Press Releases

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) was joined by Representatives Joe Wilson (SC-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), Earl "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), and Brian Jack (GA-03) in sending a letter to the Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Department of War, urging that changes to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon be halted immediately. 

In the letter, Congressman Allen and the members write: "We are writing to share our strong opposition to the proposal by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to downgrade the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon to an ambulatory care center... While DHA has notified Congress about the proposed changes, it is required by law that DHA submit a report to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on the proposed plans to restructure EAMC and Congress has 180 days to review the proposal before any changes are made."

The members continue: "It is very concerning that DHA has circumvented the law and has proceeded to downsize the EAMC based on a previous administration’s plan to address their recruiting failures and lack of investment in the men and women of the military... Under these new circumstances, we urge DHA to reconsider the changes made at EAMC and to halt any further actions, with respect to delivery of care and staffing until Congress has assessed the plan."

The members conclude: "While our servicemembers and their families are our priority, there are real national security concerns sending servicemembers into the civilian healthcare system... We are grateful to represent servicemembers and their families who face unique and complex needs due to their service. Again, we urge DHA to follow the letter of the law and halt any further changes to EAMC."

BACKGROUND: On January 20, 2026, Congressman Allen sent a letter to the Honorable David J. Smith, M.D., Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency, seeking answers about potential changes in the scope of services provided at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon.

To read the full letter to Secretary Hegseth, click here.