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President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill into law and I was honored to attend the White House signing ceremony with many of my colleagues.
**Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian and Andrea Hanks**
This five-year farm bill has been a work in progress since I was elected to Congress in 2014. After several years of negotiations, hearings, and a number of district-wide farm tours aimed at gathering input from those who are directly affected by this legislation, I can confidently say that we have delivered a new sense of certainty for rural America.
United States Department of Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue, also announced a proposed change to the waiver rule for able-bodied adults without dependents currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
I applaud Secretary Perdue and the Trump Administration for taking meaningful action to assist Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits in securing gainful employment, while also protecting our most vulnerable communities. With over seven million available jobs throughout the country, we must ensure that we provide able-bodied adults without dependents a pathway out of poverty to prosperity. The 2018 Farm Bill allowed the Administration more flexibility in SNAP policy, and I hope to see this new rule come to fruition in the near future so that we may get America back to work.
H.R. 3946, my legislation to rename the Statesboro VA Clinic after Sergeant Major Ray Hendrix, was also signed into law by President Trump.
I am thrilled that we were able to get this legislation across the finish line to officially rename this facility the “Ray Hendrix Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.” I have no doubt that Ray Hendrix’s name and legacy will live on for generations to come with the quality care that this clinic will continue to provide to our nation’s bravest.
The House passed S. 756, the First Step Act – historic legislation to reform our criminal justice system and it was signed into law today!
The First Step Act will help prisoners in their effort to return to society, find a good job, and reduce the risk of recidivism. By affording individuals with the dignity and respect that comes with a good job, we can effectively reduce the risk of further criminal behavior significantly and provide a new sense of hope for many families and communities throughout our nation.
The House voted to fund the government, the wall, and provide disaster assistance for communities affected by natural disasters—but the Senate has not yet finished voting on whether or not to move forward with our legislation.
As we wrap up the 115th Congress, I’d like to wish you and your family a very blessed and Christ-filled Christmas and Holiday season.
As we commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may we all find time to pray for those less fortunate, be thankful for our loved ones, and cherish the time we have together.
Share your thoughts with me! You can email me ⇒ HERE, contact any of our offices or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Sincerely,
Rick Allen
Member of Congress |
