Allen, Rick RSS Articles

Congressman Allen Announces June Community Office Hours

Wed, 27 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced members of his staff will host Community Office Hours across Georgia’s 12th District during the month of June.

During these events, members of Congressman Allen’s staff will be available to assist constituents with a variety of federal issues, including help navigating various federal agencies such as FEMA, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and others. Community Office Hours are a quarterly resource provided by Congressman Allen's staff designed to serve constituents closer to home. Congressman Allen himself will not be in attendance.

After the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

"I invite anyone seeking help with a federal issue to take advantage of the one-on-one services my office provides. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, our dedicated caseworkers stand ready to help you. Please visit my team during Community Office Hours in June or contact one of our district offices for more information."

See below for a list of Community Office Hours dates, times, and locations by county (excluding counties in which Congressman Allen has a permanent office):

Burke County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: County Commission Boardroom, Burke County Courthouse

111 E. 6th Street

Waynesboro, GA 30830

Candler County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Metter City Hall

49 S. Rountree Street

Metter, GA 30439

Columbia County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Grovetown City Hall

103 Old Wrightsboro Road

Grovetown, GA 30813

Effingham County

WHEN: Thursday, June 18th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Effingham County Board of Commissioners Office

804 S. Laurel Street, Suite 200

Springfield, GA 31329

Emanuel County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Swainsboro-Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce

102 S. Main Street

Swainsboro, GA 30401

Evans County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Strickland Center for the Arts

707 W. Main Street

Claxton, Georgia 30417

Glascock County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE: Family Connections & Communities in School

370 W. Main Street

Gibson, GA 30810

Jefferson County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Community Club House

101 McNair Street

Wrens, GA 30833

Jenkins County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce

548 Cotton Avenue

Millen, GA 30442

Johnson County

WHEN: Monday, June 15th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Wrightsville City Hall

8647 S. Marcus Street

Wrightsville, GA 31096

Lincoln County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Lincoln County Courthouse

210 Humphrey Street

Lincolnton, GA 30817

McDuffie County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Thomson-McDuffie Administrative Building

210 Railroad Street

Thomson, GA 30824

Montgomery County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

WHERE: Montgomery County Courthouse

400 S. Railroad Avenue

Mount Vernon, GA 30445

Screven County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Screven County Courthouse, Commission Boardroom

216 Mims Road

Sylvania, GA 30467

Tattnall County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Glennville Welcome Center/Chamber of Commerce

136 S. Veterans Boulevard

Glennville, GA 30427

Treutlen County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

WHERE: Treutlen County Commissioners Office

1830 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Soperton, GA 30457

Warren County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Warren County Chamber of Commerce

46 Norwood Street

Warrenton, GA 30828

Washington County

WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

WHERE: Community Health Care System

220 Morningside Drive

Sandersville, GA 31082

Wheeler County

WHEN: Monday, June 8th from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

WHERE: Alamo City Hall

7 W. Main Street

Alamo, GA 30411

Wilkes County

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10th from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

WHERE: Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

22B West Square

Washington, GA 30673

Congressman Allen's PBM Kickback Prohibition Act Advanced by Committee

Fri, 22 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Education and Workforce Committee advanced H.R. 7895, Congressman Rick W. Allen's (GA-12) PBM Kickback Prohibition Act. Congressman Allen introduced this legislation in March, which would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from paying kickbacks or referral fees to brokers, consultants, advisors, or similar intermediaries in exchange for directing employer health plan or insurer business to the PBM.

During yesterday's markup, Congressman Allen delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, prior to the bill's passage:

"Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, are third party intermediaries that wield enormous power over the prescription drug supply chain, affecting 90 million patients covered by ERISA health plans.

"Yet, PBMs operate through a complex and opaque system of fees and rebates that drive up costs for patients and employers while lining the pockets of PBM middlemen. To navigate this system, employers often hire consultants or brokers to help design and manage their health plans. These consultants and brokers are trusted to act in the best interests of employees and employers.

"Too often, however, consultants and advisors are incentivized to steer employers to a particular PBM in exchange for significant financial kickbacks from those PBMs. These arrangements are rarely transparent, leaving employers in the dark about the financial incentives influencing plan recommendations while patients continue to face rising drug costs and higher insurance premiums.

"Employers deserve to know that their consultants and brokers are providing independent, unbiased guidance—not recommendations influenced by hidden financial incentives.

"That is why I introduced, H.R. 7895, the PBM Kickback Prohibition Act. It would prohibit PBMs from paying kickbacks to brokers or consultants in exchange for steering health plans toward preferred PBMs. This is a key element of President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan and will eliminate these opaque pricing tactics which will help lower health care costs for patients and employers.

"Today, I am offering an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to strengthen the bill and ensure PBMs cannot evade these prohibitions by simply calling the kickbacks something else. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the ANS and the underlying bill."

Congressman Allen Backs Pro-Law Enforcement Legislation During National Police Week

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This week, during National Police Week, House Republicans passed several bills aimed at supporting law enforcement officers nationwide, ending soft-on-crime policies, and keeping violent criminals out of America's communities. After supporting each bill on the House floor, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

"We cannot have freedom without safety, and we cannot have safety without the men and women willing to defend it. Every shift, every call, every sacrifice matters. Georgia's 12th District felt this ultimate sacrifice firsthand when one of our own—Deputy Brandon Sikes of Columbia County—lost his life in the line of duty last April. We will never forget Deputy Sikes' extraordinary service.

"During this National Police Week and always, I am proud to stand with the upstanding men and women of our nation's law enforcement, not just in the 12th District, but across the country. These heroes put the safety of others before their own, and for that, we must always honor their courage. To those who answer the call and keep our communities safe: we salute you."

Legislation passed with Congressman Allen's support:

H. Con. Res. 96: Expresses congressional support for the brave men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives to uphold our rule of law and keep Americans safe, recognizes their extraordinary sacrifice, and acknowledges their many contributions to our communities.
H.R. 6260, the Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act: Amends the federal criminal statute dealing with insurance-related crimes to include corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail for defendants, subjecting charitable bail funds to federal insurance fraud laws and state licensing requirements, and requiring their employees to pass criminal background checks.
H.R. 5625, the Cashless Bail Reporting Act: Requires the Attorney General to publish a list of state and local governments that implement reckless bail “reform” policies allowing people who have been accused of certain violent crimes to be released pending trial on personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond.

Congressman Allen Leads Colleagues in Demanding a Halt in Changes to EAMC

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) was joined by Representatives Joe Wilson (SC-02), Austin Scott (GA-08), Earl "Buddy" Carter (GA-01), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), and Brian Jack (GA-03) in sending a letter to the Honorable Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Department of War, urging that changes to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon be halted immediately.

In the letter, Congressman Allen and the members write: "We are writing to share our strong opposition to the proposal by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to downgrade the Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon to an ambulatory care center... While DHA has notified Congress about the proposed changes, it is required by law that DHA submit a report to the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) on the proposed plans to restructure EAMC and Congress has 180 days to review the proposal before any changes are made."

The members continue: "It is very concerning that DHA has circumvented the law and has proceeded to downsize the EAMC based on a previous administration’s plan to address their recruiting failures and lack of investment in the men and women of the military... Under these new circumstances, we urge DHA to reconsider the changes made at EAMC and to halt any further actions, with respect to delivery of care and staffing until Congress has assessed the plan."

The members conclude: "While our servicemembers and their families are our priority, there are real national security concerns sending servicemembers into the civilian healthcare system... We are grateful to represent servicemembers and their families who face unique and complex needs due to their service. Again, we urge DHA to follow the letter of the law and halt any further changes to EAMC."

BACKGROUND: On January 20, 2026, Congressman Allen sent a letter to the Honorable David J. Smith, M.D., Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency, seeking answers about potential changes in the scope of services provided at Eisenhower Army Medical Center (EAMC) at Fort Gordon.

To read the full letter to Secretary Hegseth, click here.

House Passes 2026 Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which builds on the historic agriculture investments made in H.R. 1, often known as the Working Families Tax Cuts. After voting in support of the bill, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

"Rural America needs a new Farm Bill now, not tomorrow. With today's passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, House Republicans have once again reaffirmed our commitment to American agriculture and delivered for hardworking growers and producers.

"Having grown up on a Hereford cattle farm and traveled throughout the 12th District, I know the uncertainty Georgia's farmers can face—which has been exacerbated in recent years by high input costs, shrinking margins, devastating natural disasters, and market uncertainty. The best way to reinvigorate our farm economy and bring certainty back to farm country is to send a modern Farm Bill that addresses today's challenges to President Trump's desk. This bill is the answer.

"With agriculture being the number one industry in the 12th District and across our state, I was proud to support this Farm Bill that not only delivers sound agriculture policy but also provides our farmers with the tools and resources they need."

More specifically, H.R. 7567:

Expands access to credit and risk management tools for producers facing some of the toughest times in the farm economy since the 1980s crisis.
Doubles down on integrity and transparency measures in the nutrition title while prioritizing health, without increasing federal spending.
Prioritizes domestic production of healthy fruits and vegetables.
Streamlines working lands conservation programs and prioritizes responsible management of federal forests.
Attacks the agriculture trade deficit by increasing funding for export promotion programs.
Modernizes rural development and energy programs, prioritizes cutting-edge research, expands access to meat processing, and codifies key initiatives related to national security and foreign ownership of farmland.
Protects interstate commerce for livestock producers and provides regulatory certainty for farmers who need access to critical crop protection tools.

NOTE: Following Hurricane Helene's destruction, Congressman Allen co-introduced the Farmers’ AID Relief Act, which updates the Hurricane Insurance Protection - Wind Index (HIP-WI) to better reflect real-world storm paths and protect farmers affected by damage. This legislation is included as a marker bill in Sec. 11016 of Title XI of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. Additionally, H.R. 7567 is supported by more than 500 stakeholder organizations, including the Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Corn Growers Association, Georgia Cotton Commission, and others.

Read the full bill text HERE.
Read a section-by-section HERE.

Congressman Allen Votes for Budget Framework to Fund ICE and Border Protection

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Last night, House Republicans passed S. Con. Res. 33, which establishes a congressional budget to responsibly fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the end of President Trump’s term, ensuring these agencies are able to keep the American people safe from threats. Upon passage of S. Con. Res. 33, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) issued the following statement:

"House and Senate Democrats have made it abundantly clear that their loyalty lies with illegal immigrants, not with the American people, and not with the brave individuals tasked with securing our border and deporting criminals who have illegally entered our country. While Democrats continue to obstruct funding for the Department of Homeland Security, House Republicans are working to ensure these vital national security agencies have the resources they need to keep Americans safe. This was an easy yes vote."

BACKGROUND: Adoption of S. Con. Res. 33 will unlock the process by which Congressional Republicans can fund ICE and CBP through the entirety of President Trump’s term with a simple majority vote in the Senate. This bill makes the FY2026 annual appropriations process whole, ensuring that ICE and CBP can continue the historic progress they have made under the Trump Administration to address the consequences of Democrats’ disastrous open-borders policies.

Rep. Allen's Bills Encouraging Skills-Based Hiring Included in WIOA Reauthorization Package

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, the Committee on Education and Workforce advanced H.R. 8210, the Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026. This legislation makes needed improvements to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—focused on improving outcomes for workers, strengthening our economy, and ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars.

Included in H.R. 8210 are provisions from Congressman Allen's Startup Act and Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act that reduce barriers to employment, expand opportunity, and better align our workforce system with how people actually learn and work.

Prior to the full committee advancing the Stronger Workforce for America Act, Congressman Allen delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, in support of the bill:

"A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 seeks to strengthen and increase connections to work for our nation’s most vulnerable, and I’m proud that provisions from my bill, the Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act, are included in this package, as well as language around entrepreneurial skills development.

"My bills are built on simple but important beliefs: that learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom, and our workforce system should recognize the full range of skills individuals already have.

"Too often, qualified workers are overlooked because they lack a formal degree, even when they have years of relevant experience from work, military service, or other training. These provisions help fix that by improving how the workforce system identifies and validates prior learning and existing skills.

"They strengthen collaboration between workforce boards, employers, and education providers to ensure assessments reflect the skills that are in demand in today’s economy. The bill also integrates these assessments into local workforce services so job seekers can receive credit or credentials for the skills they already possess.

"This allows workers to move more quickly into employment or advance in their careers without having to start from scratch. At the same time, it supports employers by making it easier to identify qualified candidates and move toward skills-based hiring rather than relying solely on degree requirements.

"These reforms help reduce barriers to employment, expand opportunity, and better align our workforce system with how people actually learn and work. I’m happy to see my bill language reflected in this reauthorization effort, and I urge my colleagues to support it. I yield back."

Congressman Allen Helps Secure Grant Funding for Augusta Tech Automotive Training Center

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:05:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has approved Augusta Technical College's grant application for the construction of the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute on Walton Way in Augusta. Augusta Tech's full funding request of $6,808,307 was awarded for this project. Upon the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

"The CSRA has developed a longstanding reputation as a hub for economic growth in the state of Georgia. Not only will this grant funding enable Augusta Tech to develop a Center for Excellence in Automotive Technology in Richmond County, but it will also equip hundreds of students and workers with the skills needed to succeed in our booming automotive manufacturing industry. I was proud to offer my support for this grant proposal and thank Secretary Lutnick and all community stakeholders for ensuring this facility reaches its full potential. As always, the 12th District is doing its part to maintain Georgia's status as the number one state to do business," said Congressman Allen.

"This historic investment will fuel the community of Augusta, Georgia, going forward. President Trump is committed to training the youth of today to fill the high-tech, advanced manufacturing automotive jobs being built in America," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

"We are deeply grateful to Congressman Rick Allen and all of our partners and donors who have been true champions for the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute. This support represents an investment in the people of the CSRA and signals a bright future for the economic development of our region. At Augusta Technical College, we are committed to preparing a workforce that meets today's demands and anticipates tomorrow's needs," said Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker, President, Augusta Technical College.

BACKGROUND: On July 12, 2025, Congressman Allen sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, offering his strong support for Augusta Technical College's grant application. To read Congressman Allen's letter to Secretary Lutnick, click here.

Augusta Tech gets $6.81M grant to finish automotive institute

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Originally Published in WRDW
By: Audrey Dickherber

Augusta Technical College has received about $6.8 million from the Economic Development Administration to help complete the Jim Hudson Automotive Institute.

The project is located at 1122 Walton Way, the former Johnson Cadillac dealership.

“This grant is a powerful investment in Augusta’s economic future,” Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker, president of Augusta Technical College, said. “The Jim Hudson Automotive Institute will directly address critical workforce shortages while creating pathways to high-wage, in-demand careers for our students.”

The renovated facility will serve as a state-of-the-art automotive workforce training center.

The institute will expand Augusta Tech’s automotive training footprint and serve hundreds of credit and noncredit students annually.

Upon the announcement, Rep. Rick Allen issued the following statement:

“The CSRA has developed a longstanding reputation as a hub for economic growth in the state of Georgia. Not only will this grant funding enable Augusta Tech to develop a Center for Excellence in Automotive Technology in Richmond County, but it will also equip hundreds of students and workers with the skills needed to succeed in our booming automotive manufacturing industry,” said Allen.

Addressing workforce shortages

“The need isn’t going anywhere,” said Dr. Kendricks D. Hooker, Augusta Tech president. “We’re well aware that demand far exceeds supply. This institute allows us to position ourselves well to address a significant shortage in automotive technicians across our city, the region, and really across this nation.”

Aaron Clements of C&C Automotive said the industry faces challenges finding trained workers.

“So many times it’s difficult to find people that’s had the training that you need,” Clements said. “You’re not able to just pick up a little small toolbox and come in and work on vehicles anymore. The vehicles are basically a rolling computer. And because of that, you need knowledge in computers, you need knowledge in hydraulics, you need mechanical knowledge. There’s just so many things, not to mention the business side of it.”

Apprenticeship opportunities

Clements said he supports creating an apprenticeship program at the facility.

“I’m strong into wanting these students to be able to come in here for like two months at a time, two or three months at a time, and let that be part of their curriculum,” Clements said.

The facility is located on a 6.4-acre site and will occupy roughly half of the existing building.

“They might find something that they love,” Clements said. “They might find something to say, wow, I actually enjoy going to work. I actually enjoy working on cars. I’m good at this.”

Clements said the institute will benefit the broader community.

“I think that it will not only help the automotive industry, but it will help just families,” Clements said. “It will help people to grow. It will help people to be able to find ways that they can earn a good living.”

Augusta Tech said no timeline has been confirmed and asked people to stay tuned for updates.

Rep. Allen announces winners of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Originally Published in Grice Connect
Lakeside High School students Saisurya Lakkimsetti, Arnav Patel, and Mingzhe Zhang have earned top honors in the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s 12th District, impressing judges with their innovative application called Tempo.

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced that Lakeside High School students Saisurya Lakkimsetti, Arnav Patel, and Mingzhe Zhang have been selected as the winners of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s 12th District.

The students were chosen for their work developing Tempo, a software application that blends productivity, mental health, and brain wellness into a single intelligent experience. It helps users stay organized, focused, and mentally sharp while maintaining balance and emotional awareness.

At its core, Tempo is a smart planner that learns each user’s daily rhythm, adapting reminders and focus sessions to match natural energy levels. It includes valuable tools such as a Flow Timer for deep work, a planner for task management, and a Rhythm Log that visualizes how time is divided between focus, rest, and leisure.

For seniors, Tempo offers an optional Brain Health Hub with simple cognitive games, memory prompts, and medication reminders that strengthen focus and recall.

As the winner of this year's App Challenge, Tempo will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website and displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit. Additionally, the students are invited to Capitol Hill for the #HouseOfCode celebration, where they will have the opportunity to demo their app to Members of Congress.

Upon the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

"I extend my warmest congratulations to Saisurya, Arnav, and Mingzhe for winning the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. The creativity they displayed in developing Tempo from the ground up is nothing short of remarkable. I am very proud to recognize these students for a job well done, and for using their extensive talents to create something that will truly benefit others."