Huntsville protesters calling on Congressman Strong for help include long-time residents, federal retirees
HUNTSVILLE, Ala, (WHNT) — A third day of protests in Huntsville over proposed cuts to federal programs and jobs. Protesters are also calling for Huntsville-area Congressman Dale Strong to make himself more accessible to the public
Strong and other U.S. House Republicans have said these protests and calls for town hall meetings are the work of paid, liberal agitators.
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News 19 spoke to several people at today's protest, which drew a smaller crowd than the protests on Monday and Tuesday.
Of the people News 19 spoke to, most live in Huntsville and there was at least one Madison resident. Most of the people said they have lived in the area for decades, many were retired federal employees or had a spouse in the military here.They didn't identify as Trump voters, or say they'd voted for Dale Strong.
News 19 repeatedly asked why Strong or local Republican voters should care about what they had to say. The replies were consistent, the people told us they are long-term residents, they've raised families here, contributed to the community, they pay their taxes and Strong's their congressman. Some talked about the oaths they'd sworn to defend and obey the U.S. Constitution and they said America is a nation led by the people and for the people — not a kingdom.
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Several people expressed concerns that the Trump Administration was intent on cutting jobs and programs, including NASA. Most of those News 19 spoke to said they have not heard Strong push back, against those plans, or communicate to 'the powers that be' that people here are being directly impacted by the administration's actions.
Huntsville resident Margie Zoladz said she's reached out to Srong's office several times, with no response so far.
'He represents everybody, I know he knows that,' she said. 'I feel like there must be some pressure, he's feeling from above, that is forcing him to ignore one side in preference to the other.'
Soladz said she believes she voted for Strong at some point.
'What got me out here today is I have five children and they all live here,' she said. 'I have six grandbabies, that all live here, one of them is not born yet. I'm terrified about what's happening to our country. I don't know too many people who are in a position to do something about it and he's one of them. More than one person expressed concern about possible cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, basically health care and food programs for low-income people. They also expressed concerns that cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE. are destructive rather than based on audits aimed at saving money.
Protest groups have said they plan to hold a Town Hall in Athens on Saturday and Strong is invited. Some protesters told News 19 that in speaking to Strong staff members, they've been told about telephone town halls that he would hold, but they never received a follow-up call.
During a contractor event Tuesday morning in Huntsville Strong said that he was glad to be back in the 5th District.
'I'm just happy to be in recess this week,' he said. 'And, that's what I do when I'm back in the district. I have a full schedule. I'll actually be in Madison County today (Tuesday). I'll also be in Jackson County. And what we're doing is just meeting with our people. I represent three-quarters of a million people in North Alabama, and I do everything I can to be, visible and be there with them. when I'm here in the district.'
News 19 reached out to Strong's office again today, as we did Monday, for comment on the protests or if he had plans to hold a public meeting.
We have not yet received any response.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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