defamation lawsuit over the group’s hate designations.

Federal records show the nonprofit, tax-exempt SPLC reported revenues of $132 million and net assets of $450 million for 2017.

McInnes is being represented by Montgomery-based attorney and talk radio host Baron Coleman, along with the New York City firm of Mandelbaum Salsburg PC. Ali Alexander, a political activist and consultant, is also involved in garnering public support for McInnes.

#GavinMcInnes addresses SPLC lawsuit. https://t.co/KxPcaGK0KX 🇺🇸 https://t.co/eLXLHgfu51

— Ali Alexander 🇺🇸 (@ali) February 4, 2019

You can watch Monday’s press conference here.

You can view a copy of the lawsuit here.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

He continued, “Every life is precious and worth fighting for, and it is heartbreaking to hear Democrats talking so casually about taking the life of a baby. We cannot sit back and allow this to stand. We must speak out and take action, and I am exploring legislation to ensure these actions are treated exactly as they are: as the murder of a child.”

This came after Byrne appeared on Yellowhammer News contributor Jeff Poor’s daily radio show on WVNN, calling on Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) to explain his position on the Virginia bill, which is considered more extreme than the New York one.

Jones has since spoken to The Daily Caller, refusing to directly state whether he supports the new measures. However, Jones once again doubled down on his support of late-term abortion.

Partial transcript of Jones’ interview as follows:

JONES: This is what I think about all of this. I think people need to sit down and talk a little bit about what we can do to keep people—women—from having to make very, very difficult choices.

Q: Do support partial birth abortion?

JONES: I support the law as it stands right now and that’s what we’re going to stick with, and I just think that we all need to speak a little bit together and talk about how we can do to…

Q: Do you think New York should have passed that bill?

JONES: I don’t speak for New York.

Q: Do you think Alabama should pass that bill?

JONES: I don’t speak for the state legislature.

The idea that you could abort a baby during the course of delivery is sickening and barbaric. Shocked to see so many Democrats encourage this shameful act of murder. My hope is that the American people will speak out to #ResistInfanticide and embrace the gift of life.

— Bradley Byrne (@BradleyByrne) February 1, 2019

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

Today I joined President Trump in the Oval Office as he signed an executive order that will strengthen “Buy American” provisions that I have championed. Government funded infrastructure projects being built with American tax dollars should be built with American made products. pic.twitter.com/AMiiCi9fBg

— Rep. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 31, 2019

The Alabama congressman then made some remarks before receiving some praise from Trump and the White House’s director of trade and manufacturing policy, Peter Navarro.

Partial transcript of the White House ceremony as follows:

ADERHOLT: Well, let me say, first of all, that this is a very commonsense, a bipartisan piece of executive order that the president — we have worked on legislation in the past that’s worked this from the appropriations side from year to year.

But what this executive order does, it goes beyond that and it really tries to make sure that we — as the president said, American hands are doing the job and this is what we’re — when we go back home, we want to see our manufacturers do well. We want to see them grow. We want to see our workers do — have better jobs. So thanks, Mr. President, for doing it. So, thank you.

TRUMP: Thank you. Appreciate it.

NAVARRO: Mr. President, if I may — this gentleman here has been a long-time leader on the hill carrying the Buy American banner, and his leadership is very much appreciated.

TRUMP: That’s why he wins by so much.

NAVARRO: Yes. That is correct. (Laughter.)

TRUMP: That’s why he doesn’t worry too much about races. You know? Just wins.

ADERHOLT: It helps when you’ve got a district that he wins about 80 percent. So — (laughter).

TRUMP: I think I did very well. (Laughter.) Come to think of it.

ADERHOLT: The best of 435 districts, so —

TRUMP: That’s great. That’s very nice. Thank you very much. Say hello.

Trump won Aderholt’s district, Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District, by a wider margin than any other in the nation.

Towards the end of the event, Aderholt added one more enthusiastic statement for the record.

“Let me just add one thing that I have — this makes my 22nd year serving in the House of Representatives. This president has stood up more for manufacturing jobs in Alabama and across the country — not just Alabama — than any president. So I thank you for standing up,” Aderholt told Trump.

The full transcript of the ceremony is available here.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn