July 7, 2023

Friends,   

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

Energy Trip to Japan

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, I led a bipartisan delegation comprised of several colleagues on the House Energy & Commerce Committee to Japan and South Korea last week to meet with government officials regarding relevant nuclear safety and security, international nuclear standards, LNG imports, grid security, and much more. Our delegation investigated the continued remediation of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident as well as met with senior U.S. Military officials to better understand security issues in the region. I even had the opportunity to gift the 100th Japanese Prime Minister Kishida a Clemson University baseball jersey! Overall, we had a productive and informative trip, especially as it relates to our nation's energy policy.

Joe Biden in South Carolina

President Biden visited South Carolina yesterday to tout “Bidenomics.” By “Bidenomics,” does he mean the high costs that have resulted from reckless government spending? The president is delusional if he thinks the economy in Joe Biden's America has done anything to improve the standard of living for South Carolinians trying to afford gas and groceries.

Ahead of the trip, I sent a letter to the White House challenging Joe Biden to visit South Carolina's Third District with me to allow myself and my constituents to ask him directly why his administration continually infringes on our constitutional liberties, does not secure the southern border, fails to protect the innocence of children, absconds from its duty to put American interests first, obstructs unleashing domestic energy production and economic growth, and refuses to curb inflationary spending.

Given the fact that he spends most of his time vacationing in Delaware or meeting with Left-wing special interest groups in Washington, D.C., it would have been beneficial for him to meet with South Carolinians to see how real Americans are impacted by his administration's radical, America-last agenda. Click HERE to read my full letter inviting the president to South Carolina to see the impact of his America-last policies firsthand.

South Carolina Doesn't Need "Bidenomics" to Thrive

The "Open for Business" sign is always in the window for the Palmetto State because of our pro-business policies, not White House meddling. South Carolina does a great job without "Bidenomics" and does best when the government gets out of the way. Click HERE for more coverage on my response to Joe Biden's visit to South Carolina. 

Town Hall in Oconee County

I participated in a great community-led town hall last night in Walhalla. Over 100 people, three hours, dozens of questions, and zero support for Joe Biden’s out-of-touch policies. We discussed the importance of cutting government spending, holding Biden Administration accountable, protecting our constitutional rights, and more. Thanks for having me! 

Hardening Our Grid Security

Our adversaries are targeting our energy infrastructure. That is why it is essential for us to harden our power grid to safeguard our nation's cybersecurity and energy security. We discussed this and more on Fox News Special Reports: Energy Matters. Click HERE for our conversation. 

Legislative Action

I cosponsored H.R. 4436, Rep. Matthew Rosendale’s bill to prohibit the provision of firearms and ammunition to employees by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

I cosponsored H.R. 4427, Rep. Debbie Lesko’s bill to prohibit the use of Federal highway funds from States that are providing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

I cosponsored Rep. Clay Higgins’ H.R. 4416, the No Funds for Armed Regulators Act, to ban the use of Federal funds by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Labor (DOL) for the purpose of hiring or equipping armed Federal regulatory enforcement officers.

In the District

A new South Carolina law passed the SC House and Senate unanimously to help the loved ones of first responders who lose their lives in the line of duty. The new law provides compensation for the beneficiaries of first responders killed in the line of duty, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and coroners. 

Jenni Tucker, a lifelong resident of Anderson, celebrated 111 years of life on the Fourth of July, and her family and friends gathered to celebrate this special occasion. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and Happy 111th Birthday!

I hope you all had a blessed Independence Day this week celebrating the land we love and 247 years of our nation's independence! 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.