Calling Out President Biden's LNG Export Ban
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On January 26, 2024, President Biden announced an indefinite 'pause' on all pending approvals of liquified natural gas, or LNG, exports. This week, I joined my colleagues in calling out this decision that only serves to jeopardize American energy security, jobs, and our economy.
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On Monday, I participated in a special order on the House floor sounding the alarm on the President's destructive action. Excerpts from my speech can be found below:
"Under the guise of climate change, this blatantly political decision will only serve to eliminate American jobs, increase costs for American consumers, and further jeopardize U.S. energy security – all to appease climate extremists and prop up President Biden’s rush-to-green agenda...
"Studies show that LNG exports could increase the U.S. economy by over $73 billion by 2040 and could create more than 453,000 American jobs... Indefinitely banning exports of LNG will not lower the cost of energy. We need to open our markets and domestic energy production to lower costs for the American people.
"Now more than ever, we need to embrace an all-of-the-above energy strategy and unleash the production and export of clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG to further reduce emissions... President Biden's war on American energy is undermining our national security, and as Chair Rodgers said, 'this is nothing more than a gift to Putin.'"
Watch my full speech HERE.
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Additionally, I participated in the Energy and Commerce Committee's Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Hearing entitled: "Politics Over People: How Biden’s LNG Export Ban Threatens America’s Energy and Economic Security.”
Watch my full line of questioning HERE.
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I also joined more than 150 of my House Republican colleagues, led by Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), in sending a letter to President Biden slamming his de facto ban on LNG exports.
We write in the letter: "This is economically and strategically dangerous and unnecessary. Under both Democratic and Republican administrations, DOE has consistently found that U.S. LNG exports serve the 'public interest' because they contribute positive economic benefits and strengthen energy security for the American people, and also have the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions...
"We urge you to end this unnecessary review and expeditiously approve all pending applications to increase the global supply of natural gas."
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Seeking Applicants: 2024 Summer Internship Program
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I recently announced my office is seeking applicants for our paid 2024 Summer Internship Program, to be offered in my Washington, D.C. office.
This program is open to college students and young professionals interested in learning about the legislative process and assisting with the responsibilities of a congressional office. Interns will perform a range of tasks including constituent outreach, legislative writing, and more, with the possibility of earning school credit. All applications are due by Friday, March 15.
Applications can be submitted HERE.
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Meeting with the Dublin VA
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Ensuring our veterans have the quality care they deserve has always been a top priority of mine. I had a virtual meeting with Interim Director Scott Reesman of the Carl Vinson VA in Dublin where we discussed feedback I am hearing from local veterans. Keeping open lines of communication between my office and the 12th District's VA hospitals allows us to better serve those who have bravely served our nation in uniform.
If you need assistance with federal issues such as Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office or visit my website by CLICKING HERE.
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This Week's Office Visitors
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As always, it was great to meet with several groups this week to talk about the issues that matter most to them.
Those pictured include: - Technical College System of Georgia
- National Onion Association
- SRS Community Reuse Organization
- Georgia Department of Transportation
- Augusta Canal Authority
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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
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I enjoyed seeing many familiar faces at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Thursday night! Our community is lucky to have so many dedicated leaders who commit their time and effort to fostering an environment for growth and opportunity. Thanks for having me!
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Screven County Farm Bureau Eggs 'n Issues
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I also traveled to Sylvania yesterday to attend the Screven County Farm Bureau Eggs 'n Issues breakfast where I gave an update on the Farm Bill and took a few questions.
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2024 Youth Leadership Summit
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REMINDER: This year's Youth Leadership Summit has been rescheduled for Monday, February 26, 2024. 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 and registration is now open for junior and senior high school students in Georgia's 12th District. Schools may send up to six students and two chaperones. Participants are encouraged to register on my website no later than Friday, February 9th.
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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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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
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