November 10, 2023

Friends,   

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

Veteran's Day

This weekend, we have the opportunity to celebrate the heroes who have answered the call to stand guard for our country.

I hope you will join me in thanking Veterans for their service and sacrifice.

To every veteran in the Third District, thank you!

Click here to find some thoughts directly from me about Veteran's Day.

Holding Joe Biden Accountable

On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee officially subpoenaed Hunter and James Biden. Just last week, the Committee revealed how Hunter and James Biden were involved in helping Joe Biden receive $40,000 of laundered money from China. House Republicans are upholding our commitment to hold Joe Biden accountable. Learn more about how Joe "the Big Guy" Biden received a pay day from China here.

Protecting American Energy Production Act

On Wednesday, the Committee on Natural Resources passed my bill, the "Protecting American Energy Production Act," out of Committee. Now, my bill is heading to the Floor of the House for consideration.

This legislation ensures that no President has the unilateral power to shut down domestic energy production or fracking.

I’m grateful my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee saw the urgency in solving America’s energy crisis by unleashing an all-the-above energy policy that leads to energy independence.

Joe Biden’s War on Energy has put our nation’s energy and national security at risk as he closes down operations that harvest our vast natural resources to convert them to power for everyday life.

This legislation stops Joe Biden’s attempt to make America more dependent on our adversaries.

As the Energy and Commerce Committee passed this legislation earlier this year and now it has been approved by the Committee on Natural Resources, I look forward to seeing this legislation hopefully being signed into law soon!

Stand Against Antisemitism

On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in the House to vote to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib for her vile, antisemitic rhetoric and use of Hamas talking points.

While Hamas rapes Israelis, kills Israelis in their sleep, and cuts the heads off of innocent Israeli babies, Rep. Tlaib justifies Hamas actions as "resistance."

Antisemitism has no place in the world and certainly no place in Congress. The House voted 234–188 to censure Rep. Tlaib. Read the Censure Resolution here.

Appropriations Update

The House passed the spending bill that funds the Department of the Interior and similar agencies. It passed 226-196. I supported this bill that reins in reckless spending, cuts bureaucracy, makes strides towards energy independence, and prioritizes safety by requiring responsible wildfire management. This bill is 35% lower than FY23 spending and more than $21 billion below what Joe Biden requested in his budget.

• Repeals Biden’s Waters of the United States Regulation
• Prohibits the EPA from letting California force citizens to use zero-emission off-road engines
• Stops overreaching regulations that hurt the economy
• Defunds Critical Race Theory training
• Cuts EPA funding by 39% below FY 23—saves $4 billion
• Increases oil and gas leases to enhance American energy independence

A Dire Warning

Recently, FBI Director Wray testified before Congress confirming exactly what House Republicans have been saying. Terrorists are primed to attack Americans at home and abroad.

While House Republicans are passing commonsense legislation like HR2 to secure our borders and HR1 to protect American energy independence, Joe Biden is bowing down to the demands of Iran which is the leading sponsor of terrorism as well as easing sanctions on the vile dictator Maduro.

Joe Biden has failed to uphold his Oath of Office, endangered American lives, and actively is weakening America to make us a sitting duck for terrorists to attack.

Joe Biden must resign!

Bidenomics: Making Homes Unaffordable

Joe Biden’s economy has pushed the American dream of home ownership out of reach for most families. To buy an average priced home in the United States, you need to make at least $115k a year, with the median household income being only $75k.

Bidenomics prices out the American dream. Not only is the cost of homes well beyond what everyday Americans can afford, but interest rates have skyrocketed at the fastest rate in American history. Average interest rates are at a staggering 8%. The last time mortgage rates were this high was in 2000. When Donald Trump left office we saw home interest rates at 2.9%. That’s a 176% increase in interest rates under Joe Biden.

It’s time to kick Bidenomics to the curb and start making commonsense economic policies that let Americans keep more of their hard-earned money and make the American dream a reality.

Reliable, Affordable, and Clean Energy

On Tuesday, I introduced legislation that ensures the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s mission expands nuclear energy to benefit citizens across the nation. Nuclear energy already generates 20% of our county’s total electricity and over 90% of South Carolina’s carbon-free electricity.

This legislation is a necessary first step to ensuring NRC licensing is more efficient and predictable in licensing nuclear solutions. South Carolina’s strong growth means my state has an increased power demand. According to the Energy Information Administration, South Carolina uses twice as much energy as we produce.

This realignment of the mission of NRC will help South Carolina and other states meet rising demand and increase power generation with reliable, affordable, and clean energy sources like nuclear.

Withstanding Attacks from Liberals

I know I'm over the target and standing up for conservative ideals when liberals attack me. Let me be clear, I'm proud to stand with conservative leaders like Rep. Jim Jordan, Speaker Mike Johnson, and millions of Americans who want conservative, Constitutional leadership in Washington.

Liberals are attacking me for opposing funding to Ukraine. GOOD! We must get our own country in order and get our $33 trillion in debt under control. Recklessly spending money that doesn’t exist is a horrible economic and national security policy.

In Memoriam

I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Rudy Mancke who has hosted SCETV’s NatureScene for 25 years. My thoughts and prayers are with Rudy’s family today. I’m thankful for the years Rudy had the opportunity to share his love for nature and his love for South Carolina with us on the radio.

In the District

Everyone knows the iconic intro to the TV show "COPS." Sheriff Chad McBride and the Anderson County Sheriff's Office will be featured on "COPS" starting today! Make sure you tune in to see how they work to keep crime off the streets of Anderson and protect citizens every day.

Congratulations to Clemson University's MBAe Program which earned the rank of 10th worldwide for entrepreneurship programs. Clemson's MBAe program focuses ways to "empower students to bring their innovative ideas to life." As a proud graduate of Clemson, I'm excited to see their success and global recognition. Go Tigers!

Today, Veterans had the opportunity to attend the State's Veterans' Virtual Career Fair to find out what employment opportunities are available to them in South Carolina. With many positions available in roles ranging from law enforcement, IT, or engineering, South Carolina has positions ready for the men and women who served our country in the military.

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.