Testifying on the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam
|
Last week, I participated in the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee's Member Day Hearing to highlight water issues that are critical to the 12th District of Georgia, namely the consistent issues experienced with the Corps of Engineers regarding the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.
The importance of the Lock and Dam to the residents of the CSRA cannot be overstated, which is why I strongly opposed replacing the Lock and Dam with a rock weir that would lower the pool level far below the needs of our community. I have worked closely with local community leaders and stakeholders who have all agreed that maintaining the water level of the pool above the Lock and Dam is critical, so our water users are not affected.
I will continue to fight in Congress for the best possible solution to this issue that impacts thousands of Georgia-12 constituents.
Read my full testimony HERE. Coverage via the Augusta Press can be found HERE. |
Promoting the 12th District's Cyber Footprint
|
The Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a hearing entitled "Safeguarding Americans' Communications: Strengthening Cybersecurity in a Digital Era."
This hearing was of particular importance for the 12th District, as the CSRA has been considered and recognized as a growing cyber region in America and the world. Our cyber footprint on the national stage continues to expand with the combination of NSA-Georgia, Army Cyber Command, and its subordinate operational units all housed at Fort Eisenhower. During the hearing, I focused my questions on how we can expand on our work developing partnerships between academia, government, and industry stakeholders to educate and train a superior cybersecurity workforce.
Watch my remarks HERE. |
Fighting for America's Franchises
|
The House passed H. J. Res. 98 with my support, which would nullify the Biden Administration’s expanded joint-employer standard that would impact franchises and small businesses across the nation.
In October, President Biden's radical National Labor Relations Board appointees circumvented Congress to reimpose a broad joint-employer standard that threatens the flexibility of business owners, upends the franchise model as we know it, and negatively impacts the U.S. economy and workers. In a report released by the International Franchise Association, two-thirds of franchisees expected the new standard to raise barriers to entry into franchising.
Rest assured, House Republicans will continue to promote policies that foster the entrepreneurial spirit. Watch my remarks on the House floor HERE. |
Biden's Harmful Independent Contractor Rule
|
In yet another crushing blow to the American workforce, President Biden’s Department of Labor (DOL) finalized an overly restrictive independent contractor rule that will devastate millions of workers and businesses, eliminate employment opportunities, and topple the gig economy.
As I’ve visited with small business owners across Georgia’s 12th District, the number one issue I hear about is the need for workforce. To eliminate an employment model that has allowed millions of Americans to have the flexibility they need and helped countless individuals achieve the American Dream is inconceivable.
The Employee Rights Act, which I introduced last year, would create a clear definition across federal laws to protect independent workers. The modern workforce is entrepreneurial, and our government should help facilitate that spirit, not crush it under the weight of bureaucracy. |
2024 Youth Leadership Summit
|
I also announced that registration for the 2024 Youth Leadership Summit is now open for junior and senior high school students in Georgia’s 12th District!
The goal of the summit is to equip and inspire the next generation of leaders by helping them hone their leadership skills as they prepare for the future.
The 2024 Youth Leadership Summit will be hosted at the Columbia County Student Support Complex on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Schools may send up to six students and two chaperones. Participants are encouraged to register on my website no later than Friday, February 9th. |
One of the best ways for me to serve you in Congress is by hearing your thoughts and concerns. Throughout the year, I host live Telephone Town Hall meetings to connect with constituents throughout the 12th District.
These meetings are similar to a traditional town hall meeting but are conducted by phone, where you can dial in from the comfort of your own home. The meetings typically last around one hour, with time for you to ask questions, hear live answers, and participate in a number of poll questions that will aid my decision-making in Washington.
Don't miss the next one! Sign up by CLICKING HERE. |
House Republicans made great progress in 2023 tackling the many crises we face as a nation, but more work remains. As we kick off 2024 and begin the Second Session of the 118th Congress, I want to hear from you, the American people, about what issues are most important for Congress to address this year.
What pressing issues are most important to you and your family? Take my survey HERE. |
Additional Committee Activity
|
Energy and Commerce
Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Hearing
“Protecting Clean American Energy Production and Jobs by Stopping EPA’s Overreach”
This hearing examined the recent actions by the EPA to impose regulations on methane that stifle innovation, increase operational and energy costs, and dramatically expand the agency’s regulatory reach. These burdens will fall directly on American families and businesses, potentially jeopardizing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in local economic development.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Education and Workforce
Full Committee Markup
The Education and the Workforce Committee markup agenda included two items: The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, to ensure Department of Labor personnel have the resources and education to properly identify cases of human trafficking and collaborate with law enforcement, as well as the Pregnant Students' Rights Act, to ensure that pregnant students are aware of their rights and resources on campus and are supported in pursuing motherhood while completing their education.
Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Hearing
“Lowering Costs and Increasing Access to Health Care with Employer-Driven Innovation”
During this hearing, I highlighted how economies of scale currently prohibit many small business owners from utilizing innovative health models. Large employers like Walmart, GM, and Boeing are spearheading many innovative models, but smaller businesses lack the market power and resources to craft their own direct contracting arrangements, underscoring the need to pass the Association Health Plans Act, which I proudly co-introduced.
Watch my remarks HERE. |
Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
|
Yesterday, I was honored to attend the 37th Annual MLK Memorial Celebration at Beulah Grove Baptist Church to remember the life and extraordinary legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – a man who led an unwavering and peaceful march toward harmony in America. Thanks for having me! |
###
As always, my office is here to help. If you'd like to email me, please click here.
To contact one of our district offices, please click here.
To stay informed about what is happening in Washington D.C. and in our district, please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Sincerely,
Rick Allen
Member of Congress |
|
