13 GA-06 Students off to Military Service Academies this Fall 

Pictured from left to right: Robert Chappell, Maya Wade, David Woodward, William Roberts, Paris Williams, Congresswoman Karen Handel, Joseph McDermond, Aditya Mhaskar, Blaine McDonough, Connor McGurk, Hannah Percher, and Gabriela Boatright.  Not Pictured: Eleanor Canalichio, Connor Haseley

I am pleased to announce that thirteen Sixth District students have received appointments to U.S. Military Service Academies.  Each year, members of Congress are tasked with nominating up to ten students to each Academy, while the respective academies grant final appointments.

America's military service academies are some of the most prestigious institutions in this country, and I'm so proud of these young men and women for their willingness to serve their country.

Air Force Academy:

• Connor Haseley of Marietta; NYU
• Stanford University; Walton HS
• Aditya Mhaskar; Alpharetta HS

United States Merchant Marine Academy:

• Blaine McDonough; Walton HS
• William Roberts of Tucker; the Baylor School

United States Military Academy:

• Gabriela Boatright; North Springs Charter HS
• Robert Chappell; Alpharetta HS
• Joseph McDermond; Marist School
• Connor McGurk; Georgia Virtual HS, Pope HS
• Hanah Percher; Lassiter HS
• Paris William; Chamblee Charter HS
• David Woodward; Mt. Pisgah Christian School

United States Naval Academy:      

• Eleanor Canalichio; Dunwoody HS  
• Maya Wade; Johns Creek HS

America's Future Leaders

These Congresses are honors-only programs for some of the country's top students hoping to become physicians, medical scientists, and engineers -- encouraging them to continue working to pursue their ambitions in STEM-related fields.

H.R. 5645, the SMARTER Act, Passes House

This week, the House passed a commonsense, bipartisan bill that I sponsored earlier this year.

Currently, the FTC and DOJ share responsibility for reviewing proposed mergers.  However, these agencies possess drastically different procedures – meaning businesses are held to conflicting standards depending on the agency reviewing the case.

The SMARTER Act is a much-needed piece of legislation that will harmonize our antitrust procedures.  And by focusing on consistency, the SMARTER Act does not weaken or undermine our antitrust review process, and it does not prevent or hinder either agency from conducting a full and thorough review.

Also this week, the House voted to disapprove of Obama-era Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance that far overstepped the bureau’s legal authority under Dodd-Frank.  To date, 17 Congressional Review Act bills have passed the House, and President Trump has signed a record 15 into law -- more than any other president in history.

Finally, the House Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, voted Wednesday in favor of a bill aimed at improving the federal prison system. The First Step Act, sponsored by Congressman Doug Collins from Georgia, invests in programs designed to help people transition out of the prison system, like drug rehabilitation, education, skills training, faith-based classes, and work programs. It also expands early release possibilities for eligible terminally ill and elderly prisoners. Congressman Collins has worked tirelessly on this issue, and I am grateful for his dedication to advancing this important legislation.

Dr. Phil Discusses Opioid Crisis with Congress

As part of National Foster Care Month, the House on Wednesday welcomed Dr. Phil McGraw to discuss how the opioid crisis is exasperating issues facing our child welfare system. 

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, we reflect on the the educators who left a mark on our lives and made us better people.

Aside from a parent, no one can have a bigger impact on a child than a good teacher.   And almost everyone has had a teacher leave a lasting impression on their life. 

Finally, just a reminder that, per House ethics rules, the blackout period remains in place, so I am precluded from doing tele town halls until after May 22.

Thank you for taking the time to read this note.  To stay current on what's going on in Congress, please follow me at Facebook.com/RepKarenHandel.  And if you find this update helpful, please take a second to forward it along to a few of your friends and neighbors.

As always, feel free to call 202-225-4501 or 770-998-0049 if you need assistance from me or anyone in my office.

Sincerely,
 
Karen C. Handel
Member of Congress