Lock and Dam Legislative Fix Signed into Law!

Congressman Allen's E-Newsletter:

Lock and Dam Legislative Fix SIGNED INTO LAW!

BIG NEWS: In a monumental victory for East Georgia and the CSRA, the 2024 Water Resources Development Act has been signed into law!

This bill includes language that authorizes a full repair of the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and requires the pool level to be maintained at 114.5 feet. I’d like to thank all those who have worked tirelessly on this issue, my colleagues like Rep. Joe Wilson who helped push for these changes for so long, Rep. Mike Collins for introducing the amendment in Committee for this year’s bill, and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and Subcommittee Chair David Rouzer for insisting this language stay in the final bill. It was my honor to take on this fight for the folks who call Georgia-12 and the CSRA home.

Read my full statement HERE.

Sworn in for the 119th Congress

I was honored to take the oath of office last week and renew my commitment to serving the residents of Georgia's 12th District. The House and Senate Republican majorities and President Trump's Administration have been given a clear mandate from the American people to restore policies that put America first.

We will be laser-focused on securing our border, unleashing American energy dominance, supporting our farmers and producers, and rebuilding a booming economy that will curb inflation, lower costs, and empower hardworking families. I look forward to the days ahead and am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve the 12th District in the halls of Congress.

Mike Johnson Elected Speaker of the House

I was also proud to support Mike Johnson (R-LA) for Speaker of the House. Mike is a dear friend, man of faith, and principled leader who has successfully guided the Republican conference with a slim majority—an exceedingly difficult task in today's political climate. I agree with President Trump that Speaker Johnson has proven he is the right man for the job, and I am confident he will continue to deliver conservative victories in the 119th Congress. We have no time to waste and must immediately get to work on enacting President Trump's America First agenda.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of President Jimmy Carter

This week, I joined the nation in saying goodbye to the 39th President of the United States, James Earl Carter Jr. President Carter was a devoted father, loving husband, decorated patriot, and proof that public service does not end with elected office. I paid tribute to President Carter as he lied in state in the U.S. Capitol and also attended his funeral service at the National Cathedral. Please join Robin and me in continuing to pray for the entire Carter family.

Deterring Illegal Immigration with our First Legislative Measure of the 119th Congress

In a bipartisan manner, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act. H.R. 29 requires U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft offenses and mandates that these illegal aliens are detained until they are removed from the country.

It also ensures states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law. I co-introduced the Laken Riley Act at the start of the 119th Congress following last year's tragic death of Laken Hope Riley at the hands of an illegal alien whose prior criminal record included shoplifting in Athens-Clarke County.

Serving as Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee

I was selected by my colleagues to serve as the Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for the 119th Congress. We have much work to do over the next two years, including promoting the great work that is sure to come from the Trump Administration.

I look forward to leading efforts, alongside Subcommittee Chair Richard Hudson (R-NC), to reauthorize the FCC’s spectrum auction authority, enact broadband permitting reform, reform Section 230, combat robocalls, and protect our communications infrastructure. Additionally, as many communities in Georgia continue to face significant challenges with connectivity and reliable broadband access, we will prioritize efforts to bridge the digital divide in rural America.

Re-Introducing the American Science First Act

We know all too well that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will stop at nothing to undermine America's competitive edge. That's why I re-introduced the American Science First Act. This legislation would close loopholes in federal research funding the CCP could otherwise exploit to finance their own research at the expense of the American taxpayer. Specifically, the bill would prohibit the National Science Foundation (NSF) from authorizing grant funds to any individual or entity that is affiliated or has a relationship with a Chinese military company.

There is absolutely no excuse for the NSF—funded by U.S. taxpayers—to authorize federal grants to any individual or entity with ties to the CCP. Under President Trump's leadership, I am hopeful we can move this bill through the legislative process to protect our intellectual property and ensure America continues to lead on the world stage. Read more HERE.

Follow me on Social Media!

Social media is a great way to stay connected and I encourage you to keep up with my work in Congress by ‘liking’ my Facebook page and following me on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

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Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress