Alabama's senior U.S. Senator Friday defended the massive spending bill signed by President Trump, just hours after he threatened to veto it. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa) said the bill will benefit Alabama by strongly supporting missile defense, space exploration, biomedical research, and law enforcement, while providing funding to improve local infrastructure, and other priorities. "I am proud to pass this measure which provides Alabama with the funding needed to continue economic growth and future development. I look forward to seeing our state benefit from this robust bill," Shelby said. But other conservatives, including Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) criticized the bill for excessive spending, and voted against it. The president, who expressed his displeasure with the bill, said he only signed it because it increases funding to the military. "I will never sign another bill like this again," the president vowed.