Rep. Dale Strong provides Washington Update at Athens State University

ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — Rep. Dale Strong stopped in Athens Monday to provide an update on what he's been doing in Washington, D.C.
Strong said he hopes to focus resources at the southern border, saying equipment is needed to keep people safe from fentanyl.
Alabama announces new lock feature for EBT cards
He will also prioritize defense spending. He said he believes North Alabama contractors are ready to support military needs.
'It's cost-effective to do business here,' Strong said. 'I think that growth will continue in our community.'
The congressman said, following a visit from FBI Director Kash Patel, some House Republicans are showing support for expanding the number of federal workers and members of the military on Redstone Arsenal.
Hundreds of FBI jobs are on their way to Huntsville, and Strong said bringing Space Command to the Arsenal could create as many as 3,000 jobs directly and indirectly supporting operations.
'They're going to bring forward the secretary of the Air Force this week or next week,' Strong said. 'That right there also starts the process to bring the US Secretary of the Air Force, which will then bring a recommendation for Space Command.'Strong received a warm reception from those who attended Monday's program, but several protesters stood outside the ticketed event.
'Not everybody can afford that, especially prices are insane right now,' said Melanie Kolowski, a member of the Purple People Resistance of Alabama.
Since March, several Huntsville-based groups have organized a series of protests, asking Strong for a town hall and more transparent communication.
'The message is just come talk to the constituency,' Kolowski said. 'Remember, you know, what you were elected to do.'
While protesters have said the community is not getting an opportunity to speak with their congressman, Strong said his message is popular.
'I'm very, very accessible to the people,' Strong said. 'You look at some of those outside, I understand they're frustrated. Every time there's been any communication, they hate Donald Trump. They hate Elon Musk. They're also reeling from they've lost every seat from the courthouse to the state house to Washington. And so, you know, most of them are trying to get their game together.'
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