U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) Monday announced that he will kick off his statewide tour of each of Alabama’s 67 counties this week. Shelby issued the following statement on these visits:

“Throughout my time in the United States Senate, I have made it a top priority to visit all 67 counties in Alabama every year,” said Shelby. “The focus of my statewide travel will be to hear from my constituents about the impact of the Obama Administration’s policies on middle class families, job creation, and economic growth. I believe these visits are an excellent opportunity for us to discuss the important issues currently facing our state and nation.”

Since 1987, the beginning of Shelby’s first term in the U.S. Senate, he has held more than 1,800 county visits in Alabama.