Helping America's Farmers

In 2020, COVID-19-related travel restrictions led to unprecedented uncertainty in the H-2A visa program, which allows agriculture employers to hire temporary workers during critical planting and harvesting seasons. Our farmers rely on this program, but too often unnecessary delays in the application process and overall neglect of the program hurt the very people that the program was designed to help – our agriculture producers who provide our nation’s food security. These delays put the continuity of our food supply chain at risk, and we cannot let this happen ever again.

Congressman Allen introduces the BARN Act.

This week, I reintroduced the Better Agriculture Resources Now (BARN) Act. This legislation makes significant changes to the way our current H-2A visa program operates in order to improve its efficiency. Foremost, the BARN Act transfers all H-2A certification from the U.S. Department of Labor to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which has a much better understanding of the challenges our farmers, ranchers, and producers face on a daily basis. In addition, the BARN Act aims to streamline the H-2A process by expediting filing deadlines and reforming sections of the program that have caused farmers and ranchers trouble. You can learn more about the bill here.

I’m proud to serve on the House Agriculture Committee, and I will continue to do all that I can in Congress to ensure our farmers are getting the help they need!


Opposing Democrats’ Partisan Budget Reconciliation Effort

A quick update on COVID-19 relief: Democrats continue to advance their partisan budget reconciliation effort that totals $1.9 trillion under the guise of relief, even though there are provisions in their bill completely unrelated to the pandemic. Unlike previous, bipartisan relief packages, they’re not even trying to negotiate with Republicans!

During a recent House Agriculture Committee meeting, eight of us tried to preserve taxpayer dollars by preventing further funds from being allocated in Democrats’ partisan budget scheme until at least 80% of funds from the CARES Act and December spending bill have been expended. Our Democrat colleagues on the committee blocked our effort, despite the fact that $1 trillion remains unspent in previous relief funds.

Martinez-Evans Rotary Club


It was great to visit the Martinez-Evans Rotary Club during their recent meeting, where I was able to share a legislative update as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our economy and schools throughout the nation.

Stay Connected Through Telephone Town Halls!


Don’t forget to sign up to participate in my future telephone town halls! During these free calls, I share a brief update before turning it over to you to ask questions and weigh in on issues impacting you and your family. Visit allen.house.gov/live to sign up today!

Honoring a Conservative Leader, Rush Limbaugh

This week we lost a great American and a conservative leader. Rush Limbaugh was a patriot who provided millions of Americans with a platform to discuss the most pressing issues facing our nation, and I enjoyed listening to his program since it launched. He will be deeply missed, and Robin and I are praying for his family during this difficult time.

Attending the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Event in Evans
 

It was great attending the Faith and Freedom Coalition of the CSRA’s recent event alongside my colleague, Rep. Jody Hice. It was an honor to give the opening prayer.

Georgia Veterans Outreach Project Virtual Clinic


VETERANS
: The Georgia Veterans Outreach Project is hosting a free, virtual clinic on February 27th to help with any questions you may have about veterans benefits or other legal matters. You must pre-register by noon on February 24th by calling (706) 542-6439 or emailing uga.veteransclinic@gmail.com.

Opposing President Biden’s Efforts to Undo Progress Made Under Trump Administration

The Biden Administration continues to take unilateral action to undo progress made under the Trump Administration to put Americans first. This week, they announced two harmful decisions:
  • Iran Nuclear Deal: Re-engaging with Iran and restarting negotiations on a nuclear deal. This is dangerous and will only embolden their terrorist activity.

  • Last week, I joined several of my House Republicans colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden warning not to re-enter the flawed nuclear deal unless serious reforms are made. Iran continues to violate the current deal and only responds to maximum pressure.
  • Paris Climate Agreement: The U.S. has rejoined the job-killing Paris Climate Agreement, which will just hand over more control of America's energy to foreign officials while doing essentially nothing to benefit the environment. This is a huge mistake by the Biden Administration and will cost the American people in the form of higher energy costs and the elimination of thousands of jobs.

I will continue to advocate for the best interests of American workers and families.

As always, my office is here to help. 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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