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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

On Friday, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) introduced H.R. 2241, the Secret Ballot Protection Act, which amends the National Labor Relations Act to enhance employee protections by guaranteeing every vote to unionize a workplace is cast with a secret ballot. Upon introduction, Congressman Allen issued the following statement:

“Congressional Democrats have been attempting to undermine workers’ rights to privacy in the union election process for years—which is exactly why we need the Secret Ballot Protection Act. This legislation would guarantee every vote to unionize a workplace is cast with a secret ballot, eliminating the threats posed by the deceptive ‘card check’ scheme. I am thankful for Chairman Walberg’s support as we continue the fight for workers’ rights, choices, and freedoms in the 21st century,” said Congressman Allen.

“The secret ballot is a hallmark of our democracy that allows workers to freely vote on union representation,” said Chairman Walberg. “Unfortunately, Democrats and union organizers keep looking for new ways to eliminate the secret ballot. This creates new, dangerous opportunities for organizers to harass, coerce, and threaten workers — all in support of union leaders looking to expand their influence. That’s why we need Rep. Allen’s Secret Ballot Protection Act: to protect workers’ access to their fundamental right of voting freely to determine their own future.”

BACKGROUND: Under current federal labor law, workers choose whether or not to be represented by a union through a federally-supervised secret ballot election. However, workers can also organize through a “card check” campaign, in which workers are asked to publicly declare their support for union representation by signing an authorization card. When a simple majority of workers sign a card – by free choice or not – the union is then recognized with the employer’s consent. Workers are denied a vote by secret ballot and exposed to intimidation and coercion.

Specifically, the Secret Ballot Protection Act would amend the National Labor Relations Act to:

• Require a secret ballot election before a union can be certified or decertified, eliminating once and for all the threats posed by the card check scheme
• Prevent employers from bargaining with any union that has not been certified by a secret ballot election
• Prohibit union bosses from negotiating with an employer before they have been certified by a secret ballot election

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Today, Congressmen Rick W. Allen (GA-12) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) introduced the Startup Act, bipartisan legislation that would support American entrepreneurs by expanding access to programs that offer training and resources to individuals seeking to start their own business. Upon the bill’s introduction, Reps. Allen and DeSaulnier issued the following statements:

“Having built and grown my own small business from the ground up, I know how difficult and demanding that process can be. With over seven million unfilled jobs across the country, Congress must lead the way in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build successful businesses, create jobs, and bolster the U.S. economy. Through the Startup Act, we can eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship and empower more hardworking individuals to achieve the American Dream. I thank Rep. DeSaulnier for joining me in this effort and am hopeful we can send this critical legislation to President Trump’s desk,” said Congressman Allen.

“As a former restaurant owner, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of running a small business,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Allen to increase access to the support and resources entrepreneurs need to help their business thrive and remain the engines of our local economies.”

“At Make Startups, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs and proven that building a business is one of the most effective ways to create jobs — not just for the founder, but for their community. Yet too often, our workforce systems create barriers instead of pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs. We’re grateful for Congressman Allen’s leadership in reintroducing the Startup Act to help unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth in communities across the country,” said Eric R. Parker, AIA, Cofounder & CEO of Make Startups.

BACKGROUND: The Startup Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), inserting language to incorporate entrepreneurial skills development training into the current system. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL) to conduct a three-year, multi-state study to review the outcomes of these programs and report its findings to Congress. During the 118th Congress, the Startup Act was included in the bipartisan Stronger Workforce for America Act, which was advanced by the Education and Workforce Committee. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Allen’s Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

Congressman Allen Reintroduces Bill to Streamline Broadband Deployment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12)

This evening, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) attended President Donald J. Trump’s first Joint Address to Congress during his second term in the White House. Following the speech, Congressman Allen issued the statement below:

“President Trump is already making good on his promise to the American people. In less than two months, this administration has reversed the many failures of President Biden and laid the groundwork for the New Golden Age of America.

“As he highlighted in his speech tonight, President Trump is bringing common sense back to Washington. From securing our border and reclaiming energy dominance to making America more competitive and restoring accountability in the federal government—this is just the beginning of a historic new era of American strength. Illegal border crossings are at record lows, criminal illegal aliens are being deported, regulations are being slashed, hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments have been secured, we are respected on the world stage, and taxpayers are no longer funding endless and unnecessary spending.

“77 million Americans wanted a transformational change in Washington, D.C. My colleagues and I in Congress will continue to work in lockstep with the administration to deliver President Trump’s full agenda and renew the American Dream.” 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District.

“I’m encouraging all high school students, who enjoy creating art, to participate in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Each year I enjoy hosting this competition, and I’m always impressed with the artistic talent of students across Kentucky’s Second District. Thank you to all of our local educators and judges for helping make this year’s Congressional Art Competition possible,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Each spring, participating members of Congress host the Congressional Art Competition in their respective districts. The artwork of students from Kentucky’s Second District are judged by an independent and local panel of art professors from colleges and universities. The overall winner’s artwork from Kentucky’s Second District and other districts and territories will be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building. The second and third place overall winners’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office.

The Congressional Art Competition for Kentucky’s Second District also includes a “Facebook Favorite” competition. All students’ submitted artwork who abide by the rules and regulations (linked here) will be posted to Congressman Guthrie’s official Facebook page for the public to vote on between April 14-18, 2025, for their favorite artwork. The “Facebook Favorite” winner’s artwork will be displayed in Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office as well.

The winners of the Congressional Art Competition will be announced at the reception hosted by the Congressman in April. Reception details will be provided at a later date.

Students have three options to submit artwork to Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District office by the deadline of April 9, 2025. Artwork can be shipped to or dropped off at Congressman Guthrie’s District office at:

Congressman Brett Guthrie

Attention: 2025 Art Competition

996 Wilkinson Trace, Suite B2

Bowling Green, KY 42103

Students can also call Congressman Guthrie’s District office at 270-842-9896 to make arrangements for a member of Congressman Guthrie’s staff to pick up artwork at the students’ schools.

Please contact Congressman Guthrie’s Bowling Green District Office at 270-842-9896 with any questions.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Guthrie Statement on President Trump’s Inauguration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Guthrie Announces New Chief of Staff for Kentucky’s Second District

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

Guthrie Sworn in To Serve Kentucky’s Second District for 119th Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman-Elect of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, announced the Committee’s Senior Staff members for the 119^th Congress:

Joel Miller – Chief Counsel

Joel Miller will serve as the Chief Counsel of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, managing the policy and legislative strategy of the Committee and overseeing the subcommittees. As Chief Counsel, Joel will coordinate the Committee’s policy and legislative work with Members, leadership, and the broader Republican Conference to advance the House Republican legislative agenda. A former FCC Senior Legal Advisor and Chief of Staff, Joel also served previously as Chairman Guthrie’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director and has spent the last four years in the private sector. 

Jessica Donlon – General Counsel

Jessica Donlon will serve as the General Counsel for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce where she will advise on strategic and legal issues, lead the Committee’s oversight and investigative priorities, manage the Committee’s parliamentary procedures and compulsory process, and help develop committee best practices. Jessica has extensive experience working for a variety of committees, most recently as Deputy Staff Director of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. During her Capitol Hill tenure, Jessica has conducted congressional investigations, led oversight efforts, and helped run hundreds of congressional hearings. In addition to her Hill experience, Jessica previously served as Deputy General Counsel for Oversight for the Office of Management and Budget within the Executive Office of the President.

Chris Sarley – Senior Advisor and Director of Member Services and Stakeholder Engagement

Chris Sarley will serve as Senior Advisor and Director of Member Services and Stakeholder Engagement for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. In this role, Chris will enhance communication and foster collaboration among Committee Members, the broader Republican Conference, and external stakeholders. Chris is a Capitol Hill veteran, having spent nearly 15 years in the House of Representatives working for the Energy and Commerce Committee and for senior members of the Committee. He returns to the Committee after joining Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2017.

Matt VanHyfte – Director of Communications

Matt VanHyfte will serve as Director of Communications for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he will develop and execute strategic messaging campaigns to advance the Committee’s policy initiatives. Working closely with House Leadership, the House Republican Conference, and Committee Members, he will lead efforts to communicate and amplify the legislative agenda. Prior to this role, VanHyfte served as Director of Communications for the House Committee on Small Business. His experience includes positions with President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 Re-Election Campaign, the Republican Governors Association, and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce senior staff will work under the direction of Staff Director Megan Jackson and Deputy Staff Director Sophie Khanahmadi.

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