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This week, I spoke at a markup for the Oversight Committee regarding H.R. 5658, the Vote by Mail Tracking Act, introduced by Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA-47). This legislation requires that ballots within the United States for all federal elections be mailed in an envelope with a unique barcode. By supporting H.R. 5658, we ensure that every person's vote is protected and secure, especially for those who may need to vote by mail. Tracking our packages is a common practice, and it's just as crucial that we track our ballots. This bipartisan initiative safeguards our elections.
Additionally, we voted 'Yes' in support of H.R. 443 the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, because we must combat human trafficking. Charleston, Berkeley among South Carolina counties with most human trafficking cases in 2023. By voting 'Yes' on this bill, we aim to provide training and education to Department of Labor employees how to effectively detect and assist law enforcement in detecting human trafficking. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 443 would not increase the deficit; this is a cost-effective way to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals in the Lowcountry and beyond. Ending human trafficking starts with each of us, but there are also actions we can take locally and nationally. We are proud to say this bill passed 407-0.
We voted ‘Yes’ to H.R. 1727, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission Extension Act. This decision is rooted in our commitment to nature conservation and environmental protection. The bipartisan nature of this legislation extends the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Commission, enabling it to persist in its vital efforts to uphold the mission and sustainability of the park.
We took a stand for the people by voting 'Yes' on H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023. This legislation calls for more transparency in healthcare by prohibiting the use of quality-adjusted life years in coverage and payment decisions. We are fighting against the corrupt price gouging of big pharma. This is a victory for fairness and ensures equal access to healthcare for all patients, regardless of their background. The bill passed 211-208. It's time to put people over profit.
I voted 'Yes' on H.R. 6679, the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, which would expedite the removal of members of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and anyone involved in the horrific October 7 massacre. In addition, it would ensure these individuals are ineligible for asylum claims. While hundreds of individuals on U.S. terrorist watch lists pour across our border, the Biden administration refuses to enforce U.S. immigration law. We must ensure that individuals that are associated with these horrific terrorist groups are not allowed in the United States. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 422-2, with 1 voting present.
I voted 'Yes' on H.R. 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act. H.R. 5585 would make intentionally evading U.S. Border Patrol agents, or law enforcement agents assisting U.S. Border Patrol, a deportable crime. Under this bill, aliens that are convicted of, or admit to, this offense would be ineligible for asylum and would be immediately removed from the United States. Further, this bill adds enhanced penalties if evasion from law enforcement results in serious bodily injury or death. Due to President Biden and his administration refusing to enforce our nation’s laws, Congress must work to give law enforcement the tools they need to effectively do their jobs. I wholeheartedly support this commonsense legislation and will work with House Republicans to bring an end to our crisis at the border. H.R. 5585 passed the House by a vote of 271-154.
I voted 'Yes' on H.R. 5528, the Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act of 2023. H.R. 5528 requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report to Congress on whether the “lowest price technically acceptable” procurement method creates strategic and technical vulnerabilities in our national defense. Under existing law, federal agencies are required to purchase the lowest price technically acceptable item, but in many cases, these items may be critical for national security and the lowest price technically acceptable solution may be from China or another hostile nation. H.R. 5528 would help evaluate whether this procurement method properly ensures America's national security, protecting our nation from threats and hostile foreign actors. This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 397-0.
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