U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell

Rep. Sewell Statement on Announcement of Special Session of Alabama Legislature

Fri, 121 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement regarding Governor Kay Ivey's announcement of a special session of the Alabama Legislature to dilute the voting power of African American voters:

"Alabama Republicans are wasting no time eliminating representation for African Americans in our state. Despite Black voters making up nearly one-third of Alabama’s electorate, Republican state leaders are desperate to revert us back to a map that silences our voices, dilutes our power, and denies us a fair seat at the table.

"This corrupt move runs counter to everything John Lewis and civil rights leaders marched, fought, and bled for. It threatens to roll back centuries of hard-fought progress and demonstrates exactly why the protections of the Voting Rights Act were needed in the first place.

"The court order barring Alabama from redrawing its map still stands, and our litigating partners are ready to vigorously defend it. We will not take this sitting down. Our communities are prepared to organize, mobilize, and demand the fair representation that we as Alabama voters deserve.

"Bring it on."

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Rep. Sewell Votes NO on Republicans' Partisan Farm Bill that Slashes Food Assistance

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted against H.R. 7567, also known as the Farm Bill, which cements Republicans' $187 billion cut to SNAP—the largest cut to food assistance in history—for the next five years.

"Despite our successful efforts to secure provisions that would benefit rural Alabama, House Republicans have made it impossible for me to support this Farm Bill by continuing their cruel cuts to SNAP," said Rep. Sewell. "At a time when so many Alabama families are already struggling with rising grocery costs, I cannot support a bill that would continue take food out of the mouths of hungry children, seniors, and veterans. Moreover, this version of the Farm Bill rubberstamps Trump's reckless tariffs and his war on Iran which are hurting Alabama farmers and contributing to the soaring price of food, energy, fertilizer, and farming equipment."

"I hope that my Senate colleagues will remove these cruel cuts to food assistance so that I can support a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of Alabama's farmers and working families," continued Sewell.

Rep. Sewell secured a number of key wins for Alabama, including provisions to:

Address Alabama's rural wastewater crisis: Rep. Sewell secured the inclusion of her Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act which she introduced with Rep. Mike Rogers in March. The bill would reauthorize a USDA grant program that Sewell created in the 2018 Farm Bill which provides funding to help low- and middle-income families install or upgrade their wastewater systems in areas where connecting to a municipal line is not feasible. This bill expands eligibility to those making 80% or lower of the Median Non-Metropolitan Household Income (previously 60%).
Support Alabama's rural forestry sector: The bill includes Rep. Sewell's SAWMILL Act which will bring more resources for rural forestry processing to Alabama's 7th Congressional District.
Strengthen Alabama's Land Grant HBCUs: The Farm Bill expands research funding for 1890 Land Grant institutions and authorizes upgrades to agricultural and food sciences facilities. The bill also reauthorizes scholarships for students at 1890 Land Grant institutions through 2031.
Allow greater flexibility for SNAP recipients: Amid Republican efforts to restrict the types of food eligible for purchase by SNAP recipients, Rep. Sewell co-sponsored a provision to allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot rotisserie chickens. The provision was included and passed in the Farm Bill.

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Rep. Sewell Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Gutting the Voting Rights Act

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais gutting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act:

“Today’s decision is a devastating blow to American democracy and a death sentence for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The right-wing Supreme Court has not only turned its back on decades of precedent and ignored the intent of Congress and the will of the people, but it has weakened the foundational principle safeguarding fair representation for Black and minority voters.

"For decades, Section 2 has been the essential tool that allowed minority voters to challenge discriminatory maps and defend our right to meaningful political power. By gutting it, the Court has made it easier for bad actors to discriminate and harder for us to fight that discrimination in court. The decision is a gift to President Trump and his voter suppression scheme, making it easier for Republicans to steal congressional seats by diluting the voices of Black and minority voters.

"As the representative of Alabama’s 7th District—a district whose very existence was secured through the Voting Rights Act—I know firsthand what is at stake. This decision will determine whether communities like ours can elect leaders who understand their lived experiences and fight for their needs. Its impact will not be confined to one state or one election cycle. It will shape who gets heard in our democracy, who gets counted, and whose voice gets left behind.

"The attacks on our voting rights are coming from every angle. Now more than ever, communities across the nation must mobilize and vote like we've never voted before. If the Court won't protect the rights of Black and minority voters, Congress must act. We must revise and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the full protections of the VRA. And we must reaffirm, through action, that every American deserves an equal voice in our democracy.

"The right to vote is the lifeblood of our democracy. In the spirit of John Lewis, we will continue to make ‘Good Trouble’ until the promise of democracy is real for all.”

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Rep. Sewell Honors the 27th South Eastern Regional Director of AKA, Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, on the Occasion of the 94th South Eastern Regional Conference in Birmingham

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, on the occasion of the 94th Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) South Eastern Regional Conference, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the 27th South Eastern Regional Director, Dr. Tracey Morant Adams. The 94th South Eastern Regional Conference of AKA will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, from April 29 to May 2, 2026, and expects to draw thousands of members from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Watch on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: Mr. Speaker, as we begin the 94th Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority South Eastern Regional Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, I rise to honor the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, the 27th South Eastern Regional Director.

From her initiation on the campus of University of Montevallo to her tenure as the 27th South Eastern Regional Director, Tracey has embodied the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind.

During her four-year tenure, she has led the work of over 13,000 members across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. She has launched signature initiatives that have strengthened chapters, expanded voter engagement, and advanced economic empowerment. Tracey's leadership is matched by her extraordinary professional achievements, as well.

On a personal note, Tracey and I share more than just titles and service. We have a 30-year friendship and sisterhood. As I reflect on Tracey's service, I cannot help but think of my mother, Nancy Gardner Sewall, the 18th South Eastern Regional Director. Mom would be so proud to see how Tracey has followed in her footsteps, protecting the legacy of our beloved sorority while boldly imagining our future. I can almost hear my mother saying, 'well done, my daughter, well done.'

On behalf of the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, the 27 South Eastern Regional Director, on the occasion of the 94th South Eastern Regional Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.

We are so proud of you, Tracey. Well done, well done, well done.

Background

In 2022, Dr. Tracey Morant Adams was elected as the South Eastern Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., overseeing the work of more than 13,000 members across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama—one of AKA's most dynamic regions. She was unanimously elected to serve a second term, which reflects both the confidence her peers have in her leadership and the sustained impact on the region's strategic growth. Under her visionary direction, the region has expanded its service reach, chartered new chapters, and launched innovative member empowerment programs.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Its mission is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity and friendship among college women, study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women to improve their social structure, maintain a progressive interest in college life, and be of service to all mankind.

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Rep. Sewell Presses HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Comments Suggesting Black Children Should Be “Re-Parented”

Thu, 106 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his previous comments suggesting that Black children with ADHD should be “re-parented.” Sewell pressed the Secretary to clarify and account for those remarks, which he now falsely denies.

Watch the full exchange here.

In her opening, Sewell noted that the Secretary has made “a number of outlandish and frankly disturbing comments—both before and during [his] tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services.” Sewell cited a 2024 interview in which Kennedy discussed ADHD diagnoses among Black children and suggested that some should be “re-parented." When asked directly about his comments, Kennedy falsely denied making them despite publicly accessible online footage.

Sewell pressed Kennedy about his qualifications, noting that he is not a board-certified physician, has no medical degree, and has never parented a Black child. She underscored the implications of his comments, stating that despite this lack of medical training, he appeared to suggest “that the federal government should take Black children away from their families, re-parent them, and send them off to ‘wellness farms’ instead of providing them with evidence-based medical care.”

Sewell reminded the Secretary of our nation's "long and painful history of separating Black children from their families,” from slavery to Jim Crow to modern child-welfare disparities. She emphasized that Black children are still removed from their homes at disproportionately high rates, often due to systemic bias rather than actual harm.

“For you to suggest that Black families are not capable of raising their own children is deeply offensive,” Sewell said.

Sewell also implored the Secretary to consider the impact of his words given the enormous power he yields.

"When you suggest re-parenting Black children, when you sow doubt about the safety of vaccines, and when you promote unproven statements that have no basis in science, you endanger the lives of everyone across this nation."

Sewell concluded, "I expect, and the American people expect, that you choose your words with sincereness and with seriousness—the seriousness that your position demands. American lives are at stake, and it's time that you start acting like it, sir."

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Rep. Sewell Honors the Life and Legacy of Attorney J. Mason Davis on the House Floor

Wed, 105 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life and legacy of Attorney J. Mason Davis, a pioneering attorney and civic leader from Birmingham, Alabama, who passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 90. Funeral services will take place the weekend of Friday, April 17. Public viewing hours are scheduled for Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Davenport and Harris Funeral Homes, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Boutwell Auditorium.

Watch on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: I rise today to honor the extraordinary life, legacy, and service of J. Mason Davis, an attorney from Alabama, a towering figure in Alabama’s legal community, and a steadfast advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity.

Mr. Davis passed away on April 4, 2026, at the age of 90, a profound loss for Alabama and for all who believe in the power of the law to advance fairness and opportunity.

Mr. Davis pursued his education with distinction and determination, graduating from Talladega College and later earning his law degree from Howard University School of Law.

Mr. Davis then returned to Alabama. He entered a legal landscape defined by segregation and entrenched inequality. Rather than accept those conditions, he challenged them. He became one of the first Black attorneys to practice in Birmingham’s courts, and he used his skill, courage, and conviction to represent individuals and communities who had long been denied a voice.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Davis was a mentor, a teacher, a bridge-builder. He served in leadership roles at one of Alabama’s most respected law firms, and helped open doors of opportunity for young attorneys to follow in his footsteps.

His contributions were numerous. Alabama is a better place because J. Mason Davis lived, worked, and served there. The legal profession is better because he insisted that it live up to its highest ideals. And our nation is better because he never stopped believing in the possibility of a more just and inclusive society.

To his family, friends, colleagues, and all who he shaped by his wisdom and generosity, we extend our deepest condolences. May they find comfort in knowing that his legacy endures in the laws that he changed, in the lives that he touched, and in the generation he led.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of J. Mason Davis, an Alabama icon and a national treasure.

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Rep. Sewell Announces Winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama's 7th Congressional District

Mon, 103 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Birmingham, AL — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama's 7th Congressional District. Rep. Sewell made the announcement Saturday afternoon during a reception at Birmingham's Ramsay High School celebrating the 36 entries submitted by talented students from across the district. Eden Smith, a 9th grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, was awarded first place for her submission entitled "Baptist Church."

Additional photos and videos from Saturday's reception are available here.

“We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are incredibly fortunate to have such talented young artists!” said Rep. Sewell. “Once again, I was truly amazed by all 36 submissions, and I am proud of every student who participated this year.”

“Congratulations to our first place winner, Eden Smith, who beautifully captured our theme, ‘Reflecting on Alabama's 7th: Where History is Made,’” continued Sewell. “I look forward to welcoming her to Washington, D.C., and showcasing her artwork in the U.S. Capitol this year!”

Smith’s artwork will be matted, framed, and displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. for one year. She and a guardian will receive roundtrip airfare to Washington D.C. to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception.

The other students that placed were:

2nd Place - “Selma to Montgomery” by Mya René Parker, 9th grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale, Alabama
3rd Place - “Past, Present, and Future” by Kyra Hall, 9th grader at Selma High School in Selma, Alabama
4th Place - “Reflecting on 2 Educations” by Shaderria Woods, 10th grader at A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Alabama
Honorable Mention - “Origins of Alabama” by Taylor Crocker, 12th grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale, Alabama

More information on the Congressional Art Competition is available here.

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Rep. Sewell Hosts Rural Health Roundtable in Demopolis During National Public Health Week

Wed, 98 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Demopolis, AL — Today, in observance of National Public Health Week, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) convened a Rural Health Roundtable at Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis, bringing together hospital administrators, clinicians, and health system leaders from across Alabama's 7th Congressional District to discuss the mounting pressures facing rural health care providers—pressures intensified by recent federal cuts to key health care programs.

Additional photos and videos are available here.

Among those in attendance were Whitfield Regional Hospital CEO Doug Brewer, Greene County Health System CEO Rodgerick Williams, J. Paul Jones Rural Emergency Hospital CEO Jessica McGraw, Hill Hospital Rural Health Clinic Manager Darla Spencer, Grove Hill Hospital CEO Allen Jordan, DCH Health System CEO Katrina Keefer, Hale County Hospital CEO Shay Cherry, and Rural Health Medical Program CEO Keshee Dozier-Smith.

The discussion underscored the growing strain on rural hospitals, many of which are operating on razor-thin margins while serving aging populations, large geographic areas, and communities with limited access to specialty care. Participants detailed challenges ranging from workforce shortages and rising operating costs to the threat of service reductions or closures if federal support continues to erode.

“Rural hospitals are on the front lines in caring for our most vulnerable Alabamians,” said Rep. Sewell. “When federal funding is cut, it’s not just numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s maternity wards closing, emergency rooms understaffed, and families forced to drive hours for basic care. I’m fighting to make sure our rural providers have the resources they need to stay open and serve every patient who walks through their doors.”

During the roundtable, Rep. Sewell highlighted two pieces of legislation she is leading to strengthen rural health care infrastructure and expand access to care:

The Save Struggling Hospitals Act would fix Medicare payment formulas that do not account for the cost pressures facing hospitals in rural and lower-wage areas.
The Maternal Vaccination Act would protect the health of mothers and babies by increasing maternal and childhood vaccination rates.

On Wednesday morning, Sewell also visited DaVita Kidney Care in Demopolis where she spoke with patients and providers about the importance of preserving the accessibility of dialysis services in rural Alabama.

Sewell will continue working with local providers, state partners, and national rural health organizations to advance solutions that protect access to care for rural families.

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During National Public Health Week, Reps. Sewell and Kustoff Introduce the Bipartisan Save Struggling Hospitals Act

Wed, 91 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, during National Public Health Week, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and David Kustoff (TN-08) introduced the bipartisan Save Struggling Hospitals Act, legislation to fix Medicare payment formulas that do not account for the cost pressures facing hospitals in rural and lower-wage areas. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and are leading companion legislation in the Senate.

“Alabama has endured some of the most devastating hospital closures in the nation. Each one leaves families traveling farther for care, mothers delivering babies without nearby maternity units, and seniors losing access to the doctors they’ve trusted for decades,” said Rep. Sewell. “The introduction of the Save Struggling Hospitals Act could not come at a more critical moment. By strengthening the financial foundation of vulnerable hospitals, this bill offers a lifeline to communities that have consistently been asked to do more with less. It will help hospitals keep their doors open so that patients get the care they need, regardless of their ZIP code.”

“Access to health care should not depend on a person’s ZIP code,” said Rep. Kustoff. “Many rural hospitals are held back by outdated payment policies that fail to account for the challenges they face. I am proud to introduce this legislation to support these hospitals so they can keep their doors open and continue serving patients who depend on them every day.”

Background

Hospitals in Alabama and across the country serve as a critical point of care, but many continue to face challenges due in part to wage index calculations that do not reflect local economic conditions. Recent data show over 40 percent of rural hospitals are operating at a loss, with more than 400 at risk of closure, underscoring the need for targeted, responsible reforms.

Under current law, Medicare’s payment structure can leave hospitals in certain regions at a disadvantage, undercutting its intent to support access to care across all communities. From fiscal years 2020 through 2024, Medicare included a policy to help address this imbalance, but it has since been removed, creating renewed uncertainty for hospitals that rely on it. The Save Struggling Hospitals Act permanently restores the wage index adjustment, helping ensure these hospitals are treated more fairly within the system.

Bill text is available here.

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Rep. Sewell Votes for Bipartisan Legislation to Defend Vulcan Against Mexican Government's Illegal Attacks

Fri, 86 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) voted in favor of the Defending American Property Abroad (DAPA) Act, narrowly-tailored legislation that would protect the Birmingham-headquartered Vulcan Materials Company against continued attacks by the Government of Mexico. The bill passed the House today by a bipartisan vote of 247 to 164.

Watch on YouTube here.

“I am proud to support the Defending American Property Abroad Act,” said Rep. Sewell. “Since 2018, the President of Mexico used a number of illegal tactics to intimidate Vulcan Materials and their workers, including a military seizure of Vulcan-owned property in Mexico. I have worked closely with Vulcan in recent years as we pursued all diplomatic and legislative options, and I am glad the bill today passed with broad bipartisan support. I will continue to fight for all the workers in my district who have suffered from illegal trade actions by foreign nations.”

The DAPA Act would:

Protect U.S. Assets Abroad: Seeks to deter and punish foreign government actions that seize, nationalize, or interfere
with property or assets owned by U.S. persons.
Expand Trade Act Protections: Amends Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to include expropriation of U.S. assets as grounds for trade enforcement action.
Authorize U.S. Retaliation: Enables U.S. authorities to block imports and vessels from entering the U.S. from entities
operating on expropriated or nationalized port infrastructure property that is owned by a U.S.
company.

Background

On May 5, 2022, the Mexican government illegally shut down Vulcan’s operations via military force. In March of 2023, the Mexican government invaded and occupied Vulcan’s property again to benefit CEMEX, a private Mexican company.

On September 23, 2024 President López Obrador decreed the property a Naturally Protected Area (NPA) on September 23, 2024, precluding Vulcan from using its property for productive purposes. Now, the Government of Mexico is utilizing baseless criminal charges to re-invade Vulcan’s property and potentially seize Vulcan’s assets.

Shepherding the DAPA Act through the House is the latest in a series of steps taken by Rep. Sewell and her Alabama colleagues to defend Vulcan against attacks by the Mexican government. Rep. Sewell previously led Alabama's House delegation in a letter to Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena demanding a remedy to their illegal invasion and warning of consequences.

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Rep. Sewell Statement on Refusal of Congressional Republicans to Fund TSA and Other DHS Agencies

Thu, 85 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the continued refusal of congressional Republicans to fund the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):

"It is maddening that my Republican colleagues continue to hold the paychecks of our hardworking TSA agents hostage. For 41 days, Republicans have refused to fund TSA, demanding that Democrats agree to give more money to ICE and help pass Trump's election takeover bill. Republicans' political games have threatened the livelihoods of the TSA personnel who keep our skies safe. Their manufactured crisis has caused chaos for travelers everywhere."

"Democrats have put forward a clean bill to fund TSA, FEMA, CISA, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Republicans could end this shutdown today by passing that bill. Instead, they continue to take orders from Donald Trump. The American people deserve better."

Background

Rep. Sewell has signed a discharge petition to force a vote in the House on legislation to fund all DHS agencies excluding ICE. Congressional Republicans have already tripled ICE's annual budget, providing a historic $75 billion in supplemental funding to the agency in their so-called "Big Beautiful Bill." ICE is now the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the United States whose budget exceeds the military expenditures of numerous individual nations.

After the brutal killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents and the targeting of law-abiding immigrants, Rep. Sewell made clear that she will not support additional funding for ICE without—at minimum—common sense guardrails to rein in the agency's rogue and unlawful actions.

In a recent Fox News appearance, Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy admitted that President Trump instructed Senate Republican Leader John Thune to abandon an agreement with Democrats to fund all DHS agencies excluding ICE. President Trump instead suggested that congressional Republicans not "make a deal on anything" until Democrats agree to pass the SAVE America Act, which could block 21 million eligible Americans from voting.

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After No Response, Reps. Sewell and Davis Blast Treasury on Growing Delayed Refund Crisis

Tue, 83 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Today’s letter follows an unanswered request for information about 1.4 million notices of delayed tax refunds

Washington D.C. — Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny K. Davis (IL-07) are fighting for information for taxpayers who have received notices of their refund being delayed, despite Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent refusing to answer even simple questions on the topic. During the Ways and Means Committee hearing with IRS CEO Frank Bisignano , the lawmakers requested a copy of the notice and were sent an altered version for a reason yet to be discovered.

By ignoring yesterday’s, March 23, deadline to furnish more information, Bessent and the Trump Administration are making it clear that they don’t care about the fate of the 1.4 million taxpayers currently affected by these delays—a number that has been growing at a clip of 300,000 taxpayers per week.

“During a recent hearing, we requested a copy of the notice, state-by-state data on the notices sent, and an answer as to when the processing clock begins to run for taxpayers who respond to the notice,” the lawmakers reminded Bessent. “However, we only received an altered version of the notice cleared by the Department of the Treasury (Treasury). The altered version is different from both the actual version sent to taxpayers and the version we obtained from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). We are troubled by the differences.

Sewell and Davis continued: “Our first and foremost concern is that taxpayers could face a 10-week wait for their paper refunds. This is not clearly stated on the notice. Nor does it warn taxpayers that a paper check could take another six weeks beyond the 30 days given to respond.”

The lawmakers highlighted how, “the IRS has no publicly established process for taxpayers who lack an online account to request a timely check. The IRS telephone number provided in the notice does not connect to a live assistor. Instead, an automated recording notifies callers to set up an IRS online account. By listing a telephone number, the notice gives taxpayers a false impression that they have the option to request their refunds by phone.”

Sewell and Davis continued by laying out the discrepancies between the actual notice being sent to taxpayers and the altered notice received from Treasury.

Treasury has until April 6, 2026, to stop standing in the way of Congress’s oversight responsibility and provide more information.

Read the full letter here.

In March of 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14247, mandating electronic payments of tax refunds. Last year, the National Taxpayer Advocate reported that over 10 million individual taxpayers received their refunds by paper check and may be unbanked, have impairments, or face systemic or geographic challenges that make providing electronic deposit information difficult. As a result, this year, more than 1.4 million taxpayers have received notices from the IRS that their refunds are being held and delayed, some by more than 2 months, because they did not provide the required banking information.

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Rep. Sewell Introduces Legislation to Protect the Health of Mothers and Babies

Thu, 78 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Maternal Vaccination Act would address the maternal mortality crisis by boosting maternal vaccination rates

Washington D.C. — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the Maternal Vaccination Act to protect the health of mothers and babies by increasing maternal and childhood vaccination rates. The legislation was included as a part of the larger “Momnibus,” a package of 14 bills that comprehensively address every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States. Rep. Sewell is a proud member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus.

“In this nation of so much wealth and prosperity, it is unconscionable that our mothers continue to die during pregnancy and childbirth at the highest rate in the developed world," said Rep. Sewell. "I'm proud to be a part of the effort in Congress to address this crisis as the lead sponsor of the Maternal Vaccination Act. Our bill will save lives by protecting our most vulnerable moms and babies from deadly, preventable diseases.”

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country, with roughly 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2024, and Alabama consistently ranks among the deadliest states for pregnant women. The problem disproportionately affects Black women, who die from pregnancy-related causes at a rate three times higher than white women. Fortunately, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable, and comprehensive federal action can address the drivers of this crisis and save lives.

Maternal vaccination plays a critical role in preventing pregnancy-related death given that pregnancy carries a heightened risk of complications from infections. It also protects newborns, who rely on their mothers’ antibodies for the first several months of their lives.

The Maternal Vaccination Act will provide funding for a public and provider awareness campaign to promote maternal and child vaccinations, including initiatives to:

Increase awareness about the safety, importance, and effectiveness of vaccines for pregnant and postpartum people and their children;
Provide targeted, evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate resources about vaccines to pregnant and postpartum people, particularly in communities with historically low vaccination rates; and
Provide evidence-based information and resources on the safety and importance of maternal and child vaccinations to public health departments, maternal health care providers, and perinatal health workers.

Bill text is available here.

Rep. Sewell Honors the Life and Legacy of Civil Rights Activist and Nonviolence Advocate Bernard LaFayette

Wed, 77 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist and nonviolence advocate Bernard LaFayette, who passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

Watch on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the extraordinary life and legacy of a giant of the Civil Rights Movement and a lifelong champion of justice, equality, and nonviolence, Bernard LaFayette, who passed away on March 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

Bernard LaFayette was an extraordinary man who had extraordinary talents and extraordinary courage. As a Freedom Rider and a co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, otherwise known as SNCC, Bernard placed himself on the front lines of the struggle for civil rights, risking life and limb to challenge injustice and dismantle segregation across the South. As a trusted lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King, he helped to advocate a philosophy of nonviolent social change that moved our nation closer to its founding promise of liberty and justice for all.

His liberation was one of selflessness. His leadership was instrumental during the most pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement, especially in my hometown of Selma, where his organizing efforts helped secure the right to vote for countless Black Americans.

Yet, what set Bernard LaFayette apart was not only his bravery in those defining moments, but his lifelong commitment to ensuring that the principles of nonviolence would endure forever.

Through his ministry, his scholarship, and his teaching, Bernard LaFayette dedicated himself to training new generations in the principles and the discipline of peaceful resistance. He believed deeply in what Dr. King called the Beloved Community—a nation and a world rooted in justice, in reconciliation, and love—and he worked every day of his life to make that vision a reality.

On a personal note, as a proud daughter of Selma, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by Bernard LaFayette in the name of justice and equality. I know that I get to walk the halls of Congress as Alabama’s first Black congresswoman because of the resilience, the courage, and determination of people like Bernard.

My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Kate, as well as his family and friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of a civil rights icon and a nonviolence advocate, Bernard LaFayette.

May he rest in power and in peace.

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Rep. Sewell Honors the Lives of Airmen Lost in Crash of Refueling Aircraft in Iraq

Tue, 76 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) spoke on the House Floor to honor the airmen whose lives were lost in the crash of a refueling aircraft in Iraq while supporting U.S. military operations in Iran, including Major John “Alex” Klinner, Captain Ariana Savino, and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, who were members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Watch on YouTube here.

Rep. Sewell: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor six heroic Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave of their lives in defense of the United States.

On March 12, 2026, six American airmen were tragically killed when a K-135 refueler supporting U.S. military operations in Iran crashed in western Iraq.

Today, we remember them by name: Major John "Alex" Klinner, Captain Ariana Savino, Captain Seth Koval, Captain Curtis Angst, Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, and Technical Sergeant Tyler Simmons.

Three of these brave airmen were members of the 99th Air Refueling Squadron, which operates in Birmingham, Alabama, in my district. I would like to take a moment to talk about the lives and legacies of these three airmen.

Major Alex Klinner was 33 years old. A native of Auburn, Alabama, he entered the Air Force through the ROTC program at Auburn University in 2017. Major Klinner deployed in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2026 and he served as Chief of Squadron Standardizations and Evaluations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron since 2024. He was promoted to Major in January. A devoted husband and father, Major Klinner is survived by his wife, Libby, their two-year-old son, and a seven-month-old set of twins.

Captain Ariana Savino was 31 years old. Captain Savino was a native of Covington, Washington. She entered the Air Force through the ROTC program at Central Washington University in 2017. Captain Savino deployed in 2020 and in 2026, and had served as Chief Current Operations Pilot at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron since 2024. Captain Savino was passionate about serving and supporting Latina women in aviation. A dedicated friend and sister, she is survived by her parents, siblings, and pets.

Technical Sergeant Ashley Brooke Pruitt was 34 years old. A native of Bardstown, Kentucky, she entered the Air Force in 2017, deploying overseas three times and serving as an Assistant Flight Chief of Operations at the 99th Air Refueling Squadron. Technical Sergeant Pruitt is remembered as a selfless servant and a radiant mother by those in her community. She is survived by her husband, Gregory, and three-year-old daughter, and a stepson.

The loss of all six of these brave American patriots is devastating, and my prayers are with their families as they grieve. I know I speak for all of us in expressing our deep sorrow and immense gratitude for their service to the United States.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District and a grateful nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the lives of six airmen who paid the ultimate price.

May they rest in peace, and may we never, ever forget their sacrifice.

A moment of silence.

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Reps. Sewell and Rogers Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Alabama's Rural Wastewater Crisis

Fri, 72 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Bill would help households install or upgrade wastewater systems through USDA grant program

Washington D.C. — U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07) and Mike Rogers (AL-03) introduced the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would combat Alabama’s rural wastewater crisis by strengthening and expanding the existing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Decentralized Water Systems Program which provides grants to help low- and moderate-income households install or upgrade individually owned decentralized wastewater systems.

The program was created by Sewell and Rogers' Rural Septic Tank Access Act which was included and passed in the 2018 Farm Bill.

"I have seen firsthand the health and environmental hazards caused by failing wastewater systems in rural Alabama," said Rep. Sewell. "No family should have to endure these conditions simply because they cannot afford the exorbitant cost of maintaining their own wastewater system or lack access to municipal lines. In 2018, we took an important step toward addressing this crisis by making federal grants available to low- and moderate-income households. We are working hard to strengthen and expand this program so that we can provide greater assistance to the families who need it."

“Every community in Alabama is affected by rural wastewater access,” said Rep. Rogers. “I am proud to work with my friend from the state of Alabama, Rep. Terri Sewell, to reintroduce legislation for a critical grant program for Alabama’s waterways. Through this program, more Alabamians will gain access to the safe water systems they desperately need. I look forward to continuing this bipartisan and bicameral work to see this program reauthorized.”

Approximately 20 percent of Americans dispose of wastewater through their own sewage disposal systems. Because these systems have high maintenance costs, certain failures often go unaddressed, potentially endangering the health of millions of Americans living in areas where water can be contaminated. The problem is particularly dire in parts of rural Alabama where—in the absence of municipal wastewater systems—many families have struggled to afford the installation and maintenance costs associated with individually owned wastewater systems.

The Rural Decentralized Water Systems Reauthorization Act:

Reauthorizes the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program through 2031
Reinstates eligibility for loans to individuals earning up to 100 percent of the area median income.
Targets funding through subgrants to individuals earning 60 percent or less of the area median income.
Increases the maximum subgrant or loan amount from $15,000 to $20,000.
Allows subgrant funding to include the cost of a performance warranty for individually owned household decentralized wastewater systems.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

“Hundreds of thousands of homes across the U.S. lack access to basic sewage systems, with many left with no option but to straight-pipe raw sewage directly into their back yards.” said Senator Booker. "Many New Jerseyans in low-income households are dealing with broken or outdated wastewater systems, and this bill will help provide better access to wastewater infrastructure for families who desperately need it.”

“Strengthening infrastructure across West Virginia has long been a top priority for me,” Senator Capito said. “This legislation will improve home water systems in our state and reauthorize the Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program, a program that has delivered real results for West Virginians. This legislation is also included in my Farm Bill priorities this year, and I look forward to continuing my work to move it forward.”

Bill text can be found here.

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RSVP Here: Rep. Sewell to Host LIVE Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday, March 17

Wed, 70 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Rep. Sewell Statement on the Commutation of Charles "Sonny" Burton's Death Sentence

Tue, 69 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Montgomery, AL — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on Governor Kay Ivey's decision to commute the death sentence of Charles "Sonny" Burton:

"This is welcome news and the right and just thing to do. While the robbery that led to the death of Doug Battle was a tragic and horrific crime, we know that Sonny Burton was not the man who pulled the trigger. As the victim’s daughter so eloquently argued, it would be unjust and immoral for the State of Alabama to execute Sonny Burton, especially when the man who pulled the trigger was allowed to live out his life in prison.

"I am grateful to the elected officials, faith leaders, civil rights activists, jurors, and others who advocated for this outcome, and I thank Governor Ivey for doing what is right."

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Rep. Sewell Statement on the Passing of Bernard LaFayette, Civil Rights Activist and Nonviolence Advocate

Thu, 64 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement on the passing of Bernard LaFayette, civil rights activist and nonviolence advocate:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bernard LaFayette, a giant of the Civil Rights Movement and lifelong champion of justice, equality, and nonviolence.

"As a Freedom Rider, co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and trusted lieutenant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bernard LaFayette’s courage and steadfast commitment to nonviolent social change helped move America closer to its founding promise of liberty and justice for all.

"Through his ministry, scholarship, and leadership, Bernard LaFayette worked to ensure that the principles of justice and peaceful resistance would endure for generations to come.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kate, as well as his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May we honor his extraordinary legacy by recommitting ourselves to the work of building that Beloved Community.

"May he Rest in Peace and Power."

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Rep. Sewell Votes for Iran War Powers Resolution

Thu, 64 Mar 2026 12:00:00 EST

Washington D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.Con.Res.38, to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for unauthorized hostilities against Iran:

“Only Congress has the power to declare war. President Trump made the decision to send American service members into harm's way without providing any evidence of a credible imminent threat to the United States, without consulting the people’s representatives in Congress, and without a plan to ensure America is not drawn into another prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

"While the regime in Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades, the President must still come before Congress and the American people with clear justifications for the use of military force at this scale.

“My constituents continue to suffer from rising prices created by President Trump’s trade wars. They want this Administration to take action to address the affordability crisis here at home. They do not want their tax dollars to fund another war in the Middle East.”

Background

H.Con.Res.38 simply requires the cessation in offensive hostilities. The resolution would not prevent our servicemembers from engaging in defensive military actions to protect our allies and our bases in the region.

Months after President Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “completely and totally obliterated,” his administration has failed to identify an imminent threat that prompted the initiation of war on February 28. Further, explanations from Trump and his administration continue to shift, sometimes by the hour and minute. Not only did President Trump confirm that the current U.S. military campaign against Iran would continue for several weeks, he also signaled that he is open to American military boots on the ground in Iran.

Americans oppose the war with Iran because of the potential for this conflict to become yet another forever war paid for with taxpayer dollars and in American lives.

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