Visiting the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin with Secretary Collins
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I recently joined Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins for a visit to the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin—the first time a VA Secretary has visited this facility in 15 years. This visit was an important opportunity to hear firsthand from those providing care and reaffirm our commitment to putting Veterans first.
We had productive and thoughtful conversations with the current leadership team, Veterans, and staff about needed improvements at the facility to ensure that those who have selflessly served our country receive the high-quality care they have earned. |
Attending the Swearing-In Ceremony for Augusta University President Russell Keen
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I attended and offered brief remarks at the swearing-in ceremony for Augusta University President Russell Keen. I have faith that his capabilities, experience, and work ethic will guide Augusta University into a new era of success—growing the student body, increasing research capabilities, and providing strong and capable graduates to strengthen Georgia’s workforce. I wish President Keen and First Lady Karen Keen all the best! |
Announcing the 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners
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On Friday, I hosted a special reception to recognize the winners of this year's Congressional Art Competition. It is a privilege and a blessing to spend time with these students, as well as their parents and teachers, to celebrate their achievements and artistic talents. This year's competition drew participants from across Georgia’s 12th District, whose submissions were scored by a panel of judges.
The first-place winner's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one full year. Other finalists will have their work displayed in one of my district offices. Check out the winning artwork by CLICKING HERE. - First Place and People's Choice Award Winner: Baron Trupp, from Greenbrier High School, with his piece: "Just a Moment"
- First Runner-Up: Jacey Lariscey, from Davidson Fine Arts, with her piece: "Contemplation"
- Second Runner-Up: Natalie Navarrette, from Greenbrier High School, with her piece: "Joy in Little Moments"
- Third Runner-Up: Arianna Brunk, from Columbia Virtual Academy, with her piece: "Bruised Peach"
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Continuing to Promote Childhood Literacy in Burke and Bulloch Counties
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Research shows that students who are not reading proficiently by the third grade are far less likely to graduate high school on time, highlighting the need to develop proficient reading skills early in a child's life.
I recently visited Blakeney Elementary School in Burke County to read with 5th-grade students and discuss the importance of childhood literacy. I also donated books from the Library of Congress Surplus Books Program to the Bulloch County Literacy Council for the reading nook in Statesboro City Hall. The Bulloch County Literacy Council has done a tremendous job setting up reading nooks throughout the county and I am honored to support this inspiring mission! |
Honoring Our Local Law Enforcement Officers
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I had the pleasure of attending the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Cookout in Glennville to recognize our local law enforcement officers in the 12th District. These dedicated men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” I will always stand with those who wear the badge and sacrifice their lives for the safety of others. |
Touring Ogeechee Technical College
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During my visit to Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, I had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art Nursing Lab and the Health Science North Building. Seeing these innovative spaces and engaging in discussions about degree programs and the challenges OTC faces gave me a stronger understanding of how I can assist at the federal level.
As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, I am committed to supporting the next generation of Georgia's workforce and preparing them for success. |
Attending the Johnson County Annual Chamber Banquet
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It was an honor to be invited to the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. I am grateful to our small business owners and local leaders in the 12th District who work every day to strengthen our communities. As a business owner myself, I will always promote pro-growth, pro-business policies in Congress that allow our business communities to thrive. |
Meeting with TMC Transformers USA
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I also met with the Chief Operating Officer and Plant Manager of TMC Transformers USA in Waynesboro. TMC is a transformer manufacturing company specializing in the production of dry-type transformers for different applications and installation needs.TMC has brought hundreds of jobs to Burke County, and we had a great discussion on their current projects and economic conditions. |
Providing a Legislative Update at the Augusta Kiwanis Club Meeting
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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.
America’s foreign adversaries are targeting our nation’s students. From stealing research, to pushing propaganda, to censoring free speech—colleges and universities are on the frontlines of malign foreign interference. President Trump recently signed an Executive Order bolstering transparency requirements regarding foreign funds flowing to American higher education and research institutions. The order mandates full and timely disclosure of foreign funding by higher education institutions. In doing so, the Trump Administration is protecting national security, academic integrity, and American excellence.
This executive order follows House passage of the DETERRENT Act, which: - Slashes the foreign gift reporting threshold for colleges and universities from $250,000 down to $50,000, with an even stricter $0 threshold for countries and entities of concern.
- Closes reporting loopholes and provides transparency to Congress, intelligence agencies, and the public.
- Requires disclosure of foreign gifts and contracts to individual staff and faculty at research-heavy institutions to protect those targeted the most by our adversaries.
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May Community Office Hours
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Problems with a federal agency? I recently announced that my staff will host Community Office Hours in May!
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. |
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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