Neighbor,

As you know, a government shutdown began at 12:00 AM on Wednesday, October 1st, after funding authorization for the federal government expired. Last month, I voted to avoid this situation and extend funding through November 21st with a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR). House Republicans did our work to keep the government open. Unfortunately, Democrats are demanding that $1.5 trillion in deficit spending be inserted into the bill, and continue to vote against the clean funding extension—leading to its failure in the Senate SIX times, which requires 60 votes for passage.

Keep in mind, this is the same funding extension that Democrats supported in March of this year and 13 times under President Biden.

I am working for a solution that cuts wasteful spending, keeps our country safe, and promotes the best interests of hardworking men and women in Georgia. However, I understand this shutdown is presenting serious challenges for families and communities across the 12th District:

If our Senators do not act and continue to back this Chuck Schumer-orchestrated political charade—servicemembers, TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and federal employees are set to miss their next paycheck, states are staring down an economic slowdown, and layoffs could be imminent.

I agree with the overwhelming majority of Americans who want Democrats to end their disastrous government shutdown, according to a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll: 

Democrats’ failure to fund the government is disproportionately affecting America’s servicemembers and their families, including those at Fort Gordon and across the state of Georgia. All military personnel on active duty, including National Guard and Reservists on federal orders, must continue to report for duty and carry out assigned orders. However, these 2 million servicemembers will be forced to work without pay until the government is funded.

Forcing servicemembers to work without pay means many families are losing their only source of income. The clean, House-passed CR, which Senate Democrats refuse to support, would have ensured our servicemembers do not miss a paycheck.

My Offices in Washington, D.C., Augusta, Statesboro, and Dublin remain open:

My staff will continue to answer your phone calls, handle constituent correspondence, and process casework. My team and I will not be able to process flag orders or arrange tours of the United States Capitol and other landmarks for constituents visiting Washington, D.C. If you are traveling to D.C. during this time, my office will be open to visitors. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. 

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Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress