House Republicans Vote to Fund DHS for a Fourth Time
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At a time when we most need to ensure the security of our nation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been shut down for over 40 days.
This week, I supported passage of H.R. 8029, the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, which would fully fund DHS for Fiscal Year 2026. Separately, I supported passage of H. Res. 1142, which would fund DHS for 60 days at current levels. I also supported H. Res. 1128, expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security.
Every single one of these bills was opposed by the majority of my Democratic colleagues. House Republicans have now voted FOUR TIMES to fund DHS and pay the men and women of Border Patrol, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, and Secret Service. While this unnecessarily drags on, I am grateful that President Trump took decisive action to ensure TSA workers are paid during this DHS shutdown. |
Visiting the Bon Air Following Renovations
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Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit the recently renovated Bon Air Apartment Complex in Augusta. I was joined by representatives from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Redwood Housing for a walkthrough of the facility, including several renovated units and floors.
Over the last several years, members of my team and I have been in regular communication with HUD and Redwood, demanding that renovations be made at the Bon Air Apartments. I am glad to see that the recent upgrades include updated units and common areas, new security measures, repaired elevators, and property management conducting routine meetings with tenants and representatives from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and Fire Department.
I am hopeful that with continued communication and accountability, the Bon Air Apartments will remain a modern, safe, and enjoyable atmosphere for all residents and visitors and a place of pride for the surrounding community. |
Celebrating the Grand Reopening of "The Patch"
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I spoke on the House floor in recognition of the long-awaited reopening of Augusta's premier Municipal Golf Course – otherwise known as “The Patch.”
“The Patch” has been ingrained into the fabric of our local community since 1928. In the early 1900’s, the popularity of the game of golf was quickly on the rise in Augusta, and it was the establishment of “The Patch” that made the game accessible for locals and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Robin and I are proud supporters of this transformational initiative and look forward to its positive impact on our community, the game of golf, and the next generation. Watch my remarks by clicking here. |
Welcoming Students from EDS to Washington, D.C.
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Robin and I welcomed students from Episcopal Day School's 8th-grade class to our nation's Capitol this week. If you or anyone you know is interested in scheduling tours of popular D.C. attractions through my office, please visit my website. |
Joining RSC's Right to Point Podcast: Masters Edition
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As we gear up for Masters Week, it was a pleasure to join Representative Ralph Norman (SC-05) for the Republican Study Committee's Right to Point Podcast: Masters Edition. We picked a few of our favorite golfers to take home the green jacket and discussed current events. Stay tuned for the full episode. |
This Week's Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing:
"The Telecommunications Act of 1996: 30 Years Later"
During this hearing, we examined the Telecommunications Act of 1996, what parts of the law have worked, what have not, and how Congress can build on those lessons to modernize our laws to promote innovation, strengthen competition, and drive investment in modern communications networks.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Full committee markup:
With my support, the committee advanced two bills to reauthorize FirstNet and modernize the emergency alert system: - H.R. 7386, The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act
- H.R. 7022, Mystic Alerts Act
Education and Workforce Committee
Full committee hearing:
"U.S. Universities Under Siege: Foreign Espionage, Stolen Innovation, and the National Security Threat"
During this hearing, we examined the rising threats of foreign espionage on college campuses. I questioned witnesses about several trainings that are deemed optional by their university, but could play a role in research security.
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: - Augusta Regional Airport
- Southern Cotton Growers
- Georgia Association for Career and Technical Education
- U.S. Peanut Federation
- Georgia Apartment Association
- La Hacienda Sweets LLC
- Neuralace Medical
- Interfor
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This Week's White House Highlight
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On Friday, the President welcomed nearly 1,000 farmers and agricultural leaders to the South Lawn to highlight successful policies in support of America’s farmers and ranchers—including efforts to lower input costs, open new trade markets, bolster the farm safety net, double the death tax exemption, end taxes on rural property loan interest, and create rural opportunity zones.
Shane, the Executive Director of the Vidalia Onion Committee, was in attendance. I am glad that Georgia's 12th District and our famous Vidalia Onions were well-represented at the White House!
For 250 years, hardworking farmers, ranchers, and growers have nurtured our nation’s abundant resources — feeding families, fueling communities, and sustaining the American people throughout every chapter of our national story. |
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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