September 1, 2023

Friends,   

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

Hunter Selling "the Brand"

This week, the Oversight Committee opened an investigation into potential misuse of Air Force 2 and Marine 2 by then Vice President Joe Biden. The Committee requested information from the Archivist of the United States that could prove whether Joe Biden used government resources to help Hunter peddle "the brand." It's alleged that Hunter joined Joe Biden on Air Force 2 or Marine 2 for travel to at least 15 countries where Hunter would schedule business meetings. Devon Archer's testimony was that Joe Biden met with Hunter's business partners in Beijing while traveling on behalf of the United States. If Joe Biden did misuse Air Force Two and Marine Two, we must hold him and Hunter accountable. Joe “The Big Guy” Biden and Hunter do not get to leech off taxpayers while peddling “the brand” abroad. Remember when Joe Biden claimed he knew nothing about Hunter’s business deals? It's time that Joe Biden stops lying to Americans and comes clean about the misdeeds of the Biden Crime Family.

Bidenomics Bust

While Joe Biden is on a propaganda tour for Bidenomics, the unemployment rate moved up to 3.8%. Under Joe Biden, employers are slowing hiring, interest rates are climbing at the fastest rate in U.S. history, and more than half of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. The Biden Administration needs to quit the spin cycle and own up to its failed policies.

The Biden Invasion

91,000 illegal immigrants crossed the Southern border in August. When Joe Biden talks about breaking records, he means records for the most illegal crossings in a month. Over 5.6 million illegal crossings have taken place since Joe Biden took office. Cities like New York are crying for help with the massive influx of illegals, but radical, leftist leaders would rather play politics than secure our border. It’s costing Americans more to not build the border wall than it would to build the wall and ensure our national security. According to one report issued from the Government Operations and Border Management Subcommittee of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, it costs approximately $3 million per day for Joe Biden to attempt to stop the construction of the border wall. This includes the cost of hiring contractors to stand guard over the materials that have been delivered to the desert to build the wall. Places like New York City are looking at redirecting dollars for kids' education to instead make schools a haven for illegal immigrants. We have fentanyl flowing freely across the border because Joe Biden refuses to prioritize national security. This is causing countless tax dollars to be spent on lifesaving equipment like NARCAN or other medical equipment to counteract the effects of this drug. More than any dollar amount, it’s taking the lives of countless Americans who unknowingly encounter this deadly drug. This isn’t a partisan issue. It’s a matter of life and death as well as a matter of national security. Close the southern border, protect Americans, and stand up for America.

What Caused the Maui Fires?

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, I have an obligation to oversee energy providers and ensure compliance with regulations for the industry. According to some reports, Hawaiian Electric removed equipment and power lines before an investigation could be completed into the horrible fire that decimated Maui. Hawaiian Electric recognized in 2019 that it needed to take action to prevent wildfires, but it never hardened or modernized its grid. I’m joining my colleagues on the House Energy & Commerce Committee to determine if the fire was caused by the utility provider failing to harden its infrastructure.

Keeping America Safe

I have two pieces of legislation I have been working on to keep America safe. The first is H.R.143 which ensures that if Biden closes Guantanamo Bay, then the terrorists imprisoned there could not be transferred to US soil. If they are transferred, it would mean possibly sending some of these prisoners to the Naval Brig in Charleston, SC. Since 2015, I’ve been fighting to bar these terrorists from being released anywhere in the US. I sponsored H.R.143 because no state should become a terrorist dumping ground.

The second piece of legislation is the TELL Act. If a company is storing data in China that they collected about you from a website or an app, then they should be required to tell you that data left the US and whether the Chinese Communist Party is accessing it. That’s why I proudly introduced H.R. 742 the TELL Act.

Meeting Power Demand

I have been sounding the alarm about our energy grid not being able to meet the current and expected growth in demand. To ensure adequate, 24/7 dispatchable power generation, America must embrace an all-of-the-above energy policy. Don’t believe me, our energy providers are seeing the same trends. Energy security is national security, and Joe Biden doesn’t care about it either. On the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee, we are serious about ensuring reforms and modernizations that will allow for the delivery of reliable, affordable, and clean energy for all Americans.

Small Modular Reactors (SMR) are a game-changer in the future of nuclear energy technology as they can be assembled in a factory and transported to the installation site because they are substantially smaller than a traditional nuclear power reactor. With a power capacity of up to 300MW(e) per unit, SMRs can work in tandem with intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar to ensure the electric grid is maintained. The blackouts, brownouts, and energy rationing that Californians live with can be a thing of the past if we unleash America’s nuclear energy renaissance. Energy companies must look to SMRs to provide 24/7 dispatchable power generation.

South Carolina Day

Thursday, was National South Carolina Day. From mountains, lakes, beaches, big cities, and small towns, South Carolina has it all! South Carolinians respect law enforcement, honor our veterans, and take care of each other.

Legislative Action

I cosponsored H.R.5319, Rep Weber’s Bill, to ban abortions from being performed in the maritime jurisdiction of the United States.

I cosponsored H.R.5314, Rep Scott’s Bill, to enact penalties for anyone who attempts to disrupt, block, or delay commerce in the United States through violence or threats of violence.

I cosponsored H.R.5285, Rep Rosendale’s Bill, to restore the Second Amendment rights of Congressional Staff and Members of Congress to lawfully possess and carry weapons on Capitol Grounds.

In the District

Congratulations to 8 students at Clinton High School on being recognized by the College Board National Recognition Program. Ella, Julieta, Keegan, Levi, Gray, Vincent, Peyton, and Lindsey received the National Rural and Small Town Award. Julieta also earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award. In addition to having a GPA of at least 3.5, students also scored in the top 10% of PSAT takers in South Carolina or excelled in AP exams. Great job!

Students from Presbyterian College refreshed the pavilion at the Clinton Community Garden during their orientation week. They also weeded the garden and created a space for a future patio installation.

Big news for Oconee County! Landmark Development Partners is planning to develop a 148-acre property into a new mixed-use complex. Word on the street is it will be like Hartwell Village in Clemson.

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.