Alabama’s Sole Congressional Democrat Sees Opportunity in House Victory
Of all the congressional candidates in Alabama Tuesday, only one was guaranteed to win. Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell faced no opposition as she reclaimed the 7th district seat. But for the first time in her congressional career, Democrats hold the majority in the House of Representatives. Rep. Sewell says Democrats will be able work with Republicans on Capitol Hill. She says Democrats also have to reach to voters in order to win in Alabama.
Interview Highlights
Whether expected investigations of the Trump administration by House Democrats will slow Congress:
“I think that you’ll see Democrats legislating more than investigating … The reality is that the American people wanted divided government because they wanted a check and balance on this president. I do believe that voters spoke up last night when they put Democrats back in charge of the House, that they do want more legislating than investigating. They want better health care, fairer wages, a more stable future for Social Security and Medicare. And that’s what we’re going to concentrate on.”
Issues Sewell believes Democrats can work with Democrats on:
“I think that infrastructure will be something that will be galvanizing on both sides. We’ve had so much deferred maintenance on our roads and bridges. And for me, when I think about infrastructure I also want to include broadband … One of the things that both Republicans and Democrats were talking about this election cycle was protecting pre-existing conditions. So when I think about being on the House Ways and Means Committee, I think we have to shore up the Affordable Care Act and work with Republicans to make sure that we do protect pre-existing conditions for all Americans.”
Democrats’ poor showing in Alabama:
“Obviously we have a lot of work cut out for us as Democrats here in Alabama, but I do believe we fielded amazing candidates. [Democratic gubernatorial candidate] Walt Maddox was a great candidate. But he faced a deeply divided and partisan climate right here in Alabama. And I believe that we as Democrats have work to do in terms of outreach to voters who don’t feel that they’re represented by today’s partisan politics … I do believe that when we are able to connect with voters, we as Democrats have better policies.”
Democratic Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona dies at 77
Democratic U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona, who championed environmental protection during his 12 terms in Congress, died Thursday of complications from cancer treatments, his office said.
‘Doesn’t make any sense’: Mahmoud Khalil’s lawyer on govt. efforts to deport him
NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Mahmoud Khalil's attorney, Amy Greer, about her client's recent arrest. Khalil, a green card holder, is currently being detained by ICE officers.
Israel targets what it says was an Islamic Jihad command center in Damascus
An Israeli airstrike targeted a building in an upscale neighborhood, destroying an apartment that neighbors said had been vacant for years.
Donatella Versace to step down as brand’s chief creative officer after nearly 30 years
Donatella took over the brand after the murder of her brother, Gianni Versace, its founder, in 1997. Her bold creative vision and unique style have been instrumental in preserving the Versace legacy.
As global tariff tensions rise, here’s the latest on U.S. trade with top partners
President Trump has upended global markets by imposing tariffs on imports from several of America's top trading partners. Here's what to know.
A man says his stepmom locked him in a room for decades. He escaped by setting a fire
Police in Waterbury, Conn., allege the man's stepmother locked him in his room with limited food and water for over 20 years, until he started a fire using hand sanitizer, printer paper and a lighter.
