Press Releases

Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) tonight released the following statement after attending President Joe Biden’s 2022 State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress:

“Tonight’s address was uninspiring -- the American People need more than pandering. If President Biden has suddenly realized the need to secure our border and support our law enforcement, he should have laid out concrete plans to build the wall—or at the very least enforce the laws on the books. Actions speak louder than words, and we must continue to work on solutions to address the inflation, supply chain, border, crime, and national security crises impacting families every day.

“Perhaps the biggest disappointment of tonight’s speech was Biden’s refusal to restore American energy independence. While Putin continues his unjustified attacks against the sovereign nation of Ukraine, the sanctions levied so far largely exempt Russia’s energy sector and we must target it more aggressively. We know that when the world isn’t buying Russian oil, Putin’s profits will be depleted and halt his war financing. We must spur domestic oil production and reopen American pipelines, which will not only boost our economy, but make the world less reliant on malign actors.

“While the state of our union is in self-imposed crisis due to failed policies, and our national security is at stake, watching the brave and courageous Ukrainians fight for their sovereignty should serve as a reminder of how precious freedom is, and that we must work every day to secure it for future generations. When America is strong, the world is safer.”

Background:

Yesterday, Congressman Allen led a letter, signed by over 40 members of Congress, to Biden urging him to include in his speech a strong commitment to rebuild American energy independence by reopening the Keystone XL pipeline and spurring domestic oil production.