Pelosi Prioritizes Political
Messaging Over Legislating |
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats once again demonstrated they aren’t interested in passing serious legislation that can become law – they’d rather pander to the far left wing of the Democratic Party and pass political messaging bills. This week we voted on more partisan bills that were crafted with no input from Republicans and have no chance of being signed by President Trump.
Democrats Exploit the COVID-19 Crisis to Expand Obamacare
Pelosi and Democrat leaders continue using the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to push their partisan agenda. We started the week voting on H.R. 1425, legislation that would expand Obamacare, implement government price setting for drugs, and result in fewer cures for Americans.
Congressman Allen speaks in opposition to H.R. 1425 during debate on the House floor.
Under this proposal, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be required to set government rates for a number of lifesaving drugs, like insulin. The CBO estimates that price-setting policies like these will result in fewer cures and treatments coming to the market. Let’s be clear about what the Democrats want here – they want the government to be in charge of everyone’s healthcare. You’d think a public health crisis like COVID-19 would bring us together to pass bipartisan solutions, but unfortunately it’s business as usual as Democrats put politics over country.
Democrats’ Partisan Infrastructure Wish List
This week the House voted on H.R. 2, which is nothing more than Democrats’ infrastructure wish list. Their bill totals $1.5 trillion with no way to pay for it – just passing more debt to our children and grandchildren. And the scariest part? $23 billion of this bill is provided directly for Green New Deal programs – so nearly $2 out of every $5 in surface transportation funding is tied to Green New Deal programs and requirements.
Republicans were ready to work on a bipartisan bill but Democrats would not listen to any Republican proposals. Their bill favors transportation programs that benefit urban areas over rural America and diverts critical highway and bridge funding to Green New Deal requirements. Infrastructure has been and can be an area for bipartisanship; it is high time House Democrats work with Republicans and President Trump on crafting an infrastructure bill that enhances our transportation and infrastructure systems.
ICYMI: I discussed this massive infrastructure bill in a video on my Facebook page.
But these power grabs were not enough for Speaker Pelosi, who also extended their unconstitutional voting proxy scheme until mid-August. Under their new rule, a member can vote on behalf of up to 10 other lawmakers. The American people should expect their representatives to show up to work!
Extending the Augusta Canal’s National Heritage Area Authorization
Congressman Allen introduces legislation to extend Augusta Canal’s authorization as a National Heritage Area.
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (ACNHA) is one of 55 areas designated by the Congress as a National Heritage Area. Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal is the nation's only industrial power canal still in use for its original purpose – making it worthy of the National Heritage Area designation. Not only is the history of the canal an important reminder of Augusta’s impact during the Industrial Revolution, it remains vital to economic development today. This week I introduced legislation to extend the authorization to 2036. You can read more here.
Promises Made, Promises Kept: USMCA in Effect
After pledging to modernize our trade policies with our North American neighbors, on July 1, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement officially went into effect. This new trade deal, which I was proud to support, is a huge win for the American people and will create jobs and grow GDP.
In Georgia, the USMCA will help our farmers and businesses: In 2019, Georgia exported $5.9 billion and $3.5 billion to Canada and Mexico respectively, accounting for over 20% of Georgia’s exports.
Supporting Georgia’s Waiver Request For Federal Testing Requirements
I sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos expressing my support for Georgia's request for a waiver of the high stakes testing and annual report card requirements in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for the 2020-2021 school year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a less than ideal learning environment for our students, so requiring high stakes testing and holding students and schools accountable to the same levels during this unprecedented time is an unnecessary burden. You can read the full letter here.
Honoring Football Legend Pat Dye
Last month, America lost a football legend. As the only Auburn alum currently serving in Congress, it was a privilege to honor Coach Pat Dye, who was born & raised in Blythe, Georgia, on the House floor. He leaves behind an incredible legacy not just at Auburn, but through the young men he coached and mentored on the field.
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Religious Liberty, Educational Choice
This week the Supreme Court ruled that religious schools should have the same access to scholarships and funds as other private schools. As the Lead Republican on the House Education and Labor Subcommittee on K-12 Education, I believe family finances should not be a barrier to faith based learning. This ruling is a victory for families who want more educational choice and for religious liberty.
Wishing You a Safe 4th of July!
As we celebrate the 4th of July this weekend, it’s important for us all to take a moment and reflect on how blessed we are to live in a country with opportunity and freedom. From my family to yours, have a safe and happy Independence Day!
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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