| Fighting For Working Families |
I’m excited to share with you that this week, I was selected as Republican Leader on the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on the House Education and Labor Committee for the 117th Congress! Prior to serving in Congress, I spent about 40 years building and operating a small business, so I know firsthand how federal policies impact employers and employees.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit we had the greatest economy in the world, and I am laser-focused on ensuring we can rebuild to pre-pandemic levels by giving American workers the opportunity to secure a good-paying job, provide for their families and save for retirement, while protecting employer-sponsored benefits like health care. As Republican Leader, I look forward to working with members of the HELP subcommittee to fight against bureaucratic overreach that too often obstructs employers' ability to create jobs and hurts working families.
I also look forward to continuing to serve on the K-12 subcommittee as an advocate for working families who are desperate for schools to safely reopen and access to more school choice, whether that’s through a traditional education or technical education. Through my work on both of these subcommittees, I will continue to support policies that help every American on the path toward achieving the American Dream.
While this week was originally scheduled as a district work week, House Democrat leadership on the House Education and Labor Committee called a full meeting where we marked up their costly, partisan budget scheme. Instead of spending time in our districts meeting directly with families, schools and small businesses who have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats advanced their $1.9 trillion “relief” bill that is full of top-down mandates unrelated to the pandemic, like a $15 federal minimum wage requirement.
I opposed their partisan reconciliation scheme and pointed out how the American Dream will not exist for the 1.4 million people who will lose their jobs due to a radical $15 national minimum wage hike like President Joe Biden and the Democrats are pushing.
Additionally, my Democrat colleagues on the committee blocked 5 common-sense amendments related to school reopenings, including mine that would require schools to at least offer families the option to receive in-person instruction in order to receive additional stimulus funds. I will continue fighting for working families and serve as a voice for students around the nation who are eager to return to the classroom!
ICYMI: This week I published in opinion piece in The Augusta Chronicle explaining that while I’m eager to work with my colleagues on reasonable legislation to restore election integrity, H.R. 1 (aka House Democrats’ #1 legislative priority) is a shameless attempt to keep one party in power through a federal takeover of our election process. You can read the full text here.
Lock and Dam Update
This week I met with local stakeholders in the CSRA to discuss the ongoing situation with the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and discussed the cities’ plans to develop a solution that works for communities on both sides of the river. I’m hopeful we can come to an agreement that maintains the pool at the level required by law.
Meeting with the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia
It was great to meet virtually with members to discuss their ongoing priorities, including economic opportunity, accessible medical devices, accessible websites, and civil rights for individuals who are blind.
ITC Investigation Regarding Foreign Blueberry Imports
Like so many of America’s fruits and vegetables, our domestic blueberry industry has been devastated by a surge in foreign imports – resulting in the lowest blueberry prices in years, thousands of workers across the country being laid off, and many growers shutting down business. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to end reliance on foreign imports for essentials, including our nation’s food supply.
This week, the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) released a determination in the global safeguard investigation into imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries – an investigation I supported as a member of the House Agriculture Committee. I am disappointed and disagree with the ITC’s determination that imports do not seriously injure U.S. industry and hope we can find a way to urgently help our blueberry growers who are very clearly suffering from the severe consequences of the increase in foreign imports.
GA-12 COVID-19 Vaccine Locations
Starting today, more than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states, including 11 in Georgia’s 12th district, will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines. Eligible customers can schedule a vaccine appointment directly via the Walmart and Sam’s Club (membership not required) websites once appointments are available, making it convenient to get vaccinated while allocation lasts.
Stay Connected Through Telephone Town Halls!
You can sign up to receive a call and participate in my future telephone town halls, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask me questions and weigh in on issues impacting you and your family. Visit allen.house.gov/live to count yourself in!
Every American deserves affordable, quality health care coverage and no one should be forced to pay more due to a pre-existing condition that is out of their control.
That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor H.R. 892, the Pre-Existing Conditions Protection Act. This bill would prohibit application of pre-existing condition exclusions and guarantee availability of health insurance coverage in the individual and group market, contingent on the enactment of legislation repealing Obamacare.
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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