Happy Friday!
Over the weekend, I helped emcee the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament at the weigh-in. Congratulations to team Sportin’ Life on their victory! I also got to tell a few fish jokes…
What kind of music do you listen to when fishing?
“Something catchy!”
I’ll be ready with even more fish jokes next year! Big thanks to Mayor Crawford Moore for the invitation!
Saturday, we participated in one of our favorite events of the year, the Beaufort Water Festival Grand Parade. This is a very special event. Loved the huge crowds this year too. And the air show in the afternoon along the water was something else! Our Beaufort office also held open office hours during the parade! This was a fun way to hear more from you all about what matters most and sip some sweet tea.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Hilton Head Airport will receive nearly $9 million in grant funding to expand its terminal building. We’ve been as big a supporter as humanly possible to assist in the airport’s expansion efforts. Helping to secure the grant funding for this project was the icing on the cake. Read more here.
Monday, we had the opportunity to spend time with children at the Carolina Youth Development Center’s “Freedom Summer School.” We enjoyed reading and dancing together! Children, especially those in foster care, should have access to all the resources and support they need to succeed. I supported the Ensuring Medicaid for Children in Foster Care Act, earlier this year. This legislation will provide healthcare resources for children in foster care.
Tuesday night, the Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act passed the House, which will allow for more medical research with cannabis. It allows groups to manufacture, distribute, and dispense cannabis for medical research purposes. We are still waiting on South Carolina to pass Senator Tom Davis’ (R-Beaufort) bill the Compassionate Care Act. His legislation is the most conservative state-level medical cannabis bill in the country, and we support his efforts in this responsible endeavor.
Wednesday, we welcomed the new President of the University of South Carolina, Dr. Michael Amiridis, into our DC office. We talked about the future of the University, the upcoming football season, and the Gamecock Women’s Basketball Team winning last season’s Championship!
Wednesday was also National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. To all of our Korean War veterans, thank you for your service and dedication to our great country. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
In our coastal district, it is important we stay ready and prepared for natural disasters, which is why my colleagues and I created The Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus this week. This Caucus will better prepare all of our communities for unexpected weather events (and their effects) in the foreseeable future. Read more here.
Thursday, we met with representatives from Ducks Unlimited to discuss the importance of conservation. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out the bill we filed to ban drilling off South Carolina’s coast: H.R. 4696.
Thursday, we also met with lady aircraft mechanics to learn more about their field and what it’s like to work these jobs as women. They told us about the discrimination they face and I can tell you as the first woman to graduate from the Citadel, I completely understand what it’s like to break barriers. It’s not easy.
On Friday, we said goodbye to our Summer interns. To all of our interns, thank you for your continuous work and dedication to the people of South Carolina’s First Congressional District! As always, #LowcountryFirst!
We voted into the evening Friday on a number of bills. The one you probably heard the most about was H.R. 1808. This is a bill designed to ban certain types of guns (even guns used for bird hunting) and to ban certain types of magazines. The gun ban is an attempt by Congress to restrict law-abiding citizens. This bill does not, in fact, address the root causes of mass shootings. To read more on my statement on why I voted against the bill, look below.
Lastly, 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,
