JIMMY WAYNE MOTTER - OBITUARY

Jimmy Wayne Motter, age 78 of Elkmont, died Sunday, August 27, at his residence. Mr. Motter was born April 6, 1939 in Limestone County. He was a member of the Baptist Church. He was retired from Tractor and Equipment Company in Decatur, AL. Jimmy  was an avid Horseman.  


Survivors: 
Wife: Catherine R. Motter of Elkmont 
Daughters: 
Carol Jean Gatlin of Lester
Christine (Darron) Lewter of Prospect, TN
Cynthia (Clayton) Sanders of Elkmont 
Brother: Joseph D. Motter of Toledo, Ohio
Six Grandchildren, Seven Great-Grandchildren. 

Services will be 1PM Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Chris Simmons officiating. Burial will be at Limestone Memorial Gardens and  visitation is from 6-9PM Wednesday at Spry Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Clayton Sanders, Leroy Motter, Matthew Motter, Hollis Blankenship, Max Ellis, Radine Dunnavant. 
 

CHASE PRATER IS A RUNNING RED HAWK

 
Another Elkmont High School runner signs with the Red Hawks at Martin Methodist this weekend. I am so proud of Chase Prater and his accomplishments. Great reward for him. Proud that the commitment and the work ethic they have is earning them scholarships! My team is strong and dedicated! Chase deserves this! Love every one of them!

 

Chase Prater is Elkmont's FIRST EVER state champion in the school's history by winning the 1600m run in 4:37. Chase also placed 3rd in the 3200m.  He was selected for the Cross Country All State Team and the Indoor Track All State Team.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

ELEMENTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

26
ELKMONT CAR SHOW

Water Garden Workshop
*Limestone County Master Gardeners Association will present a free workshop on water gardens from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Lowe's garden center in Athens. Trevor Cole, owner of Across the Pond, will be the speaker. More information: Jay, 850-393-1717; Janet, 256-614-3530.

27 CHURCH DAY

WHAT'S THIS ONLINE SCHOOL I'M HEARING ABOUT - WEEK 3

The past few days this week has been a lesson in patience.  We had to start a new ADHD med on Monday and we are still working out the dosage! 

This week has been filled with tears and boogers and just wanting to wrap up in his blanket. This is how we have been doing school work! Being able to have the flexibility to work through the current situation is one of the many reasons I am thankful for doing virtual school. If we were in a brick and mortar school, he wouldn't be able to comfort himself like this. It would be very distracting to the other students. I hope in the next few days and weeks we are able to make the adjustments needed.

Ashley Mcelyea

WANT TO BE A GIRL SCOUT?

A Girl Scout signup will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 26, at the Big Spring Park in Athens (the duck pond). There will be free games, inflatables and snacks. Girl Scouts is for girls in grades K-12. Moms can also be adult Girl Scouts and help with the troops. Each of the county troops will have tents with activities. Our local troop is 1134; look for them.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Feel it in the air tonight. Fall is on the way. I don't mind fall but it always is followed by winter which brings on the indoors and cold. I always think about Fall as Sunday nights when I was young. We always had people over after church and played volleyball or cards but in the back of my mind I always knew Monday morning and school was coming quickly. 

It is something about the air though as the earth starts the ritual of preparing to sleep and renew. The smell of cut grass becomes stronger. The leaves take on a sleepy listless look. The Sun's position changes....slightly at first and then it changes the casting of shadows. The lengthening night seems to quieten down in anticipation of slumber. God's intricate plan of "rebirth" is yet again beginning. Amazing when you think about it. Planned...all a great plan. Everything in it's time. Have a good one !

WE CAN'T BE THAT OLD....

The class of 1987 is having their 30th Class Reunion, September 16th, 6-9 pm.  It will be held in The Loft above Village Pizza, downtown Athens on Market Street.  Cost is $20 per person. Checks are to be made payable to Shane Leopard at 22238 Menowa Trail, Athens, AL 35613. 

 

Also, the Red Devils play at home on Friday, September 15th. We will see if we can get them to reserve a small section for us to sit together. Come out and let's cheer on our team and their new head coach, our own, Duane Wales.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK IN ELKMONT?

ELEMENTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER



19

ELKMONT SCHOOL
*Meet the  Red Devils and Hamburger Supper @ 7 PM. In lieu of admission, we ask that you bring cleaning supplies. (i.e laundry detergent, bleach, chlorox etc.)


20 CHURCH DAY

PATRICIA ANN KIEFF - OBITUARY

Patricia Ann Kieff, 68 of Lester Al., died Thursday August 17, 2017 at her residence. She was born April 29,1949 in Giles County Tennessee to Thomas and Magdeline Brown. Mrs. Kieff was a Homemaker and a member of Salem Springs Baptist Church.
Visitation will be 11 AM until Service at the Funeral Home, on Saturday. Services will be Saturday, 2 PM at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Chuck Hood officiating. Burial will be in the New Salem Cemetery. 
 
Pallbearers are Stevie Owens, Greg Cook, Jeremy Hand, Doug Hasting, James Hand and Tony McConnell.

Survivors include, 
Sons:  
David Kieff of Elkmont Al., Danny Kieff of Lester Al.

Grandchildren: 
Morgan Kieff and Mallory Kieff, both of Elkmont, Marina Kieff and Christian Kieff, both of Lester

Great Grandaughter: Avery Gibson of Elkmont 

Brothers: 
Larry Brown of Athens and Michael Brown of Elkmont 

Nieces and Nephews.

JERRY MAX MILLER - OBITUARY

Jerry Max Miller, age 73 of Elkmont, passed away Monday, August 14, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital. Mr. Miller was born December 16, 1943 in Giles County, TN to Andrew Miller and Dorothy Ramsey Miller.

Services were Wednesday, August 16, 2017 2:00 p.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home with Dwight Ridinger officiating. Visitation was Wednesday, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery.

Mr. Miller was owner and operator of Miller and Miller Septic Company, Miller and Miller Plumbing and Electric and co-owner of Miller and Miller Trucking Company.

Preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Graves Miller; parents, Andrew and Dorothy Ramsey Miller; son, Andrew Miller; brother, Billy Miller; sister, Jennifer Miller Romine.

Survived by one grandson, Jarred Miller and wife, Brittany; one great-grandson, Brier Max Miller; one sister, Michelle Hoover and husband, Tim; fiance’ Betty Hamilton; several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

ALEXANDER RYAN HOOVER - OBITUARY

Alexander Ryan Hoover, age 16 of Athens, Alabama got his wings on Monday, August 14, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children. Alex was born on April 30, 2001 in Huntsville, Alabama to George Hoover and Rene Hoover.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandmother, Deborah Barrett Hardin; uncle, Ricky Hall and aunt, Brenda Austin.

He is survived by his mother, Rene Hoover and fiancé Jerry Collins; his father, George Hoover; grandparents, Bud and Trace Hill of Roach, Missouri and Steve and Brenda Hoover of Harrison, Alabama; great uncle, Bob Hill of Roach, Missouri; aunt, Lisa Roberson of Decorah, Iowa; aunt, Julie Black of Wichita, Kansas; great aunt, Naomi Hall; uncle, David Hoover of Bremerton, Washington; uncle and aunt, Jeremy and Toshia Hoover of Newton, Kansas; uncle and aunt Rocky and Marci Lehl; uncle and aunt Brad and Kay Hunter, great aunt and uncle, Ann and Wayne Hall; great aunt, Sandra Hall, cousins, Kelli Hall, Logan Hall ,Brian Barnett, Judy Clark and special friends, the Collins Family.

Alex was a fun loving child full of life and even fuller of spirit! At 16 years old Alex conquered more disabilities than most could do in a life time. Alex was never known to slow down or to give up. It just wasn’t bred into him. Autism tried to take his voice, who knew it would be one heard round the world. He succumbed to his complications from his congenital heart condition peacefully, leaving behind hearts full of love, peace, acceptance, and unity; His legacy.

Alex loved his match box cars, his bike, Xbox and the movies. He never forgot a time or a date and you could count on him being your weatherman. He was always was up for an adventure or traveling. He lived and we conquered barriers of Autism.

His smile was infectious and his personality would take over the room. He would laugh and giggle and always ask for a hug. Often he would ask, “give me a kiss". He was a little shy but once he warmed up to you it was as though you were best friends. Alex was a best friend to many.

He will be remembered for his crazy eating habits. We learned "hamberfriesketchup" was indeed one word. Pizza was good anytime day or night. 3am snack was a must. Teriyaki sauce and rice noodles was a meal! Chicken had to be served with cheese sticks and you better not forget the marinara sauce! He would give a chef a run for his money.

Alex life was all about love and beating the odds. It was about leaning on our faith to get through whatever obstacle we were dealing with. It was about trusting love and making those hard decisions. It was simply an out conquering fear to have the best life possible. God has blessed us with this precious angel, now fly high sweet Alex. You got your wings.

Services for Alex will be Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Asbury Methodist Church in Madison, Alabama with Gayle Miller and Mac McCutcheon officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 18, 2017 from 6:00-9:00 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Apostolic Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Blake Montgomery, Greg Miller, Bill Tribble (EHS Principal), Jacob Shafer, Dennis Shafer, Coty Collins, Jeff Collins and Louis Berry.

WHAT'S THIS ONLINE SCHOOL I'M HEARING ABOUT - WEEK 2

Many of us are interested in the virtual school that is now available to children in Limestone County.  We have a few of them here in Elkmont who are trying it out this year.  One of the parents involved has agree to share her experiences with the system, the good, the bad and the ugly. Look for her posts each week.


Dawson and I have

completed our first full week with ALVA (Alabama Virtual Academy). He actually got finished with all his lessons for the week yesterday! So for today and tomorrow we will have/had required class connect sessions (this is where he listens to his teacher teach the lessons in each subject). We also have the time for extra work on being a better reader, and some art and music. We might even go out adventuring for something educational that we can log hours for! This first full week has been a learning experience for me and Dawson. But we made it. I just hope he is learning something😂😉! He seems to be because I can ask him a question about something from the day before and he gives me a correct answer! 

So that's why it matters where numbers are - place value

I urge anyone who has a child that just doesn't seem to do well in school because of distractions or bullying or whatever the case may be to check into K12 or the Virtual school through Limestone County. It helps Dawson with the fact that he can get up and move around whenever he feels the need to. He really couldn't do that at a brick and mortar school (the name us virtual people give regular school😁) without disrupting class or interfering with other students learning. But so far so good! #firstweekinthebooks

Ashley Mcelyea

Links:
Signing Up
Week One

OUR LOCAL BANK LOVES YOU

The friendly people of Citizens Bank can be found at your local branch next to the Pig and Dollar General complex.  If you haven't been there before, be sure to come in and introduce yourself.

WHAT IS THIS ONLINE SCHOOL I'M HEARING ABOUT? WEEK 1

Many of us are interested in the virtual school that is now available to children in Limestone County.  We have a few of them here in Elkmont who are trying it out this year.  One of the parents involved has agreed to share her experiences with the system, the good, the bad and the ugly. Look for her posts each week.

FIRST DAY:
First day of school in the books! I feel like I wasn't doing it right because it seems too easy but I followed all of the instructions and went over all the course work for the day with Dawson! We did all our lessons for the day and logged 6 hours! We chose K-12 (virtual school) for Dawson so he wouldn't have the distractions that actual school has. And for his first day it was great! He was able to do work and take breaks when he started getting antsy. It works great for his ADHD! So far I am loving it!

Ashley Mcelyea

MORE INFO:
It isn’t a traditional school but a statewide public virtual school for grades K-12 that’s partnering with the Limestone County school district. The school, called Alabama Connections Academy, will offer a “high-quality, rigorous curriculum that is a great fit for many families who are looking for an alternative. This year, Alabama Virtual Academy is separate from Limestone County's virtual school but has the same concepts. Next year, they will be the same when K-8 grade is added to Limestone's 9-12 grade program.

The Limestone County Board of Education in May agreed to a contract with Connections Education LLC to provide online education services and authorized the opening of Alabama Connections Academy for the 2017-18 school year. Though it’s a statewide school, the offices will be at Owens Elementary. 

 

The program provides the basics, such as language arts, social studies, math, science and languages; electives; honors and advanced placement courses; and reading and math remediation, among other offerings. Alabama-certified teachers are hired for the program, and a state-approved curriculum is used. Students are required to take the same state tests as traditional public school students.  As part of the program, a student must have an identified "learning coach," a parent or other adult, to help monitor student attendance, verify classwork and communicate with teachers. Administrators and teachers communicate with students through phone calls, webmail and person-to-person and live classroom sessions.

“There will always be a need for traditional bricks-and-mortar schools,” Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk said. “But this partnership with Connections allows us to move a step closer to personalized learning. We get the opportunity to be transformational and be a state leader in virtual learning.”

Decatur Daily Article Link

GLENDA GAYLE LOVELL - OBITUARY

Glenda Gayle Lovell, age 72,  died Thursday at her residence in Elkmont. Mrs. Lovell was born July 26, 1945 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She was a member of Clements Baptist Church and she was retired from Athens Limestone Hospital. 

Services will be 2PM Sunday at Spry Funeral Home Chapel with Charles Simmons officiating, burial at Lentzville Cemetery, visitation is from 11am until service Sunday. Pallbearers will be Brandon Chambers, Cory Wallace, Cody Wallace, Cleo Davis, and Zach Chambers.

Survivors: 
Mother: Elizabeth (Erlene) Chambers of Athens.
Daughter: Michelle (Brad) Thigpen of Ardmore, AL.

Sons:
Jeffery (Crystal) Lovell of Elkmont 
Chad (Alicia) Lovell of Florence,
 
Grandchildren: 
Derek Lovell of Athens, Daylin Lovell of Elkmont, Landon Daly of Fayetteville, TN., Peyton Lovell of Elkmont, Bailey Lovell of Athens, Cory Wallace of Reid, AL, Cody Wallace of Ardmore, AL. and Terra Hill of Athens.

Great-Grandchildren: Cayden Wallace, Hudson Hill, Briley Hill, Darby Hill and Bryson Lovell.
Brothers: Jackie (Pam) Chambers of Decatur and Roger (Gail) Chambers of Athens.
Sisters: Starlet (Bobby) Harwell of Owens and Jennifer Pendergrass of Athens. 

Preceded in death by Father: Alfred Chambers, Brother: Orville Chambers.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

13 CHURCH DAY

CHRISTINE GATES - OBITUARY

Christine Gates 93, of Fayetteville,TN died Tuesday, August 08, 2017 at Fayetteville Health & Rehabilitation Center, Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Born Sunday, October 28, 1923 in Elkmont, AL, she was the daughter of George Hargrove and Sallie Daly Hargrove.She lived in the Ardmore area most all her life and was a member of the Ardmore First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Charles Allen Gates, Daughter, Glenda Slelton, Sisters, Ruby Wallace, Louise Locke, Brothers, Thomas (Tom Boy) Hargrove , James M. (Big) Hargrove, Richard Howard (Hap) Hargrove.

She is survived by her Daughter, Ann Bateson, Ardmore, AL, 2 Grandchildren, Sally Taylor and Robby Shelton, 6 Great Grandchildren Samantha Taylor and Andrew , Blair, Chloe, Addison and Eli Shelton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home, Ardmore, AL, at 11:00 AM with Rev. Debbie Eubanks officiating. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Ardmore, AL.

BARRY'S CORNER - LIVING IN ELKMONT

Well it's here! First day of school for the kids. My 25th first day of school, not counting the 12 of my own. Being in education and being around kids has been a blessing and a great part of my life for many years. This year as we have made the change to Elkmont Elementary School, it begins full of changes. 

Change is hard. Change can be frustrating at first. Change comes with a lot of growing pains. But ultimately change is good and change from the past is needed. Please have patience as we have changed our start time,  dismissal time and our car line. 

Having been an integral part of car line for 25 years. I can tell you change was needed. Your kids are our kids. All that is done at our school is for the safety and well being of the kids. Tomorrow will be hectic. It may be a little hectic for a while. In the end, it will be worth it. We have an exceptional leader at our school. Very fortunate to have her. 

There will be some adjustments to be made and we will get through it. Just as I taught and loved a lot of you, I love your children. We are all for them! Let's make it a great year! Explore, Engage, Succeed!

JODA WARREN HOBBS, SR. - OBITUARY

 

Joda Warren Hobbs, Sr. age 79 of Elkmont, AL passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Huntsville Hospital. Mr. Hobbs was born on February 8, 1938 in Limestone County to Max and Viola Usery Hobbs. Mr. Hobbs was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy Bryant Hobbs and sister, Maxine Holt.

Mr. Hobbs is survived by his son, Jay Hobbs (Heather); daughters, Holly Hobbs Sands, Deb Porter (Kenny) and Jo Carol Clem (Dennis); grandchildren, Eli Hobbs, Peyton McCown and Kade McCown; sisters, Jane Delap and Saundra Royer (Ray) and numerous other family and friends. Mr. Hobbs was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.

A graveside service for Mr. Hobbs will be 2:00PM Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Roselawn Cemetery with Bro. Mitch McCormick officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-9:00PM Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Eli Hobbs, Peyton McCown, Kade McCown, Marcus Hobbs, Bradley Hobbs, Greg Hobbs and Hunter Royer. Honorary pallbearers are Lock Cross Roads Breakfast Club.

OPEN HOUSE IS SUNDAY

*School Starts August 8

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES FOR Elementary & High School 

These changes will be reviewed at the Back to School Open House on Sunday, August 6th at 1:30 in the New Gym. VIDEO LINK

NOTE: 
These changes go into effect on the 1st day of school, August 8th. We know many of you enjoy walking your child in on the 1st day of school. If you want to walk your child in on the 1st day of school, we encourage you to do so! However, we ask that you please use the back gravel parking. 

The parking lot located by the new gym is reserved for our teachers and driving students, so please do not use these spaces. You are welcome to bring your child's school supplies to the Open House on Sunday, August 6th to make things easier for you on Tuesday, August 8th.

Elementary Parents:
School will BEGIN at 7:35am for all elementary students (PreK-5). Dismissal for elementary students is at 2:40pm.
Morning Car Line will begin at 7:10 in front of the Old Gym (see previous posts for changes to car line). 

Afternoon Car Line will begin at 2:40 in front of the Old Gym.
Please come to our Back to School Open House on Sunday at 1:30 for more information. 

**Start and end times are not changing for Middle or High School students.**

Open house for the Elementary School and High School has been scheduled for Sunday. The Elementary school is first up at 1:30 pm followed by the High School/Middle School at 2:30. 

Stop by the PTO information table and meet our PTO leaders.  They would love to meet you. Link to their facebook page

School Supply Bundle pick up will be before the Elementary open house Sunday beginning at 12:45 outside of the New Gym.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN ELKMONT THIS WEEK?

04

Tractors in Elkmont @ 10 am

*Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days with the Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Association at 20147 Elkton Road in Athens with gates open at 7:00AM until ?. All makes, models and years of tractor and farm equipment will be on display and demonstrated. Friday features a 20 mile tractor ride starting at 10:00AM. Kids will enjoy activities including a Pedal Pull Competition. Get revved up with the Parade of Power then enjoy the Fast Crank Competitions, Slow Races, Chain in the box and more. Fish Fry on Friday at 5:00PM. Concessions and vendors too. Admission is $5.00; Children 10 & Under Free. Info: 256-431-6226 or 256-206-5926 

Senior Center

*Dominoes, TV, billiards, joker and other games  

05
Football Work Day *beginning at 8am- Work day at the stadium. We need as many helpers as possible!!
 

Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days 

Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Association at 20147 Elkton Road in Athens with gates open at 7:00AM until ?. All makes, models and years of tractor and farm equipment will be on display and demonstrated. Friday features a 20 mile tractor ride starting at 10:00AM. Kids will enjoy activities including a Pedal Pull Competition. Get revved up with the Parade of Power then enjoy the Fast Crank Competitions, Slow Races, Chain in the box and more. Fish Fry on Friday at 5:00PM. Concessions and vendors too. Admission is $5.00; Children 10 & Under Free. Info: 256-431-6226 or 256-206-5926 

06 Church Day

*Count your Blessings  
*Have you helped anyone this week? 

Elkmont High School will have a open house this Sunday from 2:30 to 4pm. We will meet in the new gymnasium for a short meeting and then you can see all the new upgrades to our school.

SENIOR THOUGHTS BY BREANNA

If anything the 3, going on 4 years of high school have taught me, it is to cherish and love one another because everything could change in the blink of an eye. Don’t hold grudges, overuse the three simple words, “I love you” because you never know when you will be telling someone for the last time." 

I think all of Limestone can agree with this. KG and Cole Smith were both examples and will never be forgotten.

HOW DID YOUR FEDERAL SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVE VOTE LAST WEEK?

Editor's Note: The House is in the August district work period and not doing any legislative business until Sept. 5.

Recent Senate Votes

Bernhardt Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (53-43, 4 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of David Bernhardt to be deputy secretary of the Interior. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Health Care Marketplace Overhaul – Motion to Proceed - Vote Agreed to (51-50) McConnell, R-Ky., motion to proceed to the bill would make extensive changes to the 2010 health care overhaul law, by effectively repealing the individual and employer mandates as well as most of the taxes that finance the current system and by making extensive changes to Medicaid. Vice President Mike Pence voted yes as the tie breaking vote. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea - Vote Agreed to (98-2) The Senate passed the bill that would codify certain existing sanctions on Russia, including various sanctions tied to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, Moscow's annexation of Crimea, and malicious cyber activities relating to the 2016 U.S. elections. The bill would establish multiple new sanctions on Russia, including sanctions on entities conducting malicious cyber activity on behalf of the Russian government and entities which conduct business with the Russian intelligence and defense sectors. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES Health Care Marketplace Overhaul – “Skinny” Repeal Amendment - Vote Rejected (49-51) McConnell, R-Ky., second-degree amendment to the McConnell substitute amendment to the bill in which the second-degree amendment would repeal the individual mandate, repeal the employer mandate through 2024, delay the implementation of the medical device tax through 2020, and block, for one year, federal funding from going to certain medical providers that provide abortions. The amendment would ease the waiver process for states to opt out of the requirement that their health insurance providers include certain benefits on their health care plans. Additionally, the amendment would increase the maximum allowable contribution to health savings accounts and would defund the Prevention and Public Health Fund starting in 2019. Sen. Richard Shelby voted YES Sen. Luther Strange voted YES

Recent House Votes

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Arbitration Rule Disapproval - Vote Passed (231-190, 12 Not Voting) The House passed the joint resolution that would provide for congressional disapproval of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s final arbitration rule which prohibits financial services companies that offer financial products to consumers from using arbitration clauses to stop consumers from being part of a class action lawsuit. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Four Bill Fiscal 2018 Appropriations Minibus - Vote Passed (235-192, 6 Not Voting) The minibus would include the following appropriations bills: (Defense, Energy-Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction-VA). Defense appropriations (HR 3219) would provide $658.1 billion for the Defense Department and $73.9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations/Global War on Terrorism funding. Energy-Water appropriations (HR 3266) would provide $37.6 billion for national defense nuclear weapons activities, the Army Corps of Engineers and various programs under the Energy. Legislative branch appropriations (HR 3162) would provide $3.6 billion (excluding Senate only items) for the House and joint operations. Military Construction-VA appropriations (HR 2998) would provide $88.8 billion in discretionary funding with $638 million for the Overseas Contingency Operations fund. It would provide a total of $182.3 billion (in mandatory and discretionary funding) for the Veterans Affairs Department. The bill would provide $1.6 billion in funding to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for procurement, construction and improvement of a barrier along the southern U.S. border. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Fiscal 2018 Intelligence Authorization - Vote Passed (380-35, 18 Not Voting) The House passed the bill that would authorize classified amounts of funding through fiscal 2018 for 16 U.S. intelligence agencies and intelligence-related activities, including the Office of the National Intelligence Director, the CIA and the National Security Agency. The bill would require the director of National Intelligence to submit to Congress multiple reports regarding Russia's campaigns directed at foreign elections and its efforts related to cyber influence, including an analytical assessment of the most significant Russian influence campaigns, if any, conducted during the three years prior to the bill's enactment. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES Veterans Choice Fund Authorization - Vote Passed (414-0, 19 Not Voting) The House passed the amended bill that would make available an additional $2.1 billion in funding for the Veterans Choice Fund, without fiscal year limitation. The bill would extend until Sept. 30, 2027, the current cap on per-month payment of VA pensions to certain veterans residing at VA nursing care facilities. Rep. Mo Brooks voted YES