He’s still a congressional freshman but Rep. Dale Strong is sitting in some powerful seats.
Strong (R-Monrovia) received three high-profile committee assignments this week: the House Armed Services Committee; the Homeland Security Committee; and the Science, Space, and Technology.
“I am extremely honored to be asked to serve on committees that are crucial to the work being done in North Alabama,” he said. Strong was nominated Thursday for the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
The committee maintains oversight of NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Weather Service. Strong’s position will enable him to directly support the work in Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
“Huntsville, known as the Rocket City, has contributed to the success of America’s space
program for over six decades,” he said. “The vital work done at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center plays a crucial role in the Fifth District and helps America continue to lead the space race.
“I look forward to promoting NASA’s mission through my position on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.”
Thursday morning, Strong spoke to reporters about his other nominations.
“If you look at the House Armed Services Committee, it’s currently an $800 billion committee,” he said. “This right here is the national security of our country. This funds the military branch of our government. This is where if you don’t have national security you don’t have a country.
“That was my number one committee. When you look at what we do here at Research Park; you look at what’s going on at Redstone Arsenal. We play a large role in national security. So I think that right there is a committee that is crucial to our area.”
Strong said his seat on the Homeland Security Committee is a key role for the nation.
“You look at Homeland Security,” he said. “No matter where I went through North Alabama, people are concerned about the southern border. Whether it’s 8 million to 10 million illegal aliens that have come into our country. We’re being invaded.”
“This is a committee that I think can have a little input on that. But the concern is fentanyl and many of the drugs that are coming across the southern border and the threat to the United States of America. If it keeps going at this rate we are going to lose a generation.”
While some states face divided delegations – even with the party, Strong is thankful for the unity of the Alabama political delegation.
“I am most excited about how Alabama is working together,” he said. “Our entire delegation from the House of Representatives to the United States Senate.”
“There are a lot of delegation states that do not work together like we are. So I am thankful for the senior members that have welcomed me and given great advice.”
Strong also touched on his relationship and the legacy of retired U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby.
“Two weeks after being elected to the Madison County Commission in 1996, Senator Shelby called and said that he wanted to meet me,” Strong said. “I can tell you, from that point we had a relationship and we continue to have a relationship to this day.”
“What he has done for national security, what he has done for the universities and colleges throughout Alabama, what he has done for Redstone Arsenal, I’m grateful for it. Maybe a little bit different than the way I do business. But I will tell you this right here, his legacy will be something for the state of Alabama.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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