Despite threats to our energy and national security, the Biden Administration shut down domestic energy production and made us more dependent on countries like China for energy and critical minerals, allowing China to control 60 percent of the world’s critical mineral production.

Last week, House Republicans passed H.R. 4553, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026, which maintains America’s leadership in energy and innovation, supports domestic energy production, improves our energy security, cuts wasteful spending, counters threats to our national security, and provides funding for the critical missions at the Savannah River Site.

House Republicans will continue to work with the Trump Administration to ensure future energy dominance for both our security and the security of our allies.

Introducing the Retire Through Ownership Act

Many employers and hardworking Americans elect to pursue Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) to increase employee ownership and to promote a secure and prosperous retirement. Unfortunately, in too many cases, these plans face unnecessary risks due to the lack of a clear regulatory framework for valuing employer stock.

Today, I introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Retire Through Ownership Act, which would provide legal and regulatory clarity in the formation of ESOPs. This legislation is a long-overdue course correction that will help ensure those who pursue ESOPs can do so with confidence and enjoy a secure retirement.

Read more HERE.

REMINDER: With President Trump back in the White House, we are excited to add a new feature to the newsletter! Each week, I will highlight an executive action, announcement, rulemaking, bill signing, or any other activity from the Trump Administration to keep you well-informed on what's happening in Washington.

President Trump made finishing the border wall a central promise before taking office — and he continues to deliver. Using existing funding halted by the Biden Administration and new funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Trump Administration is swiftly moving forward to build hundreds of miles of new border wall and make other technological and safety improvements that will make the southern border the most secure in modern history.

From The Washington Times:
 
“Just months into his new term, Mr. Trump already has 100 miles of border barrier in the works...Customs and Border Protection said it already has 83 miles of traditional wall and 17 miles of waterborne barriers either under construction or in planning, using money left over from the first Trump administration. Those are dollars President Biden slow-walked, but which never expired and were waiting for the new president in January."

Border security is national security.

It was my pleasure to recently welcome a group of Columbia County leaders to the Capitol Building! If you are traveling to Washington, D.C. and interested in setting up tours of popular attractions, please visit my website HERE.

Social media is a great way to stay connected and I encourage you to keep up with my work in Congress by ‘liking’ my Facebook page and following me on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.

###

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. 

To stay informed about what is happening in Washington D.C. and in our district, please follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Rick Allen
Member of Congress