Slashing Duplicative Government Red Tape
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to review and comment on the environmental impacts of federal projects and actions outlined in Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) prepared by other agencies.
Typically, the EPA has already been involved throughout the review process and preparation of the EIS, making this secondary review redundant and inefficient. This week, the House passed the RED Tape Act—which streamlines the review process for federal projects by eliminating the EPA's duplicative review requirement on projects already reviewed by other agencies.
Watch my remarks on the House floor HERE.
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Attending the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce's Red Carpet Showcase
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During Masters Week, I attended the Red Carpet Showcase hosted by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Allies, and local development authorities. Each year, the weeklong Red Carpet Showcase serves as an opportunity to highlight the CSRA and the state of Georgia to industry leaders and prospective businesses.
Georgia has been named the number one state to do business for twelve years running—a major testament to our pro-business, pro-growth policies. I look forward to seeing all that this special event contributes to our region's continued growth and success.
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Joining the Emanuel County Farm Bureau Legislative Dinner
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I spoke at the Emanuel County Farm Bureau Legislative Dinner about the critical resources available for our producers still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Applications for the Hurricane Helene Block Grant Program are open until April 27, 2026. All 24 counties in the 12th District are eligible and can apply here.
I also discussed legislation I introduced this Congress—the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act. This bill would provide targeted federal relief to forestry businesses impacted by mill closures and natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Read more here.
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Reading to Students at Garrett Elementary School
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I recently visited Garrett Elementary School in Richmond County, where I read to 1st and 2nd-graders and distributed books donated by RISE Augusta. Childhood literacy is critical to ensuring our youth can achieve the American Dream. When we prioritize literacy in our schools and communities, we are making a direct investment in the next generation of innovators, leaders, and citizens who will carry this nation forward.
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Visiting Blueprint Fleet Outfitting in Statesboro
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I also toured Blueprint Fleet Outfitting in Statesboro, which specializes in commercial and emergency vehicle outfitting. Founded by former first responders, Blueprint designs and builds first responder vehicles for Bulloch County and surrounding communities—bringing firsthand knowledge of what local law enforcement and emergency personnel need on the job.
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Speaking to the Rotary Club of Jefferson County
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At the Rotary Club of Jefferson County meeting, I highlighted key victories that House Republicans and President Trump have secured during the 119th Congress, including historic tax cuts, $218 million for Georgia's rural hospitals, inflationary relief, a secure border, a restored school choice agenda, and much more. Thanks for having me!
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Touring Hospitals in Toombs and Candler Counties
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I had the opportunity to visit Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia and Candler County Hospital in Metter, where I met with the dedicated providers and medical staff who remain committed to providing quality care in our communities.
We discussed the Rural Health Transformation Program, which allocated $218 million for Georgia's rural hospitals, as well as some of the hospitals' challenges and how I can further assist at the federal level to ensure rural Georgians have access to quality care.
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This Week's Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Energy hearing:
"The Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Energy Budget"
During this hearing, we questioned U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright about the Department's FY2027 budget. I highlighted units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle and how we can continue to fortify American energy dominance while lowering prices for hardworking families.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Education and Workforce Committee
Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing:
"Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Employee Benefits Security Administration"
I chaired a HELP Subcommittee hearing to question Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration. I asked the Assistant Secretary about the administration's efforts to secure Americans' retirement savings and end harmful PBM tactics that deceptively raise the cost of health care.
Read my opening statement HERE. Watch my line of questioning HERE. Read a hearing recap HERE.
Full committee hearing:
"Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services"
During this hearing, I questioned Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy about the underlying causes of high health care costs and how my bill, the PBM Kickback Prohibition Act, will help curb PBM's abusive practices.
Watch my remarks HERE.
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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 Mission Completion
- National Nurses United
- National Community Pharmacists Association
- U.S. Travel Association
- Mortgage Bankers Association
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- National Funeral Directors Association
- Iranian American Community of Georgia
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This Week's White House Highlight
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Wednesday was Tax Day—a day we usually dread—but this year, House Republicans joined the American people in celebrating the significant tax relief delivered by the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC). This transformative legislation, which I proudly supported on the House floor, is a win for hardworking families and allows you to keep more of your hard-earned money.
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, by President Trump, the WFTC saved Georgia-12 taxpayers from a 24% tax hike, delivered No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and saved over 6,000 family farms in our district from a higher death tax. This legislation amounts to the LARGEST TAX CUT IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
Thanks to these pro-worker, pro-family policies, the average tax refund is up 11% this year, with tens of millions of Americans claiming the provisions in our legislation: - More than 26 million taxpayers have claimed the enhanced deduction for seniors
- More than 23 million taxpayers have claimed the No Tax on Overtime provision
- Nearly 6 million taxpayers have benefited from the No Tax on Tips provision
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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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