State of the Union Address
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On Thursday, I attended President Biden's State of the Union Address. I am disappointed that the speech was out of touch with what is on the minds of the American people. President Biden placed blame and shirked responsibility for his self-inflicted border crisis. He took an unwarranted victory lap on the economy when Bidenflation remains a concern for American families. He was more focused on giving a partisan campaign speech than addressing his disastrous foreign policy failures that have emboldened our adversaries.
The State of our Union is headed in the wrong direction, and it is past time to reverse course. The President could take many actions right now with the stroke of a pen to return our country to prosperity, but I remain doubtful he will do so. In the meantime, the House of Representatives will remain a check and balance to President Biden’s misguided policies.
Read my full statement HERE. |
Passing the Laken Riley Act
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The House of Representatives passed H.R. 7511, the Laken Riley Act, with bipartisan support. H.R. 7511 requires the detention of illegal aliens who commit theft and mandates U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) to take them into custody. It also allows states to sue the Federal government for not enforcing border laws, particularly in the case of parole.
Not only is the suspect in Laken Riley’s tragic death here illegally, but he also has a criminal record that includes shoplifting in Athens-Clarke County. Allowing this criminal to freely roam our communities was absolutely unacceptable. Robin and I continue to join our fellow Georgians and the nation in praying for Laken’s family and loved ones. She will not be forgotten.
Watch my remarks on the House floor HERE. |
Celebrating Read Across America Week
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Earlier this week, I visited Lake Forest Hills Elementary School in Augusta, where I had the opportunity to read to first graders in celebration of Read Across America Week, recognized as the largest celebration of reading in America!
We know that children who are reading capably by the third grade are more likely to lead successful lives, underscoring the necessity of intervening early and instilling a love for reading. Thanks for having me! |
I had the opportunity to visit the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta where I met with Governor Brian Kemp, Speaker of the House Jon Burns, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, and Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. I also delivered brief remarks to the Georgia Senate. I am thankful to all of our state leaders for their service and dedication to promoting pro-growth policies that have made Georgia the best state to live, work, and do business for ten years running! |
Overturning Biden's Harmful PM 2.5 Standards
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I introduced H.J. Res. 117, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, along with Representatives Jim Baird (IN-04) and Ben Cline (VA-06), to nullify the Biden Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) final rule for Fine Particulate Matter, otherwise known as PM 2.5 standards. The CRA enables Congress to nullify the final rule within 60 days of its publication and prevents the agency from issuing a “substantially similar” rule in the future unless authorized by Congress.
With over forty years of experience starting and operating my own construction business, I am all too familiar with heavy-handed, top-down regulations that often place unnecessary compliance and implementation burdens on states and the business community. The EPA’s final rule and rushed process to revise the current fine particulate matter standards is simply unworkable and will have disastrous impacts on manufacturers and job creation nationwide.
I also participated in an Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee markup where we advanced draft legislation that improves the NAAQS setting process. Watch my remarks during the markup HERE.
Read my full statement on the introduction of H.J. Res. 117 HERE. |
Promote Resilient Connectivity to Taiwan Act
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I also introduced H.R. 7578, the Promote Resilient Connectivity to Taiwan Act, with Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). This bipartisan legislation would direct the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) to submit a report to Congress containing an assessment of technologies available to increase the security and resiliency of the communications networks of Taiwan.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a significant economic and military security threat. The CCP’s attacks on the communications networks of Taiwan, including reports of Chinese ships cutting the island’s internet cables, cannot be met with complacency. I am proud to partner with Representative Gluesenkamp Perez in introducing H.R. 7578 to ensure the integrity of Taiwan’s critical networks, allowing for reliable and secure communication. This is not only about the national security of Taiwan, but also that of the United States as we continue to combat the CCP’s rogue regime. |
Additional Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Full Committee Markup
H.R. 7521, Prohibition of Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act H.R. 7520, Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024
The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced two bipartisan bills, with my support, to protect American data and national security from foreign adversaries. H.R. 7521 would protect Americans and prevent foreign adversaries, such as China, from targeting, surveilling, and manipulating the American people through online applications like TikTok. This is NOT a ban. The legislation requires applications to cut ties with adversaries within 180 days of enactment to be able to continue operating in the United States. H.R. 7520 would prohibit data brokers from selling United States citizens' sensitive information to foreign adversaries, such as China, and the companies they control. |
Warren County Chamber of Commerce Staff Appreciation Lunch
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I recently attended the Warren County Chamber of Commerce Staff Appreciation Lunch where I read and presented a letter of appreciation to this year's Staff Professional of the Year, Amanda Wilkerson. It was terrific to spend time with members of the community to celebrate all who make our area special. |
I recently had the chance to welcome students and educators from Statesboro to the U.S. Capitol Building! If you are visiting Washington D.C. in the near future, please do not hesitate to stop by or reach out to my office for help scheduling tours of popular D.C. attractions!
If you'd like to schedule tours through my office, visit my website HERE. |
Congressional Art Competition
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I recently announced the 2024 Congressional Art Competition is underway! Every year, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school arts competition. This contest is open to all high school students (9th – 12th grade) in Georgia’s 12th District. The winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and its student artist will receive an invitation to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the national winners’ reception.
The Congressional Art Competition is a special tradition that provides high school students the opportunity to display their art for the country to see. I look forward to seeing submissions from our young artists in Georgia’s 12th District, and encourage all interested high school students to participate.
To find out more information about the rules and drop-off locations click HERE. |
March Community Office Hours
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Problems with a federal agency? My staff is here to help. I recently announced March Community Office Hours.
Throughout the month of March, members of my staff will be available in Burke, Candler, Columbia, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lincoln, McDuffie, Montgomery, Screven, Tattnall, Treutlen, Warren, Washington, Wheeler, and Wilkes counties to assist constituents closer to home with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies like Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others.
For the full list of dates, times, and locations, CLICK HERE. |
Seeking Applicants: 2024 Summer Internship Program
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REMINDER: 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. |
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: - US Peanut Commission/Southern Cotton Growers
- Georgia Credit Union Association
- Georgia Association of Broadcasters
- Golden Harvest Food Bank
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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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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