Investments in Alabama- Congressman Bright's Appropriations Requests

 

One of my jobs as a Congressman is to identify where there are critical needs in the district and what Congress can do to address them.  The Congressional appropriations process is one way to help the district, but it has been abused by some members in the past.  That's why I have very high standards for submitting requests for federal funding.  It is my job to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and by creating these standards, my office is ensuring that critical investments will be made in the Second District in a fair, straight-forward, and transparent manner.

 

After all requests are submitted, I examine each request on a case-by-case basis to determine which projects have a direct, positive impact to the district. Additionally, each project must also meet one or more of the following criteria:  

 

• Cost-effective.  The project must have the potential for a strong return on investment.  Cost-effective programs could entail research and development, economic development, or a project that gives a community new opportunities to attract businesses and jobs.

 

• Addresses a critical need.  The project addresses a critical need in the district, such as a health care shortage, threats to agriculture, or infrastructure and equipment for military bases and suppliers.  The project has the potential to provide the district with resources it currently does not have. 

 

• Potential to create jobs.  The project has the potential to create jobs, or give district residents opportunities for advanced education or employment.  The project gives a community the resources it needs to bring economic development to the area. 

 

• Would not be funded otherwise.  The project would be in jeopardy were it not submitted through the appropriations process.  The project is something for which I can effectively advocate through the Congressional appropriations process.

 

• Community Support.  The project has received significant support from within the local community.  A project is required to have at least one letter of support from a local or state official.

 

The appropriations process gives me the opportunity to help direct federal dollars to the district rather than allow bureaucrats from federal departments, who may not have any knowledge about the needs of Southeast Alabama, to make those decisions.  In 2009, I placed a high priority on supporting projects that will benefit communities in all corners of the district and I am confident my requests in 2010 will again positively affect my constituents.

 

To give you an idea of successful projects, click here to view the requests that I supported and were ultimately signed into law in 2009.

 

To submit an appropriations request, please click on the following link:  Congressman_Bright's_FY 2011_Appropriations_Form

 

To submit an appropriations request for a Defense related project, please click on the following:  Congressman Bright's FY2011 Appropriations Form- Defense