Huntsville and Madison County politicians and local business leaders showered outgoing United State’s Senator Richard Shelby with appreciation Monday.

Shelby, who at 36 years has been the longest-serving Senate member in Alabama history, was in the city for his annual Washington Update, the last he’ll give before retirement arrives Jan. 3. He also served in the House of Representatives for eight years.

The crowd of over 900 people at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Davidson Center for Space Exploration gave Shelby a standing ovation when he was introduced at a breakfast gathering, something that touched the 88-year old who has long been a highly-placed friend of the Rocket City and has steered untold millions of funds into area projects.

However, he threw the love back at his admirers.

“I guess I can say as I look back on my career of 44 years in Washington, I’ve had some good opportunities and I’m sure I’ve missed some,’’ said Shelby, who is in his sixth term in the Senate. “But, it’s you that’s made this town, this city what it is.’’

Shelby was the featured guest at two events in Huntsville – the breakfast update and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new U.S. District Courthouse that went under construction in April.

Both events were sponsored by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, and he was highly praised at both stops for his efforts here and the state over the years.

“I think he’s the most effective Senator that Alabama has ever had,’’ Vice Chair/Government and Public Affairs Ronnie Chronister of the Chamber said.

Shelby has chaired four committees while in the Congress and is currently Vice Chair of the Committee on Appropriations.

“He has labored in his position on the Appropriations Committee to make sure the needs of the nation are met, while at the same time matching the cause for Alabama,’’ Chamber Board Chair Greg Brown said. “His work with the military, NASA, the Department of Justice has helped make both our nation and Alabama stronger.’’

In a fairly brief address Shelby, a graduate of the University of Alabama, hit upon several topics:

Ukraine: “We need to help them. Our allies need to help them.’’
First-term Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “I did not know the (former Auburn coach). I didn’t want to know him. He came to Tuscaloosa one time and beat the hell out of Alabama.” Shelby has actually liked what he’s seen from Tuberville. “He has been working hard. He’s on the Armed Services Committee. I’ve traveled with him. I think he’s going to do very well.”
FBI: Shelby said he’s been told Huntsville will be the FBI’s second-largest headquarters worldwide. “We’re trying to get invested way over $2 billion in brick-and-mortar (at the FBI facilities on Redstone Arsenal). We’re trying to get $700 million more this year (in the budget) in brick-and-mortar. The FBI is going to be one of your largest, if not the largest, employers and another pillar of strength in Huntsville and North Alabama.”
Space Force Command: “Politics play a role here (in the relocation from Colorado). I think we have to be alert that it’s not here yet.’’