Sen. Tommy Tuberville Pushes Election Security, Energy Policy and 'Buy American Cotton'

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville addressed election security, domestic manufacturing, national defense and Alabama infrastructure during a media call for ABC 33/40’s “Connect to Congress” segment.

Here are the key themes from the discussion.

Election Security and the SAVE America Act

Tuberville opened the call by urging Senate Republicans to prioritize election security legislation.

“Things are also a mess when it comes to election security. That’s why we need to pass the SAVE America Act to ensure that only American citizens are voting in American elections.”

He rejected criticism of the bill, calling it common sense.

“This bill isn’t racist. It isn’t sexist. It’s common sense.”

Tuberville cited polling support for the legislation.

“That’s why 83% of Americans support this bill, according to a 2025 Pew Research poll, including 71% of Democrats.”

He also said he would support a talking filibuster to pass the measure.

“I’m all for using the talking filibuster to try to get this passed, which would require only 51 votes instead of 60.”

He added, “Every Republican senator should be willing to stay on the Senate floor as long as it takes. I know I am.”

American Production and Supply Chains

Tuberville emphasized the need for the U.S. to produce more goods domestically, pointing to lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen the importance of producing our own food and medicine.”

He criticized past policy decisions that moved production overseas.

“For years, corrupt D.C. politicians offshored American production in the name of lower costs and efficiency. What we got instead was dependence on foreign supply chains and a lot of junk.”

Tuberville lamented the decline of American-made products.

“When I was growing up, it was common to see ‘Made in America’ labels Now it’s very rare.”

Cotton Industry and the Buying American Cotton Act

A major focus of the call was Tuberville’s push to support domestic cotton producers.

“America’s cotton industry is in very serious trouble.”

He said the issue is not production quality but market access.

“The problem is that our competitors have better access to our own consumers than our farmers do.”

Tuberville noted Alabama’s economic stake in cotton.

“Alabama is one of the top states for cotton production, bringing in more than $400 million in revenue every year.”

He criticized reliance on foreign cotton textiles.

“American cotton farmers produce the highest-quality cotton in the world, but they’ve been undercut by foreign synthetic junk.”

Tuberville said he introduced the Buying American Cotton Act to create tax incentives for brands that use American cotton.

“Instead of arguing about bailing out our farmers with more money, we should create demand by giving tax credits to brands that buy and use American cotton.”

He tied the issue to national security.

“National security matters. A nation that cannot supply its basic materials is a nation that has surrendered part of its independence.”

Gas Prices and the Iran Conflict

When asked about concerns over rising gas prices amid tensions involving Iran, Tuberville defended the current administration’s approach.

“Gas prices are still way under what they were during Joe Biden’s four years.”

He acknowledged potential short-term impacts.

“We deserve cheaper gas, but we can sacrifice for a few weeks while this conflict goes on if it helps make the entire world safer.”

Tuberville added, “Iran is a regime that hates Americans. They want to destroy us.”

Mobile River Bridge Project

Tuberville also addressed the long-delayed Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project.

“It’s a shame this hasn’t been built yet. I remember campaigning on it six years ago.”

He said federal assistance is necessary.

“This can’t be built with state money alone—it’s too expensive.”

After meeting with Transportation Secretary Duffy alongside Sen. Katie Britt, Tuberville said progress is being made.

“Hopefully, in the near future, we’ll put a shovel in the ground.”

He called the bridge a matter of both infrastructure and security.

“It has to be built. There’s no alternative. It’s a national security issue during hurricanes.”

Senate Leadership and the Filibuster

Tuberville also weighed in on Senate procedural battles, particularly regarding the filibuster.

“If a talking filibuster can work, let’s try it. If not, I say we eliminate the filibuster and pass it with 51 votes.”

He warned of political consequences if Republicans fail to act.

“If we don’t pass the SAVE America Act, we won’t have secure elections, and Democrats will win next fall and potentially the presidency.”

Farm Bill and Commodity Prices

Tuberville acknowledged delays in passing a new farm bill.

“We need a farm bill.”

He said farmers need stronger commodity prices rather than long-term government payments.

“Farmers can’t rely on government payments every year.”

Tuberville added, “We need higher commodity prices and new markets—especially domestic markets.”

Tuberville closed by reiterating his support for President Trump and U.S. military leadership amid global tensions, saying, “We need to support our troops and our president.”