Returning to Normalcy

Congressman Allen's e-Newsletter

Returning to Normalcy

After three years, the American people are eager to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind us. However, President Biden and Washington Democrats have clung to emergency declarations in an attempt to increase the size and scope of the federal government.

House Republicans promised to take decisive action to end the Biden administration's overreaching COVID-19 policies. This week, we passed several pieces of legislation fulfilling that promise.

H.R. 382, the Pandemic is Over Act, would terminate the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency that was first declared on January 31, 2020.

H.J. Res 7 would terminate the National Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

H.R. 497, the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act, would eliminate President Biden’s vaccine mandate on health care workers.

H.R. 139, the SHOW UP Act, would restore government accountability by requiring federal agencies to return to pre-pandemic telework policies within 30 days.

Empowering America's Entrepreneurs

This week, I introduced the bipartisan Startup Act with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), legislation that would support American entrepreneurs by expanding access to programs that offer training and resources to individuals seeking to start their own business.

The Startup Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, inserting language to incorporate entrepreneurial skills development training into the current system.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct a three-year, multi-state study to review the outcomes of these programs and report its findings to Congress.

Read more from the Washington Times here.

Click here to listen to my full remarks on the House Floor.

Expanding Telehealth Access

I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues this week in introducing the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act.

This important legislation would enable employers to offer standalone telehealth benefits to all their employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, which will empower more Americans to connect with health care providers from home and on their own schedules. I am glad that both parties recognize the value of telehealth services – particularly for workers living in rural communities – and I look forward to keeping you updated on the bill’s status moving forward.

This Week's Committee Activity

Energy and Commerce

Full Committee Hearing

"American Energy Expansion: Strengthening Economic, Environmental, and National Security"

The House Energy and Commerce Committee held its first hearing on American energy expansion where we discussed how our energy policies affect the economy as well as our national security, and how we can become energy dominant again.

Click here to listen to my full remarks.

Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce Hearing

"Economic Danger Zone: How America Competes to Win the Future vs. China"

I also participated in a subcommittee hearing to examine the threat China poses to our cybersecurity and outline the steps Congress can take to counter the Chinese Communist Party's malign influence.

Click here to listen to my full remarks.

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing

"Launching Into the State of the Satellite Marketplace"

On Thursday, I participated in a subcommittee hearing on satellite technology and the importance of strengthening American leadership in next-generation satellite communications technology.

Click here to listen to my full remarks.

Attending the National Prayer Breakfast

Robin and I were honored to attend the 71st National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning and be part of this great, bipartisan tradition highlighting the power of prayer.

I also had the privilege of offering a prayer at the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance at the Museum of the Bible.

This Week's Office Visitors

I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives from the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia to discuss reigniting American energy independence.

I also met with the Community Advocacy Data Coalition Association (CADCA) to discuss federal efforts to curb substance abuse such as the Drug-Free Communities program.

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As always, my office is here to help. If you'd like to email me, please click here.

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Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress