May 5, 2023

Friends,   

I hope you and your family are well! I wanted to provide you with a few updates regarding what’s going on –

Celebrating the End of Federal COVID Shot Mandates 

The Biden Administration is ending the COVID shot mandate for CMS healthcare workers, federal employees, contractors, and international air travelers when the COVID public health emergency ends on May 11. 

At the height of COVID, there was a federal COVID shot mandate for the military, CMS healthcare workers, OSHA private sector workers, federal contractors and employees, and international air travelers. Very few Americans were untouched by Joe Biden’s medical tyranny and overreaching mandates. But as of May 11, none of those mandates will be in place when the public health emergency is officially over.

This has been a long time in coming, and I have fought to end all federal COVID shot mandates from the beginning. I passed the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act out of the House, called on the Biden Administration, pressured government agencies, and took legislative action every chance I got to stand up for liberty and push back against this authoritarianism. Far too many Americans were forced to choose between the COVID shot or losing their livelihood due to Joe Biden’s COVID tyranny, but thankfully, these draconian mandates will soon be history. This is good news for all Americans!

Fighting for a Secure Border

Our nation is being invaded. There have been over 5 million illegal border crossings (that we know of), and over 1.3 million immigrants have evaded apprehension since Joe Biden took office. Joe Biden's open border policies have made every state a border state. I am fighting to secure our border and safeguard our nation.

My colleagues and I have also filed an article of impeachment against DHS Secretary Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors for violating his oath of office by enabling an invasion at our southern border. Secretary Mayorkas has abandoned border security and enforcement at the expense of our national security. 

Discussing Grid Security with Cornell Dubilier Electronics 

This week, I had the opportunity to tour Cornell Dubilier Electronics, a manufacturer headquartered in Liberty, South Carolina that produces high-quality capacitors for industrial, medical, and military/aerospace applications. We discussed the importance of expanding and modernizing the United States electric grid and how they are positioned to play a unique role in this. 

National Day of Prayer

On Thursday, we observed the National Day of Prayer. Now more than ever, our nation and leaders need God's blessing, guidance, and mercy.

Hebrews 4:16- “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Click HERE to read President Ronald Reagan's National Day of Prayer Proclamation from 1981. 

Small Business Week

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. As a former small business owner, I understand the challenges small businesses face on a daily basis, and I will always advocate for conservative policies that allow small businesses to thrive! The best way we can support American small businesses is to get Washington out of the way.

Congressional Art Competition Winner

Congratulations to Natalie of Wren High School for winning the 2023 Congressional Art Competition! Natalie's artwork, "King of the Jungle," will be displayed in the Capitol from October 2023-April 2024. Awesome job and way to represent South Carolina's Third District!

On the Radio

I had a conversation yesterday on the Charlie James Show 98.9 WORD on the Save, Limit, Grow Act and the end of federal COVID shot mandates. Click HERE to listen to our conversation. 

Legislative Action

Here's a look into some more of the legislation I've cosponsored this Congress.

I led H.Res. 358, along with Rep. Austin Scott and Rep. Debbie Dingell, to recognize the National Wild Turkey Foundation, which is headquartered in Edgefield, for its role in advancing research, conservation, and management of wildlife over the past 50 years.

I cosponsored H.J.Res. 339, Rep. Dan Newhouse’s resolution to express a sense of Congress that an “all of the above” energy strategy is the most viable approach to energy policy for the United States

I cosponsored H.R. 2876, Rep. Stephanie Bice’s bill to repeal the Biden Administration's rule that would require Americans with high credit scores to subsidize mortgage payments. 

I cosponsored Rep. James Comer’s H.R. 2826, the Save Local Business Act, to reinforce economic stability and recovery from COVID-19 for small businesses by resolving confusing and costly regulations on joint employer standards.

I cosponsored Rep. Thomas Massie’s H.R. 2814, the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption (PRIME) Act, to open the current market to local farmers by allowing states to control intrastate meat distribution and to reduce regulations on small farms and ranches.

In the District

The South Carolina House of Representatives recognized Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Ag + Art Tour for its impact on agritourism. The Ag + Art Tour is being held through May and June 2023, and farmers and artisans have worked together to showcase the Palmetto State's farmers, art, and agriculture. The Ag + Art Farm Tour is the largest free farm tour in the country, and over 85,000 visitors have visited since 2012.

The second annual South Carolina College and Career Day was held on May 2 at the State House to recognize students for their accomplishments and celebrate their futures in college, the military, or the workforce. Around 1,700 high school seniors from across South Carolina attended, and during the event, Governor McMaster proclaimed May as College and Career Decision Month.

It is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina. Should you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.