Rogers, Mike RSS Articles

ICYMI, Yellowhammer News: Army turns to Anniston to break China’s stranglehold on graphite

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Anniston, AL – Yellowhammer News published the following story detailing a new conditional agreement between the U.S. Army and Titan Mining Corporation to build a critical mineral processing plant for graphite at the Anniston Army Depot.

Read the full story in Yellowhammer News here and below.

Army turns to Anniston to break China’s stranglehold on graphite

Grayson Everett

June 30, 2026

Anniston Army Depot is about to become part of America’s effort to break China’s grip on the minerals that power modern weapons.

Titan Mining Corporation, the only end-to-end producer of natural flake graphite in the United States, has been conditionally selected by the U.S. Army to build graphite purification plants on military land, according to details first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

One of the two sites is Anniston. The other is Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas. Together they would form the first commercial critical-minerals processing operation ever sited on U.S. defense installations. China controls roughly 90% of the world’s graphite processing — the material inside the lithium-ion batteries that run drones, vehicles, and the AI-driven weapon systems the Pentagon is racing to field.

Much American-mined graphite is still shipped overseas for refining and shipped back, a dependency the Army is now moving to close. As Army officials told WSJ, there is always a risk that China cuts off access to the minerals.

“There is a ticking clock here,” Jeff Waksman, the Army’s principal deputy assistant secretary for installations, energy and the environment told WSJ. “We recognize that there is always a risk that China can cut us off from these minerals.”

Under the Army’s new Strategic Capital Initiatives program, Titan’s subsidiary Empire State Mines would design, finance, build, and operate the plants on leased federal ground for up to 50 years, bearing the entire cost. The Army keeps the land and takes infrastructure improvements instead of cash — its return is a more resilient domestic supply chain.

Anniston is the secondary site at roughly 97 acres, behind Pine Bluff’s 245-acre primary parcel, but the label understates the logic. The depot is already one of the Army’s premier heavy-industrial installations, built for exactly this kind of complex, hazardous work, and it has anchored American military readiness for generations.

Next-generation mineral processing there continues that mission.

Alabama’s congressional delegation sees what is at stake.

“Domestic critical mineral production is incredibly important to 21st century defense,” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), whose district includes the depot, said in a statement to Yellowhammer News.

“I am very excited to see Anniston Army Depot at the forefront of this issue. This agreement with Empire State Mines for graphite will facilitate huge boosts for both our country’s national security and Alabama’s local economy.”

Construction is targeted for the second half of 2027. The selection remains conditional, with negotiations underway, so Anniston’s exact role and timeline will firm up as the deal advances, possibly on a later schedule than Arkansas, but the direction is crystal clear.

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Rep. Rogers Praises Committee Passage of the FY27 NDAA

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) released the following statement praising House Armed Services Committee passage of the Chairman’s Mark of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (FY27 NDAA), advancing legislation that revitalizes the defense industrial base, strengthens American deterrence, and gives servicemembers the support they need to defend our nation.

“The world is becoming more dangerous and it has never been more important to have a strong, ready, and capable fighting force to defend our nation,” said Rep. Rogers. “The FY27 NDAA strengthens our ability to defend ourselves and deter our adversaries by revitalizing our defense industrial base, investing in innovative technologies, and restocking the Arsenal of Freedom. With this authorization of $1.15 trillion in discretionary funds, we’re delivering on President Trump’s commitment to bring defense spending up to 4.5% of our GDP, and to reach a topline investment of $1.5 trillion in FY27.”

“The FY27 NDAA reflects months of oversight, hearings, member engagement, and collaboration to ensure the U.S. military remains the most capable and lethal fighting force in the world,” Rogers continued. “I appreciate the bipartisan effort that went into this bill, and I look forward to advancing this legislation so we can give our warfighters the resources they need to strengthen our deterrence and defend our country.”

The bill was favorably reported to the House by a vote of 44-12.

Read more about the FY27 NDAA here:

FY27 NDAA Committee Markup

FY27 NDAA Factsheet - Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom

FY27 NDAA Chairman's Mark One Pager

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Rep. Rogers Announces Support of Pro-Law Enforcement Measures During National Police Week

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) today announced his support for several pieces of pro-law enforcement legislation in the 119th Congress in recognition of National Police Week. Rep. Rogers frequently collaborates with Alabama law enforcement officials and has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement throughout his time in Congress.

“Support for law enforcement has long been a bedrock issue for me throughout my time in Congress,” said Rep. Rogers. “Every year during National Police Week, we recognize our brave law enforcement officers and the challenges they face every day. Police officers have faced demonization by the far left for years, but with President Trump’s policies and a Republican Congress, they can know they are supported in Washington. I’m proud to announce my support for several pieces of pro-police legislation today in recognition of this week and in honor of officers’ tireless efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Rep. Rogers has supported the following pieces of legislation in the 119^th Congress:

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Rep. Rogers Supports Defending American Property Abroad Act

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) released the following statement after House passage of the Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026:

“I was proud to support the Defending American Property Abroad Act on the House Floor today. US companies must be able to conduct business in the world marketplace without fear of unlawful expropriation. This issue hits close to home for Alabama companies as the Mexican government continues its attempts to seize a port owned by Birmingham-based Vulcan Materials. This is just one example of the nightmare scenario many US-based companies face. Every day countries are allowed to seize American property undeterred, our country’s national and economic security is threatened. This legislation ensures protection for American companies as they operate throughout the Western Hemisphere, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.”

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ICYMI, Yellowhammer News: U.S. Navy Secretary, Alabama delegation cut ribbon on $2.4 billion submarine factory in Cherokee

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Cherokee, AL – Yellowhammer News published the following story detailing the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Hadrian’s new shipbuilding and maritime production facility in Cherokee, AL. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, along with Secretary of the Navy, John C. Phelan, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R, MS), U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04), U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R, AL), U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R, AL), and Hadrian CEO, Chris Power gave remarks at the event.

Read the full story in Yellowhammer News here and below.

U.S. Navy Secretary, Alabama delegation cut ribbon on $2.4 billion submarine factory in Cherokee

Mecca Musick

March 20, 2026

U.S. Federal and state leaders converged Friday in Cherokee, Alabama to mark the opening of a massive new defense manufacturing facility, a project expected to transform Northwest Alabama into a key hub for U.S. naval production.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park on the site of a former railcar manufacturing facility, drew a crowd of military officials, elected leaders, industry partners and community members.

The 2.2-million-square-foot facility will anchor shipbuilding and maritime production tied to the U.S. Navy.

“This is about that kick-ass Alabama spirit,” said Chris Power, founder and CEO of Hadrian. “We’re betting on the people of this state to step up and deliver when it matters most.”

Hadrian, an advanced manufacturing company focused on precision components for defense and aerospace, is partnering with the U.S. Navy on the project.

The facility, known as Factory 4, will mass-produce critical submarine components supporting both Columbia- and Virginia-class programs, helping address long-standing production bottlenecks in the maritime industrial base.

According to company officials, the facility will utilize Hadrian’s AI-powered manufacturing platform to streamline production, reduce supply chain bottlenecks and operate more efficiently than traditional defense manufacturing systems.

“We are done with free money in the Department of the Navy to the defense primes industry”, said Power. “The president directed us to move faster. Congress has cleared a path, the Navy has set the requirement, and today Hadrian is setting the foundation to deliver that capacity to the workers who will fill this facility. You are not just building parts, you’re building the submarines that underpin our nuclear deterrent and our most survivable nuclear deterrent.”

Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), and Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside state and local leaders.

The project represents a more than $2.4 billion public-private investment, combining over $1.5 billion in private capital with $900 million in federal funding, and is part of a broader effort to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity.

Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan highlighted the project’s role in rebuilding America’s industrial capacity and military readiness.

“This is not just another factory. This is a different model,” Phelan said.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in the American worker in Alabama communities and in the future of American security. This is how we begin restoring the industrial base and it returns in service of the American taxpayer and maritime dominance. This is what the Golden Fleet looks like in execution,” he said.

The project revives a long-dormant industrial site, previously home to FreightCar America before its closure in 2021, and positions the Shoals as an emerging center for advanced manufacturing tied to national defense.

Rep. Aderholt, whose district includes the Shoals, called the project a long-awaited milestone after years of effort to redevelop the vacant site.

“We are opening a factory of the future,” Aderholt said. “The Shoals is ready, and this facility shows what’s possible when you invest in communities that are willing to compete and win.”

The facility is expected to create up to 1,000 high-quality jobs and reach full production capacity within about two years. Officials say its highly automated systems will allow workers to be trained and production-ready in as little as 30 days, significantly faster than traditional defense manufacturing.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers warned that the U.S. must rebuild its defense base to meet growing global threats.

“We were at a dangerously low level of defense spending,” Rogers said. “We’re at the beginning of a process to rebuild our defense industrial base, and it’s going to take partners like this to get us where we need to be.”

Sen. Tuberville emphasized both the strategic and economic significance of the project.

“They’re going to be building submarines in Alabama, on a river,” Tuberville said.

“The economy here will boom. It will explode and you will be protecting this country because we’re behind in submarines and ships, behind China,” he said. “China is our number one adversary. And by golly, we’re not going to let them continue to outrun us in anything. And the people here in Muscle Shoals will make sure that that doesn’t happen for years and years to come.”

Senator Britt pointed to the broader impact on American manufacturing and workforce development.

“American manufacturing is the backbone of American strength, and Alabama is going to help revitalize it and make sure that we are ready for whatever the world sends our way,” Britt said.

“Our great state has known this for a long time, and that’s the National Defense means a great deal to Alabama. But what the world continues to find out is that Alabama means a great deal to our National Defense,” she said.

Closing the ceremony, Power had a special message for Northwest Alabama’s workforce.

“I also want to remind everybody that what is the point of having shared responsibility unless you also give the responsibility upside to the workforce,” he said. “So everyone in this building who comes and works for us are also the equity holders in Hadrian, because I cannot ask you to step up unless we also let you share in the rewards and the wealth will be great here.”

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ICYMI, AL.com: ‘Selfless sacrifice’ of 6 killed in Iraq refueling plane crash honored on floor of Congress

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, AL.com published a story regarding U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) leading a moment of silence on the House Floor to honor the KC-135 crew who were killed in Iraq in support of Operation Epic Fury. Rep. Rogers was joined by the entire Alabama House Delegation and members of the Ohio Delegation.

Read the full story on AL.com here and below.

‘Selfless sacrifice’ of 6 killed in Iraq refueling plane crash honored on floor of Congress

William Thornton

March 19, 2026

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala. led his colleagues in the House of Representatives Thursday morning in a moment of silence for six crew members of a KC-135 Air Force refueling aircraft who were killed last week in a plane crash over friendly territory in western Iraq.

They were from Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Washington state.

The commemoration happened at 10:33 a.m. EDT on the House floor.

Rogers, standing with other lawmakers from Alabama and Ohio, said they stood to “honor the lives” of those lost in the incident one week ago.

The crash killed three people assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida: Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33, of Trussville; Capt. Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.

The three served in the 99th Air Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing located at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard Base in Birmingham.

The three others were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio: Capt. Seth Koval, 38, a resident of Stoutsville, Ohio, who was from Mooresville, Indiana; Capt. Curtis Angst, 30, who lived in Columbus; and Master Sgt. Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus.

Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags in Alabama to be flown at half-staff on the day of Klinner’s funeral.

Rogers said prayers are with the families of the six service members.

“I would also like to acknowledge the total of 13 service members who have lost their lives during this conflict,” Rogers said. “We commend their selfless sacrifice and service to our country, and pray for their loved ones.”

Other tributes followed from delegations from Ohio and California to fallen service members.

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Rep. Rogers Announces Over $949 Million in Funding for Anniston Army Depot in Reconciliation Spending

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), today announced $949.1 million in funding from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act will be used for Military Construction Projects at the Anniston Army Depot. $68 million in funding has also been allocated for the design of the new Space Command Headquarters in Huntsville. Additionally, Chairman Rogers secured $82 million for an access control point and a general-purpose warehouse at the Anniston Army Depot as part of the Appropriations process.

“I am proud to announce over $949 million in funding for Anniston Army Depot,” said Rep. Rogers. “This funding from President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act is critical to ensuring continued success at Anniston Army Depot. I am also excited to see $68 million going to Redstone Arsenal for the design of the new, state-of-the-art Space Command Headquarters. President Trump is delivering for our national security and delivering for the state of Alabama.”

The following projects will be executed at Anniston Army Depot:

Component Remanufacturing Facility: $495,000,000
Small Arms Warehouse: $280,600,000
Vehicle Paint Shop: $69,500,000
Replace Buildings 293, 294, and 295: $60,000,000
Guided Missile Maintenance Building: $44,000,000

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Rep. Rogers Invites Local High Schoolers to Participate in 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

OXFORD, AL – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), today invited local high schoolers to participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition. Every year, this nationwide competition offers high schoolers in Alabama’s Third congressional District and across the country the opportunity to showcase their talent and have their artwork displayed in the Capitol Building for one year. This year’s theme for the artwork is “ America’s 250th Birthday.” Artwork can be submitted between April 14th and April 17th. Additional guidelines can be found here.

“I am excited to invite local high schoolers in Alabama’s Third District to participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition,” said Rep. Rogers. “This competition is a tremendous opportunity for students to have their artwork hung in the U.S. Capitol for visitors from around the world to see. Every year, the talent exhibited by our students is incredibly impressive, and I’m sure this year will be especially competitive with our country celebrating its 250th year. Interested students should visit my website or call my Oxford office to receive more details.”

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Rep. Rogers Supports Pro-Life Legislation During March for Life

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), this week supported the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act and the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, two pieces of pro-life legislation, on the House Floor in honor of the annual March for Life. This follows SBA Pro-Life awarding Rep. Rogers an A+ Rating for 2025.

“As many Alabamians gather on the National Mall today in support of the lives of the unborn, I am proud to re-affirm my commitment to pro-life policies,” said Rep. Rogers. “In the past year, this movement has become especially precious to me as my family welcomed our first grandchild. I remain firmly on the side of life and Alabama remains firmly on the side of life. I will always defend the lives of the most innocent among us, and I look forward to continuing this work in Congress in 2026.”

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ICYMI: President Trump Signs the FY26 NDAA Into Law

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, praised President Donald Trump for signing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA) into law.

“Today marks a major milestone in advancing President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda.

“At a pivotal moment in our national security, this NDAA builds a ready, lethal, and capable fighting force–one that deters America’s adversaries, supports our warfighters, and further strengthens our defense posture on the global stage.

“This bill contains the most consequential acquisition reforms in generations–-empowering the Pentagon to move faster, integrate advanced technologies, and accelerate innovation for our warfighters.

“This bill brings our military into the 21st century and provides a clear path to outpace evolving threats. I’m eager to get to work so we can begin delivering on President Trump’s vision for our national security.”

Additional resources for the FY26 NDAA can be found here.

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