CONGRESSMAN ALLEN'S E-NEWSLETTER |
$13 Million for Veterans Cemetery in Augusta Officially Awarded
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BIG NEWS: Funding for the long-awaited veterans cemetery in Augusta has now been officially awarded to the State of Georgia. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) officially awarded a grant of up to $13,610,908 to the State of Georgia for the establishment of the Georgia Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.
To our veterans and their families in the CSRA and surrounding communities: the tireless work that has brought us to this point is for you. I am proud to have played my part at the federal level in delivering over $13 million for this project and I look forward to officially breaking ground as soon as possible. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Former Augusta Mayor Bob Young and Augusta Commissioner Don Clark for their relentless efforts in making this possible.
Read more HERE. |
Securing a Prosperous Retirement
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This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2403, the Retire through Ownership Act, which would provide legal and regulatory clarity in the formation of new Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). As Chairman of the Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, I introduced the House version of this bill last year.
One of the many lessons I learned over my decades-long career as a small business owner is that true success is measured by the success of your employees. ESOPs are a valuable tool to build wealth for retirement and give employees an ownership stake in their employer. The Retire through Ownership Act will help eliminate the regulatory ambiguity and unnecessary risks these plans often face while providing a clear framework for valuing employer stock.
I am proud that this bipartisan, bicameral bill is one step closer to the finish line as we continue to advance policies that ensure more Americans can enjoy a secure retirement.
Read more about my bill HERE. Watch my remarks on the House floor HERE. |
Holding Russia and Iran Accountable
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America must continue to stand strong against hostile foreign regimes that threaten our national security and global stability. Russia and Iran have repeatedly worked to undermine American interests and destabilize our allies around the world.
The House also passed the Senate amendments to H.R. 5334, which includes the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026—presenting new sanctions against Russia and extends the Iran Sanctions Act through 2031.
The United States must use every available tool to hold these regimes accountable. This legislation will strengthen sanctions against the Russian government, financial institutions, and those supporting Russia’s military in its unjust war on Ukraine. It would also increase pressure on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas or help Russia evade sanctions, while restricting new U.S. investment in Russia. Easy yes vote. |
Deadline Approaching for Military Academy Nominations
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It is a distinct privilege of mine to be able to nominate a limited number of young people from the 12th District of Georgia to attend four of the five Service Academies.
To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must meet the eligibility requirements and be nominated by an authorized person, including a member of the United States House of Representatives or United States Senate.
To apply for a nomination to a service academy through my office, please do so by Friday, October, 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM. More information can be found HERE. |
September Community Office Hours
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September Community Office Hours are underway! During these events, members of my staff will be available to assist constituents with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others.
If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, our dedicated caseworkers stand ready to help you. Reminder: these office hours are not held in counties where I have a permanent office. For more details, visit my website. |
This Week's Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Energy hearing:
"Nuclear Spent Fuel Policy: Examining Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses"
As we work to expand nuclear energy capabilities in the United States, it's imperative that we address the management of spent nuclear fuel. During this hearing, I asked our witnesses about the Department of Energy's is work to modernize our fuel cycle.
Panel 1: Watch my remarks HERE. Panel 2: Watch my remarks HERE.
Full committee markup:
The committee advanced 16 bills to enhance American technological development and strengthen communications networks: H.R. 10170, Memory Chip Competitiveness Assessment Act H.R. 10158, Automotive National and Economic Security Act of 2026 H.R. 6832, Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025 H.R. 7502, Recycled Materials Attribution Act H.R. 9385, PROTECT USA Act of 2026 H.R. 10152, Open-Source AI Leadership Act H.R. 6207, Chip EQUIP Act H.R. 10163, American Quantum Competitiveness Act H.R. 7945, Nitrous Oxide Safety Act of 2026 H.R. 2713, Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act H.R. 5967, Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act H.R. 8255, the Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act H.R. 7294, AI for Secure Networks Act H.R. 6152, Foreign Robocall Elimination Act H.R. 2805, PLAN for Broadband Act H.R. 4950, Data BRIDGE Act
Education and Workforce
Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing:
"Out of Touch: When Union Politics Leave Workers Behind"
Unions exist to represent workers—not push a political agenda. I chaired a hearing of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions to examine whether union leaders have lost sight of that job and are putting their own politics and priorities ahead of the workers they represent.
Read my opening statement HERE. Watch my line of questioning HERE. Read a hearing recap HERE. |
This Week's White House Highlight
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), recently announced awards to 132 hospitals totaling nearly $25 million through the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to help eligible small rural hospitals maintain their medical workforce, sustain essential healthcare services, and strengthen access to care for the communities they serve across 13 states.
I am proud to announce that Burke Health in Waynesboro, Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro, Evans Memorial Hospital in Claxton, Jefferson Hospital in Louisville, Piedmont McDuffie Hospital in Thomson, and Washington County Regional Medical Center in Sandersville have been awarded funding through this historic grant announcement!
This funding was made available by passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which I proudly supported on the House floor.
Read more HERE. |
This Week's Office Visitors
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As always, it was great to meet with several groups and visitors to talk about the issues that matter most to them. - Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Georgia Automobile Dealers Association
- National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research
- Georgia Credit Union Association
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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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