Robert B. Aderholt

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the life and memory of my longtime friend, Joe ``Joey'' Columbus Sanders, Jr., of Birmingham, Alabama, who passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 65.

I had the privilege of knowing Joey from the very beginning of my political career, and throughout the years, I was proud to consider him a friend. Anyone who spent time in Alabama political circles over the past several decades knew Joey, or at least knew of his work. He had a remarkable understanding of people and politics, a natural instinct for campaigns, and, most importantly, a genuine love for Alabama and its people.

Joey was raised in Greenville, Alabama, and graduated from Fort Dale Academy in 1979. He went on to earn a degree in Broadcast Journalism from The University of Alabama in 1983. While at Alabama, he served as president of the College Republicans, beginning what would become a lifetime of involvement in Republican politics and the conservative movement.

His service eventually took him to the national stage as president of the National Young Republicans and as a member of the site selection committee for the 1988 Republican National Convention. He also served on the staff of Senator Jeremiah Denton, both in Washington and as his State Field Director.

Joey possessed a true gift for political campaigns. Over the years, countless candidates and public officials sought his counsel, creativity, and expertise. He eventually founded Master Image, Inc., where he put those talents

to work, helping candidates at the national, state, and local levels. His influence on Alabama politics extended far beyond any single election or campaign, and many who have served our state benefited from his friendship, advice, and experience.

But politics was only one part of Joey's life. He was deeply involved in his community, serving organizations including the Homewood Library Foundation, City Stages, the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society, the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Authority, and the Vestavia Hills Civitan Club. During his service on the BJCC board, he was involved in a transformative period for the complex that included its renovation and the development of Protective Stadium and the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.

Those who knew Joey personally will remember much more than his professional accomplishments. He was a storyteller, a historian, a cook, an outdoorsman, and someone who simply enjoyed bringing people together. Some of his happiest times were spent at Sanders Farm in Greenville, surrounded by family and friends, often gathered around a fire with a pot of his homemade camp stew. He was generous with his time, his friendship, and, as many people across Alabama can attest, his homemade pepper sauce and salsa.

Joey never forgot where he came from, and he remained a strong advocate for the outdoors, wildlife conservation, hunters' rights, the Second Amendment, and the conservative principles that guided him throughout his life.

Above all, Joey loved his family. He leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Luanne; his children, Holton and Anne Heaton; his granddaughters, Poppy and Honey; his sister, Linda; and a large extended family and countless friends who will miss him greatly.

For me personally, it is difficult to say goodbye to someone who has been a friend for virtually my entire political career. Joey was part of Alabama politics for decades, but his legacy cannot be measured simply by campaigns won, candidates elected, or projects completed. It is found in the friendships he built, the people he helped, the stories he told, and the memories he leaves with all of us who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Joe ``Joey'' Columbus Sanders, Jr., and in extending our deepest condolences to Luanne, his children and grandchildren, and the entire Sanders family. I am grateful to have called Joey my friend, and I know his presence will be deeply missed across Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, it is great to be here to rise for this occasion, to recognize the fourth anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson, where the Supreme Court returned the power to protect the unborn to elected officials and not to an appointed court. The Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a landmark moment in the effort to protect the most vulnerable and to give those babies the guarantee of right to life and liberty.

Today is really a day of celebration, but this is also a day of remembrance of the countless lives that we also, on the other hand, have to remember. While we celebrate on one hand, we also commemorate all of the lives that were lost during that flawed decision back in 1974 and all those who still need our protection even today.

I am deeply proud of my home State of Alabama. Our policies there are pro-life, but in many States, the lives of the unborn remain vulnerable. As the chairman of the House Values Action Team, I remain committed to fighting and advocating in Congress to expand our efforts and ensure a safe future for our Nation's children, born and unborn.

I have said this before and I will continue to say that I am pro- life, I am pro-family, and I am pro-child.

Since the Dobbs decision in 2022, I have introduced the Protect Funding for Women's Healthcare Act to continue standing for life by ensuring that Federal tax dollars are not used to fund organizations such as Planned Parenthood.

I will continue to work with my colleagues to defend the sanctity of life, to protect the unborn, and ensure a safer future for our Nation's children. Let me be clear. Our work is not finished, and this week's recognition for the Dobbs anniversary is a good time to reaffirm our unyielding commitment to standing up for the importance of every single human life.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Henry Loyd Ivey of Henagar, Alabama, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, which he will celebrate on June 26, 2026.

Mr. Ivey's century of life has been marked by faithful service to his country, his community, his church, and his family. A proud member of the Greatest Generation, he served honorably in the United States Army from January 1945 to August 1946 with the 25th Ordnance Maintenance Company. During his military service, he earned the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon, two Overseas Service Bars, and Sharpshooter qualification with the rifle. He was honorably discharged at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, on August 28, 1946.

Following his military service, Mr. Ivey dedicated his life to hard work and public service. He farmed for many years while also building a successful career with DuPont in Chattanooga, where he worked for more than 32 years before retiring at the age of 55. He further demonstrated his commitment to his hometown through 16 years of service on the Henagar City Council.

Mr. Ivey's faith has been a cornerstone of his life. He has been a member of Liberty Baptist Church since 1944 and has faithfully served as a deacon since 1965. His decades of spiritual leadership have positively impacted countless individuals throughout the Henagar community.

He has shared this remarkable journey with his wife, Louise, whom he married on June 29, 1951. Together they have built a loving family that includes four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great- grandchildren.

For nearly seven decades, they have made their home on Lee's Chapel Road in Henagar, where they have been admired for their devotion to family, faith, and community.

As Mr. Ivey reaches this extraordinary milestone, we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy defined by service, integrity, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

His example stands as an inspiration to all who know him, and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in honoring his many contributions and expressing gratitude for the impact he has made over the course of a remarkable century.