Fighting for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families

     As a Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, a 31-year veteran, and the father of four sons who served in the military overseas, I am honored to support our veterans, service members and military families in Congress.

     Recognizing our veterans who have so bravely protected the country, the following are just a few bills I am grateful to have led or co-sponsored this Congress:

• Major Richard Star Act which provides that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.
• GUARD VA Benefits Act imposes fines on individuals for soliciting, contracting for, charging, or receiving any unauthorized fee or compensation with respect to the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act to strengthen the VA’s authority in order to quickly and fairly discipline bad employees and hold them accountable for the veterans they serve.       

     Understanding the importance of protecting active military and their families, I am grateful to have voted for the bipartisan FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Now law, Congress has a duty to ensure our Armed Forces are prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow. Importantly, this legislation also supports funding for critical missions in the Second Congressional District and around South Carolina. Here are a few of the highlights:

• Gives junior enlisted servicemembers a 19.5 percent pay raise.
• Expands access to specialty medical care for service members.
• Improves pay and benefits for Department of Defense childcare staff to mitigate staffing shortages.
• Secures Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) funding for Savannah River Site Communities to support schools, emergency services, and operations in the affected counties.
• Promotes continued authorizations for defense research projects and programs at South Carolina colleges and universities which provide for ongoing quality, high-paying jobs, and lead to additional opportunities to strengthen a homegrown workforce.

Highway Naming Ceremony

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell, U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05), South Carolina Department of Transportation Commissioner Bill Dukes, public officials, family and friends, all gathered last month at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport for the naming ceremony of the Columbia Airport Expressway in honor of Congressman Wilson.
 
     I am grateful to the South Carolina Department of Transportation for naming Columbia Airport Expressway the Congressman Joe Wilson Expressway.

     Drive safely.

     Much remains to be done, but I am committed to the people of South Carolina’s Second District and will continue to work hard to keep us all safe, promote jobs, and help make our lives and communities stronger.