We must all unequivocally condemn the political violence plaguing our nation. Please keep Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones, especially his wife and young children, in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this unimaginable loss. May our Lord and Savior hold them close in the days, months, and years ahead.

Deterring Illegal Entry and Reentry into the United States

Under the Biden Administration, over 10 million unvetted illegal immigrants entered the United States from over 160 countries, including countries on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Furthermore, over 400 illegal aliens on the Terrorist Watch List were encountered at the border during the Biden presidency.

Making matters worse, the Biden Administration also failed to promptly prosecute the illegal aliens who defied U.S. immigration law and remove them from our country. That's why House Republicans passed H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act, which increases penalties for aliens who illegally enter or reenter the United States to discourage migrants from coming to the U.S. illegally.

We remain committed to keeping criminal aliens out of American communities.

Discussing Patient-Centered Healthcare Solutions

Employers play a vital role in providing affordable health coverage and supporting their workforce. However, some employer-sponsored insurance plans use a cost-saving approach known as an alternative funding program (AFP) that can oftentimes hurt Americans' access to specialty medications and increase out-of-pocket costs.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, I spoke at a bipartisan briefing on Wednesday about growing concerns regarding  AFPs. These programs need greater scrutiny and stronger safeguards. Employers should never be misled into thinking they are reducing costs when, in reality, they are jeopardizing the health of their workforce.

This is a priority of mine, and it will remain a priority until we restore accountability and protect patients from the harmful effects of AFPs.

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.

Earlier this week, President Trump spoke at the Museum of the Bible and announced the launch of “America Prays,” an invitation for Americans to join together weekly to pray for our country and its people.

Throughout the history of our nation, prayer has played a vital role in strengthening the fabric of our society. At a time when our country is in desperate need of prayer and reflection, "America Prays" encourages people to join together in groups of ten or more to dedicate one hour a week to prayer for our nation and our fellow citizens.

Read more about the initiative here.

Education and Workforce Committee

Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Hearing:

"Unmasking Union Antisemitism"

I chaired a hearing this week to examine the rise in antisemitism in unionized workplaces and the unions that defend these behaviors while forcing Jewish members to pay dues. I will continue to call out union leaders who defend those that engage in disruptive, discriminatory, and antisemitic behavior at the expense of fair representation.

Read my opening statement HERE.

Watch my line of questioning HERE.

Read the hearing recap HERE.

Energy and Commerce Committee

Energy Subcommittee Hearing:

"Building the American Dream: Examining Affordability, Choice, and Security in Appliance and Building Policies"

The federal government has no business tilting the scales on what appliances American families should buy. During this hearing, I highlighted my bill, the Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act, which preserves consumer choice and prevents future administrations from issuing burdensome standards on household appliances.

Watch my remarks HERE.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing:

"Public Safety Communications in the United States"

We're approaching the one-year mark since Hurricane Helene devastated the 12th District. Many lessons were learned in the immediate aftermath—including the importance of emergency communications during natural disasters. I asked our witnesses about how we can improve our public safety communications in the United States to better prepare for emergencies like Hurricane Helene.

Watch my remarks HERE.

This Week's Office Visitors

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 representatives from:

• Georgia Veterans of Foreign Wars
• Georgia Credit Union Association
• American Academy of Dermatology Association
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• National Association of Business Political Action Committees
• Georgia Automobile Dealers Association
• Meat Institute

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.

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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. 

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