Last week, Democrats rushed through a so-called COVID relief bill that had very little to do with actual COVID relief. In fact, less than 9% of this $1.9 trillion plan will be used for direct, targeted aid to Americans. The other 91% is full of special interest pork that ignores hardworking Americans and does very little to address the needs caused by the pandemic.

I support targeted COVID relief going directly to get students back in the classroom, get our folks back to work, and get vaccines to all who want them, but I could not support Democrats' efforts to push through irresponsible big-government spending programs in the name of COVID relief.

I spoke on the House floor about the wasteful spending thrown into this bill. You can watch a video of my speech below or by clicking here.

Students in countless school districts across the country are being forced to attend school virtually, despite science clearly showing students should have the option to be back in class. I recently wrote an opinion piece about how south Alabama schools serve as a model for healthy and safe in-person learning. Most of our local students have been back in the classroom since late last year, and time has proven classrooms are safe for students and the transmission and infection rates in schools remain incredibly low.

Schools are more than just a place for academic instruction – in fact, schools perform many different functions critical to the development of young people. For some, school is the primary source for meals and healthcare. For most, schools are the primary source of socialization and character development. The science is clear that students belong in the classroom, and Alabama has proven this over the past 6 months. The rest of the nation should follow Alabama’s example and allow our students back in the classroom where they belong. 

A few days ago, I had the honor of recognizing several hometown heroes in south Alabama who have made an impact in their community over the past year. This past year has been tough on millions of Americans as we battle the COVID pandemic and endure countless hardships, but I’m proud of so many folks in south Alabama who make our community a better place. 

Virtually no person across our country has not been impacted in some way by the pandemic, natural disasters, and the countless other challenges that have come our way over the course of the past year or so. Although we are living in difficult times, I couldn’t be prouder to be an American, and I couldn’t be more thankful for so many incredible people all over my district and all over the nation who work hard each day, not for fame, recognition, or money, but for the betterment of their friends and neighbors. This is what makes America strong, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to recognize just a few of these unsung heroes who have made an impact on their community during this past year.

If you know of a hometown hero who has made a difference in your community and would like to nominate them to be recognized, please send their name, location, description, and a photo to honorahero.carl@gmail.com by March 12^th so they can be recognized. 

You can view my remarks below or by clicking here.

It is my honor to be your voice in Washington, where I am working each day to protect our values and fight for a more limited government. I'm proud to represent you and would love to hear from you if I or my office can be of any assistance to you. To best serve you, I have three office locations - one in Washington, D.C., one in Mobile, and one in Summerdale. The contact info for each can be found on my website.

Sincerely,