Update on Operation Epic Fury
|
The State Department is assisting Americans 24/7 to depart the Middle East. - Americans trying to get home from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or Qatar: complete this form to request that we contact you with info on U.S. government-facilitated departure options as they become available: mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake
- Americans in the Middle East: Contact us at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from US & Canada).
- Get the latest security info by enrolling at STEP.state.gov, following the “U.S. Department of State – Security Alerts for U.S. Citizens” WhatsApp channel, and visiting travel.state.gov/destination.
This week, the House of Representatives defeated H. Con. Res. 38, otherwise known as the War Powers Resolution, which would unnecessarily tie the hands of the Administration during hostilities with Iran. Iran is responsible for more American deaths than any other terrorist regime in the world. The last thing we need to do is hamstring the Administration and our military leaders as they actively defend American citizens from the evolving threat that Iran poses.
The President fulfilled the requirements under the War Powers Resolution by briefing the Gang of Eight before the strikes on Iran occurred. Additionally, Article II of the U.S. Constitution makes it clear that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and has a duty to act in defense of our nation.
For that reason, I voted no on H. Con. Res 38, offered by Representatives Massie and Khanna. I agree with President Trump that the Iranian regime must never obtain a nuclear weapon, and after receiving a classified briefing earlier this week on Operation Epic Fury, I am even more confident that we will achieve the objectives laid out in detail by the Administration. |
Meeting Georgia Leaders at the State Capitol
|
In Atlanta earlier this week, I had the opportunity to meet with Governor Brian Kemp, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, and other state leaders at the Georgia Capitol. I enjoyed discussing how we can continue to partner together at the state and federal levels to maintain Georgia's status as a top state to live, raise a family, and start a business. I appreciate their work on behalf of hardworking Georgians across our state! |
Fully Funding the Department of Homeland Security
|
More important now than ever, we must fully fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For three weeks, Democrats have obstructed and irresponsibly shut down the department tasked with defending our homeland. That is shameful.
House Republicans once again did our work to fully fund DHS—including the Coast Guard, TSA, FEMA, and Air Traffic Controllers—by passing H.R. 7744, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026. The longer Democrats keep DHS shut down, the more danger they impose on the American people, especially during this time of heightened uncertainty. |
Reaffirming Iran as the World's Leading Sponsor of Terrorism
|
The House also passed H. Res. 1099, with my support. In a shocking display, 53 House Democrats voted AGAINST this resolution that simply states Iran remains the largest state sponsor of terrorism after decades of chaos and the killing of thousands of Americans. |
This Week's Committee Activity
|
Energy and Commerce
Full Committee Markup of Nine Bills:
The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced nine bills, including legislation to protect our kids online. This package of bills establishes a robust national standard for kids’ internet and digital safety that empowers parents, protects kids' privacy, and holds Big Tech accountable. As a grandfather of 14, I will continue working with my colleagues to send this bill to the House floor and protect our kids online. - H.R. 7757, Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act
- H.R. 2657, Sammy’s Law
- H.R. 3149, App Store Accountability Act
- H.R. 7258, Energy Emergency Leadership Act
- H.R. 7266, Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act
- H.R. 7257, Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid (SECURE Grid) Act
- H.R. 7272, Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act
- H.R. 7305, Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026
Subcommittee on Energy hearing:
"America’s Energy Infrastructure: Authorizing Pipeline Safety"
During this hearing, we examined legislation to reauthorize the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Education and Workforce Committee
Full Committee Markup of Eight Bills:
The Education and Workforce Committee advanced eight childcare-related bills, including: - H.R. 7720, Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act
- H.R. 7721, CRACKDOWN Act
- H.R. 7722, Child Care Integrity Monitoring Act
- H.R. 7723, Safeguarding Taxpayer Dollars in Child Care Act
- H.R. 7724, No Waivers for Fraud Act
- H.R. 7725, Stop Child Care Fraud Act
- H.R. 7677, Closing the Provider Fraud Gap Act
- H.R. 7726, No Funds for Repeat Child Care Violations Act
|
This Week's Office Visitors
|
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 Association of Broadcasters
- Georgia Farm Bureau
- National Onion Growers Association
- Golden Harvest Food Bank
- Georgia Credit Union Association
- National Bleeding Disorders Foundation
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Elevance Health
|
March Community Office Hours
|
March Community Office Hours are underway! Throughout March, members of my staff will be available across the 12th District 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.
To find the dates, times, and locations near you, CLICK HERE. |
Now Accepting 2026 Summer Internship Applications
|
My office is seeking applications for our 2026 Summer Internship Program. This program is open to college students and young professionals interested in learning about the legislative process and assisting with the responsibilities of a congressional office.
Summer internships are split into two six-week sessions and will be offered from May to August 2026, with specific dates to be discussed during the interview process.
Interested candidates can apply here by March 20, 2026. |
The 2026 Congressional Art Competition is Underway
|
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition has been extended to Tuesday, March 17th. Every year, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition. This contest is open to all high school students (9th – 12th grade) in Georgia’s 12th District. The winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and its student artist will receive an invitation to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the national winners’ reception.
This competition is a special tradition that provides high school students the opportunity to display their art for the country to see. I look forward to seeing submissions from our young artists in the 12th District, and encourage all interested high school students to participate.
More information HERE. |
This Week's White House Highlight
|
This week, America’s leading AI and technology companies gathered at the White House to sign the Ratepayer Protection Pledge.
This landmark commitment — first announced by President Trump in his State of the Union address — ensures the rapid growth of AI data centers powers American innovation without raising electricity costs for families and communities. The signing marks a major victory for energy affordability, American innovation, and working families.
Learn more HERE. |
Follow me on Social Media!
|
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.
###
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 |
|
