Allen, Rick RSS Articles

Rep. Allen's Bill to Increase Access to Care for 12th District Energy Workers Advanced by Committee

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House Committee on Education and Workforce advanced H.R. 4122, the Health Care for Energy Workers Act, to increase access to care for current and former energy workers. H.R. 4122 would benefit over 10,000 Georgia energy workers, including many employed at Plant Vogtle and the Savannah River Site.

Specifically, this bipartisan, bicameral legislation, introduced by Representatives Rick W. Allen (GA-12) and Lucy McBath (GA-06), would update the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) to allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to order care for current and former Department of Energy (DOE) workers who receive health care under this Department of Labor (DOL) program.

The EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to employees who work or have worked in the nuclear weapons industry. Under current EEOICPA regulations, NPs and PAs are unable to order home health care services for patients, creating unnecessary barriers to care, especially for patients in rural communities.

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

"Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I introduced H.R. 4122 along with my colleague from Georgia, Ms. McBath. This bill amends the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act to allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to order care for patients eligible under the Energy Workers Program within their scope of practice under state law.

"Under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, Department of Energy (DOE) contractors and subcontractors, as well as uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters, as well as the survivors of these workers, can receive compensation for certain occupational illnesses that are linked to their work environments through the Energy Workers Program.

"Under current law, only physicians may order care for eligible program patients. Unfortunately, in many parts across the country where these DOE sites are located—particularly in rural areas—workers can experience long delays in receiving essential health care services. This physicians-only policy also conflicts with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) guidelines, which allow NPs and PAs to order care within their scope of practice.

"H.R. 4122 helps address these delays and aligns the program with CMS and VA policies. This bill also requires NPs and PAs to act within their scope of practice under state law. These providers play a significant role in America’s health care system, and it is time that they play a greater role in the Energy Workers Program.

"H.R. 4122 mirrors the policy in H.R. 3170, the Improving Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act, which Chairman Walberg and Representative Courtney introduced. H.R. 3170 would allow NPs and PAs to order care for workers under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program within the scope of their practice under state law. I was happy to see the Committee approve that bill unanimously exactly one year ago today.

"The amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 4122 makes a technical change to the bill, and I urge my colleagues to adopt the ANS and approve the underlying bill."

Congressman Allen Announces 2026 Fall Internship Program

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) announced his office is seeking applicants for the 2026 Fall Internship Program, to be offered in his Washington, D.C. office.

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. Interns will perform a range of tasks including constituent outreach, legislative writing, and more, with the possibility of earning school credit.

Fall internships will be offered from August to December 2026, with specific dates to be discussed during the interview process. All applications must be submitted via Congressman Allen's website by Friday, July 17th, 2026.

Upon the announcement, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Working in a congressional office provides a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience into how our government operates and network with individuals from all walks of life. In our office, we employ a bottom-up approach to empower others to be the best they can be. Many of our past interns have used the skills gained during their internships to transition into a variety of successful career paths. My staff and I look forward to welcoming these talented young professionals in the coming months.”

Those interested in a fall internship can apply on Congressman Allen's website.

Congressman Allen Recognizes Georgia-12 Service Academy Appointees at Signing Day Ceremony

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) hosted a special signing day ceremony for students in Georgia's 12th District who have been accepted into one of our nation's Military Service Academies.

These academies include: The United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut; the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York; and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

During the event, Congressman Allen recognized several Georgia-12 students whose respective service academy nominations he sponsored. Congressman Allen also presented each student with a signed copy of the Congressional Record marking the occasion.
Georgia-12 students participating in the signing day event included:

Tyler Swoope, Academy of Richmond County, offered and accepted a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy
Gregory Tegang, Grovetown High School, offered and accepted a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy (also received an offer of appointment to the USNA)
Bryce Reynierson, Augusta Christian Schools/Naval Academy Prep School, offered and accepted a nomination to the United States Naval Academy
Robby Saballa, Harlem High School, offered and accepted a nomination to the United States Merchant Marine Academy
CcChase Faamausili, Greenbrier High School, offered and accepted a nomination to the United States Naval Academy (also received an offer of appointment to the USMMA)

Georgia-12 student unable to attend signing day:

Lila Jun, Greenbrier High School, offered and accepted a nomination to the United States Military Academy

After the event, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

"It is extremely gratifying to nominate such qualified young leaders from our district to usher in this new generation of servicemen and women. I am honored to show my support for these selfless students whose commitment to service and our great nation is a testament to their proven leadership and courage. I have every confidence that each of these students will go on to make the state of Georgia and the United States of America proud."

For additional photos from today's event, click here.

House Republicans Send ICE and CBP Funding to President Trump's Desk

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the House of Representatives passed S. 2, the Secure America Act, which fully funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through Fiscal Year 2029. After voting in support of the measure, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) released the following statement:

"For twelve straight months, zero illegal aliens have been released at our border. Crime is down in major U.S. cities as violent illegal criminals are being removed from our streets. The brave men and women of ICE and CBP have championed those efforts—along with combatting terrorism, stopping the flow of illicit drugs, and dismantling cartels.

"Sadly, House and Senate Democrats have decided that the safety of the American people is not a priority. While funding these two critical agencies should never be a partisan exercise, I am proud that House Republicans overcame Democrat obstruction, got the job done, and fully funded ICE and CBP so they can continue protecting our homeland."

BACKGROUND: On April 30, House Republicans passed S. Con. Res. 33, which established a congressional budget to responsibly fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through Fiscal Year 2029, setting the stage for today's vote.

Congressman Allen Leads Colleagues in Calling on the EBSA to Enforce PBM Reforms

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) was joined by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Bradley Schneider (IL-10) in sending a letter to the Honorable Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

The letter urges the EBSA to exercise its enhanced authority to enforce the landmark reforms designed to rein in the abuses of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), as required by law via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (CAA).

In the letter, the Members write: "The CAA represents years of bipartisan work to increase the accountability and transparency of PBMs’ opaque business practices, which have contributed to rising costs and diminished access to medicines for American patients and employers. The enactment of the CAA’s provisions is a significant step toward increased PBM transparency."

The Members continue: "However, meaningful implementation will require active oversight and guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). We write to urge EBSA to exercise its enhanced authority to give full effect to these reforms, as Congress intended."

The Members conclude: "Robust implementation of the rebate pass-through requirement and the bona fide service fee standard will help ensure the following:

PBMs no longer have a financial incentive to favor more expensive medicines over generics or biosimilars.
Patients benefit from the rebates and discounts negotiated on their behalf.
Employers and plan fiduciaries gain meaningful transparency into the compensation arrangements and services provided by their PBMs.

We urge EBSA to use every tool at its disposal to translate this legislative intent into durable, enforceable standards."

BACKGROUND: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 was signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026. Congressman Rick Allen has long called for major PBM reforms—helping champion the reforms included in the CAA, and most recently with the introduction of the PBM Kickback Prohibition Act, which was advanced by the Education and Workforce Committee on May 21, 2026.

To read the full letter to the Honorable Daniel Aronowitz, click here.

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.