Dear Neighbor,
We're cruising by Mile Marker #15 and it's time to talk about what's been happening these past few weeks in Washington and Georgia's 10th Congressional District!
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Like many of you, I watched on as DA Alvin Bragg undermined the integrity of the U.S. justice system to attack former President Donald Trump, a man he promised to throw in prison on the campaign trail.
Tragically, the American justice system has become little more than a weapon the Left uses to bludgeon its political opponents into submission. There is no other way to put it: this show trial was rigged from the start and was intended to keep Donald Trump tied up in court and away from the campaign trail. Never in the history of our great Republic have we seen such third-world tactics for the accumulation of political power.
But we will not give up the fight. I'll be doing everything in my power to reign in the politicization of the justice system and restore your faith in our institutions.
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We've had a very productive few weeks up here in Washington. I'm proud to share that a handful of policies my team and I have worked very hard on were signed into law as a part of larger legislation. Meanwhile, the Laken Riley Act picked up momentum in the Senate, gaining the support of Democrat Senator John Tester. Over the next few weeks, I'll be continuing to fight for this bill, and encouraging our Georgia Senators to get on board.
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Protecting American Energy
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Last week, I introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution with Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) to overturn a new EPA rule mandating stringent wastewater standards for power plants.
The rule, based on inadequate data and technology, reverses the 2020 effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs). These unworkable limits threaten coal-fired power plants, risking jobs and increasing energy costs.
Our resolution aims to protect reliable, affordable electricity and prevent plant closures that could strain the electric grid.
See my press release here.
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My Hypersonic Amendment Signed Into Law
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I am also proud to announce that my amendment to clear the runway for commercial hypersonic travel in the United States was signed into law as part of H.R. 3935, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
This amendment requires the FAA to create a policy framework to integrate hypersonic aircraft into our national airspace. Additionally, the FAA will work with NASA to determine safe altitudes for these flights to minimize ground-level noise from sonic booms. Commercial hypersonic aircraft, in development by several American companies, promises high-speed, high-altitude passenger flights. It is crucial that the FAA be ready and embrace the next era of aviation before the new technologies are ready to go to market.
Advancements in hypersonic technology allow the U.S. to continue its role as a leader in aviation and remain competitive on a global stage.
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Weather Information for Agriculture Act
We were on a roll for the past couple of weeks. My Weather Information for Agriculture Act also passed the House, included as a part of the House-passed Weather Act Reauthorization. This legislation will enhance information gathering for agriculture here in Georgia and across America to help farmers prepare for droughts.
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In honor of all the brave men and women in blue, House GOP spent a week honoring the lives and legacy of our nation's police officers who risk their lives daily in service of our communities.
I took to the House floor to honor four sheriffs from Georgia's 10th District who are retiring later this year: Sheriffs Janis Mangum, Melvin Andrews, Robert Markley, and Joe Chapman.
These dedicated individuals have spent their careers serving their counties with distinction. Their service, dedication, and courage have made a lasting impact, and I know many join me in expressing deep gratitude for their contributions. Their commitment to keeping our community safe will be remembered and appreciated.
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I also joined Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, a former NYPD officer, to pay respects to the 282 officers who were added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., this year.
It was my distinct privilege to join Rep. D'Esposito in laying a wreath in honor of our courageous men and women in blue who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities.
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H.R. 1818 Picks Up Momentum
I'm thrilled to report that H.R. 1818, the Aviation Workforce Development Act, is gaining momentum, now with 162 co-sponsors across 43 states.
This bill provides Americans pursuing aviation careers—whether as pilots or aircraft mechanics—the same opportunities as those seeking four-year degrees, without increasing taxpayer costs. It allows 529 Plan distributions to be used for FAA-certified pilot and maintenance technician schools.
The aviation industry agrees that we need more pilots and mechanics, and this legislation is a step toward ensuring a steady workforce for the future.
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In a field hearing with the House Natural Resources Committee, I asked witnesses about excessive government regulations in the hunting and fishing industry. Executive Director Luke Higleman from the International Order of T. Roosevelt simply said it feels like you can't go hunting without a lawyer by your side.
See my response by clicking the image below.
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Over in the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I asked the National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Laurie Locascio for an update on how my TRANQ Research Act has been implemented since being passed into law.
We have made huge strides in the early detection of new drugs hitting the streets, allowing local law enforcement to prepare accordingly.
See my full remarks by clicking the image below.
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I'm always grateful to host folks from Georgia's 10th District up here on Capitol Hill.
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Appreciate Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John King for stopping by to give an update on Georgia’s insurance market.
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It was terrific seeing the students from Oconee County High School who qualified for the American Rocketry Challenge national finals in D.C. Their innovative spirit is leading the way in STEM.
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The innovative team at Absolics is producing the world’s first glass substrate microchip at their manufacturing facility in Covington, Georgia. It was great meeting with some of their team members in D.C. this week and hearing about their plans for continued development and commercialization of their site, which is set to provide over 200 new jobs to surrounding communities.
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Down in the District
I had the pleasure of recognizing several outstanding students from Georgia's 10th District on their appointment to our nation’s service academies.
Molly O’Brien to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Michael Hairston to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Christopher Morgan to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and Julius Lord IV to the U.S. Military Academy.
These young Georgians have impeccable character, are academically strong, physically fit, and stand out among our nation’s very best scholarly students. I am confident they will be oustanding leaders in the Armed and Maritime Forces of the U.S.
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It was also my honor to congratulate Lexie Spencer and Autumn Herndon for their appointments to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy respectively.
Both of these extraordinary women from Georgia’s 10th district have worked incredibly hard and I look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish.
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Congressional App Challenge
Folks, the Congressional App Challenge is back! I encourage all STEM students in Georgia’s 10th district to participate in this prestigious competition! To register or for more information, please click the link here.
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To see my latest media appearances, click the images below.
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As always, my staff and I are here to serve you, and it is an honor to be your voice in our nation's capital. If you need assistance with a federal agency or have comments or concerns to share with me, please do not hesitate to call my office in Monroe or Washington, D.C. To receive frequent updates, I encourage you to visit my website, like my Facebook page, and follow me on X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
God Bless,
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Rep. Mike Collins Georgia's 10th District
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