Providing Families Choice on How
to Safely Educate Our Students
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This week I introduced the Educational Flexibility for Families Act, legislation that requires K-12 schools to provide an option for students to safely attend in-person classes for the upcoming school year in order to be eligible for additional federal assistance.
Congressman Allen introduces the Educational Flexibility for Families Act
While this school year will look different than previous years due to the impact of COVID-19, ultimately the decision regarding what type of learning environment will work best for each student should be made by the family. My bill would ensure that the option for in-person learning is on the table and available for families around the country who want their children to safely return to the classroom this fall.
House Education and Labor K-12 Subcommittee Hearing on Safely Reopening Our Schools
I’m proud to serve as the Senior Republican on the House Education and Labor K-12 Subcommittee, where this week we held a hearing examining how we can safely reopen schools this fall.
During my opening statement, I discussed how it has been well-documented that the closure of our schools can cause our students to fall months behind academically, and it can also disproportionately affect our most vulnerable students. The question should not be if we reopen schools, but how can we safely reopen schools in order to provide families with the option of in-person learning. I’m proud of the education leaders in my district who are committed to providing families the flexibility they need this school year – whether it’s in the classroom, distance learning, homeschooling or a hybrid model.
Honoring Congressman John Lewis
This week, I spoke during a special order on the House floor in honor of the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis (GA-05). Many Americans learned about the civil rights movement in the news or read about it in history books, but John Lewis lived it. I think we can all learn from the example Congressman Lewis set as a civil rights icon; we must meet injustice with humility and perseverance to do what is right.
Fighting to Rein in Government Spending
I offered two amendments to H.R. 7608, a Fiscal Year 2021 spending package, that would curb government overspending by cutting 5 percent to the State and Foreign Operations and Interior and Environment divisions on the bill. Unfortunately, my amendments were rejected by House Democrats, who ultimately passed an enormous four-bill, 689-page spending package that totals $219.6 billion plus another $37.5 billion in ‘emergency’ spending.
Even with my proposed cuts, Congress would spend billions over the budget agreement. I’m disappointed that some of my colleagues not only refuse to address our national debt crisis, but they can’t even stick to the budget agreement that was agreed to!
You can watch my remarks on the House floor on the amendment to the State and Foreign Operations division here and Interior and Environment division here.
ICYMI: I Held a Telephone Town Hall with Dr. Brooks Keel, President of Augusta University
I provided residents of Georgia's 12th District with an update on police reform, safely reopening schools, and Operation Warp Speed’s progress in developing a COVID-19 vaccine. During the call, Dr. Keel gave an update on testing in the state of Georgia and shared resources being provided by AU. We also took some time to answer questions from constituents about the coronavirus and current topics under discussion in Congress. For those who were unable to participate, here are some of the highlights.
Saving the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam
I will keep fighting to save the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and am grateful to my colleagues in the Georgia & South Carolina delegations for their support. ICYMI, the Augusta Chronicle recently published an update on the status of our legislative efforts.
Congratulations to Karl Zimmer of Premium Peanut in Douglas for being appointed to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton and Peanuts!
This committee advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on key trade policy matters. You can read more about the appointment here.
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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