Putting Students and Families First

This week, I voted to pass the Parents Bill of Rights Act out of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. This bill affirms that parents have every right to be actively involved in their child’s education.

This important legislation would amend several existing laws to improve transparency and accountability within the public school system by ensuring parents have:

1. The right to know what their children are being taught.
2. The right to be heard.
3. The right to see the school budget and spending.
4. The right to protect their children's privacy.
5. The right to keep their children safe.

I proudly co-introduced this legislation and it will now go before the full House of Representatives for consideration.

House Republicans are fulfilling our Commitment to America, and the passage of this legislation in committee brings us one step closer to delivering student-centered education reform.

Cutting Burdensome Red Tape

The House voted to pass legislation that I co-introduced to terminate President’s Biden proposed ‘Waters of the United States’ rule, a terrible overreach that would have devastating consequences for GA-12 farmers, businesses, and property owners. Under this new guidance, the EPA would have broad authority to determine what is considered a ‘navigable water,’ which could potentially include anything from a pond to a puddle.

It’s time for this administration to start listening to the American people instead of trying to shoehorn its radical climate agenda into every aspect of their lives.

Click here to listen to a speech I delivered after the bill officially passed the House.

Other Legislation Passed This Week

Investigating the Origins of COVID-19

For the past three years, Washington Democrats and the mainstream media have attacked anyone who dared to question the official narrative on COVID’s origins by accusing them of spreading ‘misinformation.' Now, the intelligence community is saying what many Americans figured out a long time ago – that COVID-19 most likely came from that very lab.

That's why I voted to pass the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023. This bill would require the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to declassify any information relating to the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.

House Republicans promised to fight for a government that’s accountable, and we are demanding full transparency from the Biden administration about the origins of this terrible virus. The American people deserve to know the truth.

Upholding Free Speech Protections

I also voted to pass H.R. 140, the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act, legislation that would prohibit federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity.

It is of the utmost importance to guard and defend against all attacks on free expression, and I will always fight to protect your First Amendment rights.

Unleashing American Energy, Securing Supply Chains

Energy and Commerce Committee

Full Committee Markup

The House Energy and Commerce Committee reviewed several pieces of legislation that would reform the energy permitting process, secure our supply chains, unleash domestic energy production, and secure our cyber networks from infiltration by China.

President Biden’s efforts to dismantle our domestic energy sector have not only sent costs sky-high, they have also undermined our national security by jeopardizing essential links in our nation’s energy supply chain. House Republicans made a commitment to fight for an economy that’s strong and a nation that’s safe – the legislation we passed through committee will bring us a step closer to reducing energy costs for American families and reclaiming American energy independence.

During the markup, I spoke in support of H.R. 1070, a bill to improve the permitting process at critical energy resource facilities.

Click here to listen to my full remarks.

For a list of the energy legislation we passed during the markup, please click here.

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Markup

The House Energy and Commerce Committee also held a subcommittee markup of bills to ensure American leadership in next-generation communications technologies.

Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing

“Defending America’s Wireless Leadership”

I also participated in a subcommittee hearing on wireless communications technology.

Click here to listen to my full remarks.

Plan Ahead for Passport Travel

My office has received a surge in passport expedition requests. New guidance from the State Department states the wait time for expedited service can take up to 2 months, and routine service can take up to 3 months.

My office is here to help, and please remember these helpful tips:

• Check expiration dates before booking a trip; make sure your passport doesn’t expire up to 6 months after your return date.
• Apply early – at least six months in advance of your planned departure date.
• Use trackable mail to quickly ship the application and purchase overnight delivery for the State Department to return the completed passport.
• Ensure applications are accurate and complete. Any issues with birth certificate, ID, fees, or photos could cause delays beyond the original 12 weeks.

Community Office Hours

Members of my staff are hosting Community Office Hours across our district throughout the month of March.

During these events, members of our team will be available to assist you with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and more.

I invite anyone seeking help with a federal issue to take advantage of the one-on-one services my office provides. For full details, please click here.

Deadline Approaching for Summer Internships

This Week's Office Visitors

I had the pleasure of welcoming several groups of visitors to our Washington, D.C. office this week to talk about the issues that matter most to them.

Those pictured include representatives from:

• Georgia School Nutrition Association
• Asian American Hotel Owners Association
• Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Tourette Association of America

Around the District

I recently attended the Warren County Chamber of Commerce's staff appreciation lunch in Warrenton to show my support for the great work the citizens in Warren County do to make our community thrive.

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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. 

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Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress