Happy Friday!
Monday was the start of another very busy week in session.
I joined Fox News to discuss the President’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia. We have the ability to increase production on our own soil. We can increase domestic production without harming the environment or drilling off the coast of the Lowcountry. Our office is focused on solutions to help energy independence and hard-working Americans who are struggling at the pump. To read my position on offshore drilling go here. To watch my interview with Fox News on the issue of domestic energy production, click here.
On Tuesday, I joined Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) for an opinion piece we published about our bipartisan Quantum Computing bill. It was just last week this legislation passed the House. The bill ensures encryption used by the federal government to keep our systems and valuable data safe is quantum proof and would create oversight by Congress in implementing this technology. To read the op-ed, go here.
Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act. I, along with 267 of my colleagues voted to codify marriage for all Americans. My message was everyone should be able to be as happily or miserably married as they want. And if you support freedom and liberty for all, then allow any two people to have the freedom to marry whomever they want. This issue otherwise would also have an adverse effect on many different aspects like tax implications, medical insurance, and other benefits enjoyed by married couples. Click here to read more about it.
Also on Tuesday, four of my bills passed out of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
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H.R. 8260, which helps ensure surviving dependents of our fallen heroes are able to receive the benefits they deserve.
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H.R. 7299 secures the VA from cybersecurity threats.
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H.R. 7939 extends educational benefits for student veterans in emergency situations.
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H.R. 5776 creates a center within the VA to ensure the VA is able to deal with the unique needs pertaining to the veteran LGBTQ+ community.
Wednesday, I spoke at Senator Tim Scott’s South Carolina Prayer Breakfast alongside other members of our delegation (Ralph Norman and Jeff Duncan). This was a great opportunity to take a step back and take the time to thank God for all His blessings. Thank you to Senator Scott for the opportunity to speak at the event, and we are looking forward to next year’s! Loved the theme: “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8)
Hilton Head Island saw its first Sea Turtle hatchling of the season! Click here to read more about this special sighting, along with other resources when it comes to our precious Sea Turtles.
Wednesday, we introduced legislation in the House with Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) to provide over-the-counter access to birth control. Similar legislation was just signed into law in the state of South Carolina, but this would be just one more step in ensuring all women who need access to contraceptives will be able to obtain them. Read more here!
Did you know in the state of South Carolina, we have some counties that don’t have a single OB/GYN doctor? My take – if states are banning abortions and banning exceptions for them, then we absolutely need to protect women’s access to contraceptives.
So on Thursday, I voted to protect access to contraceptives for women not just in South Carolina but across the country. Many states, including South Carolina, are trying to remove abortion exceptions for rape and incest. I made sure these exceptions were included in South Carolina’s fetal heartbeat bill when I served in the SC House of Representatives. Not only do different contraceptives prevent pregnancies, but some are needed to maintain a healthy and well-functioning body.
As someone who is pro-life, I know you can’t have one without the other. And if we don’t get to the root of the abortion problem, and understand why so many seek them, we will never solve it.
Also on Thursday, a great friend and State Representative from across the aisle, Deon Tedder stopped by the office to meet with us. Thank you for stopping by!
Senators Booker and Paul, along with Rep. Blumenauer & I have introduced the Right to Try Clarification Act which gives patients the ability to choose options when receiving end-of-life care, once other treatments have been exhausted. These therapies can bring relief to those battling terminal illnesses.
As always, if you need us, call us. Whether you need help with a passport, issues with receiving your tax refund, or the Veterans Administration, please reach out to our office if you have any questions, concerns, or just want to be heard on any issue at any time.
It’s an immense honor to serve each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
