Commemorating National Police Week
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This week, during National Police Week, House Republicans passed several bills aimed at supporting law enforcement officers nationwide, ending soft-on-crime policies, and keeping violent criminals out of America's communities. I also attended a candlelight vigil on the Capitol steps to honor our fallen heroes.
We cannot have freedom without safety, and we cannot have safety without the men and women willing to defend it. Every shift, every call, every sacrifice matters. Georgia's 12th District felt this ultimate sacrifice firsthand when one of our own—Deputy Brandon Sikes of Columbia County—lost his life in the line of duty last April. We will never forget Deputy Sikes' extraordinary service.
I am proud to stand with the upstanding men and women of our nation's law enforcement, not just in the 12th District, but across the country. These heroes put the safety of others before their own, and for that, we must always honor their courage.
Legislation passed this week: - H. Con. Res. 96: Expresses congressional support for the brave men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives to uphold our rule of law and keep Americans safe, recognizes their extraordinary sacrifice, and acknowledges their many contributions to our communities.
- H.R. 6260, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act: Amends the federal criminal statute dealing with insurance-related crimes to include corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail for defendants, subjecting charitable bail funds to federal insurance fraud laws and state licensing requirements, and requiring their employees to pass criminal background checks.
- H.R. 5625, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act: Requires the Attorney General to publish a list of state and local governments that implement reckless bail “reform” policies allowing people who have been accused of certain violent crimes to be released pending trial on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond.
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Supporting America's Veterans
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With my strong support, the House passed H.R. 8469, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides funding for Fiscal Year 2027 to bolster our national defense and critical infrastructure, deliver on veteran care, and improve quality of life for military families.
Champions our veterans by: - Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
- Fully funding veterans’ benefits.
- Maintaining funding for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.
- Investing over $2 billion in capital improvements for VA Medical Facilities and four national cemeteries.
Supports the mandate of the American people by: - Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
- Fully funding the Community Care account, which empowers veterans to seek specialty care to meet their unique needs.
- Supporting the Trump Administration’s efforts in improving mental health and suicide prevention among veterans.
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by: - Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support United States advanced weapons systems.
- Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
- Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from Communist China.
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Celebrating Medical Staff in Candler County
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As we celebrate National Hospital Week, it was a privilege to visit Candler County Hospital in Metter on Monday to enjoy some Coke products and boiled Georgia peanuts with the dedicated medical staff. This week serves as an important reminder to recognize the nurses, physicians, volunteers, and all of the staff who contribute to our hospitals and who make patient care possible.
Thank you for your commitment to providing a quality patient experience to the residents of Candler County and surrounding communities. Your hard work is essential to the wellbeing of Georgians throughout the 12th District. |
Stopping by IHS Pharmacy in Metter
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While in Metter this week, I also stopped by IHS Pharmacy where we discussed the importance of rural pharmacies in our communities and the importance of bringing continued reforms to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
That is why I recently introduced the PBM Kickback Prohibition Act, which would prohibit PBMs from paying kickbacks or referral fees to brokers, consultants, advisors, or similar intermediaries in exchange for directing business to the PBM. |
Visiting Ben Hilliard Farms in Glennville
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In Tattnall County, I visited Ben Hilliard Farms. We talked about the need for reforms to our nation's H-2A program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals for temporary or seasonal agricultural work when domestic workers are unavailable. This remains one of the most urgent issues facing Georgia agriculture today.
With agriculture being the number one industry in the 12th District and across our state, I was proud to recently support House passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, otherwise known as the 2026 Farm Bill.
Read more HERE. |
This Week's Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Energy hearing:
"Wires, Rates, and States: Permitting Transmission for Reliable and Affordable Power"
Transmission lines are only as good as the generation on the other end. During this hearing, I discussed with witnesses how the entire grid must work together in order to deliver reliable power to both homes and businesses across the country.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Education and Workforce
Full committee hearing:
"Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education"
During this hearing, I discussed with the Secretary Linda McMahon how, through the Working Families Tax Cuts, the Committee advanced reforms—now being implemented by the Department—to expand access to high-quality, short-term workforce training through Workforce Pell.
Watch my remarks HERE. Read the hearing recap HERE. |
This Week's Office Visitors
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As always, it was great to meet with several groups and visitors this week to talk about the issues that matter most to them. - NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth
- Georgia Department of Agriculture
- Georgia Mosquito Control Association
- Georgia Bankers Association
- Alliance for Chemical Distribution
- MEAG Power
- Georgia Forestry Commission
- Military Child Education Coalition
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This Week's White House Highlight
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This National Police Week, America honors the brave men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives daily to protect our communities. Under President Trump, these heroes are respected, empowered, and supported.
Together, we have delivered decisive leadership that puts officers back in control — and the results are undeniable:
In 2025, the U.S. murder rate posted its largest single-year drop on record — plummeting to the lowest level in 125 years — with sharp declines across all violent crimes. Major cities saw massive homicide reductions, while robberies, assaults, shootings, officer deaths (an 80-year low), traffic fatalities, and overdoses all plunged.
These historic gains are accelerating into 2026 — especially in cities like Washington, D.C., and Memphis, where President Trump deployed federal support to restore order and back local police. |
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.
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Sincerely,
Rick Allen
Member of Congress |
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