Bright to be sworn in Tuesday; significant votes await

Two votes that could define Bobby Bright’s freshman term in Congress may come before the former Montgomery mayor unpacks all the belongings he brought to Washington.

During an interview with the Dothan Eagle Monday, Bright — who will be officially sworn in today — said he strongly opposes any bill that would provide government assistance to the American automobile industry. President George W. Bush, through executive order, has already provided between $17 and $22 billion to the industry with Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds. However, an additional automobile assistance bill could be introduced early in the upcoming Congressional session.

“No bailout for any organization or special interest out there,” Bright said. “It’s not the American way. If you do the right thing and work hard, you don’t have to have a bailout.”

Alabama’s two Republican senators, Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, are vocal opponents of aid to the automobile industry. Alabama has a thriving automobile manufacturing industry through foreign automakers such as Mercedes, Honda and Hyundai.

Meanwhile, Bright said he is awaiting full details of an expected economic stimulus package from President-elect Barack Obama. However, Bright said he is encouraged by what he has heard about the proposal.

“Whatever it takes to strengthen our economy and get it back on solid footing is what I want to do,” Bright said. Published reports indicate the package could range anywhere from $500 billion to $1 trillion and would primarily deal with infrastructure improvements such as roads and other building projects.

“This would go to infrastructure projects that would provide jobs for America,” Bright said. “After these dollars are spent, you’ve put people to work and you have better bridges, better schools and better hospitals.”

Bright also said he plans to co-sponsor a bill that would eliminate automatic annual cost of living increases for members of Congress.

Monday, Bright met with Sessions and Congressman Spencer Bachus, R-Birmingham, the dean of Alabama’s House delegation.

“I told both of them I still planned to do what I said in the campaign – work in a bipartisan way,” Bright said.