Rick Allen

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, this bill will bridge the gap between the business community and education, which is critical to prepare America's future workforce. I am happy to cosponsor this important bill, and I hope that my colleagues will join me in voting for H.R. 2353.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congressman Rice for his introduction of this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, President Trump and I agree on many issues facing our Nation today. We share our number one priority: national security. Energy independence is critical to our mutual mission to safeguard the United States. That is why I stand before my colleagues in the Nation today in support of H.R. 1551 to modify the nuclear production tax credit. Enacted in 2005, the Energy Policy Act provided production tax credits for reactors with a deadline of 2020. When the law was enacted, Congress did not anticipate the sunset date would place a hardship on energy producers. As every businessowner knows, the unexpected happens in the real world. My district is leading the way in the expansion of our Nation's nuclear energy resources, constructing two of the first nuclear reactors in the United States in more than 30 years. In fact, the 12th District of Georgia will have more than 75 percent of the nuclear generating capacity of the Southern Company. Also, because Georgia has been ranked as the number one place to locate your business for the last 4 years is because we enjoy extremely low power rates. In an unfortunate turn of events, Westinghouse filed for bankruptcy, which could result in the nuclear units coming online at Plant Vogtle a little later than 2020. H.R. 1551 will assist our Nation's energy producers to complete Plant Vogtle's units 3 and 4. Mr. Speaker, this is absolutely critical. This change will not cost the taxpayer an additional dime. You may ask: Why is this a national security issue? As it has been mentioned, China and Russia continue to make heavy investments in nuclear energy. We cannot send a signal to the rest of the world that nondemocratic countries are leading the way in nuclear production and that America is not investing in our own energy independence. Mr. Speaker, Plant Vogtle is critical to provide clean low-cost energy to Georgians. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical important legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join me in support of the Financial CHOICE Act. Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling's bill aims to bring economic opportunity to all Americans. After Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats passed the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, dozens of small community financial institutions in my district were forced to close or merge with big banks. In fact, my State of Georgia has lost more than 40 of these institutions over this period of time. This was due to the unbelievable complexity and compliance costs of the regulations imposed on them. With the Financial CHOICE Act, community banks will finally be able to get some relief from these regulations. As a businessowner myself, I know how important access to capital can be for a new business. We know that 70 percent of all new job creation is created by the growth of small business. Once these banks are able to get back to the business of lending, my hope is that it will spur small-business growth and entrepreneurship in my district and across this great Nation. This legislation also ends taxpayer-funded bailouts once and for all, finally fulfilling the promises that Democrats failed to keep. And did I mention it reduces the deficit by $33.6 billion over 10 years? President Trump has asked us to do a number on Dodd-Frank, and I support him in this endeavor, and believe the Financial CHOICE Act does just that.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for his work on this important legislation. Today, I rise in support of H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act. This legislation will bring much-needed relief to our American farmers. They put in a great deal of time and money to deal with duplicative regulations like the one we are addressing here today. This bill will take away needless provisions regarding pesticide regulations under the Clean Water Act. Pesticide applications are already federally regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. This permitting was unnecessary and duplicative, punishing American farmers due to a misguided court decision. In my district in Georgia, farmers have to deal with a variety of environmental difficulties, like the devastating freeze just this last March. The Federal Government should not be adding redundant mandates to already overburdened farmers. The Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act has been passed out of the House Agriculture Committee five times. It is time for Congress to correct this mistake and give farmers and pesticide applicators much-needed relief once and for all. Mr. Chairman, as a proud cosponsor of this bill, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Police Week. I rise today to honor the brave men and women in blue who sacrifice their safety every day to keep our families and communities safe. Each day these Americans go to work willing to put their lives on the line for the security of their fellow Americans. We often hear the remarkable stories of our law enforcement officers. These men and women work long hours and late shifts, often being called into work and called away from their families. These are the people who risk their lives to protect our very neighborhoods, schools, communities, while asking nothing in return. These professionals exhibit the greatest love of all, and that is to offer their lives to protect another. I pray for those who have lost their lives, like Sergeant Greg Meagher, a 33-year veteran of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office who lost his life earlier this year in the line of duty. We will never forget his ultimate sacrifice. Our safety depends on these amazing people, and I am proud to honor them here today.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1108, the Working Families Flexibility Act. Many Americans can relate to the difficulties of balancing work duties with family obligations. It is not always easy to attend a parent-teacher conference, care for an aging parent, or stay home with a newborn when outdated Federal laws create constant barriers to workplace flexibility. H.R. 1180 will amend the outdated Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and bring much-needed reform to the workplace. It will give employers the freedom to offer employees a choice between cash wages and comp time for overtime hours worked. I emphasize this is a voluntary option, which means that employees who want to receive cash wages can continue to do so; and if they choose to accept comp time and change their mind, it allows workers to withdraw and receive cash wages whenever they choose. By passing this bill, American workers will gain more flexibility in the workplace, allowing them to have more time to spend with the people they love. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation that supports our American workers.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, as you know, I have the honor of representing the 12th Congressional District of Georgia and the good people who live and work there. This week, thousands will gather in Augusta to take part in a tradition unlike any other. Beginning in 1934, the Masters, hosted by the Augusta National Golf Club, has become the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. Known for its lightning-fast greens and gorgeous azaleas, this tournament captivates the world for both the talent of those playing and its beauty. Since its inception, many legends have conquered the greens to prove their skill and earn the coveted green jacket. This year will be a little somber, as we will deeply miss another of the great legends, four-time Masters champion Arnold Palmer. His presence will certainly be missed on that first tee as an honorary starter and throughout this great week. I wish the best to all those competing in this truly remarkable event and invite those who are traveling from far and wide to experience and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the 12th Congressional District of Georgia and my home, Augusta.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for her leadership on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1101, the Small Business Health Fairness Act. Since 2008, the number of small businesses offering health insurance to its employees has dwindled nearly 36 percent. The culprit? Well, ObamaCare. You know, the American people deserve choice. I have lived this reality. I owned and operated a small business for over 40 years back home in Georgia. I know how ObamaCare premium increases hurt and, in some cases, affect a business' ability to provide health care for its employees. I believe the greatest gift God gave me as a small-business owner was the ability to give others a good job along with the dignity and respect they deserve to provide for their family, their community, their church, and, yes, this Nation. All hardworking American small-business owners should be able to give their employees these same opportunities. For this reason, I am a strong supporter of the Small Business Health Fairness Act legislation, which would allow small businesses to band together and purchase health care for workers and their families at a lower cost. Folks, this is innovation. This is what the small business community does. Small businesses are the backbone of America. I will fight for their strength and their survival.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 176.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the VA Accountability First Act. This legislation provides the VA's Secretary with increased ability to remove, demote, or suspend any VA employee for poor performance or misconduct. Why it takes legislation to enforce common sense is beyond me. Just like in the business world, the VA and its employees must be held accountable for their actions. Three weeks ago, I hosted a veterans townhall in Swainsboro, Georgia. Many of the complaints and concerns shared with me were about wait times. One thing no one has enough of is time, especially our veterans. For far too long, veterans have waited for care at their own expense. This is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to not only take care of, but provide the best possible care to our servicemen and -women. Getting rid of bad and incompetent actors is a great place to start. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation. It is truly the least we can do for those who have done so much for us.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 130. Stated against:

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act, or the SCRUB Act. This legislation establishes a commission to review existing Federal regulations and report to Congress those that should be repealed to reduce unnecessary costs to the economy--kind of like a regulation report card. Federal rules and regulations have sucked the life out of our small businesses for the last 8 years. Unlike some lawmakers, I have the unique experience of having operated a business under Obama-era rules and regulations. Let me tell you that it was very difficult. Our struggles were not an isolated event. Georgians and Americans across the country bore those same burdens. We are ready for growth and innovation and an environment that encourages an economy like we have never seen before. The SCRUB Act is a solid step forward in restoring life to the American small-business community. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, waters of the United States, or WOTUS, has been a thorn in the side of Americans, especially our farmers, since its introduction. WOTUS is a rule issued under the Clean Water Act by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers designed to redefine the scope of waters protected and regulated by the Federal Government. WOTUS would grant the Federal Government regulatory power over virtually any place where water flows in the United States; that includes ditches, puddles, streams, or any manmade constructions, you name it. If enacted, it would undermine the rights of States, local governments and landowners, and create more red tape, preventing economic growth and jobs, particularly in the agriculture industry. If it sounds ridiculous, that is because it is. WOTUS was flawed from the beginning. It has been held up in the courts since 2015. To ensure WOTUS never sees the light of day and completely eliminate the potential of it becoming a reality, I introduced legislation to repeal this harmful rule. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues on this very important issue.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, back in 2015, Congress passed one of the most significant education reform legislation in decades. Even more impressive than repealing No Child Left Behind, scaling back the role of the Secretary of Education and restoring authority back to the States and local school districts was the fact that this legislation was bipartisan, bicameral, and signed into law by President Obama. But even so, this couldn't exempt our States and schools from the watchful eyes of Washington. President Obama's Department of Education unsurprisingly went over the line by expanding his authority, a role that Congress clearly did not allow for in the law. That is why today I am delighted to see the House pass H.J. Res. 57 because we have to make the Department of Education follow the law as it was intended by Congress. The Every Student Succeeds Act was written to stop Federal micromanagement of our schools, and Congress is ensuring that that happens. For the last time, Washington bureaucrats do not belong in the classroom.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Augusta community mourned the loss of a legend in the business community--Dessey Landrum Kuhlke. Dessey was the most caring and selfless leader I had ever known. As a longtime resident of the area, Dessey graduated from Georgia Southern University and served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1965. I was fortunate enough to work for him and with him during my 35-year career in construction and the development industry. I had the opportunity to serve alongside him in the Augusta Exchange Club and sit in front of him on Sundays at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church. Dessey was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, and a mentor to many in our community. He and his wife, Barbara, lost two of their children at a young age, and Dessey was the rock that held that family together. Mr. Speaker, I have recently lost two of my heroes: Arnold Palmer in September and Dessey Kuhlke last week. But through the loss, I can't help but smile when I think about the possibility of those two getting together with family in Heaven and playing a round of golf. Augusta is a better place because of Dessey Kuhlke. We will remember him often.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, for the last 8 years, Americans have felt the burden of excessive and intense regulatory overreach having to comply with time-consuming rules and regulations. But that ends now. For the first time in 8 years, the legislative branch and the executive branch are on the same page. We must get the government out of the way. Last week, I joined my colleagues on the One In, One Out Act, which requires Federal agencies to repeal or revise a rule before they can issue a new one, and any new rule must be of equal or lesser cost to Americans. And in true Trump fashion this week, the President announced his own version, the one in, two out executive order. These measures are commonsense at their core. To begin growing our economy and creating jobs, we have got to reduce the size and scope of the Federal Government and tackle the mountain of red tape surrounding our Nation's job creators. Americans are ready for growth and innovation, and, for the first time in a long time, the President is on our side.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, at the heart of our American values is the belief that each of us, no matter our circumstance, can pursue our own success through hard work. That is how a small town boy like me wound up a businessman in Augusta and now a Member of Congress. The value of education cannot be underestimated on the path to achieve the American Dream. That is why I proudly support school choice. Support for school choice is growing. Evidence shows that 70 percent of Americans are in favor. A great success story is in Dublin, Georgia, located in my district. Parents can choose an elementary school with learning tracks based on a student's individual needs and interest. And those tracks continue through their childhood education. I am very proud to say that Dublin High School has a 96.3 percent graduation rate. God created every child to be unique, each with special gifts and ideas that only he or she may have. Families should have the opportunity to select a K-12 education and environment that is best suited for their children.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud Governor Deal's plan to begin construction on the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center in Georgia. Cyber is the new frontier in warfare. In order to field the threats of today and tomorrow, a 21st century military is essential. Our community back home in Georgia is proving to be a major influencer and champion in the cyber arena. With the U.S. Army Cyber Command's transition to Fort Gordon, numerous tech companies and jobs investing in our area, the creation of local cyber institutes substitutes, and now the establishment of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, Georgia's 12th District has the potential to become the security, technology, and innovation hub of the southeast. Because of the work that will be done here, we will be leading the charge in creating the cyber workforce and leading our Nation. The battlefields don't look like they used to. We have got to adapt fast. I am thankful to Governor Deal for his efforts to not only create jobs, but to strengthen our national security and invest in our community.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 11 to reject the anti-Israel U.N. Security Council Resolution 2334. Since 1972, the United States has vetoed 42 anti-Israel resolutions; but all of that changed in 2016. The facts are, in the very final days of his administration, President Obama left our only ally in the Middle East to stand alone by blatantly and deliberately violating longstanding U.S. policy. For crying out loud, either we are with Israel or we are not. I could go on and on about the severity of the President's refusal to veto an anti-Israel U.N. resolution and his decision to abstain from a vote on it. Instead, I will let Prime Minister Netanyahu's words speak for themselves: ``The Obama administration not only failed to protect Israel against this gang-up at the U.N., it colluded with it behind the scenes.'' Antagonizing our allies is not much of a foreign policy strategy. This is betrayal of the worst kind. Anti-Israel policies will not be tolerated. We are partners in this world and allies in democracy. I urge my colleagues to stand with Israel and support this legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. ``Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector.''

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank my colleagues for passing the 21st Century Cures Act. This legislation speaks for itself. It will bring healthcare research and infrastructure into the 21st century. During my time here in Congress, I have met with countless groups across Georgia 12, like the Alzheimer's Association, who have told me how this legislation can and will change lives. In fact, more than 5 million Americans currently live with this disease. In a recent op-ed, the association noted that, if nothing is done to change the trajectory of Alzheimer's, as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2050, which will drain every dollar from our healthcare system. These staggering statistics go to show that the Cures Act will touch everyone's life. By equipping researchers, the 21st Century Cures Act is the answer to unleashing the barriers so the medical community can develop and deliver lifesaving treatments to Americans who are battling diseases like Alzheimer's. I was proud to vote in favor of this historic 21st Century Cures and see it pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I am excited to see this legislation bring hope to Americans and their loved ones.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, last week, a Texas judge granted an emergency injunction against the Department of Labor's overtime rule. This disastrous overtime rule is yet another attempt by this administration to legislate outside of reason and job description to impose their ``we know what is best for you'' agenda. This rule, set to go into effect December 1, would double the overtime salary threshold almost overnight. For Americans, this overtime rule would mean fewer job prospects, less flexibility, and less opportunity. I have stood before this body many times telling the stories of small businesses that have come to me and warned me of the struggles their employees and families would face because of this overtime rule. Schools and universities back home in my district were negatively impacted by this rule and the possibility of having to inform employees of a partial paycheck right before the holidays. Despite outcry and outrage from folks back home, the administration pushed forward with its unpopular overtime rule. Thankfully, the courts got it right. I thank the courts for standing up for the rule of law and the American people.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, last Sunday, we said goodbye to a true American hero, not just in the golf world but in American life. Arnold Palmer was larger than life, both on and off the golf course. After learning to play golf at age 4, he never quit and changed the sport forever. The ``King,'' as he was known, had 62 victories on the PGA Tour, including 7 majors and 10 on the Champions Tour, not to mention his own signature drink that delighted the masses for generations. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of representing the 12th District of Georgia and the good people who live and work there. Georgia's 12th Congressional District is home to the Augusta National, which hosts the most famous Masters tournament. In Augusta, we consider Arnold Palmer one of our own. He won the coveted green jacket four times: 1958, 1960, 1962, and 1964. He took the Masters and golf to a whole new level in the sports world. The Masters will never be the same. Like Tiger Woods said, ``It's hard to imagine golf without him.'' I am not sure we even want to. Arnie's Army mourns together. We remember the king of golf, the legendary Arnold Palmer. Arnie, you will be sorely missed.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act. This legislation works to delay implementation of the Department of Labor's new overtime rule for 6 months. Without this legislation, the rule goes into effect on December 1, leaving employers scrambling to comply with the new rule and jeopardizing employees' paychecks right before the holiday season--a very bad time. As a small-business owner who has employed thousands of people, I know the challenges that the business community will face: moving salaried employees to hourly; trouble recruiting qualified, new hires to accept an hourly position; current employees' time being spent monitoring the time clock; and, ultimately, the potential for hours to be cut and paychecks to dwindle. This is devastating to employees who have worked hard to earn a salaried position. They have earned this position to be salaried, and then to move to hourly? Many Americans will soon realize they have fewer job prospects, less flexibility in the workplace, and less opportunity to move up the economic ladder. In other words, those who can least afford it will be hit the hardest: small businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. I could stand here before this body, just as Congressman Byrne did, and tell you stories of all the small businesses in my district and employees that have come to me to warn me of the struggles other employees and families will face because of this overtime rule. The President is enacting this rule a mere month before he is out of office to try and score cheap political points when he knows he won't be here to clean up the mess. I have to say: I am ashamed, Mr. President. We need to take a step back and hit the pause button. Unsurprisingly, the administration has no plans to change the rule, so an extra 6-month grace period is crucial to the well-being of our schools, small businesses, and nonprofits. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation.

Mr. ALLEN

Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the birth of Robin ``Hampton'' Wills, born Monday, September 5th, 2016. Our precious granddaughter entered the world eight weeks early, but we know she is a fighter. While her first breath on this Earth came much quicker than planned, she is doing very well. Hampton was born at University Hospital, where she was cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit for three weeks. She has just been transferred to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital where she is recovering and gaining strength. Little Miss Hampton weighed in at four pounds nine ounces. Just shy of five pounds, this beautiful little girl was welcomed with love into a family of four. She looks so much like her two older sisters, Riley Kate and Ellis. Baby Hampton is the perfect addition to our family. She brings the grand total of grandchildren to 12, an even dozen for Robin and me. Hampton is a blessing from above, and we thank the Lord for watching over her and her mother in the coming months as they continue to heal and grow. Our family is so grateful for the many wonderful medical personnel in Augusta who cared for Hampton and her mother. God bless this child, Robin ``Hampton'' Wills.