Dec. 5, 2011

What's next after the failed Supercommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  As most folks across east Alabama will recall, just before Thanksgiving the so-called congressional “Supercommittee” charged with finding $1.2 trillion in spending cuts announced that it had failed to reach an agreement. As Congress reconvenes in Washington, our nation's huge debt continues to threaten our economic future.

It's my hope that Congress and President Obama will redouble efforts to come up with a compromise to help cut our debt and spending without hurting our military—especially in a time of war. I believe it can be done. The consequences of the failure of the Supercommittee should not be placed on the backs of our military.

Yet the economic threat from too much debt remains. During these tough economic times, when the United States must tighten its financial belt like Americans citizens are doing, our national unemployment still hovers at 9 percent (with Alabama's at 9.3 percent). Our economy needs help.

There are no easy answers and everyone will feel some pain. Future spending must be disciplined, too—that's why I supported a Balanced Budget Amendment.

Washington must also implement a pro-jobs agenda. The creation of private-sector jobs will get our economy back on track. A growing economy coupled with spending discipline should start to reduce our debt burden. As of this writing, the House of Representatives has passed over 20 bipartisan bills to help spur private sector job creation. They include legislation that helps stop job-threatening environmental regulations from being implemented; legislation reducing taxes on small businesses (the heartbeat of our local economies); and bills to help restrain big government.

For example, I supported H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act. This bill would help prevent the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from dictating where private companies can locate, as they did when Boeing tried to built a plant in South Carolina.

Unfortunately almost all of these bills have run into the brick wall that is the United States Senate. That has to change. It's time to get bills like these signed into law and help the private sector create more good paying jobs.

As always, contact me at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

Nov. 17, 2011

The spirit of giving across east Alabama

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  As Thanksgiving Day quickly approaches, most of us across east Alabama count our blessings and are thankful for the good things in our lives. And even in these tough economic times, when families continue to struggle to make ends meet and Alabama’s unemployment rate looms near 10 percent, we all see neighbors helping neighbors and folks giving to those less fortunate. 

Each year I try to highlight a few initiatives that are helping those in need. The following are a just a few. 

In Anniston, a group called Elevation reaches out to citizens there. This Christian-based organization started in 2009, and this summer they provided Bibles to over 800 homes. Right now they are collecting sweaters, coats and blankets for their clothes drive. To participate, drop off these items at 2700 Brighton Avenue in Anniston. The items will be given away at Zinn Park in December. 

Sadly, hunger remains a present and even growing tragedy among all too many of our fellow citizens. Also in Anniston, like so many other congregations, the Meals of Mercy program at The Bridge at First United Methodist Church feeds several hundred people a week. 

At Auburn High School in Auburn, students have started the Committee of 25 because it costs 25 cents to provide a meal for a child. This group of teenagers is raising money and food for children in Africa. 

Since the tornadoes tore through Alabama in April, folks at First Baptist Church at Williams, again like so many congregations and charitable organizations in devastated areas, have worked to help rebuild homes for tornado victims in Calhoun County. 

Folks are continuing to care for our homeless citizens. In Montgomery County, the Faith Crusade/Montgomery Rescue Mission provides housing for homeless men and women, hygiene products and canned goods. 

In Tuskegee, Divine Inspirational Ministries provides shelter to homeless men and veterans. The facility provides GED training and job placement for those in need. 

In Coosa County, a Thanksgiving and Christmas relief drive is held to collect clothing, canned goods and toiletries for families who need it most. 

All of the good deeds happening every day across east Alabama could not be listed here, but this sampling of events shows that even in the worst of times, Alabamians look out for and take care of each other. I wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving. 

Please feel free to contact me at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

Sept. 26, 2011

Washington still not on 'right path'

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Sept. 17 we observed Constitution Day across the United States. The Constitution was adopted 224 years ago. Remembering what that document meant when it was written has been on many folks' minds these days.

Our country has faced its share of tough times and each generation has risen to the challenge. We are presently faced with challenges all around: a national debt crisis; an ongoing threat against terrorism; and, of course, we're in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns since the Great Depression. For too many years, our nation's unemployment rate has stalled around 9 percent.

Even worse, Alabama's unemployment rate for August was 9.9 percent. Because of that number, families across east Alabama have the right to be concerned about the direction of our country.

The question is, how do we turn things around? As most folks have probably seen by now, last week President Obama unveiled the details of his deficit-reduction plan which would, among other things, raise $1.5 trillion in new taxes. This comes on the heels of the $447 billion “second stimulus” President Obama offered earlier as a jobs package to Congress.

The first stimulus bill passed in 2009, which I opposed, was far larger and I believe did more to grow government than help the private sector. I hope the lesson was learned that it is the private sector that creates jobs – not government. I oppose President Obama's plan to raise taxes, which I believe could hurt small businesses and stifle job creation across the country.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 75 percent of small business owners file as individuals. So if their company makes over $250,000 they could be hit with higher taxes. I am concerned that this move would send a terrible message to Americans who are trying to invest in their businesses and find a way to get more workers employed.

We can all agree that creating jobs and growing our economy is the number one issue our country faces. We can agree that we should eliminate unnecessary loopholes on the tax code, and to cut the special interest tax breaks. But I don't support raising marginal income tax rates on anyone in such awful economic times. There has to be some accountability. The American people are demanding it.

Which gets us back to the the Constitution and the direction of our country. That document has withstood the test of time. It will hold firm. But as we all work to get through these challenging times, it's important that we remember our Founding Fathers' original vision for a federal government focused only on doing a limited number of things. As stated in the Tenth Amendment: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

Feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.mike-rogers.house.gov,  become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

Sept. 8, 2011

Sept. 11, ten years later

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, life in America was changed forever. 

It was a day filled with shocking, evil acts and horrific scenes as planes struck important buildings in big and iconic cities across the northeast. Another plane was brought down by the heroic actions of its passengers in a rural Pennsylvania field. 

It remains a day that stays at the forefront of my mind as I work to serve you here in Washington, D.C. 

As we reach the ten-year anniversary of the tragedies of 9/11, I hope all of us across east Alabama and America will reflect on that devastating day, remembering the families of the almost 3,000 lives lost that day at the Twin Towers in lower Manhattan, that rural field in Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon.

I hope we all remember the swelling pride for the U.S.A. that was evident across the country. American flags dotted every downtown and every front porch. 

Since those attacks on United States soil, strengthening our national security has remained a top priority for America. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formed after the 9/11 attacks and the experience of traveling – particularly by airplane – has changed significantly. The debate continues today on what exactly should be the screening process for air passengers and what kinds of intelligence are Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials looking for as they screen the public. 

In 2005, I joined the House Homeland Security Committee. Today as the Chairman of the Transportation Security subcommittee, my focus remains on increasing the security of our traveling public, and working to ensure commerce moves as freely and safely as possible in the air, on trucks and buses, in pipelines and on our railroads.

In these uncertain economic times, we must not lose our focus on keeping our nation safe from those who wish us harm. 

Our country has gone through many challenges over the past decade, But just as the American people have proved in decades past, we are a resilient people and resilient country and we will always overcome adversity. We will again. A decade later, let’s continue to pray for our country, and honor the innocent Americans who lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11. Let’s also continue to pray for Americans serving overseas in uniform, and for their safe and speedy return home. 

July 30, 2011

Too much spending, regulating hurting jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With unemployment rising in Alabama and across the nation like the hot summer temperatures, it is time for Washington to get past the debt limit discussion and focus on our economy and job creation.  

A lot has been said recently about cutting spending and getting the federal government off the backs of our small businesses and job creators. I believe the growth of government fueled by trillion dollar deficits, if left unchecked, will eventually crowd out private sector job growth. Our country now borrows over 40 cents on each dollar it spends. 

That’s why I support a new approach to government spending along the principles of the Cut, Cap and Balance bill that I voted for recently. We need to cut federal spending, cap how much government can spend as a percentage of GDP and pass a balanced budget amendment.  

Additionally, there are just too many job threatening regulations coming out of Washington these days. Just this spring alone, the Obama administration proposed 4,257 new rules and regulations. Excessive regulations threaten to slam the door on American job growth.  They push jobs to China. They hurt our competitiveness and encourage Alabama manufacturers to look overseas. 

At the time of this writing, the House is working to cut over $1.5 billion from the budget of the  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to limit its regulatory power. I strongly support this effort and hope President Obama will sign this bill to give small businesses a leg up on big government.  

Every family across east Alabama is struggling with high gas prices. To help, we should develop our home grown energy resources. But government bureaucrats too often say no. Domestic energy exploration should not be held hostage by regulators. 

In Washington, everything that goes on should be all about jobs. I hope Congress will continue to cut spending and the red tape so the private sector  can get to work and good-paying jobs can be created. Feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

June 21, 2011

Still waiting for economic recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 17 marks the one year anniversary of what President Obama called the “Recovery Summer.”  

That summer, just a year ago, was when everything was predicted to begin turning around for the better. The economy was going to improve because Congress passed $1.6 trillion in stimulus spending and jobs would be plentiful. 

Yet, all of us across east Alabama are still waiting for that recovery to come. Today the United States sits at over $14 trillion in debt, and has an economy that simply hasn’t kicked in. Our country has suffered through 28 consecutive months of unemployment over 8 percent with unemployment now at 9.1 percent – the highest since December 2010. 

This is unacceptable.  

Congress needs to do more to help get our economy moving. For starters, besides cutting spending so the United States isn’t borrowing over 40 cents on each dollar it spends, Congress must act to help the private sector thrive, which helps businesses create good-paying jobs. 

Last week, President Obama’s Jobs and Competitiveness Council presented a report on their last 90 days of working to develop ideas to get our country’s economy back on track. Getting the input from the business community is a step in the right direction. But more aggressive steps must be taken to help on the jobs front. 

How about tax reform? Hard-working families just survived another run-in with our creaky, inefficient tax code on April 15. Let’s give families and small businesses a boost by flattening rates and reducing the paperwork burden.  

Small businesses are still unable to obtain loans. Let’s tell the Obama administration to stop blaming Main Street’s community banks for our financial mess. These small-town businesses support our job creators, and it’s up to Congress to tell the feds to get out of their way. 

How about cutting excess regulations? Small business owners across east Alabama have told me government red tape is hurting their businesses. Let’s cut unnecessary regulations to help the private sector create jobs and keep the ones we have at home. 

Many small business owners in east Alabama have participated in America’s Job Creators survey, and if you haven’t, I urge you to go to my website and click the America’s Job Creators box to share your concerns with me. I want to hear from you. 

America faces many trials right now, but we are a resilient nation and people know we will make it through these hardships. I hope Congress and President Obama will work together to make our economy its number-one priority. 

As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.mike-rogers.house.gov , become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

June 6, 2011

Cut spending before raising the debt limit

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As most families operate their households in east Alabama, when the money runs out, the spending stops. In tough economic times like these, budgeting is necessary to stay financially afloat. But up in Washington, it seems the same rules do not apply. 

Like previous presidents, President Obama is calling for an increase in our nation’s debt limit. Even with record federal deficits, however, he calls for no further spending cuts to accompany that vote. 

Our economy can no longer afford that approach. According to the Congressional Budget Office, for the last two years, the budget deficit was $1.4 trillion and $1.2 trillion respectively.  Our national debt is over $14 trillion and rising. Over the past few months, many fellow Alabamians have shared their views on whether or not to raise the debt ceiling. Most are opposed when not accompanied with real spending cuts. 

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has made it clear, without a debt increase come Aug. 2 the United States could begin defaulting if the debt limit is not raised before then.  

Last week, the House of Representatives held a vote, as called for by President Obama, on raising the debt limit. This bill, H.R. 1954, failed to pass the House 318 to 97. This bipartisan rejection by the Congress of a debt limit increase without spending cuts sends a message that Congress must get serious about finding a solution to this crisis before it further weakens our economy. 

After all, it’s about jobs. It’s about a stronger, more competitive American economy. The massive $14 trillion debt is growing rapidly, and in a few short years will become unsustainable. It could choke out job growth by forcing massive tax hikes, higher interest rates and lower consumer confidence. 

Our great nation is at a crossroads. While I do not think Congress would allow the United States to default, which could harm our economy, I think Congress and the president should see this debate as a golden opportunity to help set our nation and government on a more financially sustainable path. But we all need to have a serious and frank conversation about such a proposal. Every spending program must be on the table. We need to see how we can strengthen and secure entitlements like Medicare, so critical for our seniors, for current and future generations. 

After the vote on raising the debt limit, I think a clear message has been sent to the White House that Americans are sick and tired of the spending spree. More importantly, they want our economy to improve. Times are tough, very tough. It’s critical Washington gets its house in order so our economy can finally emerge from this awful recession less burdened by the weight of debt and unsustainable spending. 

I look forward to Congress debating this crucial issue and as always I look forward to your thoughts. Contact me at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

May 5, 2011

Tragedies and resilience

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 27, 23 tornadoes ravaged the South as the second deadliest storms in United States history. As of writing, across the hardest hit areas in the state of Alabama, power is still out and searches for missing people are still underway with over 236 dead. The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, in an area of the state severely damaged, has cancelled classes for the remainder of this school year and delayed graduation until August. 

Here across East Alabama, many lives were lost and homes destroyed. After the storms passed, I saw firsthand many of the devastated areas across Calhoun and Cherokee counties, as well as Tallapoosa County. I am returning to these and other areas soon. People living in these counties, along with Coosa and Talladega, are eligible for individual disaster assistance by the federal government. That will help, but more must be done. 

The damage we all have seen is unbelievable. All of our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and those who lost their homes and businesses. My office is assisting however we can, on the ground and in devastated communities. Throughout these tragedies, we have seen people come together — strangers working to help other strangers, an outpouring of donations and supplies, and spontaneous efforts of so many to donate funds to help support victims and their families. 

FEMA has been on the ground to help, along with the good people of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and countless other groups helping with the response. FEMA may be contacted at 800-621-3362 or go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If anyone you know is having trouble getting the assistance they need, please let me or any of my offices know and we will provide any assistance we can. 

I know through this tragedy, the South will rebuild, and folks will come back stronger than ever because we are Americans and we are resilient. This was evident just this week, when almost a decade after the terrorist attacks on our own soil, the world’s most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, was killed. Ten years after close to 3,000 lives were lost and our country changed forever, justice was served. 

It proves that we, the American people, can be brought down, but can’t be kept down.  We are fighters, we are hard workers and we are believers. All of us across East Alabama should continue praying for the victims and families of these horrific storms. But we should find hope in seeing neighbors who have never met lend a helping hand and folks across the country coming together to assist those affected by the storms. 

We are Americans, we are resilient and we will overcome the tragedies of April 27. As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

April 7, 2011

It's still all about the jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in D.C. and spring is finally here, but across East Alabama folks are still scratching their heads and asking, where are the jobs? 

The latest unemployment numbers came out recently putting Alabama at 9.3 percent. Although the number is down from 10.2 percent a year ago, we still have too many folks across the state out of work. That’s why every small step Congress takes to help on the jobs front is important. 

Some of you who own a small business in East Alabama may have received an email from me recently called America’s Job Creators, a communications tool to help small business owners send me and others in Congress examples of “red tape” or other burdensome regulations by the federal government that keeps them from creating or saving good paying jobs. 

I’d love to hear from all of our small business owners across the Third District. If you own a small business and are interested in participating, please go to my website at www.mike-rogers.house.gov and click on the “America’s Job Creators” button on the right hand side to fill out the form. With this information, I hope to even better advocate for policies that help for job creation and retention in East Alabama. 

Of course, getting our fiscal house in order will help strengthen our economy as well. As of this writing, there was the possibility of a government shutdown or slowdown because the Senate would not pass a bill that makes reasonable cuts to the federal budget. It is disappointing to see the lack of leadership from President Obama on the budget, as well. 

Also on the jobs front, this week I was making final preparations to introduce a bill, the Modern Security Credentialing Act, to help simplify transportation security regulations.  

As chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security, I drafted this bill not only to help keep our roads and ports safe, but also to streamline redundant background check processes and reduce costs. Above all, I am hopeful this bill will help create and fill jobs. Just ask any trucker – to get fully credentialed to pull all types of freight is a paperwork nightmare. Multiple agencies, lots of fees and far too much wait time make it hard for folks to get trucking jobs. 

My bill would let the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) streamline the credentialing process while maintaining high security standards. The bill would also standardize background checks for port, airport and truck credentialing, making it easier for applicants to obtain a badge and get a job. At the end of the day, I am hopeful this legislation will cut costs and allow trucking businesses across East Alabama and the country to hire additional personnel. 

March 14, 2011

Still time for energy independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The turmoil in the Middle East is affecting us here in East Alabama. We see coverage on the news, talk about the unrest in the coffee shop, but we see and feel it at gas pump. According to AAA, as of this writing, gasoline prices are up 76 cents from a year ago and 41 cents from a month ago.

I have said this for years: we as a nation cannot continue to live with these unstable prices to fill up our vehicles and power our economy. The time to lessen our dependence on other countries like those in the Middle East for our energy sources is now.

During these tough economic times, folks across East Alabama are already tightening their belts and paying more at the gas station is something folks just cannot afford. It's an issue of national security.

In 2008, I introduced the FREE Act (Furthering Renewable Energy Exploration). Under this legislation, the ban on energy exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) would be lifted, and all federal royalties and taxes collected from the drilling would be directed into a new renewable fuels research and development fund. This trust fund would be used only for research and development of alternative energy to help our country become energy independent.

For example, East Alabama is home to many outstanding schools and universities. We could use the talented researchers at great schools like Auburn University or Tuskegee University, and those like them across the country, to help develop the next generation of battery technology, commercially-viable synthetic gasoline or a more fuel-efficient ethanol with the money we set aside in the trust. The money would come out of the trust fund made up of the federal share of royalties as a result of exploration.

It's all common sense and home-grown right here in the U.S.A. That means jobs, jobs, jobs.

This year, I again plan to reintroduce this bill to help advance this debate. The United States must act now on becoming energy independent.

As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at http://mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

Jan. 28, 2011

The debt and cutting to solutions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It is still early in 2011, but much has happened in Washington, from the nation beginning the healing process after the tragedy in Tuscon to the new Republican Majority in the House of Representatives finding its footing working with the Democratic-controlled Senate and White House. 

After the Tuscon shootings, victims and their families remain in our prayers. All of us are cautiously optimistic, as Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is making great strides to recovery. In Washington, D.C. the House on Jan. 19 voted to repeal Obamacare, with my support. The House also has cut its own budget by five percent, eliminated taxpayer funding of presidential campaigns and conventions and will continue to make meaningful cuts to help tame our country’s skyrocketing debt. 

This is the same debt that threatens our economy. It certainly threatens job creation. President Obama slowly has begun to acknowledge the problem, but to me still has not recommended enough common-sense solutions to show he is serious about bringing down the debt. 

On Jan. 25 President Obama gave his State of the Union address. To his credit, the president talked about freezing our nation’s domestic spending at 2010 levels for five years. While I agree a spending freeze is a good start, freezing spending at its current high level isn’t the answer.  Instead, he should consider Resolution 38, already passed by the House, which would cut non-security spending to 2008 levels.    

Many folks across East Alabama feel like I do, that our country stands at a crossroads. One road leads to more spending, never-ending debt and economic stagnation. The other road is looking squarely at our debt challenges, and leads to studying closely every federal agency and program to decide where cuts can be made. At this time, I just don’t think we can afford to spend more money we don’t have on new initiatives until we have our spending problems under control.

To be fair, I certainly acknowledge spending has been a bipartisan problem through the years. 

The spending spree over the last two years did not result in more good-paying jobs for Americans – in fact, the unemployment rate jumped to 10 percent for nearly 20 consecutive months, never improving with the failed stimulus bill. This debt will be more than just a heavy burden we will place on the backs of our children and grandchildren. We must take care of business now.   

In November the Americans spoke loudly and were heard clearly in Washington.  It is clear the direction our country was headed in was not the path the voters wanted. It’s time for a new direction, with a focus on jobs, jobs, jobs and a tireless effort to get our nation’s finances and economic house back in order. 

President Obama said we must “win the future” and I agree. Now it’s up to Congress and the president to find common ground. 

As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.

Jan. 13, 2011

A tragic start to 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. — There’s a new Congress in town. But last week, just as new members were finding their way around the Capitol, legislation was being prepared to debate, and anticipation was building for a challenging two years, it all came to an abrupt and shocking halt over the weekend when Rep. Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords (D-AZ) was mercilessly shot outside a “Congress on Your Corner” event in Tuscon, Jan. 6. 

Of the group gathered to participate in the event, 13 were injured and six people, including a federal judge, a nine-year-old girl and a congressional staffer, were killed. Meanwhile, a strong wife and leader lies in a hospital bed with a gunshot wound and her husband by her side. 

The young man being held for the shootings has not only taken innocent lives, but has also called into question the access folks across the country have to their elected officials. 

As many of you are aware, I hold “Congress on Your Corner” events all across the Third District. These events are well publicized, held so folks have an opportunity to talk to me one-on-one about whatever questions or concerns they may have. 

Despite the Tuscon tragedy, I plan to continue a business as usual approach. I believe it is your right to talk with me personally, and I want to provide the best service I can for each of you. My public events will continue as usual. 

It seems increasingly clear that the suspect acted alone and was not part of any larger effort, and is mentally ill. It is an unspeakable tragedy so many innocent lives were lost, in a setting where Americans were simply trying to have their voice heard as guaranteed under the Constitution. 

These senseless acts of violence have no place in our society. Our nation has extraordinary challenges ahead, and we citizens must discuss and debate those challenges respectfully with one another. 

I hope each of us across east Alabama will keep Rep. Giffords and her family, as well as the other victims and their families, in our prayers. 

As always, feel free to contact me on this or any issue at www.house.gov/mike-rogers, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03.