Blog

Check here daily for news and updates about the Fifth District and my work for you in Congress.

3/21/12

Congressional Art Competition

Thanks to all the students who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This competition provides a great opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in our district. There were so many gifted young artists, it was a difficult decision for the selection committee who had to determine the winning artwork, which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Congratulations to our overall winner, Austin Hammock of Hazel Green High, and to all of our Honorable Mentions!

Students, from left to right:

Amanda Sturgis, Honorable Mention

Drawing: Afraid of the Dark?, charcoal

Grissom High School, 12th grade

Art Teacher: Kimberly Huffstetler

Samantha Taylor, Honorable Mention

Painting: Amanda, oil pastel on plywood

Grissom High School, 12th grade

Art Teacher: Kimberly Huffstetler

Meghann Kennedy, Honorable Mention

Computer Generated Art: Painting Inspiration Three

Sparkman High School, 12th grade

Art Teacher: Eric Mittman

Austin Hammock, Winner

Self-Portrait, charcoal

Hazel Green High School, 11th grade

Art Teacher: Melanie Morrison

Kelly Lai, Honorable Mention

Prints: New Yorker, dry point engraving

Pope John Paul II Catholic High School, 12th grade

Art Teacher: Barbara Laughbaum

Samantha Fortenberry, Honorable Mention

Photography: Bridge Over Troubled Waters, silver gelatin print

Scottsboro High School, 12th grade

Art Teacher: Angel Chaney
2/27/12

Hartselle High School Meeting

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with teacher Keith Wright’s Advanced Placement history students at Hartselle High. I was able to talk a little about the responsibilities of my role in DC, but also had the opportunity to answer insightful questions provided by class members.

It wasn’t surprising America’seconomy was a popular topic of conversation for the students, and I appreciated their interest in discussing ways we can decrease our debt for their future wellbeing and security. Defense, which is directly impacted by our national debt, and immigration were also subjects we discussed. I was encouraged by their active interest in our nation’s future and appreciated the chance to hear their opinions. I hope these students were able to take away useful information from the meeting and will continue to be active participants in our governmental process.

(Photo Credit: Brent Maze/Hartselle Enquirer)
1/17/12

Decatur Fire Department Tour

Earlier this month I had the privilege of touring one of the Decatur Fire Department’s newest stations. I was able to meet with the firefighters in this great facility and listen as they demonstrated the capabilities of various pieces of equipment. It is important our district and residents are well taken care of, and Chief Charles Johnson has done an excellent job making sure these firefighters have the resources necessary to accomplish this.
11/21/11

Young Marines Tour DC

On November 3^rd, I had the opportunity to visit with the Madison Alabama Young Marines. This group, which is a division of the Marine Corps League, is a service program for young men and women ages 8-18.

During their visit to the Capitol, I showed the Young Marines what a typical day in Congress is like. In addition to learning about the important history of the Crypt, Rotunda, and Old Supreme Court and House Chambers, we visited the House floor during a House of Representatives vote. These smart young men care about our nation’s history, and I appreciate their desire to learn and contribute to their home city of Madison and our great state.
10/24/11

Photo Gallery: October in Alabama

During October's Constituent Work Week, I was able to meet with many of you across North Alabama. Thank you to all those who attended our town halls and various meetings and activities throughout the district. As always, I appreciated hearing your comments and concerns, which are vital to serving you in our Nation’s Capitol . Here are some photos from a few of the happenings this month. To see the rest of this and other albums, you can visit my photo stream here.

Wednesday, October 19: At the Breckinridge Nursing School Ribbon Cutting.

Wednesday, October 19: Speaking to Leadership Huntsville at Teledyne Brown Engineering.

Thursday, October 20: Speaking to the Apartment Association.
10/11/11

Service Academy Nomination Board

On September 19, 2011, I was proud to host a reception for the Service Academy Nomination Board. The board’s members will interview high school seniors who have applied to my office for a nomination to attend one of the Service Academies; the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Final selection for Appointments will be made by each of the Academies from my list of nominees.

For those interested, the deadline for submitting Service Academy Nomination applications to my office is November 15^th. The application can be found here on my website under the Serving You tab or click here.
10/7/11

POLITICO Interview: Alabama Immigration Law is Working

Alabama's new immigration law has drawn national attention in recent weeks. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on immigration as well as President Obama's American Jobs Act. Click here to watch the POLITICO interview.
9/30/11

Photo Gallery: September District Events

Throughout the month of September I've had the opportunity to meet with many people from across the district. I've participated in company tours, town hall events and group meetings. Thank you to everyone who came out. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the coming months. Below are a few pictures from the events.

At the Huntsville JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes on August 18.

Speaking to students at Meridianville Middle School on August 19.

Meeting with Virginia College Huntsville employees at a campus town hall event on August 27.
9/9/11

September is National Preparedness Month

I hope this National Preparedness Month you will take a moment to follow a few simple steps to help prepare in the event of an unexpected crisis. During this time, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, urge Alabamians and their families to take this time to update their disaster preparedness plan.

Below are some important resources from FEMA to help as you prepare your home, workplace, and community for unexpected emergencies.

Visit the AEMA website at ema.alabama.govor National Preparedness Month’s websites www.ready.govand www.listo.govor call the toll-free numbers 1-800-BE-READY, TTY 1-800-462-7585 and 1-888-SE-LISTO. You can also text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to sign up to receive monthly disaster safety tips on your mobile phone.

To learn more about being prepared click here to watch my Public Service Announcement.
9/9/11

Rep. Brooks to Pay Tribute to American Heroes on 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Huntsville, AL – Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) will join 5^th District residents, elected officials, and community leaders in paying tribute to the heroes and victims of 9/11 at a special event in Madison, AL this Sunday.

Congressman Brooks said, “On this 10^th anniversary of 9/11, we recognize the bravery and sacrifice of the many first responders and volunteers who came to the aid of their fellow citizens. We also pause to remember the thousands of innocent lives lost on that terrible day and the many loved ones they left behind.”

Brooks continued, “I encourage everyone to fly the American flag proudly on 9/11 and to thank the many men and women, from first responders to members of our military, who serve to keep our communities and our country safe. 9/11 will always be remembered as a dark day in our history, but it will also be remembered as a day that proved the strength and resilience of the American spirit.”