Congressman Shomari Figures Discusses Federal Priorities, Healthcare and Regional Investment at Montgomery Regional Chamber Washington Brief

The Montgomery Regional Chamber welcomed U.S. Representative Shomari Figures on Wednesday, July 29, for its latest Washington Brief, bringing business and community leaders together for a timely conversation on federal policy, regional priorities, and issues impacting Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District.

Representing Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, Congressman Figures serves on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and the House Committee on Agriculture, where his work helps shape federal policy affecting infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, and communities across the state.

Since taking office, Figures has worked closely with the Montgomery Regional Chamber and regional partners to advance Montgomery and the River Region’s priorities in Washington. His support of the region’s unified federal agenda has helped secure millions of dollars in federal investments for transformational projects, including the Maxwell Capital Gateway project, while advancing efforts focused on healthcare, workforce development, innovation and strengthening the regional economy.

During the Washington Brief, Figures highlighted his approach to representing the district and the importance of ensuring federal policy translates into meaningful results for the communities he serves. He pointed to recent efforts to secure federal resources for public safety, workforce development, infrastructure and higher education in the Montgomery region, including funding to support the Montgomery Police Department, workforce development initiatives, and Alabama State University.

Figures also emphasized the critical role Maxwell Air Force Base plays in the region and his commitment to supporting the installation’s long-term strength and mission.

“I have to speak about the importance of Maxwell Air Force Base to this region,” Figures said. “Doing everything that we can to support it, enhance it and sustain it is something that I have to prioritize and have to continue to prioritize.”

A significant portion of the conversation focused on healthcare access and the ongoing efforts surrounding Jackson Hospital. Figures discussed his involvement in bringing key stakeholders together to address the hospital’s financial challenges and emphasized the importance of Jackson not only as a healthcare provider, but also as critical economic infrastructure for Montgomery and the surrounding region.

“Jackson Hospital failing is not an option,” Figures told attendees, stressing his commitment to continuing to work alongside local and regional partners toward a long-term solution.

The discussion also emphasized the regional nature of the healthcare challenges facing Central and South Alabama. Figures noted that 10 of the 13 counties in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District have either lost a hospital or face the possibility of losing hospital services, while several communities lack access to specialized care.

Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton also recognized Figures’ role in convening stakeholders around Jackson Hospital and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration as efforts move forward.

Figures noted that the challenges facing Jackson extend well beyond Montgomery, with approximately half of the hospital’s patients coming from outside Montgomery County. Protecting healthcare access, he said, will require cooperation among federal, state and local leaders, healthcare providers and surrounding communities.

Beyond healthcare, Figures addressed several federal policy issues with direct implications for Alabama families and businesses, including tariffs and their impact on household costs and the state’s agricultural industry. He also discussed Social Security, food assistance programs and the importance of considering how national policy decisions ultimately affect individuals and families at the local level.

Throughout the event, Figures returned to a central message: his responsibility in Washington is to advocate for the priorities of Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District and ensure the region has a voice in federal decisions.

The Washington Brief Series is part of the Montgomery Regional Chamber’s ongoing work to connect business and community leaders directly with Alabama’s congressional delegation and federal decision-makers. The series provides timely insight into legislation, policy and federal priorities affecting the region’s economy, businesses and long-term competitiveness.

The July Washington Brief was presented with support from Gold Sponsors: Energy Southeast, Montgomery Airport Authority, and TierOne Media and Silver Sponsors: Alabama League of Municipalities, Montgomery Area Association of Realtors, PowerSouth Energy, and Troy University.
 
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