Health care decisions should be made between the patient and physician. Too often, one-size-fits-all federal mandates can hinder a provider’s ability to prescribe the treatment or medication that best suits a patient’s unique medical condition. This week, I reintroduced the Safe Step Act, a bipartisan bill to ensure patients can safely and efficiently access the best treatment available by improving step therapy protocols.

Step therapy is a prior-authorization policy that requires patients to try and fail on one or more insurer-preferred treatments before coverage is granted for the medication originally prescribed by their clinician. While intended to reduce unnecessary utilization, these protocols too often force a trial-and-error approach that can jeopardize patient health, increase administrative burdens, and undermine continuity of care.

I have often said that we need to restore patient-centered, cost-effective, and market-driven solutions to our health care system. This legislation does just that, and I am proud to be leading this effort in the 119th Congress. Read more HERE.

Streamlining the Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Permitting Process

Our hardworking energy developers need a clear framework to expand America’s energy footprint, not more bureaucracy and uncertainty. This week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3062, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act.

The American people have witnessed the drastic consequences of the anti-domestic energy policies championed by the previous administration – which led to record-high gas prices, severe job loss, and dependence on foreign oil. H.R. 3062 is a necessary and much-needed solution to ensure, in the future, we do not face the brunt of reckless executive actions like the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

This bill would require the President to receive Congressional approval before revoking any previously issued permits related to the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of oil or natural gas pipelines. It would also streamline the permitting process for projects that connect U.S. energy resources with international markets. Watch my speech on the House floor 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.

As part of the President’s working families tax cuts legislation, the House also passed the single largest investment in rural healthcare, delivering the Rural Health Transformation Fund (RHT). This $50 billion rural health fund moves from a system that fails rural America to one that builds lasting success. 

This week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) officially launched the application process so states can apply to receive these critical funds. Governors across the nation can now apply and submit bold proposals tailored to their state’s rural communities.

Read more HERE.

Education and Workforce Committee

Full Committee Markup:

In addition to my Retire Through Ownership Act, the Education and Workforce Committee advanced four additional bills to strengthen retirees and protect workers.

• H.R. 1723, Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025
• H.R. 2958, Balance the Scales Act
• H.R. 2869, EBSA Investigations Transparency Act
• H.R. 2844, Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act
• H.R. 3495, Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act

Energy and Commerce Committee

Energy Subcommittee Hearing:

"Appliance and Building Policies: Restoring the American Dream of Home Ownership and Consumer Choice"

During this legislative hearing, the subcommittee examined eight bills that support consumer freedom by undoing harmful regulations, reduce costs for Americans, and help strengthen our electric grid. This included 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 during Panel 1 HERE.

Watch my remarks during Panel 2 HERE.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee Hearing:

"Examining Solutions to Expedite Broadband Permitting"

During this legislative hearing, we examined legislative proposals that will help streamline the broadband permitting process, including my BEAD FEE Act, which I introduced earlier this year.

Watch my opening statement HERE.

Watch my line of questioning 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:

• Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association 
• Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association 
• American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons 
• American Cancer Society
• International Franchise Association
• Asian American Hotel Owners Association
• Nuvation Energy

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