Holding DHS Secretary Mayorkas Accountable
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In January alone, there were 176,205 illegal immigrants encountered at the Southern Border—the 35th straight month, where monthly illegal immigrant encounters have been higher than even the highest month seen under President Trump.
This week, I voted in support of H. Res. 863, legislation to fire Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Following a thorough investigation into the root causes and consequences of the Biden border crisis, the House took action and fired Secretary Mayorkas for his dereliction of duty and blatant refusal to enforce the laws passed by Congress.
The unfortunate reality is that the unprecedented crisis along our southern border intensifies month after month and has cost thousands of American lives. Secretary Mayorkas’ abject failure to fulfill his oath of office and secure our border threatens our entire nation and warranted this action. |
Fighting President Biden's LNG Export Ban
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This week, the House passed H. R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act, with my support. This bipartisan bill would immediately reverse President Biden's de facto ban on American liquified natural gas, or LNG, exports.
Let's look at the facts: - U.S. LNG exports are approximately 41% cleaner than the Russian natural gas delivered to Europe
U.S. natural gas has helped us reduce emissions more than any other nation in the world Increasing LNG exports could add as much as 73 billion dollars to the U.S. economy and upwards of 453,000 jobs by 2040
Yet, President Biden and this Administration are seeking to destroy all of this potential growth by indefinitely banning LNG exports simply to appease radical environmentalists. Now more than ever, we need to embrace an all-of-the-above energy strategy and unleash the production and export of clean, affordable, and reliable American LNG to further reduce emissions.
Watch my remarks on the House floor HERE. |
Fighting for America's Retirees and Savers
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Americans should feel confident when it comes to their plans to retire. However, the Biden Department of Labor’s (DOL) recently proposed fiduciary rule is nothing more than a recycled Obama-era disaster that does more harm than good to the very people it is claiming to protect – American retirees and savers. A Deloitte study shows a similar 2016 rule limited or eliminated financial advice to 10.2 million accounts.
This is precisely why I plan to introduce a Congressional Review Act Joint Resolution of Disapproval on the DOL’s Fiduciary Rule as soon as the rule is finalized and transmitted to Congress. Saving for retirement is crucial for American families, and access to professional financial advice should not be hindered by burdensome overregulation.
On Thursday, I participated in the Education and the Workforce Committee's Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (H.E.L.P.) Subcommittee hearing titled "Protecting American Savers and Retirees from DOL's Regulatory Overreach." Watch my remarks during the hearing HERE. |
Celebrating Career and Technical Education Month
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I spoke on the House floor to commemorate Career and Technical Education Month. In the construction industry, I spent over forty years talking to young people in Georgia’s 12th District about the benefits of working in the skilled trades. As we all know, a four-year degree is not the right fit for everyone—and oftentimes our skilled and technical jobs are among the most in-demand and high-paying in the workforce.
This Career and Technical Education Month, we affirm that the American Dream is attainable and different for everyone, and I am thankful for the educators and community leaders who remain committed to setting up America’s future leaders for success.
Watch my remarks on the House floor by CLICKING HERE or the image above. |
Telephone Town Hall Recap
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I held a Telephone Town Hall earlier this week to answer questions from residents across Georgia’s 12th District. More than 3,000 constituents joined Tuesday’s call where I provided updates on current political issues such as President Biden's war on American energy, the 21st-century workforce, a bill aimed at improving price transparency in health care, the crisis at our southern border, and more.
If you were unable to join the call, check out the recap HERE. If you'd like to sign up for future Telephone Town Halls, CLICK HERE. |
Additional Committee Activity
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Energy and Commerce
Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing
“Securing Communications Networks from Foreign Adversaries”
This week's hearing focused on protecting our communications and technological infrastructure from foreign threats, especially those posed by the Chinese Communist Party. As we become increasingly reliant on technology, it is imperative that we safeguard these networks and cement United States' leadership in the space.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Hearing
"Powered Up: State Utility Regulators on Challenges to Reliable, Affordable Electricity"
During this hearing, it was a pleasure to hear testimony from Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore. Georgia is the only state in the country that has built new nuclear units in more than three decades—all housed at Plant Vogtle in Georgia's 12th District. We discussed the importance of our nuclear capabilities in supplying Georgia residents with affordable and reliable energy.
Watch my remarks HERE.
Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Hearing
“Safeguarding American Prosperity and People’s Livelihoods: Legislation to Modernize Air Quality Standards”
The EPA’s rushed process to revise the current fine particulate matter standards will have disastrous impacts on manufacturers nationwide, especially those in Georgia’s 12th District. I took the opportunity to ask our witnesses about the Biden Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) setting process and the most recent NAAQS or Fine Particulate Matter, or PM 2.5.
Watch my remarks HERE. |
Seeking Applicants: 2024 Summer Internship Program
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REMINDER: I recently announced my office is seeking applicants for our paid 2024 Summer Internship Program, to be offered in my 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. All applications are due by Friday, March 15.
Applications can be submitted HERE. |
This Week's Office Visitors
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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: - American Federation of Government Employees
- National Association of Community Health Centers
- Georgia Hospital Association
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Jenkins County Legislative Breakfast
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On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Jenkins County Legislative Breakfast in Millen where I gave an update on the crisis at our southern border, the Farm Bill reauthorization, increasing price transparency in health care, and more. I also took a few questions from those in attendance about the issues important to the community. Thanks for having me! |
Recognizing Presidents' Day
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Happy Presidents' Day! This day serves as a celebration of the leadership, sacrifice, and vision exemplified by the remarkable individuals who have guided our country through its most challenging times and ushered in our proudest moments. Today, we celebrate the Commanders-in-Chief who made America the greatest country in the world. |
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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 |
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