Expanding Access and Affordability in Employer-Sponsored Health Care
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This week, I chaired my first Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee hearing of the 119th Congress, which focused on expanding access and affordability in employer-sponsored health care.
As a small business owner, I've seen firsthand that investing in my employees' health pays long-term dividends. That's why so many small businesses across America, despite not being required to, choose to offer health coverage to attract and retain top talent. But unfortunately, rising costs and federal red tape are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to offer competitive health care benefits to their employees.
During this hearing, we examined commonsense solutions to give small businesses the flexibility to expand access and affordability in their health care offerings.
Watch my opening statement by clicking here or the image above. Read here. Watch my line of questioning by clicking here. Read a full hearing recap by clicking here. |
Introducing the FUTURE Networks Act
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6G is the future of telecommunications, and we must ensure that the United States is a global leader in this emerging technology—which is critical to our economic and national security.
That is why I recently introduced the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act, bipartisan legislation that directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 6G Task Force. In doing so, we can bring together America’s brightest industry leaders, stakeholders, and innovators to collaborate on the future deployment of 6G and strengthen our wireless networks.
As Vice Chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, I will continue to prioritize efforts in Congress that give the United States a competitive edge in next-generation communications. |
Our Southern Border is SECURED
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For four years, the American people watched in frustration as the Biden-Harris Administration's open-border policies fueled the worst border crisis in our nation's history. Under President Trump, that crisis has been met with strong, decisive action and the results speak for themselves.
In March alone, Border Patrol agents encountered just 7,181 illegal immigrants at the southern border, a record low. That's a 94% decrease from March last year and a 96% drop compared to March 2023.
Even the Los Angeles Times stated that "migrant crossings have slowed to a near halt," a clear sign that President Trump's border security policies are working. |
March Jobs Report Shatters Expectations
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The U.S. economy added 228,000 jobs in March, blowing market expectations out of the water which came in at 140,000. President Trump's pro-growth policies are reigniting the American economy! - Second straight month of exceeding market expectations
- Fourth-highest month for private payroll growth in the past two years
- Private employment grew by 209,000 jobs
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Direct Payments Available for Producers in the 12th District
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REMINDER: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced up to $10 billion in direct payments to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), these payments are designed to help mitigate the impacts of rising input costs and declining commodity prices.
This emergency assistance is intended to pay down debt associated with the 2024 crop to allow our producers to more easily obtain financing for the 2025 crop year. I was proud to vote in support of this funding to help producers in the 12th District overcome difficult headwinds and economic conditions.
Producer Eligibility: - Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form.
- Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline.
- Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.
Applying for ECAP: - Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025.
- Only one application is required for all ECAP-eligible commodities nationwide.
- ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax, or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.
- If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.
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Congratulations to Carla Bernat Escuder
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Congratulations to this year's winner of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, Carla Bernat Escuder. With a clutch par on 18 to secure the win by one stroke, Carla showed tremendous poise and determination down the stretch on one of golf's toughest and most prestigious courses. Amazing performance! |
This Week's White House Highlight
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REMINDER: With President Trump back in the White House, we are excited to add a new feature to the newsletter! Each week, I will highlight an executive action, announcement, rulemaking, bill signing, or any other activity from the Trump Administration to keep you well-informed on what's happening in Washington.
This week, President Trump signed an executive order implementing the United States' "reciprocal tariff" policy. Studies have repeatedly shown tariffs are an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives — just as they did during President Trump’s first term.
While this announcement may cause short-term economic impacts, I believe the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary disturbances. Ultimately, President Trump is undoing decades of unfair trade practices and putting American workers, businesses, and manufacturers FIRST. These reciprocal tariffs are simply leveling the playing field and will help ensure the U.S. is no longer on the losing end of global trade. |
2025 Congressional Art Competition
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DEADLINE APPROACHING: The deadline to submit a piece of art for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition is quickly approaching!
Every year, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition. This contest is open to all high school students (9th – 12th grade) in Georgia’s 12th District. The winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and its student artist will receive an invitation to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the national winners’ reception.
I look forward to seeing this year's submissions from our young artists in Georgia’s 12th District. Read more HERE. |
This Week's Office Visitors
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As always, it was great to meet with several groups this week to talk about the issues that matter most to them.
Those pictured include representatives from: - Savannah River National Lab
- Savannah River Mission Completion
- Young Georgia Farmers and Ranchers
- CleanSpark
- Georgia Beverage Association
- American Association of Colleges and Nursing
- Paper Recycling Coalition
- American Student Dental Association
- Fraternal Government Relations Coalition
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Follow me on Social Media!
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Social media is a great way to stay connected and I encourage you to keep up with my work in Congress by ‘liking’ my Facebook page and following me on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
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As always, my office is here to help. If you'd like to email me, please click here.
To contact one of our district offices, please click here.
To stay informed about what is happening in Washington D.C. and in our district, please follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Sincerely,
Rick Allen
Member of Congress |
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