Voting to Reopen the Federal Government
|
On Wednesday evening, I voted to fund the government...again. The unnecessary shutdown was about nothing more than politics. Democrats could have cut this funding deal over 40 days ago. Instead, they repeatedly voted to hold the government hostage—using families, service members, federal workers, and veterans as political 'leverage' in the longest government shutdown in American history.
After six weeks of obstruction, I am pleased that a handful of Senate Democrats finally came to their senses and listened to millions of hardworking Americans. Yet, the Chuck Schumer-created political charade dragged on for far too long with the support of Georgia's two Senators and nearly every House Democrat—causing untold pain and lasting consequences. President Trump signed the bill to officially turn the page on this national nightmare, and your federal government is now open.
|
On Tuesday, I was honored to attend the Augusta University Veterans Day Celebration to honor the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform.
Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication serve as a steady reminder that freedom is never free. To all veterans—thank you for your service, your strength, and your unwavering devotion to our country. We are forever grateful.
|
Discussing Entrepreneurship in the CSRA
|
I also enjoyed participating in a fireside chat at theClubhou.se in Augusta for the Startup Champions Network Fall Summit.
We had a great discussion about entrepreneurship, workforce development, job creation, and Georgia’s pro-growth, pro-business economy. I also highlighted the Startup Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced, which would expand access to programs offering training and resources to individuals seeking to start their own businesses.
A big thank you to Eric Parker for hosting yet another successful event bringing together creative minds from across the globe.
|
Welcoming Augusta University Students to D.C.
|
I welcomed a group of students from Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia to Washington, D.C., who received a tour of the U.S. Capitol from my office. If you are traveling to our nation's capital in the near future and would like to arrange tours of popular attractions, please complete our tour request form HERE.
|
Accepting Applications for the 2026 Spring Internship Program
|
Applications for the 2026 paid Spring Internship Program in Washington, D.C. are available.
Our paid Internship Program offers the opportunity for college students and young professionals to learn firsthand how the U.S. government and legislative process operate. Applicable candidates will cover a range of responsibilities critical to the success of a Congressional Office, such as constituent outreach, answering phone calls, legislative writing, attending policy briefings and hearings, and much more.
Those interested can apply HERE.
|
As always, it was great to meet with several groups and individuals to discuss the issues that matter most to them.
Those pictured include representatives from: - Farm Credit Council
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Miss Georgia Audrey Kittila
- Yellowstone Landscape Augusta
|
This Week's White House Highlight
|
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, First Lady Melania Trump successfully organized a new Executive Order entitled, "Fostering the Future for American Children and Families."
Under the First Lady's leadership, this unprecedented presidential order unites federal resources with innovative public- and private-sector partnerships to provide more pathways to success for young people who have experienced foster care.
The Executive Order on Fostering the Future for American Children and Families contains the following provisions: - Fostering the Future Pledge & Future Commitments: Establishes a Fostering the Future program to secure government, private-industry, nonprofit, and academic partners’ commitments for new educational and employment pathways for youth transitioning out of foster care;
- Online Resource and Planning Hub: Authorizes the creation of a Fostering the Future online platform for current and former foster youth to develop customized plans for their self-sufficiency and success by connecting them with critical resources;
- Increased Access to Federal Support: Increases access to Education and Training Vouchers and federal grants to support more time-limited and credentialed programs that promote educational success, workforce advancement, and financial literacy for young people transitioning out of care; and
- Expanded Educational Opportunities: Expands educational opportunities by facilitating state use of scholarship programs funded by tax-credited donations to scholarship-granting organizations for children in foster care.
|
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.
###
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
|
|