| This Week in Washington: Wasteful Spending, Pro Union Bosses, Attack on 2A |
It’s been a busy week in Washington, with House Democrats passing a series of partisan bills that would infringe on the rights of the American people. Here’s the breakdown:
H.R. 1319, Pelosi’s Payoff to Progressives Act
This week, the House took a final vote on Pelosi’s Payoff to Progressives COVID “relief” legislation, as amended by the Senate. This is nothing more than a wasteful spending bill that directs 91 percent of the nearly $2 trillion to unrelated Democrat priorities. It’s the most liberal piece of legislation Congress has ever sent to a President’s desk and does more to help Democrat special interests than the American people.
This package is jammed with partisan policies like Blue State bailouts while leaving behind states like Georgia. As Governor Brian Kemp has pointed out, the Peach State will see $1.3 billion less than previous formulas, like the CARES Act, would have allocated.
Unlike all of the previous coronavirus relief packages that shared bipartisan support, Democrats rejected any Republican input and passed the bill along party lines. They wouldn’t even consider including common-sense amendments like reopening schools nationwide or preventing funds from being spent until a majority of the remaining $1 trillion from previous packages is spent. ‘Relief’ shouldn’t come at the price tag of hundreds of billions of dollars of unrelated, wasteful Washington spending.
H.R. 842, the PRO Union Bosses Act
As Republican Leader of the Education and Labor HELP Subcommittee, I always welcome the opportunity to debate and amend legislation in committee, but this week my Democrat colleagues bypassed committees altogether and brought legislation to the House floor for a vote that would infringe on the rights of American workers. This radical proposal is nothing more than a union boss wish-list that gives them more unchecked power and forced membership, all at the expense of American workers and our economy.
Congressman Allen offers an amendment to protect Right-to-Work laws
It’s so radical, it would overturn Right-to-Work laws in 27 states, including Georgia! Right-to-Work laws guarantee against forced unionization. I introduced an amendment to strike that provision and prioritize workers’ right to earn a living, but Democrats blocked it. In fact, I introduced a total of five amendments that would put workers first, but Democrats only allowed one to be considered on the House floor. I stood with workers and small businesses, and voted against this anti-worker legislation.
Watch Congressman Allen’s full remarks during debate on the House floor here.
H.R. 8 & H.R. 1446 – Restrictive Second Amendment Bills
The House voted on two Democrat bills that would make it harder for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Federal firearm laws are already very strong in ensuring prohibited persons do not purchase firearms.
Specifically, H.R. 8 would criminalize the transfer of firearms between two private citizens and H.R. 1446 would add red-tape to the process of purchasing a firearm. These bills won’t do anything to address gun violence or keep criminals from obtaining an illegal firearm, but they will make it harder for Americans to protect themselves. I am a proud supporter of the Second Amendment and will continue to protect the right to bear arms.
Fighting For Border Security
More than 100,000 migrants attempting to illegally cross our Southern border were encountered last month – and let’s not forget we’re still combating a global pandemic! Yet President Biden and his Administration refuse to call this situation what it is: A crisis.
I recently joined over 30 of my House Republican colleagues urging President Biden to acknowledge this reality and reverse his misguided decision to nullify former President Trump's national emergency – a decision that has only encouraged a surge in illegal immigration.
Meeting with Agriculture Retailers Association
This week I had the opportunity to speak with the Agriculture Retailers Association on a range of issues, including ag workforce needs like transportation and broadband infrastructure – some of my top priorities as a member of the House Agriculture Committee.
Meeting with Georgia Apartment Association
I appreciate members of the Georgia Apartment Association for taking time this week to talk with me about federal tax policy, executive overreach, and rising construction costs.
Meeting with National League of Cities
As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and rebuild our economy, cities and towns have a critical role to play. I had the opportunity to discuss our ongoing response with the National League of Cities, including Mayor of Augusta, Hardie Davis.
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Governor Brian Kemp announced that beginning March 15, vaccination criteria will expand to include Georgians aged 55 and older and individuals with disabilities and certain medical conditions – meaning an additional 3.3 million Georgians will be eligible for the vaccines. Learn more about the vaccines and eligibility here.
For GA-12 Veterans: The Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta is hosting a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic this Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 9am to 2pm!
Family-owned businesses, farmers and ranchers already face unpredictable challenges every day, and they should never be penalized after losing a loved one.
That is why I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R.1712, the Death Tax Repeal Act. This legislation would repeal the estate tax, also known as the death tax, which can be levied against small businesses or farms when a loved one passes away. Instead of paying a hefty tax that could cost their life-savings, we can protect family-owned businesses and allow them to focus on continuing their family legacy and investing in technology, workers and future operations.
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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