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Five Questions For …Rep. Bobby Bright
Rep. Bobby Bright, a Democrat, was elected in November to represent Alabama’s 2nd District, which covers southeast Alabama and includes Dothan, Eufaula, Montgomery and Ozark.
Bright, the former mayor of Montgomery, sat down for a new online video feature with correspondent Amy Dominello, who covers Alabama from our Washington bureau.
Each month when Congress is in session, Dominello will sit down with members of the Alabama delegation for an interview on issues of importance to you.
The answers have been condensed for space and are not direct quotes.
You’ve gone from being a mayor to one of 435 members of Congress. How has the transition to Washington been?
It’s quite a difference. Before, people would present me with research and studies and want a final decision. What happens now is that my staff and I do that research and build coalitions with other members of Congress to get something done.
Why did you vote against the stimulus?
This was one of the biggest expenditure bills in the history of our nation, and I had about 12 hours from when the bill came off the press until the vote. I take my vote very seriously and I wanted to have the opportunity to read the bill in detail. Also, I didn’t like how massive the bill was. We could have done a stimulus in phases.
Should taxpayer money be used to help homeowners avoid foreclosures?
I don’t think taxpayers’ money should go to help people who were investing, speculating or even giving misinformation in order to seek a mortgage initially. The bill that’s before the House today has some good parts, but I don’t like that it would allow modifications to fairly negotiated contracts just because somebody can’t make their mortgage payments. I don’t think that’s healthy for our economy or a fair maneuver.
As a member of the House Armed Services committee, you recently went to Iraq and Afghanistan. What did you learn from your trip?
In Iraq, the situation is very tenuous. We’ve invested a lot of lives and resources and we need to make sure it’s stabilized before leaving. We need to give the Iraqis an opportunity to pull their government together but they need to it quickly. We can’t stay over there indefinitely.
In Afghanistan, the environment is 10 times worse. We’ve got to go in and help by forming a true coalition with other major countries.
How would you grade President Obama so far?
I think it’s too early. I’ve met with him several times and he’s very intelligent and capable. He loves our country and wants to do what’s right. We’ll see in time whether he can make good on his commitments.