Exposing the Biden Border Crisis
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After joining Speaker Mike Johnson and my House Republican colleagues in visiting the border crossing site in Eagle Pass, Texas earlier this year, this week I participated in the Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing titled "A Threat to Every Community: Assessing the Safety, Health, and Economic Consequences of President Biden's Border Policies."
Since President Biden took office, there have been over 6.7 million illegal crossings of our Southern Border and 1.7 million known gotaways who evaded U.S. Border Patrol. Border security is national security, and this hearing examined the extensive impacts that the President's open border policies are having on our economy, our public health system, and the education community.
I focused my questions on the strain that this crisis has placed on our health care system. Illicit fentanyl is pouring across our border at alarming rates, and fentanyl overdoses have become the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 45. Every community in our nation is facing a fentanyl crisis and we must take meaningful action to eliminate the cartels' drugs coming across the border.
That's why House Republicans passed H.R. 2, the strongest border security bill in history, and H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. Unfortunately, the Senate and the White House refuse to act on these bills, leaving our Southern Border in complete chaos.
Watch my remarks HERE.
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New Op-Ed on President Biden's Harmful Independent Contractor Rule
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Far too often, overbearing and misguided federal policies get in the way of good, hard-working Americans simply trying to provide for their families. The independent contractor rule recently finalized by President Biden's Department of Labor is no exception.
During the Trump Administration, small businesses flourished, entrepreneurship thrived, and the U.S. economy saw remarkable growth. However, the Biden Administration's use of the Department of Labor against American entrepreneurs is alarming. This overly restrictive independent contractor rule would devastate millions of workers and businesses, eliminate employment opportunities, and topple the gig economy.
Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and I penned an op-ed in Newsweek sounding the alarm on this rulemaking and urging Congress to pass my Employee Rights Act, which would protect independent contractors, franchisees, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking flexible work options.
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I was proud to receive an A+ rating on the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America National Pro-Life Scorecard! This score takes into account votes and actions I have taken during the First Session of the 118th Congress.
This week, in honor of the annual March for Life, House Republicans expanded on our pro-life record by passing H.R. 6918, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, to protect critical funding for pregnancy centers, and H.R. 6914, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, which ensures all college students who are pregnant know their rights and protections to carry a baby to term, both with my support. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for the sacred right to life and to give a voice to the most vulnerable among us.
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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.
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Additional Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing
"NIL Playbook: Proposal to Protect Student Athletes Dealmaking Rights"
This hearing examined the rights of college athletes across all sports to have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). While it is crucial to empower them for success and ensure protection from any unethical behavior, the primary focus should be safeguarding the future of college athletics through clear guidelines for players, agents, and collectives.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing
"Leveraging American Communications Leadership with Open Radio Access Networks"
5G, 6G, and future generations of wireless networks will fuel innovation and entrepreneurship that strengthens the economy. These networks help connect millions of Americans, enabling us to incorporate new technology in our daily lives. To win the future, we must ensure networks are secure and that America is leading the innovation, developing the technology, and deploying it. Open Radio Access Networks (ORAN) are a key part of achieving this goal.
Watch my remarks HERE.
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Meeting with Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson
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It was a pleasure to meet with Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson and welcome him to my office in Washington D.C. Thank you for stopping by and giving me an update on many of our community's priorities, Mayor Johnson!
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As always, my office is here to help. If you'd like to email me, please click here.
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Sincerely,
Rick Allen Member of Congress
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