|
I am thrilled to say that my legislation to rename the Statesboro VA Clinic after Sergeant Major Ray Hendrix is on its way to the President’s desk.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Sergeant Major Hendrix to have their name honored above the Statesboro VA!
I was proud to sign and support the Conference Report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act, better known as the Farm Bill. The 5-year reauthorization passed by an overwhelming margin in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and will now go to the President’s desk for signature.
At the end of the day, this farm bill is about securing a brighter future for rural America. Facing a nearly 50% decline in net farm income over the past five years, our farmers and ranchers in Georgia and nationwide have had their backs against the wall for far too long. I can confidently say that this legislation sets us on a brighter path moving forward. As a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee, I believe the agreement we have reached will strengthen the farm safety net and provide a sense of certainty and flexibility for those who feed and clothe our nation. I look forward to President Trump signing this legislation into law to reinvigorate rural America.
I also spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 2, and you can see my full remarks HERE.
The Environmental Protection Agency made an exciting announcement that they will be significantly scaling back the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule.
This harmful and flawed rule was never in the best interest of our states, local governments, and landowners and the proposed new WOTUS definition will serve as a breath of fresh air for farmers in Georgia and throughout the nation.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to approve additional funding for the “Connect America Fund” – the FCC’s program aimed at expanding broadband deployment and making services more affordable in rural areas.
In today’s world, broadband is not just a luxury, but a necessity. I am very thankful that the FCC is prioritizing the expansion, affordability, and accessibility of broadband in our rural communities. We also addressed rural broadband in the 2018 Farm Bill by implementing forward-looking standards to ensure we are meeting next-generation broadband needs.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary, Sonny Perdue, also announced yesterday that USDA is offering $600 million in loans and grants to help expand and build broadband infrastructure in rural America.
Many communities in Georgia's 12th district lack sufficient broadband service, and USDA's new ReConnect Program will allow internet service providers and municipalities to apply for funding to secure reliable broadband connection. You can read more about Secretary Perdue's announcement HERE. I had the opportunity to stop by the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes event to send Christmas cards to our troops who are stationed in Iraq and Kuwait.
Our servicemembers at home and abroad deserve all of our support this Holiday season and always.
In November, I joined 73 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives in signing a letter addressed to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Alex Azar, asking HHS to immediately stop approving research applications that require aborted fetal tissue, and to create a timeline for reviewing all currently-funded research to ensure that ethical research methods are used.
In light of our effort, we received a notice of intent this week from the National Institute of Health (NIH) that they would begin seeking models that “closely mimic and can be used to accurately model human embryonic development or other aspects of human biology and that do not rely on the use of human fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions.” This is an issue that I feel very passionately about, and it is long past time that we end the use of fetal tissue research. To read the full letter to Secretary Azar, please CLICK HERE.
After the passing of former President George H.W. Bush, it was an honor to participate in a special order on the House floor to celebrate his life and legacy and talk about his lasting impact on the game of golf.
We will continue to learn from his example for generations to come. Rest in Peace, Mr. President.
I also spoke on the House floor to celebrate the birth of my thirteenth grandchild and namesake, Richard Wayne “R.W.” Allen II.
We even share the same birthday! My prayer for R.W. is that he will grow strong in his faith and personally experience the mercy, grace, peace, and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
If you haven’t already heard, my D.C. office has completed our move and we are now located in room 2400 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
If you are in the D.C. area, please feel free to stop by and say hello!
Share your thoughts with me! 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 |
