Clyde, Andrew RSS Articles

Rep. Clyde Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA – This week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) announced and celebrated the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia’s Ninth District during a reception at his Gainesville District Office.

The winners include:

First Place: Renee Song’s “Hand in Hand, Into Tomorrow” | North Gwinnett High School
Second Place: Calli Carlisle’s “Chattahoochee River: Horseshoe” | Gainesville High School
Third Place: Ellis Jeon’s “Golden Hour” | Seckinger High School

“Congratulations to Renee for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition! I look forward to her beautiful painting being placed in the U.S. Capitol for all of our visitors, staff, and Members of Congress to enjoy,” said Clyde. “I’d also like to congratulate Calli, Ellis, Mikaela, Lea, and Linh for receiving well-deserved recognition for their creative submissions. Northeast Georgia has some incredibly talented young artists!”

Rep. Clyde Awards First Place to Renee Song’s

“Hand in Hand, Into Tomorrow”

First Place: “Hand in Hand, Into Tomorrow” by Renee Song

As the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, Renee’s artwork will soon be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol building, where it will remain for one year alongside winning submissions from every congressional district across the country.

Rep. Clyde Awards Second Place to Calli Carlisle’s “Chattahoochee River: Horseshoe”

Second Place: “Chattahoochee River: Horseshoe” by Calli Carlisle

Rep. Clyde Awards Third Place to Ellis Jeon’s “Golden Hour”

Third Place: “Golden Hour” by Ellis Jeon

This year’s honorable mentions include:

Excellence in Visual Storytelling: Mikaela Gastador’s “Hike on Brasstown Bald” | Collins Hill High School
Excellence in Emotional Expression: Lea Park’s “Fading Presence” | Mill Creek High School
Excellence in Personal Narrative: Linh Do’s “Unlocked” | Fulton Science Academy

Rep. Clyde Recognizes Mikaela Gastador’s “Hike on Brasstown Bald” for Excellence in Visual Storytelling

Rep. Clyde Recognizes Lea Park’s “Fading Presence” for Excellence in Emotional Expression

Rep. Clyde Recognizes Linh Do’s “Unlocked” for Excellence in Personal Narrative

Background

Each spring, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school arts competition – The Artistic Discovery Contest, also known as the Congressional Art Competition. Since 1982, this annual, bipartisan event has served as an opportunity for Members to encourage and acknowledge the artistic talents of their young constituents.

Rep. Clyde Congratulates JHS Student on U.S. Air Force Academy Appointment

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA — This week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored Jefferson High School senior Coleman Rudisill during a signing ceremony celebrating his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). Rep. Clyde proudly nominated Coleman for the prestigious appointment.

The event gathered family, classmates, school leaders, and community members in the Jefferson High School’s media center to recognize Coleman’s academic accomplishments and commitment to military service. After delivering remarks highlighting Coleman’s achievements, Congressman Clyde presented him with a Congressional Certificate of Congratulations.

“Coleman is an exceptional young man with a remarkable track record of academic excellence, physical grit, and patriotic leadership,” said Clyde. “It’s young Georgians like Coleman who give me great confidence in America’s next generation of leaders. I wish him the best of luck on his exciting journey ahead at the U.S. Air Force Academy and in his future service.”

Background

Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Rep. Clyde Honors WJES Beta Club Students as Special Georgians of the Ninth

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA – This week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) awarded students of the West Jackson Elementary School (WJES) Beta Club as Special Georgians of the Ninth following their nationally recognized leadership and service.

Earlier this month, National Beta named the WJES Beta Club as a 2025-2026 John W. Harris Leadership Award recipient. Named in recognition of Beta’s founder, John Harris, the award celebrates clubs that exemplify Beta’s four pillars: achievement, character, leadership, and service. WJES is one of just five elementary schools from the entire nation and the only elementary school in Georgia to receive this award.

On Monday, Congressman Clyde visited West Jackson Elementary School to deliver remarks celebrating the Beta Club students’ accomplishments. Additionally, Rep. Clyde presented the group with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a Special Georgian of the Ninth certificate.

“From collecting more than 400 socks for those in need to putting together 50 care bags for a children’s hospital, the WJES Beta Club’s service projects demonstrate an inspiring group with a servant’s heart,” said Clyde. “These young Georgians are bright, compassionate, and committed to making a difference in their community. I’m honored to recognize these students as Special Georgians of the Ninth, and I’m confident they will continue to make our District proud through their future accomplishments.”

Background

Throughout the year, Rep. Clyde recognizes a Special Georgian of the Ninth to honor constituents, businesses, or organizations for making a difference in North Georgia.

Rep. Clyde Urges FEMA to Recommend Major Disaster Declaration for Northeast Georgia After Winter Storm Fern

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) sent a letter to Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Karen Evans urging the agency to recommend presidential approval for a major disaster declaration for Northeast Georgia counties severely impacted by Winter Storm Fern.

Notably, Rep. Clyde initiated his request by thanking FEMA officials for working on this matter amid challenges caused by Senate Democrats’, including Georgia Sens. Ossoff and Warnock, refusal to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

“I want to express my gratitude for FEMA's ongoing engagement with state and local officials throughout the damage assessment process – particularly given the operational challenges posed by the ongoing Democrat-led shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. That FEMA personnel have continued to work diligently on behalf of affected communities under these circumstances is commendable, and I am grateful for their dedication.”

The Congressman highlighted the tremendous financial strain that local officials and their communities are facing due to recovery efforts.

“During and since those visits, I have heard directly from local officials across Northeast Georgia about the financial strain this storm has placed on their communities. The damage caused by Winter Storm Fern is simply beyond the capacity of these counties’ budgets to address alone. This burden is compounded by the economic vulnerability of these communities, as the majority of the affected counties are rural and have poverty rates above the national average. Local governments are facing costs associated with debris removal, infrastructure repair, and emergency response that far exceed what their fiscal resources can sustain. They have made clear to me that without additional federal assistance, a full and timely recovery will not be possible.”

Specifically, Rep. Clyde cited the preliminary damage assessment data for the hardest-hit Northeast Georgia counties.

“The scale by which these counties exceeded FEMA's own threshold for federal intervention is staggering. Habersham County sustained $7,223,461 in total eligible Public Assistance damage, or $156.93 per resident, exceeding its FY2026 per capita threshold by $6,999,750.34 – nearly 32 times the level FEMA considers the outer limit of local capacity. White County sustained $4,769,738 in eligible damage, or $170.33 per resident, the highest per capita damage figure of any county in the request, exceeding its threshold by $4,633,643.42, approximately 35 times. Rabun County sustained $1,659,595 in eligible damage, or $98.30 per resident, exceeding its threshold by $1,577,543.62, more than 20 times. Stephens County sustained $225,835 in eligible damage, or $8.43 per resident, exceeding its threshold by $95,664.76, approximately 1.7 times. In every case, the damage in these communities far exceeded FEMA's threshold for warranted federal intervention.”

Rep. Clyde continued by making the case that there is a sufficient basis for federal intervention in Northeast Georgia.

“I am also aware that the aggregate statewide damage from Winter Storm Fern, as currently assessed, does not meet FEMA’s per capita threshold for the State of Georgia as a whole. However, FEMA’s regulations and policy guidance explicitly recognize that localized concentrations of extraordinary damage can warrant federal assistance even when statewide thresholds are not met. This is further reinforced by FEMA’s own internal guidance directing Regional Administrators to give greater consideration to severe local impact when assessing whether to recommend a declaration. The per capita damage figures for the four Ninth District counties range from approximately $8.43 in Stephens County to $170.33 in White County – a compelling illustration of the kind of localized, concentrated impact that FEMA’s $4.86 per capita county cost indicator contemplate as a sufficient basis for federal intervention. I urge FEMA to apply that standard here.”

In closing, Congressman Clyde urged Acting Administrator Evans to recommend presidential approval for this major disaster declaration and emphasized his ongoing advocacy for Ninth District communities in need.

“I respectfully urge FEMA to complete its review of Governor Kemp’s request and to recommend to President Trump that he approve a major disaster declaration for the affected Northeast Georgia counties. My office stands ready to engage with FEMA at every step of this process, and I will use every tool available to me as a Member of Congress to advocate in a fiscally responsible way for the resources Northeast Georgians need and deserve.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Background

In late January, Winter Storm Fern hit Northeast Georgia, causing hazardous conditions, road closures, and massive power outages. In the days following the storm, Rep. Clyde visited the Ninth District’s hardest-hit communities — including White, Habersham, and Rabun Counties, to assess the damage left behind by the storm and to meet with local officials, utility providers, and Georgia National Guard troops.

Last week, Rep. Clyde sent a letter to Governor Kemp urging him to formally request a major disaster declaration from FEMA for the counties worst affected by the storm. Following the Congressman’s letter and outreach from local communities impacted by Winter Storm Fern, Governor Kemp submitted the request to FEMA.

Rep. Clyde Hosts Blue Ridge Service Academy Day

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA – Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) hosted Blue Ridge Service Academy Day to help Ninth District students and their families learn about the five U.S. Service Academies and the congressional nomination process.

In partnership with Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Rep. Clyde hosted students, parents, and school counselors at Rabun County High School to gather information and resources from representatives from each of the five U.S. Service Academies.

“One of the greatest honors of serving the Ninth District is the opportunity to assist Northeast Georgians in their journey to military service,” said Clyde. “I’m so pleased that our Blue Ridge Service Academy Day was a success – featuring a great turnout, patriotic students, and beneficial insight into our nation’s prestigious military academies and the congressional nomination process. I wish all aspiring nominees the best of luck, and I look forward to helping them navigate the process ahead.”

Rep. Clyde’s 2026 Blue Ridge Service Academy Day

Last month, Congressman Clyde announced his nomination of 16 students from Georgia’s Ninth District as candidates to the U.S. Service Academies.

Students interested in seeking a future congressional nomination may find more information and access the application on Rep. Clyde’s website.

Rep. Clyde Honors Sky Valley Police Officer as Special Georgian of the Ninth

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA – Yesterday, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) recognized Sky Valley Police Officer Andrew Williams as a Special Georgian of the Ninth following his recent extraordinary act of service.

On February 19th, Rep. Clyde visited Sky Valley – "Georgia's Highest and Coolest City" – to join Sky Valley Mayor Benita Cotton-Orr, Chief of Police Ron Baumes, and local community members in honoring Officer Williams. During the event, the Congressman delivered remarks highlighting Williams' bravery. Additionally, Rep. Clyde presented Officer Williams with a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a Special Georgian of the Ninth certificate.

Rep. Clyde & The Williams Family

On January 22nd, Sky Valley Police Officer Williams observed a fire during his patrol along Georgia Highway 246. After notifying Rabun County Dispatch, he proceeded to investigate the matter, identified a residential fire, and quickly sprang into action.

Officer Williams rushed toward the burning house to determine if anyone was inside. He found two elderly homeowners attempting to locate their pet and belongings amidst flames and black smoke. Officer Williams safely guided the couple out of the home and away from the fire. As the three fled to safety, propane tanks inside the home exploded — consuming the house in flames.

“In the face of dangerous, fiery conditions, Officer Williams went above and beyond for his fellow North Georgians without hesitation,” said Clyde. “His swift, selfless, and courageous actions truly represent the gold standard of law enforcement service. It is a privilege to honor Officer Andrew Williams as Special Georgian of the Ninth for his heroism and life-saving work.”

Throughout the year, Rep. Clyde recognizes a Special Georgian of the Ninth to honor constituents, businesses, or organizations for making a difference in North Georgia.

Oakwood ICE Facility

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In February 2026 — after extensive engineering assessments, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified locations across the country for new detention centers. The new detention center model is funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which received my vote and President Trump’s signature in July 2025. According to DHS, this new model will allow ICE to “create an efficient detention network by reducing the total number of contracted detention facilities in use while increasing total bed capacity, enhancing custody management, and streamlining removal operations.”

My office received confirmation that DHS identified a warehouse in Oakwood to convert into a regional processing facility. Following an informative briefing from ICE, my staff promptly informed Oakwood officials. According to ICE, the average length of stay for illegal aliens at the processing facility is 3-7 days, and the projected bed capacity is 1,400-1,600.

My staff and I will continue coordinating with both our local and federal partners as the project moves forward. Additionally, my team will update this page as a resource as we learn more from DHS and ICE.

Overview

My office received the following information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement:

ICE conducted a thorough due diligence process prior to purchasing each facility. The due diligence review included thorough site inspections, analysis of utility services, and testing and inspection of mechanical and electrical systems.

The identification and fit for purpose of each facility included an engineering review of the existing utilities and facility infrastructure. The engineering team reviewed the proposed use and capacities for electricity, water usage, waste exportation, and water capacities for life safety building systems (fire protection systems). The final selection of the facility was predicated on a “No Detrimental Effect” determination.

As a result of the thorough analysis, the Department of Homeland Security plans to make a major economic investment in a new detention facility in Oakwood, Georgia.

Detention Operations, Services, and Compliance Standards

According to DHS, this model will “incorporate all existing detention standards and will maximize operational efficiency, minimize costs, shorten processing times, and promote the safety, dignity, and respect of all aliens in ICE custody.”

Key responsibilities include:

Providing basic needs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, bedding, and recreation.
In coordination with ICE Health Services Corps., ensuring medical, dental, mental health care, and emergency services.
Facilitating legal access through visitation spaces, law libraries, and necessary resources.
Providing religious spaces in compliance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.
Supporting communication needs, including scheduled phone calls and mail services.
Facilities will include a variety of program operations to include but not limited to; food services, security & detention, medical services, transportation services, detainee processing, legal services & case processing, custodial and laundry services, IT services, and facility management.
These sites will also include lobbies, recreational space, dormitories, courtroom spaces, intake and processing zones, cafeterias, as well as amenities for ICE and contractor staff like office spaces and exercise facilities.

All detention infrastructure will comply with the latest ICE National Detention Standards (NDS), relevant federal regulations, environmental regulations, and industry best practices. ICE is complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the impacts of proposed actions and their reasonable alternatives. The purpose of this analysis is to assess the environmental implications of acquiring property to house a processing facility, as well as the feasibility of alternative options.

By the Numbers

According to DHS and ICE, the Department estimates it will spend $158 million retrofitting the facility and an estimated $160 million to operate the facility in the first three years. Including all ripple effects to the Georgia economy, this facility will support a total of 1,520 jobs during retrofit and up to 429 jobs each year of operation.

Highlights from ICE’s economic analysis impact include:

The retrofit for the Oakwood processing site would support 1,520 jobs with an associated Labor Income of $115.8 million, contribution to GDP of $159.2 million, Output of $318.4 million, and taxes of $34.3 million
- This includes sub county general taxes (city), sub county special district taxes (police, fire, schools, etc.), county taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes.

The annual operations of the proposed Oakwood processing site would support a total of 429 jobs across the Georgia region.
Annual operation of the Oakwood processing site would support $48.4 million in Labor Income in Georgia.
The annual spending on operations would support $71.5 million in contribution to GDP and $86.9 million in Output across Georgia.
Approximately $13.9 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue would be generated by annual operations, including sales tax and income tax.
- This includes sub county general taxes (city), sub county special district taxes (police, fire, schools, etc.), county taxes, state taxes, and federal taxes.

My Thoughts

From the brutal murders of both Laken Riley and Mimi Rodriguez-Ramirez, North Georgia knows the horrors of illegal alien crime all too well. Folks, illegal aliens have no place in the Ninth District — or anywhere in our country for that matter, especially those committing violent crimes and bringing lethal drugs into our communities.

I fully support President Trump in protecting American citizens by detaining and deporting criminal illegals from our communities. The new Oakwood ICE facility will play an important role in this fight by serving as a regional processing center.

In addition to assisting ICE’s mission and mass deportations, the forthcoming facility will also bring a major economic investment to the City of Oakwood and surrounding communities.

Based on ICE’s economic impact analysis, track record, and unwavering commitment to protecting the American people, I am confident that the Oakwood ICE facility will be a safe and prosperous addition to the Ninth District.

I Want to Hear from You

If you have comments, questions, or concerns about the Oakwood ICE facility, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

For regular updates on my work on behalf of Georgia’s Ninth District, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Clyde in Congress.

Rep. Clyde Applauds Mulberry-Census Resolution

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA – Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after the City of Mulberry received its certified population letter from the U.S. Census Bureau.

“I’m thrilled that the City of Mulberry received its certified population letter,” said Clyde. “Securing this letter was key to the city’s survival and financial stability. It has been a pleasure to coordinate on this matter with Mayor Coker, and I look forward to continuing to work together as we serve our constituents. I’m always honored to assist our Ninth District communities, especially in advocating for localities facing bureaucratic battles.”

“With the assistance of Congressman Andrew Clyde and his staff, Mulberry was able to secure its population letter in less than one year,” said Mulberry Mayor Coker. “This letter was more than a confirmation of population — it was essential to the city’s survival. It placed Mulberry on equal legal footing with the county, secured the city’s revenue streams, and ensured that the city could continue to operate with fiscally conservative policies and no city property taxes.”

“The entire City of Mulberry owes a deep debt of gratitude to Congressman Clyde for his commitment to supporting Mulberry in its mission for limited government and local control,” Coker added.

Background

From its founding, the City of Mulberry faced strong opposition — including multiple lawsuits from Gwinnett County challenging the city’s creation, tax collection, and services.

Mulberry does not levy a city property tax. Instead, all city revenue comes from existing fees already paid by residents to the county, such as business license fees, insurance premium taxes, and new vehicle purchase fees.

Many of these revenues are collected by the state and distributed to cities and counties based on population. To receive these funds, a city must provide the state with a certified population letter from the U.S. Census Bureau.

When the City of Mulberry first contacted the U.S. Census Bureau, the agency informed local officials that obtaining a certified population letter could take more than two years. Given the ongoing legal challenges to the city’s formation and ever-increasing legal costs, Mulberry could not afford to wait two years to receive the revenue to which it was legally entitled and dependent on for financial stability.

Following effective coordination with Rep. Andrew Clyde and the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Mulberry received its certified population letter in less than one year.

Rep. Clyde Honors 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winners

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

GAINESVILLE, GA – Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) hosted a reception at his Gainesville District Office to honor the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Georgia’s Ninth District.

The competition featured six talented student submissions from across the District, each creating original software applications that reflect creativity, problem-solving, and a commitment to innovation.

In December, Rep. Clyde announced the following winners:

First Place: Krish Tripathy’s “Pulmo Lens ” | Woodward Academy
Second Place: Michael Wang’s “Ten8Link” | North Gwinnett High School
Third Place: Linh Do’s “Ace AP Stem” | Fulton Science Academy

Rep. Clyde Congratulates First Place Winner Krish Tripathy

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Second Place Winner Michael Wang

Rep. Clyde Congratulates Third Place Winner Linh Do

Background

First launched in 2014, the Congressional App Challenge is the official computer science competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. The competition encourages students to create and submit their own app for the opportunity to receive national recognition.

Students may participate as individuals or in teams of up to four. Congressional App Challenge winners will have their app featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol and put on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website. Additionally, winners will receive an invitation to the #HouseOfCode celebration on Capitol Hill.

President Trump Signs Lake Lanier Wins into Law

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 23rd, President Donald J. Trump signed H.R. 6938, the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, into law. The spending package includes Congressman Andrew Clyde’s (GA-09) provisions to protect both Lake Lanier’s name and recreation sites.

“With the stroke of his pen, President Trump signed critical wins for our beloved Lake Lanier into law” said Clyde. “From saving small business owners from facing burdensome rebranding costs to providing a solution to keep parks open for families to safely enjoy, the enactment of my effective provisions will preserve and improve Lake Lanier for many years to come. I’m deeply thankful to President Trump for helping deliver this significant victory to Northeast Georgia, and I will continue working to secure commonsense policy wins for the Ninth District.”

Due to Rep. Clyde’s hard-fought efforts, the FY26 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill includes a provision (Sec. 109) that allows local partners that manage multiple recreation sites at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works project to spend collected user fees across all sites they oversee at that project, rather than being limited to using the fees only at the specific site where the funds were collected.

The measure mirrors Reps. Andrew Clyde and Rich McCormick’s Lanier Parks Local Access Act, which aims to incentivize local governments to manage recreation sites on civil works projects like Lake Lanier — a simple yet effective solution to help keep Lake Lanier parks open, safe, and well-maintained.

Additionally, the FY26 Energy and Water appropriations bill report includes language requested by Rep. Clyde to prohibit the USACE from using taxpayer funds to rename Buford Dam and Lake Lanier:

None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to carry out any action altering the designation of Buford Dam and Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia, authorized in Public Law 84-457. (Page 65)

Without this codification, nearly 350 local businesses and organizations in North Georgia using “Lanier” in their name would have faced significant rebranding costs. Some examples include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Lanier Federal Credit Union, and Lanier Steel Products. Due to Rep. Clyde’s efforts, these local groups and businesses will avoid the potential disastrous consequences brought on by a USACE renaming, including burdensome costs and confusion.

Background

In 2023, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identified Lake Sidney Lanier and Buford Dam to be renamed due to a misguided measure in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

For nearly three years, Rep. Clyde has fought to protect and preserve the Ninth District’s Lake Lanier and Buford Dam:

March 2023: Rep. Clyde Applauds Pause of Lake Lanier and Buford Dam Renaming Efforts

November 2023: Rep. Clyde Fights to Protect Lake Lanier in Appropriations Process

October 2024: Rep. Clyde Requests Confirmation of Terminated Efforts to Rename Lake Lanier, Buford Dam

July 2025: Rep. Clyde Secures Lake Lanier Wins in FY26 Appropriations Process

January 2026: Rep. Clyde Applauds House Passage of Lake Lanier Wins in FY26 Appropriations Bill