Mo Brooks – Shoals Insider

Brooks calls for end of taxpayer funding of sports leagues that disrespect our flag and national anthem

Staff — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:55:35 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) today drafted a letter urging President Donald J. Trump to honor the American flag and anthem by stopping all Department of Defense and federal government support for professional sporting leagues or teams that display disrespect for our flag and national anthem. Brooks circulated the letter to House colleagues for support.
In the letter, Congressman Brooks stated, “Federal law about the American flag and national anthem is clear. 4 U.S.C. § 8 states, ‘the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing’ and adds that ‘no disrespect should be shown to the flag.’ Further, 36 U.S.C. § 301 states, ‘During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart.’ The National Football League (NFL) is disrespecting America’s flag and national anthem. The NFL’s conduct is not only unpatriotic and deplorable, it also conflicts with federal law.”

Brooks continued, “The foregoing considered, we respectfully ask that you withhold all federal taxpayer dollars that directly or indirectly support (via advertisements, marketing contracts, or any other direct or indirect financial patronage) any professional sports team or league that refuses to display proper decorum for America’s flag or national anthem.”

Text of Congressman Brooks’ letter follows:

Dear President Trump:

Federal law about the American flag and national anthem is clear. 4 U.S.C. § 8 states, “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing” and adds that “no disrespect should be shown to the flag.” Further, 36 U.S.C. § 301 states, “During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart.”

The United States flag and our national anthem are emblems of a nation that has arguably been the most free, wealthiest, most militarily powerful, and greatest nation in world history. As such, Ronald Reagan stated:
As we think back over the history of our nation’s flag, we remember that the story of its early years was often one of hardship and trials, sometimes a fight for simple survival… As the American Republic grew and prospered and new stars were added to the flag, the ideal of freedom grew and prospered. From the rolling hills of Kentucky to the shores of California to the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon, our pioneers carried our flag before them, a symbol of the indomitable spirit of a free people. And let us never forget that in honoring our flag, we honor the American men and women who have courageously fought and died for it over the last 200 years, patriots who set an ideal above any consideration of self. Our flag flies free today because of their sacrifice.

The National Football League (NFL) is disrespecting America’s flag and national anthem. The NFL’s conduct is not only unpatriotic and deplorable, it also conflicts with federal law.

In FY2017, the Department of Defense (DOD) is estimated to spend $574 million on military service component advertising programs. [1] Total federal spending on advertising and public relations is roughly $1 billion per year. [2]

We see no reason why federal taxpayers should spend any money, directly or indirectly, supporting professional sports teams or leagues that disrespect America’s flag or anthem.

The foregoing considered, we respectfully ask that you withhold all federal taxpayer dollars that directly or indirectly support (via advertisements, marketing contracts, or any other direct or indirect financial patronage) any professional sports team or league that refuses to display proper decorum for America’s flag or national anthem.

More specifically, we ask that the federal government cease advertising (television, radio or otherwise) on any network or in any media during that network or media’s broadcast of any sporting event by a professional sports league or team that engages in the above disrespectful conduct that insults America and those who have fought or given their lives for our country.

The NFL and its players and teams assert they have a First Amendment Freedom of Speech right to disrespect America’s flag and national anthem contrary to federal law. Perhaps. But American taxpayers certainly have the right to stop their hard-earned tax dollars being used to support disrespect for America’s flag and national anthem.

We join in asking you to stand and honor the American flag and anthem by stopping all DOD and federal government support for professional sporting leagues or teams that display disrespect for our flag and national anthem.

Congressman Mo Brooks: President Trump misled into making endorsement

Staff — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 11:36:28 +0000

US Congressman Mo Brooks

HUNTSVILLE- Senate candidate Mo Brooks is sounding off after President Trump endorsed his opponent Luther Strange for the Senate seat.

Congressman Mo Brooks made the following statement on President Trump’s endorsement in the Alabama Special Election Primary:

“I respect President Trump, but I am baffled and disappointed Mitch McConnell and the Swamp somehow misled the President into endorsing Luther Strange.

“Perhaps the President is unaware that Luther Strange corruptly and unethically held a criminal investigation over the head of disgraced Governor Bentley to obtain the senate appointment.

“Perhaps President Trump is unaware that Luther Strange wants to keep the Senate’s 60% rule that empowers Chuck Schumer and the Democrats to kill the entire conservative, Republican, and President Trump legislative agendas.

“Perhaps President Trump is unaware then- Attorney General Luther Strange received $50,000 from a heavy polluter as a reward for Luther Strange sending two letters to the EPA that blocked EPA efforts to force the polluter to pay cleanup costs at a heavily polluted Birmingham Superfund site that endangers the health of Alabama children and citizens.

“The President has bigger things going on than a campaign, that’s for sure.

“In any event, while Mitch McConnell and the Swamp managed to mislead the President last night, I still support the America First Agenda, and all the polls show we have momentum.

“We believe our message will win out over the Swamp and Lyin’ Luther.

“We continue the fight for America’s future. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Forward we march.”

President Donald J. Trump endorses Luther Strange for Senate seat

Staff — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 01:57:05 +0000

Senator Luther Strange

WASHINGTON D.C.–President Donald J. Trump has just endorsed Senator Luther Strange in the special election Senate race to permanently fill the Senate seat opened by Jeff Session’s appointment to US Attorney General.

In a tweet around 8:30 pm, Trump stated, “Senator Luther Strange has done a great job representing the people of the Great State of Alabama. He has my complete and total endorsement!”

In recent polls, Strange leads the pack followed by Judge Roy Moore and US Rep. Mo Brooks.

The election will be Tuesday, August 15th.

By Jeff Roland

ShoalsInsider.com

Brooks Welcomes Endorsement of Premier Conservative Organization, Senate Conservatives Fund

Staff — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 11:31:11 +0000

US Congressman Mo Brooks

Huntsville, AL- Today, the Senate Conservatives Fund endorsed Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) in the Alabama Special Election for United States Senate. Senate Conservatives Fund is a national, grassroots organization that promotes conservative policies and helps elect conservative candidates.

In support of its endorsement, the SCF said, “We are very proud to announce our support for Congressman Mo Brooks for U.S. Senate in the special election in Alabama. Mo Brooks is a principled conservative, he has strong grassroots support, and we believe he is the conservative candidate with the best chance of winning a likely runoff election. If he’s elected, he will fight to defend the Second Amendment, protect the unborn, stop illegal immigration, and repeal Obamacare.

“We’re also proud to help defend Mo Brooks against the false attacks being made by Senator Mitch McConnell and his political machine. There is no reason why McConnell should be spending millions of dollars to mislead voters in this race and we hope conservatives come together to fight back. Alabama Republicans have a chance to send Washington a powerful message by voting for Mo Brooks on August 15th.”

Congressman Brooks stated, “SCF is one of the premier national conservative political organizations in America, and I’m proud to be endorsed as the conservative candidate most likely to upset the Washington establishment.”

“Mitch McConnell and his lobbyists and special interest group financiers are spending millions of dollars in hopes of buying Alabama’s Senate seat and keeping a principled conservative out of the Senate. I’m confident that, with the help of patriotic, conservative groups like SCF and strong support from grassroots activists, our campaign will prevail in spite of the onslaught of attack ads that aim to deceive Alabama voters. SCF’s endorsement proves our campaign has serious momentum in this race as election day nears.”

Conservative Leader Ann Coulter Endorses Congressman Mo Brooks for United States Senate

Staff — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 17:28:41 +0000

HUNTSVILLE- Today, Conservative Leader and border security advocate Ann Coulter endorsed Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) in the Alabama Special Election to fill the United States Senate seat formerly held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. A conservative thought leader, Coulter is a political commentator, syndicated columnist, and the author of twelve best-selling books. Coulter’s endorsement is the latest in a string of strong endorsements from conservative leaders Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, Congressman Lamar Smith, and Congressman Mike Rogers.

Ann Coulter stated:

“Alabama has a chance this year to save the country by sending Congressman Mo Brooks to the U.S. Senate.

“Despite my general policy of not making endorsements in GOP state primaries, this moment in history is too important not to endorse Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks for the senate seat vacated by the great Jeff Sessions.

“Brooks didn’t need the election of Donald Trump to recognize the disastrous consequences of unrestricted immigration from the third world. He’s been a brave and loyal fighter on immigration since long before Trump came along.

“We’re at a tipping point. There’s never been a more crucial time to send men like Mo Brooks to the Senate. The election of Donald Trump has given America a chance that only comes along once every thousand years.

Rep. Brooks and Sen. Sessions fought side by side for years to protect American jobs and wages from the destruction wrought by tidal waves of illegal aliens and cheap foreign labor. Sen. Sessions’ elevation to U.S. Attorney General has left a huge hole in the fight for struggling American families.

Alabama – and America – need Senator Mo Brooks in the U.S. Senate. I wholeheartedly endorse Congressman Mo Brooks.

Congressman Brooks stated:

“I am honored that Ann Coulter adds her name to national conservative thought leaders Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, and Sean Hannity, and Congressmen Mark Meadows, Mike Rogers, Lamar Smith, each of whom has examined Alabama’s U.S. Senate race and reached the same conclusion: that Congressman Mo Brooks is the only candidate for Alabama’s U.S. Senate seat with a record of conservative leadership that proves he is best prepared to face America’s considerable challenges.

“Americans are frustrated and angry because all too often they are duped by money and political ads into voting for a candidate who governs far differently from what the political ads falsely represented. I encourage Alabama voters to look past poll-driven campaign adds that parrot back to voters what candidates know voters want to hear.

“This election is far too important to America’s future to experiment with unproven or untried candidates. Candidates’ records reveal who best represents Alabama values and how a candidate will conduct himself in office. In that vein, I offer a record of proven conservative leadership that is unmatched by any other candidate in this race.”

Ann Coulter’s Full Statement:

“Alabama has a chance this year to save the country by sending Congressman Mo Brooks to the U.S. Senate.

“Despite my general policy of not making endorsements in GOP state primaries, this moment in history is too important not to endorse Alabama congressman Mo Brooks for the senate seat vacated by the great Jeff Sessions.

“But now despite the miracle on November 8, the president and his movement are under unprecedented attack from Wall Street, Silicon Valley, Big Agriculture, and elected ‘leaders’ in both political parties.

“No matter how many times voters tell Washington we want less immigration, powerful moneyed interests prevail over easily-bought politicians to keep the cheap foreign labor flowing.

“Elected Republicans have betrayed the voters over and over again on immigration. They run for office promising to put American jobs, American neighborhoods and American lives first – then get to Washington and check with Wall Street and Silicon Valley to see how many foreign workers they’re going to need that year.

“I can count on one hand the number Republicans who have put America’s interests above the interests of the rich (who just want their cheap maids and nannies and will move to the next country when this one is finished). Where will you move?

“As admirable as some of the other GOP primary candidates are, no other issue is as important as immigration because immigration determines every other issue.

“California once gave us Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and great property tax initiatives. Today, no Republican can win a state-wide election there — because of demographic changes brought about by mass immigration.

“California’s middle class is now living in Arizona. That is America’s future, except there will be no state to flee to if politicians and cheap labor advocates do the same thing to our country.

“Rep. Brooks and Sen. Sessions fought side by side for years to protect American jobs and wages from the destruction wrought by tidal waves of illegal aliens and cheap foreign labor. Sen Sessions’ elevation to U.S. Attorney General has left a huge hole in the fight for struggling American families.

“Alabama – and America – need Senator Mo Brooks in the U.S. Senate. I wholeheartedly endorse Congressman Mo Brooks.”

BROOKS TO STRANGE: “REIN IN YOUR DC SWAMP RATS”

Staff — Wed, 24 May 2017 18:51:48 +0000

US Congressman Mo Brooks

This week, Luther Strange Forces began preparing to unleash millions of dollars in negative attack ads against Congressman Mo Brooks and Judge Roy Moore. An Alabama citizen received a brushfire poll by Strange, took notes, and reported its contents to Congressman Brooks. Brushfire polls help a campaign draft attack ads.

“President Trump campaigned on ‘draining the Swamp’ in DC. Well, ‘The Swamp’ is supporting Luther Strange, and they’re getting ready to unload millions of dollars in attacks on Judge Moore and me. Big Luther needs to tell his ‘Swamp Critter’ friends to stay out of Alabama. We can decide this election just fine on our own,” said Brooks.

After asking questions that promote Luther Strange, the brushfire poll explored potential negative attacks against Judge Roy Moore and Congressman Mo Brooks.

“The Strange Forces understand the threat posed by my unmatched record of proven conservative leadership coupled with my unblemished 30-year public service record of high ethical conduct. My record confirms that I have, and always will, put Alabama and America ahead of my own personal interests.”

BROOKS ACTS TO BLOCK CHINA’S PURCHASE OF CRITICAL U.S. SEMICONDUCTOR FIRM

Staff — Sat, 10 Dec 2016 06:03:50 +0000

US Congressman Mo Brooks

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) joined a group of bipartisan lawmakers in sending a letter to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), pushing back against the purchase of Lattice Semiconductor, the third-largest American producer of critical technology for U.S. military applications, by an American shell company financed by China’s communist government.

Congressman Brooks said, “In an alarming report, an American programmable-chip maker, Lattice Semiconductor, is to be purchased by a venture capital firm with ties to the Chinese government. The acquisition is a serious national security threat to the U.S. military supply chain and it is essential the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States bar this egregious attempt to harvest American technology by China.”

Brooks concluded, “China is attempting to steal valuable intellectual property, gravely endangering both America’s national security and economic interests. Moreover, the U.S. military relies on Lattice technology for critical military applications and the purchase could lead to a reliance on foreign-sourced technology. It is confounding that in our current state of global uncertainty CFIUS would unwisely allow this acquisition to move forward. CFIUS should act decisively against this purchase and continue to protect American companies, employees, and technology from being usurped by foreign governments.”

BROOKS OPPOSES BILL THAT INCREASES NATIONAL DEBT AND SPENDS AT RECORD HIGH RATE

Staff — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:40:32 +0000

US Congressman Mo Brooks

Washington, D.C. – Congress will soon consider a continuing resolution (CR) spending bill that increases federal government spending by yet another $150 billion, and helps blow FY 2017 federal government spending through the $4 trillion mark, a record high. Standing before the U.S. House this morning, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) again warned colleagues of a looming and debilitating American insolvency and bankruptcy, and explained why he will vote against another temporary government funding measure that ignores economic reality.

Congressman Brooks stated, “While House Republicans can boast that they helped cut the $1.3 trillion deficit we inherited in 2011 to $439 billion in 2015, that boast now rings hollow.” He continued, “Absent correction, the CBO warns that in 2024 America will embark on an unending string of trillion dollar a year deficits. Absent correction, the CBO warns that America’s debt service costs will increase within a decade by $464 billion per year, to roughly $712 billion per year . . . more than what America spends on national defense!”

Brooks added, “This CR spending bill reflects Washington and special interest group greed and short-sightedness and continues the worst generational theft in American history, by again breaking into our kids’ piggy banks and stealing money we don’t have and will never pay back, callously letting our children suffer the consequences.”

Brooks concluded, “Mr. Speaker, I can’t speak for anyone else but, as for me, Mo Brooks, from Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, I vote for financial responsibility and prosperity and against a debilitating American bankruptcy, insolvency, and resulting economic depression. Although this continuing resolution admittedly spends money on lots of good things, I will vote against it because it is financially irresponsible. I will not vote for a debilitating insolvency and bankruptcy of America that will damage so many Americans for so many years to come.”

Brooks: America Must Learn from Venezuela Insolvency Damage

Staff — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 19:19:09 +0000

Washington, D.C. – This morning, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) continued his series of House floor speeches highlighting “bad example” countries who are reaping the consequences of financially irresponsible leadership, and again called on America to balance the budget before it is too late. In today’s address, Rep. Brooks assessed Venezuela’s “out-of-control spending financed by more borrowing and higher debt – the same temptation Washington politicians have succumbed to for decades,” and their resulting economic collapse.