President Joe Biden and other Democrats celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act on Wednesday, sparking praise and criticism from Alabama’s congressional delegation.
“Bidenomics is anchored in what’s always worked best for the country: investing in America, investing in Americans,” Biden said. “Because when we invest in ourselves, when we strengthen the middle class, we see stronger economic growth that benefits everybody.”
Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) believes the legislation has already helped Alabamians.
“One year ago, President (Joe) Biden signed into law a historic piece of legislation that is bringing down costs for Alabama families, growing the middle class with new clean energy and manufacturing jobs, and making the largest investment to fight climate change in our nation’s history,” Sewell said. “I was proud to be the only member of the Alabama delegation to vote in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act, and I’m even prouder today as it continues to deliver for our families, our communities, and our planet.
“We’re already seeing the investments from the Inflation Reduction Act lay the foundation for decades of economic growth and cost savings, and soon our provisions to cap prescription drug costs will provide even more breathing room for Alabama families.”
As we celebrate 1 year of the #InflationReductionAct, I'm thinking of the 3,800 seniors in my district who rely on insulin.
Thanks to our provisions to cap insulin costs, they will never pay more than $35/month for this drug.
That's what it means to put people over politics. pic.twitter.com/BDywYXJh4f
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) August 16, 2023
Alabama Republicans disagree with Sewell, saying the bill was not successful at lowering inflation.
“While Biden touts the success of his “Inflation Reduction Act,” Americans face the consequences,” U.S. Rep. Barry Moore said. “Gas prices are rising. Food prices are up. Energy costs are increasing. And more than half of Americans believe the economy is getting worse.”
Moore (R-Enterprise) then posted an edited graphic on social media, detailing the failures of “Bidenomics.”
I fixed President Biden's infographic. The Biden-Harris economy is definitely breaking records — just not good ones. #Bidenomics pic.twitter.com/qlnIgsWAf5
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) August 17, 2023
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) also said he’s not impressed with the results of the IRA.
Here’s how we are seeing the impact:
Gas prices are UP
Energy prices are UP
Food prices are UP
The Inflation Reduction Act was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. https://t.co/6XVd9mKRVf
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) August 16, 2023
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee