House passed H.R. 1301, the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act for FY2017. This legislation secures funding for the DoD, provides for key readiness programs, including cyber defense, and a 2.1 percent pay raise for the troops.

I am always proud to vote for legislation that takes care of those who take care of us and ensure our nation’s safety and security. In addition to supporting counterterrorism efforts, and providing our forces with essential training equipment and necessary updates, this appropriations bill allows us to maintain our technological edge. Read more HERE.

What does this mean for our area? To put it simply, it gives Fort Gordon the ability to carry out its mission to establish a 21^st Century Military to field the threats of our time and beyond in the ever-changing cyber world in which we live. I stand ready to assist in ensuring Congress does its part to allow these forces to achieve Full Operating Capability on schedule.  

I caught up with WJBF to further discuss the tangible effects this legislation will have on our community. Click below to watch.

Click HERE to watch Rep. Rick Allen's Interview

The fate of Obamacare was left up to Americans who spoke loud and clear in November. House Republicans are on a mission to rescue folks from the binds of our failing health care system.

Did you know that according to the Joint Economic Committee, 90% of counties in Georgia have two or fewer insurers on the Obamacare Exchanges? Most counties in GA-12 only have one insurance provider-- not much of a choice if you ask me. Not to mention, all individual market plans in Georgia are expected to increase by an average of 27% this year.

Republicans on Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the American Health Care Act. This legislation is part of the House Republican agenda to bring Obamacare relief to Americans. I have always said my goal is to restore patient-centered, cost-effective and market-driven solutions to our health care system. Standing by this goal, the introduction of the American Health Care Act is the next needed step in the repeal and replacement process. Click HERE to read the bill text.

Where is the status of this legislation?  The American Health Care Act was reported out of the two committees. The next major step will be a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I am still reviewing this bill to determine what is right for Georgians of the 12^th District. I can tell you, though, Americans deserve better than Obamacare—plain and simple.  Click HERE to read more.

•  College students and young professionals-- interested in a congressional internship? My office is now accepting applications for our 2017 Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC. Applications need to be submitted online HERE and must be submitted by March 31, 2017. Questions? Contact Carlton in my office at 202.225.2823.
• Community Office Hours are happening now! Click HERE to find out when members of my staff will be in your neighborhood to assist one-on-one with federal issues you may be having.
• Please be sure to sign up for my telephone town halls. Register your information HERE to receive all future calls from me.