Democrats Push Partisan Agenda
Under Guise of COVID-19 Relief |
After preaching about the need to unify our nation, this week Democrats laid the groundwork for pushing a massive $1.9 trillion spending bill through a reconciliation process which would allow them to pass their partisan agenda without even having to negotiate with Republicans-- and won’t be subject to a 60-vote threshold in the Senate.
Their “COVID-19 relief” proposal is just a shell budget that would allow Democrats to enact radical policies unrelated to the pandemic. At a time when we are still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, we should be focused on bipartisan policies that spur economic recovery and create jobs – not partisan poison pills.
Introducing Legislation to Expand Student Access to Mental Health Services
We have a mental health crisis among our nation’s youth, and the COVID-19 pandemic and related school closures have taken a toll on our students, only worsening this tragic situation. Schools know best the needs of their student bodies and should have flexibility in how they use funding to better meet those needs.
Congressman Allen introduces the Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act.
That’s why I introduced the Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act, legislation that provides school districts with increased flexibility in how they can use funds to better provide mental health services for students. You can learn more about the bill here.
Introducing the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act
This week, I introduced the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act alongside my House Education and Labor Committee colleague, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04). The bill expands quality elementary, secondary, and career and technical education opportunities for students by providing a federal tax credit to encourage individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship funds. This is a common-sense way to help some of our most vulnerable students who, without a scholarship, may be unable to afford tuition and other education expenses.
Encouraging Innovation in Apprenticeship Programs
This week House Democrats passed a partisan bill related to apprenticeships that doubles down on burdensome mandates and will prevent many workers from accessing apprenticeship opportunities by imposing a one-size-fits-all federal registered apprenticeship system - while doing nothing to support other models.
I offered an amendment to the bill that would uphold the Trump Administration’s rule regarding the Department of Labor’s Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, which provide companies an alternative avenue to train skilled workers for their specific industry needs while allowing Americans to earn while they learn. Yet, per usual, my Democratic colleagues blocked my amendment from consideration. As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I will continue to fight for American workers and businesses while encouraging innovation and flexibility into the apprenticeship model so that we can rebuild our economy.
Honoring the Sanctity of Life
This January marked the 48th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since that tragic ruling, over 62 million innocent babies have been aborted. I had the honor of speaking on the House floor during a pro-life special order to highlight that all life is precious and worthy of dignity and respect.
In his first days, President Biden rescinded the Mexico City Policy which prevents U.S. tax dollars from financing foreign non-governmental organizations that perform, promote or lobby for abortion. I recently joined several of my House Republican colleagues calling on President Biden to reverse this decision and protect the sanctity of life. Any and all measures that take steps to ensure the life of an unborn child will have my support – and I will adamantly oppose any legislation that promotes or defends such an immoral practice.
Recognizing Augusta Canal’s National Heritage
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (ACNHA) is one of 55 areas designated by Congress as a National Heritage Area. The Augusta Canal played a critical role during the Industrial Revolution and is currently the nation’s only industrial power canal still in use for its original purpose.
Congressman Allen introduces legislation to reauthorize the Augusta Canal as a National Heritage Area
This week I introduced legislation to extend the Augusta Canal’s authorization as a National Heritage Area to commemorate not only its historical significance, but its continued impact to economic development in the CSRA today. You can read more here.
ICYMI: Augusta National Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Effort
As we continue to ramp up COVID-19 vaccine efforts in the 12th District, I’m thankful to Augusta National for their $2 million effort to help the AU Health System by providing 15 vaccination stations that can move through 300-350 people an hour, as well as pop-up clinics in underserved areas and a second mobile clinic.
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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