U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers, R-Anniston, and Gary Palmer, R-Hoover spoke to students gathered in the Student Center Ballroom on Tuesday night, Sept. 22.
Rogers and Palmer made opening statements and answered student-submitted questions at this year’s first Capitol on the Plains event. The event was organized by the Student Government Association and moderated by Michael Bullington, assistant vice president of external affairs.
The SGA received numerous questions about Planned Parenthood. Both congressmen agreed that Planned Parenthood should be defunded, but it shouldn’t be the primary focus of congressmen.
“Planned Parenthood should have never received any federal funding,” Rogers said.
“70% of the abortions performed by Planned Parenthood are African Americans,” Palmer said, in response to a question concerning the affect of banning abortions on the nation’s welfare system. Palmer then went on to equate abortion to a “black genocide.”
Rogers represents Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Auburn University. Rogers, a fierce advocate for increased military spending, has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for thirteen years and is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee.
SGA publicized the attendance of Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama's sole Democratic U.S. Representative. According to Bullington, Sewell was unable to attend tonight’s event and cancelled last minute. A spokesperson from her office was also unable to attend.
Faith, religion, and other social issues were also discussed at the Capitol on the Plains event. Both congressmen agreed that faith should and does play a major role in government decision making.
“You’ve got to have some basic core beliefs that guide your votes,” Rogers said.
Other questions ranged from national defense to education spending; however, the two issues most discussed were national defense spending and social issues.
“The government needs to meet the basic needs of the population without intruding into our lives. Getting it [the size of government] down to its essential roles,” Palmer said.
Rogers, a self-identifying fiscal conservative, advocated for heavyscrutiny to be applied to any new expenditures.
“The only area I think you can justify additional spending is nation security,” Rogers said. “It doesn’t matter if Social Security and Medicare are solvent, if you’re dead."
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