State of Emergency and Burn Bans Issued in Georgia
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Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency for 91 counties in South Georgia and burn bans have been issued for several counties in the 12th District as we continue to monitor ongoing drought conditions and wildfire risks across the state.
We remain grateful to the Georgia Forestry Commission, Governor Kemp, local officials, and first responders who are working to keep families and residents safe. Please continue to pray for our growers and producers as well, whose crops are being heavily impacted. |
Remembering Representative David Scott
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Robin and I were deeply saddened this week by the loss of a friend, colleague, and fellow Georgian, Congressman David Scott. Congressman Scott served Georgia’s 13th District honorably for more than two decades, and he will be sorely missed by his constituents and in the halls of Congress.
I had the privilege of serving with him on the House Agriculture Committee for many years, and I will never forget our spirited debates and shared commitment to providing certainty for Georgia’s farmers and producers.
I joined my colleagues in a moment of silence on the House floor to honor his memory. May God rest his soul and keep his family and loved ones close during this difficult time. |
Congratulating 2026 Masters Champion Rory McIlroy
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I delivered a speech on the House floor to congratulate our 2026 Masters Champion, Rory McIlroy! Once again, this year’s historic tournament reminded the world why Augusta stands as the true pinnacle of championship golf. With determination and grit, Rory McIlroy secured his second-straight green jacket, a feat only three of golf’s all-time greats have accomplished.
Many thanks to Chairman Fred Ridley, the members and staff of Augusta National Golf Club, and the volunteers for presenting another outstanding competition in which a player like Rory McIlroy can continue making history. Watch my speech HERE. |
Encouraging Skills-Based Hiring
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This week, the Committee on Education and Workforce advanced H.R. 8210, the Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026. This legislation makes needed improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—focused on improving outcomes for workers, strengthening our economy, and ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars.
Included in H.R. 8210 are provisions from my Startup Act and Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act that reduce barriers to employment, expand opportunity, and better align our workforce system with how people actually learn and work.
My bills are built on simple but important beliefs: that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom, and our workforce system should recognize the full range of skills individuals already have. Watch my remarks HERE. |
Managing Debate on the House Floor
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On Monday, I managed the House floor debate for several bills under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee, including legislation to streamline bureaucratic permitting processes and strengthen emergency communications: - H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026
- H.R. 7022, the Mystic Alerts Act
- H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act
- H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act
- H.R. 5200, the Emergency Reporting Act
- H.R. 5201, the Kari's Law Reporting Act
- S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act
Read my remarks HERE. |
Fighting for Limited Government
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I was honored to be named a Defender of Limited Government by the Institute for Legislative Analysis (ILA). In Congress, I will continue to stand for the individual liberty and limited government principles that our Founders envisioned. |
Acknowledging Rural Communities’ Contributions to America
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With my support, the House passed a resolution expressing support for rural communities across America and highlighting the work of House Republicans to advance policies that set these communities up for success.
Rural communities, like many of those in the 12th District, are a critical source of domestic energy production, feed billions of families, and allow our supply chain to remain America First. |
Additional Committee Activity
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Education and Workforce Committee
Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing:
"Profits Over Patients: The PBM Business Model Under Scrutiny"
I chaired a HELP Subcommittee hearing to examine how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—third-party intermediaries in a drug supply chain—are driving up prescription drug costs to create financial gains for themselves. During the hearing, I highlighted my bill, the PBM Kickback Prohibition Act, which would rein in PBMs by ending kickbacks that deceptively raise the cost of health insurance for patients, workers, and families.
Watch me question our witnesses HERE. Read my opening statement HERE. Read a hearing recap HERE.
Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Energy hearing:
"Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Oversight of Activities, Priorities, and Fiscal Year 2027 Budget"
Plant Vogtle is the largest nuclear power station in the United States, powering over 2 million homes. During this hearing, I discussed how, with the recent construction of units 3 and 4, the plant is providing a roadmap to show how nuclear energy can provide affordable power to American homes and businesses.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing:
"SAT Streamlining Act: Modernizing Satellite Licensing for the Final Frontier"
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the 12th District, devastating our communications infrastructure. During this hearing, we discussed how satellite technology helped fill the gap, keeping Americans connected while we brought infrastructure back online.
Watch my remarks HERE. |
This Week's Office Visitors
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As always, it was great to meet with several groups this week to talk about the issues that matter most to them.
Those pictured include representatives from: - Georgia Department of Community Affairs
- Georgia Hospital Association
- Middle Georgia State University
- GA-12 District Business Leaders
- National Pecan Federation
- Medical College of Georgia
- Georgia Beverage Association
- Thrivent
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This Week's White House Highlight
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This week, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division announced a proposed rule to address joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.
I am encouraged by this proposed joint employer standard, which will provide long-sought clarity and certainty for employers and workers alike. For years, shifting and incompatible joint employer standards have devastated millions of Americans who pursue entrepreneurship through franchising. Threatening a longstanding business model is no way to grow our economy and empower workers to achieve the American Dream.
The Trump Administration and House Republicans will continue to eliminate burdensome regulations and give working Americans the freedom and flexibility to shape their own future. I am hopeful that this rule will be finalized in short order. |
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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