One Big Beautiful Bill Signed into Law
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As I'm sure you've heard, on July 4th, 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, into law. Last November, the American people overwhelmingly elected President Donald Trump and gave Republicans control of the House and Senate. They did so—not for more of the same tired D.C. rhetoric—but for bold change and a renewed sense of confidence in what makes our nation great. H.R. 1 is more than a fulfilled promise—it is a return to policies that put American households, workers, job creators, businesses, veterans, and farmers first.
With President Trump’s signature on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, families will keep more of their hard-earned money, our borders will remain secure, the U.S. economy will thrive, workers will see higher wages, businesses will grow, and programs intended for our most vulnerable communities will be sustained and strengthened for future generations. Despite the misinformation and fearmongering tactics employed by House and Senate Democrats throughout this process, I am proud that House Republicans and the administration stood firm and got the job done.
As this legislation begins to take effect over the coming months and years, I look forward to the positive impact it will have on the 12th District, the state of Georgia, and the United States of America.
Check out my latest column in the Statesboro Herald correcting the record on some of the most egregious myths about H.R. 1. |
Funding U.S. Military Superiority
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House Republicans also passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026. This legislation serves as the vehicle to provide funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and funds critical programs regarding national security, military operations abroad, and the health and quality of life for those in the Armed Forces and their families.
The bill invests in America’s military superiority, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, protects America from threats at home and abroad, and takes care of our troops and their families. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026: - Champions America’s military superiority by:
- Enhancing investments in 5th and 6th generation aircraft.
- Allocating approximately $13 billion for missile defense and space programs to augment and integrate in support of the Golden Dome effort.
- Supporting our close ally Israel by providing $500 million for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Programs, and $122.5 million for U.S.-Israel cooperative development programs.
- Cares for our troops and their families by:
- Including an increase of 3.8% in basic pay for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
- Continuing historic pay increases enacted in Fiscal Year 2025 for junior enlisted servicemembers.
- Improving quality of life, readiness, and continuity for servicemembers by slowing permanent change of station moves, saving over $662 million.
- Shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense by:
- Prioritizing fiscal sanity and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse through codifying both the Department’s cooperation with DOGE and streamlined functions and management improvements at the Pentagon.
- Requiring detailed reporting on the Department’s proposed allocations and expenditures of reconciliation.
- Supports the Trump Administration and mandate from the American people by:
- Codifying President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by prohibiting funding for DEI efforts and Critical Race Theory.
- Amplifying President Trump’s executive action to restore readiness by prohibiting funding for sex-change surgeries.
- Advancing prohibitions on funding for abortion-related travel, drag queen shows, and COVID vaccine and mask mandates.
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Expedited Disaster Assistance Available for GA-12 Farmers
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Debby caused significant crop loss in the 12th District, and I am pleased that this congressionally approved funding, which I supported, is on its way to our farmers and producers.
Georgia’s agriculture and forestry industries were left reeling in Hurricane Helene’s wake, with approximately one-third of the state’s pecan and cotton crops destroyed, over 100 poultry houses damaged or destroyed, and 1.5 million acres of timber damaged or destroyed. I was proud to fight for this funding and encourage all eligible producers in the 12th District to apply as soon as possible.
For more information, CLICK HERE. |
ICYMI: Introducing the Employee Rights Act of 2025
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In case you missed it, I recently introduced the Employee Rights Act of 2025 (ERA).
The ERA represents the Republican vision for the future of the American workforce—promoting growth, freedom, and innovation—while also ensuring our laws protect workers and guarantee unions are acting in the best interest of union members. To rebuild a vibrant, pro-growth economy, Congress must empower workers to achieve the American Dream through a variety of innovative pathways, not limit their choices with burdensome regulations and policymaking.
To read the full bill text, CLICK HERE.
To read a one-pager on the bill, CLICK HERE. To read my opinion piece in the Washington Examiner, CLICK HERE. |
This Week's White House Highlight
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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.
This week, President Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law. I was proud to work with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee in advancing this bipartisan legislation and delivering it to President Trump's desk.
The HALT Fentanyl Act will help stop the flow of illicit fentanyl across our southern border by making the temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances permanent and ensuring law enforcement officers have the tools they need to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets.
We have all heard the heart-wrenching stories from families who have lost loved ones to illicit fentanyl. Now the law of the land, this bill will save countless lives and make our communities safer.
Watch my floor speech on the HALT Fentanyl Act HERE. |
This Week's Committee Activity
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Education and Workforce Committee
Full Committee Hearing:
"Antisemitism in Higher Education: Examining the Role of Faculty, Funding, and Ideology"
Antisemitism is a pervasive problem on college campuses across the United States. In order to better protect Jewish students and faculty and defend ideological freedom in America’s higher education system, it is essential to address some of the underlying factors fueling the alarming rise of antisemitism on campuses. Schools such as Georgetown, CUNY, and UC Berkeley have failed to address the drivers of antisemitism on campus, leading to surging antisemitism and hostility toward Jewish students, decreased ideological diversity, and diminished discourse. I asked our witnesses about the disciplinary actions they have taken in response to rampant antisemtic activity. Their responses were abysmal.
Watch my remarks 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 representatives from: - Georgia Southern University
- Savannah River Mission Completion
- Boys & Girls Club of America
- CURE Childhood Cancer
- Georgia Corn Growers Association
- Georgia FFA
- Georgia Association of Manufacturers
- Walton Rehabilitation Hospital
- American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association
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Follow me on Social Media!
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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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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 |
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