Praying for Columbia County
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With a heavy heart, I spoke on the House floor to honor the life of fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes, who tragically lost his life while serving a Temporary Protective Order on Saturday, April 26th.
Please join me in praying for Deputy Sikes’ wife, Amber, their daughter Lyndsey, and all of Brandon’s loved ones as they mourn this fallen hero. Please also join me in praying for a swift recovery for Deputy Gavin White, who was severely injured, as well as Sheriff Whittle and the entire Columbia County Sheriff’s Department.
This heartbreaking event serves as a profound reminder of their commitment to selfless service. As they often do, these officers chose to prioritize the safety of others above their own, even in a life-threatening situation. May God's grace be with our entire community as we continue to heal from this tragedy. |
Attending the Jefferson County Legislative Breakfast
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It was an honor to speak at the Jefferson County Legislative Breakfast in Wrens on Friday. I provided an update on the first 100 days of the 119th Congress and addressed some of the issues impacting our communities. It's always great to see some familiar faces after a long week in Washington! |
FUTURE Networks Act Passes the House
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The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2449, the Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced (FUTURE) Networks Act, bipartisan legislation I proudly introduced that directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to bring together industry leaders, public interest groups, and government experts to establish a 6G Task Force.
We know 6G is the future of telecommunications, and we must ensure the United States is a global leader in this emerging technology. Failure to do so would put our adversaries, like the Chinese Communist Party, in the driver’s seat. We cannot allow that to happen. This is a matter of economic and national security, and I was proud to help lead the FUTURE Networks Act this Congress as Vice Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee. |
Protecting Americans' Retirement Savings
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Last week, I introduced the Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act. This legislation seeks to codify that those who manage other people’s retirement savings under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) must prioritize maximizing returns for a secure retirement rather than political or social impacts using risky environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
Americans' hard-earned retirement savings should never be jeopardized by politically-motivated mismanagement. Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris Administration made this possible with an overreaching rule that allows fiduciaries to aggressively invest retirees' money in ESG funds—which often charge steeper fees, carry higher risk, and have lower returns.
Following the introduction of this bill, I chaired a Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee hearing this week entitled: "Investing for the Future: Honoring ERISA's Promise to Participants."
Read my opening statement HERE. Watch my line of questioning HERE. Read a full hearing recap HERE. |
Commemorating National Faith Month
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I also spoke on the House floor to commemorate National Faith Month. Faith Month holds profound significance across many faiths, serving as an all-encompassing reminder of the spiritual guidance that shapes our lives and the variety of beliefs that enrich our nation.
Watch my full speech HERE. |
David Perdue Confirmed as Ambassador to China
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By a vote of 67-29, the United States Senate confirmed David Perdue as the U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. I have no doubt that Ambassador Perdue will successfully implement President Trump's peace-through-strength agenda and cultivate strategic relationships with China's diplomats on behalf of the United States. As a seasoned international business leader, David is no stranger to the region and will represent this administration and our country with dignity and respect. |
Speaking with NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
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I spoke with members of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association about my role as Vice Chairman of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee and our work to craft and advance legislative solutions that will help streamline broadband deployment and ensure rural communities have access to reliable connectivity. Thanks for having me! |
Talking the Issues with Representatives from Verizon
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I also enjoyed participating in a fireside chat hosted by representatives from Verizon. We discussed a number of issues under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee, including bridging the digital divide, the future of telecommunications, cybersecurity, the FCC's spectrum authority, and our strategic competition with China. |
This Week's White House Highlight
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REMINDER: With President Trump back in the White House, we are excited to add a new feature to the newsletter! Each week, I will highlight an executive action, announcement, rulemaking, bill signing, or any other activity from the Trump Administration to keep you well-informed on what's happening in Washington.
We celebrated President Trump's first 100 days back in the White House this week, and it can be defined with four words: promises made, promises kept. At a rapid pace, the Trump Administration has delivered a secure border, lower costs for daily essentials like gas and eggs, energy independence, job growth, and the list goes on.
77 million people voted for change, and that's exactly what President Trump has brought to Washington, D.C. In just 100 days, America is stronger, safer, and more secure, and I look forward to our continued work on behalf of American families.
HERE'S A FEW STATS: - On the Border:
- Southwest Border Apprehensions have decreased by 94 percent since March 2024.
- Customs and Border Protection encountered 29,065 illegal aliens nationwide last month, down 88 percent from the 246,505 encountered in March 2024.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested 32,809 illegal aliens during the first 50 days of the Trump administration.
- Illegal crossings at parts of the northern border have dropped 95 percent.
- On the economy:
- In April, the U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs — smashing expectations for the second straight month.
- Prescription drug prices are down over 2% since President Trump took office.
- Gasoline prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), are down 7% since President Trump took office.
- Energy prices are down 2% since President Trump took office.
- Wholesale egg prices are down about 50% since President Trump took office.
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Additional Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce Committee
Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing:
"Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure"
As home to the Army Cyber Command in Augusta, the 12th District is a hub for cybersecurity expertise. Yet, I hear significant concerns about the role of federal agencies and regulatory burdens hindering our ability to secure critical infrastructure. I asked our witnesses about how we can improve coordination between agencies to better protect America's infrastructure.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Energy Subcommittee Hearing:
"Scaling for Growth: Meeting the Demand for Reliable, Affordable Electricity"
Affordable and reliable electricity is vital to both our economy and national security. During this informative hearing, I asked our witnesses about the challenges they face in meeting the growing demand for power across the United States.
Watch my remarks during panel one HERE and panel two HERE.
Full Committee Markup:
The Committee advanced six health-related bills with my support. - H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025
- H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
- H.R. 2319, Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025
- H.R. 1669, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program
- H.R. 1082, Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act
- H.R. 2484, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act
Education and Workforce Committee
Full Committee Markup:
"Committee Print to comply with reconciliation directives included in H. Con. Res. 14 Section 2001(b)(3)"
This legislation, also known as the Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, saves over $330 billion to help advance President Trump’s agenda to provide tax relief for American families and small businesses, rein in wasteful spending, and reduce the federal budget deficit. |
May Community Office Hours
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Problems with a federal agency? May Community Office Hours start tomorrow!
Throughout the month of May, members of my staff will be available to assist constituents closer to home with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others.
Community Office Hours are not held in counties in which I have a permanent office, nor will I be in attendance. For the full list of dates, times, and locations, CLICK HERE. |
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: - American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists
- American Golf Industry Coalition
- Club Car
- Textron/EZ-GO
- Georgia Motor Trucking Association
- Electric Membership Cooperatives of Georgia
- NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
- MEAG Power
- National Community Pharmacists Association
- National Alliance for Nutrition & Activity
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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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