In response to the Department of Justice’s overreaching subpoena of Eagle Forum of Alabama regarding their advocacy for state-level legislation to protect vulnerable children, Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06), along with all of the other House Republicans in the Alabama delegation, sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding answers for his department’s actions.
Last month, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Birmingham sent a subpoena to Eagle Forum of Alabama to obtain its communications surrounding advocacy in support of a bill that bans hormone treatments and gender transition surgeries for minors.
The Biden DOJ filed a lawsuit against the bill after it passed, resulting in a federal judge blocking it in May.
Eagle Forum of Alabama says they are not involved in the lawsuit and their advocacy in support of the bill isn’t necessary to determine the constitutionality of the law.
Quotes from the delegation:
Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) – Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee
“Eagle Forum of Alabama is an outstanding organization that represents the values of thousands of Alabamians. To have their first amendment rights infringed upon by the Department of Justice is disrespectful to our Constitution,” said Rep. Gary Palmer. “Constitutional protections should not be dictated by the political views of individuals in the White House or their appointees. Attorney General Merrick Garland owes an explanation for the motives behind this aggressive action against an organization simply petitioning the government on an issue important to them.”
Rep. Jerry Carl (AL-01)
“The Department of Justice’s decision to target the Eagle Forum of Alabama is nothing more than a partisan attack against a conservative organization simply because of their political views. I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort demanding answers from Attorney General Merrick Garland as to why the DOJ is attacking private citizens for exercising their First Amendment rights.”
Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02)
“The Biden administration has shown time and again its eagerness to weaponize the executive branch against law-abiding Americans, and the DOJ’s subpoena of Eagle Forum of Alabama is only the latest egregious example. The Biden administration must explain its actions and stop abusing its authority in such an un-American and partisan manner.”
Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04)
“I am deeply concerned with the news that President Biden’s Department of Justice has subpoenaed Eagle Forum of Alabama, a non-profit organization, to turn over its communications related to the development of legislative text. As Americans, we are protected by the First Amendment with the right to petition the government. This action by the U.S. Government is a blatant attempt to intimidate citizens from participating in the legislative process. It is vitally important that we hear from the Department of Justice about why they took this action and get an explanation for this violation.”
