Robert Aderholt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Aderholt
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Official portrait, 2018
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 4th district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Tom Bevill |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert Brown Aderholt
July 22, 1965 Haleyville, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Caroline McDonald
(m. 1994) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of North Alabama Birmingham–Southern College (BA) Samford University (JD) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Robert Brown Aderholt (born July 22, 1965) is an American politician and lawyer. He has been a U.S. Representative for Alabama's 4th district since 1997. He is a member of the Republican Party. His district covers parts of northern Alabama, including areas near Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Decatur.
Robert Aderholt is known for his socially conservative views. He was part of the Tea Party Caucus, a group of conservative politicians. He is now the most senior member of Alabama's group of representatives in Congress. His district is considered one of the most Republican areas in the country.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Aderholt was born in Haleyville, Alabama. His father, Bobby Ray Aderholt, was a minister and a judge for over 30 years.
Aderholt went to the University of North Alabama. He then studied at Birmingham-Southern College, where he earned a degree in history and political science. After college, he went to Samford University's Cumberland School of Law to become a lawyer. He worked as a lawyer after finishing his studies.
Career in Politics
In 1992, Robert Aderholt became a judge in Haleyville. That same year, he was chosen to represent his state at the Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
In 1995, he became a top helper for Governor Fob James. In 1996, he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won a close election, becoming only the second Republican to represent that district since the 1800s. He has been reelected many times since then, often without anyone running against him.
Aderholt has traveled to many countries to promote "traditional family values." He did this through a group called the Fellowship Foundation.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Important Votes and Actions
In January 2021, Robert Aderholt was at the Capitol building when it was attacked. He later said that some of the attackers "crossed the line." He voted against confirming the results of the 2020 presidential election. He also voted against impeaching Donald Trump a second time.
In February 2021, Aderholt voted against the American Rescue Plan. This plan was meant to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that too much of the money was for other things, not just COVID-19 relief.
By October 2021, Aderholt had voted with President Joe Biden's ideas about 7.5% of the time.
In January 2023, Aderholt announced that he had helped get $13.8 million for projects in his district. These projects included improving internet access, roads, and medical care.
In February 2023, it was reported that Aderholt received money from FTX. This was a company that dealt with cryptocurrency but later failed.
Aderholt voted to support Israel after attacks on October 7, 2023.
Committee Work
For the 118th Congress, Robert Aderholt is part of the Committee on Appropriations. This committee decides how the government spends money. He is also the leader of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.
Groups He Belongs To
Aderholt is a member of several groups in Congress, including:
- Republican Study Committee
- Tea Party Caucus
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption (he is a co-leader of this group)
Bills He Has Supported
Robert Aderholt has sponsored or supported several bills. One example is the Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010. This bill would make sure that a document notarized in one state is recognized in other states. It passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by the President.
He also sponsored H.R. 2017, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. This bill helped fund the government and became a public law.
Political Views
Robert Aderholt has a strong conservative voting record.
Money and the Economy
Aderholt believes that the government should not cut money for defense to reduce the national debt. He thinks defense is a main job of the government.
He voted for the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This law aimed to manage the country's debt. He called it "a step in the right direction."
Rights for People
Aderholt does not support same-sex marriage. He disagreed with the Supreme Court's decision that made same-sex marriage legal across the U.S. Groups that support traditional family values often give him high ratings.
Protecting the Environment
Aderholt has voted against rules that would put a tax on carbon emissions, which are gases that contribute to climate change. He also opposed rules on greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act, especially for farming.
Gun Laws
Aderholt supports gun rights. He has received support from the NRA Political Victory Fund, a group that supports gun ownership.
After a shooting in Orlando in 2016, Aderholt called it a terrorist attack. He said that people should not use such events to push for stricter gun control laws.
Health Care
In 2019, Aderholt introduced a bill that would raise the legal age to buy tobacco to 21.
Tax Rules
Aderholt has signed a pledge to protect taxpayers from higher taxes. He voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. He said this law would give more money back to people in Alabama and help businesses stay in the U.S., creating more jobs.
Personal Life
Robert Aderholt is married to Caroline McDonald. Her father, Albert McDonald, was also involved in Alabama politics. Robert and Caroline have two children.
In December 2020, Aderholt announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He had been in quarantine after his wife tested positive.
Aderholt is a Congregationalist, which is a type of Christian faith.
Honors and Awards
Robert Aderholt has received honors from other countries:
- He was made a Commander of the Order of the Star of Romania by Romania in 2017.
- He was made a Serving Brother of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem by the United Kingdom in 2017.
