It’s been a great week in Washington, starting with President Trump’s powerful State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress. He highlighted the great American comeback, including our booming economy and strong military. He also made a commitment to work with Congress on important issues like securing our border, lowering prescription drug prices and expanding educational options to help students succeed.
Unfortunately Nancy Pelosi ended the night by ripping the President’s speech. This is unbecoming of someone who serves as Speaker of the People’s House. That’s why I proudly cosponsored H. Res. 832, a privileged resolution strongly disapproving of Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her behavior. But of course House Democrats blocked the resolution from getting a vote on the House Floor.
Despite Pelosi’s theatrics, it is undeniable that the State of our Union is strong. I hope Democrats are willing to work with President Trump and Republicans in Congress so we can accomplish even more on behalf of the American people.
President Trump is acquitted.
The Senate upheld the Constitution by voting to acquit President Trump of the impeachment articles sent over by the House Democrats. Now that this partisan impeachment sham is over it’s time to do our jobs and legislate.
Fighting for the Right to Work
Congressman Rick W. Allen speaks in opposition to the PRO Act.
The House voted on a radical bill, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which benefits union leaders at the expense of American workers. It included language that would outright ban states’ ability to enact Right-to-Work laws. I offered an amendment that would protect states’ Right-to-Work laws, which have been successful all over the country including in Georgia. Americans should not be forced to pay mandatory union dues for representation or political activities they may not agree with. Unfortunately Democrats rejected my amendment and the bill passed.
Supporting early childhood care and education programs.
The House Education and Labor K-12 Subcommittee, where I serve as the Senior Republican, held a hearing on child care in America. I discussed how we can support parents, children and the economy by empowering states to lead the way in offering early childhood care and education programs.
AgSouth Farm Credit
Thanks to AgSouth Farm Credit for providing me with an update and discussing how we can better serve Georgia farmers.
Pulp and Paperworkers' Resource Council
I appreciate PPRC members, including from Georgia’s 12th District, for meeting with me to discuss issues affecting jobs in the Forest Products Industry.
Augusta Canal Authority
Executive Director Dayton Sherrouse provided me with an update on the great work the Augusta Canal Authority is accomplishing in downtown Augusta, and we discussed the ongoing issue with the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.
Georgia Municipal Association
Members of the Georgia Municipal League, including Mayor Phil Best of Dublin, stopped by to talk about issues impacting local government. Their insights are invaluable and I am grateful for their time.
Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber
It was great to be in Swainsboro and join members for Eggs and Issues, where I had the opportunity to give a legislative update on issues important to Georgia’s 12th.
During the State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the sacrifices those who serve our country in uniform make in order to keep America safe. Some pay the ultimate sacrifice, and some return home with wounds – including those that are invisible.
As many as 11 to 20% of veterans who return from combat are estimated to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and every day, on average, 20 veterans die from suicide. That is why I am a cosponsor of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act, H.R. 4305. The bill would create a pilot program within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans with post-deployment mental health disorders by pairing them with dogs to train as service animals. I’m proud to say that this week the House passed the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act with unanimous support, and it will now go to the Senate for further action.
Do you have a bill that you would like to see highlighted or that you would like me to support? 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 |
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