Opposing Democrats' Socialist
Green New Deal Agenda |
This week, House Democrats passed a massive 900-page energy bill that would authorize more than $135 billion in spending on radical Green New Deal priorities at the expense of others, like nuclear energy. This costly, big-government bill contained no meaningful reforms and ignored our rural communities.
I’m proud to serve as the Nuclear Lead on the House GOP Energy Action Team, and I spoke during debate on the House floor in opposition to this partisan power grab. I highlighted the importance of nuclear energy as a leader of clean energy and key to remaining energy independent, and urged my colleagues across the aisle to work with Republicans to prioritize affordable and reliable energy for all Americans.
Fill the Seat
Our nation mourns the loss of a great jurist. Though I disagreed with her opinions, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived a remarkable life and was a dedicated public servant. Robin and I are continuing to lift her family, friends and colleagues in prayer.
In the wake of her death, President Trump has confirmed he will exercise his constitutional right to nominate a strong conservative, pro-life justice. Democrats have made clear they will do everything in their power to stop President Trump from confirming his pick to the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has expressed his intent to move forward with the nominee once named, and despite Democrats’ inevitable attempts to obstruct, I look forward to a speedy confirmation process in the U.S. Senate.
Expanding Rural Broadband Access
Now more than ever, with an increase in telemedicine, telework and virtual learning, it’s critical that our rural communities have access to reliable broadband. That’s why I joined several of my colleagues in the Georgia congressional delegation in sending a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai urging the FCC to utilize Georgia’s recently completed location-level broadband maps as the federal government works to improve access to high-speed internet. These maps more accurately show which areas in Georgia still need broadband access. You can read our full letter here.
Encouraging Innovation in Apprenticeships
The House Education and Labor Committee met this week to markup Democrats’ partisan apprenticeship legislation that will close potential pathways to work and impede flexibility for job creators. Employers know best what skills are needed in the workplace, so we should encourage employers to innovate in the apprenticeship space. But Committee Democrats chose to move forward a bill to keep the status quo. As we recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to encourage more innovation in apprenticeships and get people back to work.
Operation Warp Speed
ICYMI: I discussed how President Trump and his Administration are working to develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine under Operation Warp Speed in the Augusta Chronicle. Any approved vaccine will undergo the same rigorous testing as any other vaccine, but it will be done in record speed. You can read my full opinion piece here.
Reclaiming the American Dream
I’m proud to serve on the Republican Study Committee, and this week we released a new report with policy solutions to restore the dignity of work. Especially in these tough times, we need to help American workers and get our economy back on track. You can read the full report here.
USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2
On September 21st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture made available an additional $14 billion, thanks to funding from the CARES Act, for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. For more info on eligibility and how to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, visit https://farmers.gov/cfap/faq.
Congressional App Challenge
REMINDER: Registration for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in Georgia’s 12th District. This nationwide event allows students to compete with their peers by creating a software application, or "app," for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or other platform of their choice. The deadline for students to register and submit their app online is quickly approaching on October 19th. For more info, visit my website.
Evans Named #1 Best Place to Live in America
ICYMI: MONEY Magazine named my hometown, Evans, Georgia, the best place to live in the country. I’m not surprised, I always say Georgia’s 12th District is the best place to work, live and raise a family!
COVID-19 Saliva Testing at Augusta University Health
Augusta University Health is now offering saliva testing as a simpler and noninvasive test for COVID-19 for children, and will begin offering the test to adults on September 28th. I’m so grateful for the team of researchers at the Medical College of Georgia for working to develop this new test! For more info, visit AU Health’s COVID-19 resource page.
Sixty percent of Americans object to taxpayer-funded abortions, yet Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers have access to billions in state Medicaid dollars. The non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that Planned Parenthood received $1.2 billion in Medicaid reimbursements over a three year period, accounting for 80 percent of the abortion provider’s joint federal-state funding stream.
That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor H.R. 8353, the Women’s Public Health and Safety Act. This bill would take us one step closer to ensuring no tax dollars go toward the abortion business.
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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