Alabama Republican Reps are all in as House passes 2016 budget: AL in DC

The U.S. House has passed the Republican version of the 2016 budget.

The measure, which passed on a vote of 228-199, received the support of every Republican from the Alabama delegation. Included in the budget is $96 billion for the Pentagon's war fund, almost a $40 billion increase over the White House's proposal.

All told, the House Budget Resolution sets defense spending at $619 billion.

The measure would also balance the budget in nine years by cutting $5.5 trillion in spending over the next 10 years. It does not, however, repeal sequestration; the across-the-board cuts that military leaders said are having a huge impact on operations. Those reductions would be offset by the increased war fund, which is not subject to the 2011 spending caps.

The budget also calls for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act and cuts to Medicare.

What our reps are saying:

Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, said while "not ideal" the increased war fund will allow the Pentagon to overcome sequestration limits.

"I voted against the law that created sequestration, and I continue to advocate changing it to treat our military fairly. But, we still have a responsibility to make sure our military has the training and resources it needs to meet global threats," she said. "In a dangerous world, we cannot allow the ill-advised sequestration law to keep us from properly funding national defense."

Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Hoover, echoed Roby's sentiments that while the budget is not perfect, it does help turn the country in the right direction.

"This budget creates a framework for reducing the size and scope of government by proposing serious reforms that steer us in the right direction. It repeals Obamacare, strengthens Medicare by providing market incentives for both better and less expensive care, lifts the ban on crude oil exports and creates work requirements for welfare," he said.

Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks, said he's pleased the bill ensures enough defense spending to help offset sequestration cuts. He also praised the provisions to balance the budget.

"Across East Alabama, hard-working families live on a budget - even when it means making some tough spending decisions. The Federal government should do the same thing," he said.

Rep. Bradley Byrne said the House budget is in "stark contrast to President Barack Obama's spending-filled" proposal.

"Unlike President Obama's budget, which never balances, our budget achieves balance in less than ten years with serious reforms to mandatory spending and cuts to wasteful spending programs. Our budget strengthens and preserves Social Security and Medicare," he said.

Aderholt chosen Legislator of the Year

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, has been selected as the National Association of Development Organizations' Legislator of the Year.

Aderholt said he was particularly honored to receive an award from an organization dedicated to growing communities.

"Local development organizations play a vital role in creating economic growth and economic opportunity. Whether it's working to make sure that all levels of government stay on the same page, assisting communities in grant preparation, or developing a regional plan to ensure long-term growth, NADO organizations make a tangible difference every day of the year," he said.

Same name...again

For years, Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama had to share the House with Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan. Michigan's Mike Rogers is no longer the House but on Wednesday, Alabama's Mike Rogers sent out a photo of him with, you guessed it, another Mike Rodgers (a little different spelling but still sounds the same.)

This one is a pastor in California.