Weekly Newsletter   Official Newsletter In this edition of our newsletter, we want to share some significant updates from Congress. Our legislative efforts have resulted in the passage of the Federal Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2023, a critical step in enhancing cybersecurity for federal contractors. Additionally, we've introduced a joint resolution opposing the expansion of Obamacare eligibility to DACA recipients, prioritizing the needs of our community and upholding the integrity of our immigration laws. We've also taken strides to combat online abuse with the introduction of the VANISH Act, reaffirming our commitment to victims' rights. Furthermore, recent hearings we hosted have shed light on cybersecurity challenges posed by China, highlighting the urgency of modernization efforts. Thank you for your continued interest in our office as we work tirelessly to serve our constituents and put the Lowcountry first!   Our Bill Passed Is One Step Closer to Becoming Law:   Our office introduced the Federal Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2023 back in October last year. This bill aims to improve cybersecurity among federal contractors by requiring them to implement Vulnerability Disclosure Policies (VDPs). These policies will ensure that contractors quickly receive information about potential security vulnerabilities in their systems, allowing them to address and mitigate risks proactively. This step is critical in strengthening the overall cybersecurity framework of federal agencies and operations. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee has passed this bill out of committee, which means it is one step closer to coming to the House Floor for a vote.   Red Alert: A Hearing on Countering Cyberthreats From China: We held a hearing to learn more about the CCP's cyber capabilities against the United States. The hearing highlighted the escalating sophistication and coordination of CCP-sponsored hacking efforts, most notably Volt Typhoon, posing a significant risk to U.S. critical infrastructure. Former White House Cybersecurity Coordinators emphasized the urgent need to replace vulnerable legacy IT systems, which serve as prime access points for hackers. Recent warnings from federal intelligence agencies confirm China's infiltration into America's cyber infrastructure, signaling a pressing need for action. However, according to the witnesses' testimonies, this administration does not seem to have a plan. We emphasized the importance of updating legacy IT systems in both the public and private sectors and filling job vacancies in the cybersecurity field as a first step. The consensus among witnesses was clear: prioritizing cybersecurity awareness, resources, and modernization efforts is paramount to safeguarding U.S. interests against evolving cyber threats from China. You can see all of our hearings at Mace.House.Gov/media/hearings. Keynote Speech at the D.C. Cybersecurity Summit: We spoke at the Digital Chambers Cybersecurity Summit. We discussed the potential of blockchain technology in enhancing government cybersecurity, and efficiency. We also spoke about the role of blockchain in reducing costs and improving operations, citing examples such as faster proposal processing and enhanced intragovernmental transfers. Legislation like our Border Security and Blockchain Technology Act, showcases our office’s efforts to leverage blockchain for border security. Speaking at this summit gave us hope for the future of blockchain integration in the government and private sector.   Legislating for the Lowcountry: We Introduced a Resolution Condemning the Current Administration Giving Healthcare to DACA Migrants: We have introduced a joint resolution, backed by 29 cosponsors and 4 organizations, to express congressional disapproval of a recent rule by the current administration that expands Obamacare eligibility to over 100,000 DACA recipients by redefining them as "lawfully present." This rule incentivizes illegal immigration at a time when we face an invasion of over 9 million illegal alien crossings at our southern border. Our resolution aims to protect taxpayers and uphold the integrity of our immigration laws by preventing additional financial burdens on hard working Americans. By opposing this policy, we are putting the Lowcountry first, ensuring that our resources are directed towards the needs of our community and safeguarding the interests of our citizens.  We Introduced Legislation to Combat Non-consensual Disclosure of Intimate Images:  This week we introduced the "Victimizer Accountability for Non-consensual Images and Spiteful Humiliation Act" (VANISH Act), a piece of legislation aimed at protecting victims' and delivering on our promises of accountability and justice. In today's digital age, revenge porn and sextortion have become alarmingly prevalent, posing significant risks to individuals' privacy and mental well-being. The VANISH Act addresses these disgusting acts by criminalizing the non-consensual disclosure of intimate visual depictions and providing more stringent penalties for perpetrators. This is just another way our office is leading the charge in supporting women's rights and victims rights. To find out more about our office’s efforts, visit Mace.House.Gov/VictimsRights. Our Votes This Week: S. 546 – Recruit and Retain Act We voted ‘Yes on this bill because it aims to help police departments hire and keep officers by expanding the Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program. It also creates the COPS Pipeline Partnership Program to encourage local schools and law enforcement agencies to work together to improve recruitment. Additionally, it mandates a study on police recruitment and retention by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The bill would authorize $40 million over five years, with an estimated implementation cost of $25 million. Right now, our law enforcement officers are facing increased scrutiny, and we must Back the Blue! H.R. 7659 – Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024, as amended Our office voted ‘Yes’ on this bill that reauthorizes funding for the Coast Guard at $14.8 billion for FY 2025 and $15.5 billion for FY 2026, and sets the active duty personnel number at 44,500 for both years. It includes measures to enhance protections against sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard. This is particularly relevant to our community, given the significant Coast Guard presence and ongoing projects in Charleston. H.R. 3935 – FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 We voted ‘Yes’ on this bill. It reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) through FY 2028, with an estimated $106 billion in appropriations. It includes provisions to improve airport infrastructure, regulatory relief for aviation, and protections against mandates related to COVID-19. Additionally, this bill has broad support and benefits to our local economy, particularly the tourism sector. H.R. 354 – LEOSA Reform Act Our office voted ‘Yes’ on this legislation because it amends current law to allow law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in more public places, such as national parks, school zones, and certain federal facilities. It also updates the qualification standards for officers to carry concealed firearms. This measure is intended to enhance public safety and protect officers amidst increasing violence and attacks. Amendment 6 to H.R. 8146 – Police Our Border Act We voted ‘No’ on this partisan amendment that seeks to remove references to President Biden in the bill. The Police Our Border Act aims to hold him accountable for the 3 year long invasion at our southern border. This amendment would dilute the bill's intent to address the President's role in the ongoing border crisis. The one that has left American families feeling unsafe and every state as a border state. H.R. 8146 – Police Our Border Act We voted ‘Yes’ on this legislation that requires the Attorney General to report on the impact of the border crisis on law enforcement at various levels. It seeks to provide valuable data on the costs and effects of the border situation on law enforcement morale, injuries, and fentanyl exposure. We deserve to know the real numbers of illegal aliens that have crossed our border. We need transparency and accountability and we’re delivering on that. H.R. 8369 – Israel Security Assistance Support Act Our office voted ‘Yes’ on this bill ensuring that the President cannot withhold defense assistance to Israel, mandates prompt delivery of defense items, and penalizes any federal employees involved in delaying or canceling such aid. This is in response to concerns about the current administration withholding security assistance to Israel. It is critical that we support our allies and withholding assistance only weakens Israel and the United State. When we withhold aid from our allies, we are helping the terrorists. H. Res. 1213 – A Resolution Regarding Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers This resolution condemns efforts to defund the police, supports the need for law enforcement resources, acknowledges the mental and physical toll on officers, and calls for better data collection on officer injuries. It also expresses condolences to the families of fallen officers, emphasizing the importance of supporting law enforcement. We voted ‘Yes’ on this resolution because we know how key law enforcement is in protecting the Lowcountry and the nation.   Are your neighbors aware of everything our team is doing in DC and in the district? Be sure to share our newsletter with them! They can sign up for it by visiting Mace.House.Gov or by clicking here. Our office is committed to transparency and we want to make sure you get all the information you need!   Yours in Service, Congresswoman Nancy Mace Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today. If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Beaufort Office at (843) 521-2530, my Mount Pleasant Office at (843) 352-7572. You can also file a case online here. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you. Have news or updates to share? Email us!  If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across Lowcountry, please visit here. Love sunsets and dogs? Us too. Be sure to submit your favorite Sunset photos here or a photo of your dog here. Our team will try to include as many of your updates from around #SC01 as we can each week Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy Rep. 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