July 28, 2023

Friends,   

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

Biden Turns on Texas

This week, Biden's Department of in-Justice (DOJ) sued the state of Texas for it's #OperationLoneStar which is an illegal immigration deterrent formed of buoys built in the Rio Grande River. Joe Biden has absconded from his duty to stop the invasion at our southern border and leaves states helpless in dealing with the 5.5+ million illegal border crossings since he took office. Governor Abbott and the state of Texas have the right to defend themselves. Instead of suing Texas, it's time Joe Biden acts like the President and enforces the law. Stand strong Governor Abbott, America is with you!

Power America's Economy

On Tuesday, Chair Rodgers and I stood true to our commitment to power America’s economy and fight back against Biden’s attempts to shutdown pipelines. We introduced the Pipeline Safety, Modernization, and Expansion Act of 2023 that will protect and update our pipeline infrastructure, lower energy costs, and streamline permitting for new pipelines.

Also, I talked with Fox News Rundown about American nuclear energy expansion and how reliable, affordable and clean energy shouldn't be partisan. America must be a leader on nuclear energy again. Listen here!

Hunter's Absurd Plea Deal

On Wednesday, Hunter Biden went before U.S. District Court Judge Noreika to review his sweetheart plea deal. However, the deal was stalled as Hunter tried to have his plea deal give him blanket immunity from all criminal charges. If you ask me, I think Hunter is worried House Republicans are getting too much evidence of his influence peddling to foreign countries. Hunter knows pressure is building and the Biden Crime Family is being exposed for their malfeasance.

Ensuring Protections for the Firearms Industry

On Thursday, I led a letter along with 39 of my colleagues to the DOT and ATF providing oversight over the implementation of President Biden’s March 14 executive order that included a provision calling upon DOT and ATF to engage with carriers and shippers. The ability to ship firearms in commerce is integral to our right to bear arms. Unfortunately, President Biden has shown he is willing to go above and beyond the rule of law to impose his gun control agenda and attack the firearms industry. Congress has the responsibility to provide checks and balances over the Executive Branch to ensure our right to keep and bear arms is not infringed. This letter seeks to gather information from the DOT and ATF regarding any plans to regulate the shipment of firearms. Should the DOT or ATF issue such a regulation, we ask they consider the statutory limitations of their authority and cost of compliance to the firearms and shipping industries.

Let's Talk Appropriations

This week, the House began taking up appropriations bills as we budget for FY24. Congress must choose commonsense spending to rein in our $32 trillion debt. Here’s a look at how we got here and the options we have.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act passed earlier this year set a ceiling on Federal spending, but it did not set a floor for spending. I believe we must spend below the spending ceiling and, in fact, roll back our spending to levels like in FY22. It’s grossly irresponsible to continue spending money like we are still in COVID times.

Looking at the bills before us this week, we need significant cuts to ensure we reduce our spending levels to no more than FY22 levels—this should be a red line for every member of Congress. 

If we appropriate to FY22 levels, we are saving taxpayers money. The House acted in the best interests of taxpayers by setting a spending ceiling while the Senate is trying to circumvent the House and appropriate funds that exceed spending caps. We are $32 trillion in debt and yet the Senate wants to keep spending?! You can’t run your family budget like the Senate runs America’s budget. House Republicans are fighting to cut our spending and save you money.

As we start the appropriations process, the lines have been drawn: House Republicans & taxpayers vs. Joe Biden, Democrats & Senate Republicans.
Appropriations is the place to battle for fiscal conservatism, holding the reckless Biden Administration accountable with the purse strings and defunding any attempts to install DEI training in the Federal government.

Here’s good news that the Washington Swamp will not tell you! If Congress fails to pass all appropriation bills as required, then in January a 1% cut will be triggered that will save Americans $100 billion. This was a great measure introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie to ensure a sequester was included in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Annual Prayer Breakfast

This week, I attended Senator Tim Scott's 13th Annual Prayer Breakfast. I’m thankful for the time we can join together to pray for America, share what God has done and encourage each other to “Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!” I shared with the SC Delegation about Abraham and Isaac. God wanted Abraham’s obedience more than he wanted his sacrifice—Abraham didn’t know another sacrifice was already there. For us, the perfect sacrifice was fulfilled in Jesus on the cross. It’s amazing to think about an all-powerful God’s love and sacrifice for us.

Legislative Action

I cosponsored H.R. 4860, Rep. Randy Feenstra's bill to protect the Second Amendment rights of individuals living in federally assisted rental housing.

I cosponsored H.Res. 606, Rep. Andy Ogle's resolution to censure Rep. Pramila Jayapal for her recent anti-Semitic remark.

In the District

Congratulations to Saluda County Recreation Department's 8U Darlings on winning their third state championship in softball! This year, Saluda made history as the first community to send three teams (8U, 10U, and 12U), in one season, to their respective Softball World Series. The Third District is rooting for you!

Dr. Paul Black and Abigail Arellano, at the Oconee Humane Society, have performed 1,300+ free surgeries in one year for animals in the shelter as well as community cats. They also are helping pet owners by offering low-cost vouchers to ensure they can take car of their pets.

Did you hear the creative idea from the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office? They are allowing individuals in diversion programs to donate school supplies for children to satisfy parts of their required diversion program. It's great to see creative ideas to help students in need in Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens and Newberry counties.

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.