Last week, I hosted a signing day ceremony to recognize several Georgia-12 students whose respective service academy nominations I was proud to sponsor. It is extremely gratifying to nominate such qualified young leaders from our district to usher in this new generation of servicemen. I am honored to show our support for these selfless young students whose commitment to service and our great nation is truly remarkable.

Georgia-12 students participating in the signing day ceremony included:

• Alexander Andrews, Coahulla Creek High School, United States Naval Academy
• Jack Godbee, Vidalia High School, United States Naval Academy
• Kai Agyemang from Lakeside High School, United States Air Force Academy
• Wyatt Spaulding, Greenbrier High School, United States Military Academy
• Bryce Reynierson, Augusta Christian High School, accepted to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School

Georgia-12 students unable to attend the signing day ceremony:

• John Epps, Lakeside High School, United States Air Force Academy
• Tyrone Miller, Carlucci American International High School, United States Military Academy
• Jack Gray, Greenbrier High School, United States Merchant Marine Academy

Driving Economic Competitiveness

Additionally, I introduced the Clean Air and Building Infrastructure Improvement Act, a necessary solution in response to the Biden-Harris Administration's harmful final rule for Fine Particulate Matter, otherwise known as PM 2.5 standards.

This legislation would repeal the economically devastating Biden-Harris PM 2.5 rule and modernize the standard and program for preconstruction permits. Without action, job creators and manufacturers in the 12th District will continue to face the consequences of the overly burdensome Biden rule. House Republicans are committed to eliminating unnecessary compliance and implementation requirements that harm our states, business communities, and economic development. 

Read more HERE.

Increasing Access to Care for Energy Workers

I also introduced the bipartisan Health Care for Energy Workers Act this week. Georgia's 12th District is home to thousands of energy workers employed at Plant Vogtle and the Savannah River Site, many of whom qualify under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) for their health care needs.

However, those who live in rural areas are often hours away from the nearest physician, highlighting the need for greater flexibility to ensure these beneficiaries receive the proper care. The Health Care for Energy Workers Act would update the EEOICPA to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to order care for current and former Department of Energy (DOE) workers who receive health care under this Department of Labor (DOL) program.

Read more HERE.

The Education and Workforce Committee advanced my legislation to protect Americans' hard-earned retirement savings from politically motivated mismanagement. H.R. 2988, the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act, seeks to codify that those who manage other people’s retirement savings under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) must prioritize maximizing returns for a secure retirement, rather than prioritizing political or social impacts through the use of risky ESG factors. Next stop: House floor!

Watch my remarks during the committee markup HERE.

REMINDER: With President Trump back in the White House, we are excited to add a new feature to the newsletter! Each week, I will highlight an executive action, announcement, rulemaking, bill signing, or any other activity from the Trump Administration to keep you well-informed on what's happening in Washington.

As I've said before, the world's leading sponsor of terrorism must never obtain a nuclear weapon. The Trump Administration's decision to move forward with a tactical strike against the Iranian regime's nuclear facilities was necessary and represents the United States' unapologetic support for our ally, Israel. 

President Trump directed one of the most complex and secretive military operations in history, and it was a resounding success, resulting in a ceasefire agreement and the conclusion of the Israel-Iran conflict. The United States and the world are far safer due to this decisive action from the administration.

As I have often said, the best way to achieve peace is through strength!

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 representatives from:

• Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia
• American Academy of Family Physicians
• National Association of Rural Health Clinics 

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Fall Internship Program 

Applications for our 2025 Fall Internship Program are open!

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 those interested should submit an application on my website by Monday, July 7th! Applications can be submitted HERE.

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.

###

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, X, and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress