North Alabama’s congressman said Monday a growing deficit and national security threats called for voters to unify behind Republicans in November.

In a “Washington Update” hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce on Monday at the Von Braun Center, Rep. Dale Strong also said he’s optimistic the Huntsville area will continue to benefit from federal investment no matter which party holds the House, Senate and Oval Office.

“We’ve got to be sure that we hold the majority … but the other thing is, I’ve created great relationships with the ranking [Democratic] members,” said Strong, a Republican who represents Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and most of Jackson counties. “You never know whether you’re going to be in the majority or whether you’re going to be in the minority, and I want to be positioned to do business no matter who’s in the majority.”