Congressman Figures Claims Funding Despite Voting No
The Alabama representative touts federal funds for his district despite voting against the bill that approved them.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Is it acceptable for members of Congress to claim credit for funding they voted against?
On December 8, 2025, Congressman Shomari Figures issued a press release claiming credit for securing $2.39 million in federal funding for Alabama's Second Congressional District. This announcement follows his earlier vote against H.R.5371 on November 12, 2025, the very legislation that authorized the project funding.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the political tension between voting against comprehensive spending bills and subsequently championing specific community projects contained within those same packages.
Congressman Figures announced credit for $2.39 million across 3 separate projects, despite voting against the H.R.5371 appropriations bill that provided the total funding. Figures was also noted to have opposed other projects totaling $39 million in the same legislative cycle.
The players
Shomari Figures
He is the U.S. Representative for Alabama's Second Congressional District.
The details
The funding supports initiatives located in the City of Tuskegee, Crenshaw County, and the Health Care Authority of the City of Eufaula. These specific projects were officially included in the H.R.5371 appropriations package passed by Congress.
Timeline
November 12, 2025: Congressman Shomari Figures voted against H.R.5371.
December 8, 2025: Figures issued a press release claiming credit for the district funding.
Political Context
Opponents frequently criticize the practice of legislators claiming credit for federal funding after casting negative votes on the parent legislation. This political tension often complicates local perception of legislative effectiveness versus partisan ideological alignment.
Constituents in Tuskegee, Crenshaw County, and Eufaula may see the implementation of these projects despite the representative's opposition to the funding bill. This disconnect impacts how voters evaluate the tangible benefits of federal investment against the political stances taken by their elected officials.
The takeaway
Voters often face a complex landscape when trying to distinguish between a representative's legislative record and their public claims of success for local projects. It is useful for constituents to track both floor votes and press releases to gain a complete picture of a representative's actions.
Further reading
For more information on state-level legislative impacts, visit the Legislative Policy section.
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Is it acceptable for members of Congress to claim credit for funding they voted against?
