March 17, 2023

Friends,   

I hope you and your family are well! I wanted to provide you with a few updates regarding what’s going on –

Honoring Specialist Four Charles Johnson Jr.

On Thursday, we honored Vietnam War soldier, Specialist Four Charles Johnson Jr. of Pickens, with a post office dedicated in his memory.
Charles Johnson was one of three brothers to serve in Vietnam at the same time, and he lost his life in the Pleiku Province in 1966. Charles Johnson is an American hero, and his name will now live in perpetuity in his community. It was an honor to play a role in ensuring he is remembered for generations to come through passing H.R. 92 last Congress. 

God Bless his family and the loved ones of our fallen soldiers. John 15:13- “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Click HERE for more coverage of our dedication ceremony. 

Thanking First Responders and Law Enforcement

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with First Responders and Law Enforcement across the Third District as part of my annual First Responders Tour to show my appreciation and support for these brave men and women. Thanks to First Responders from Anderson, Edgefield, Laurens, Pickens, and Saluda counties for hosting me! 

We discussed what they are facing each day, including the the rise of fentanyl and drugs in our communities and how I can assist them on the federal level. Click HERE to see my interview this week on our nation's fentanyl crisis. 

I am so thankful for the great job they do in making the Third District a great place to live and raise a family. God Bless the good work you do to keep our communities safe!

Vets Helping Vets

It was great meeting with Vets Helping Vets this week while in Anderson. We discussed the group’s plan to help Veterans in the Upstate, as well as legislation impacting the Veteran community. I am grateful for how this organization seeks to support one another through the community they have built. Thank you for your service!

H.R. 1: Lower American Energy Costs Act

Americans are facing an energy crisis and increased costs from the gas pump to the grocery store due to Joe Biden’s war on domestic energy production. H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act,  will take action to unleash domestic energy production, decrease costs for ratepayers, reduce regulatory burdens that impair energy production, and help us achieve energy dominance. H.R. 1 includes my bill, the Protecting American Energy Production Act.

H.R. 1 is the culmination of the bills passed through the Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees this Congress. H.R. 1 is our top legislative priority, and I look forward to seeing it cross the finish line in the House!

Legislative Action

I cosponsored H.Con.Res.17, Rep. Brett Guthrie’s resolution to promote American energy dominance by preventing the Federal Government from imposing any restrictions on the export of crude oil.

I cosponsored H.R.1042, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, which would prohibit the United States from importing Russian-produced uranium.

I cosponsored H.R.1025, Rep. Scott Perry’s Defund the Wuhan Institute of Virology Act, which would prevent the Wuhan Institute of Virology from receiving Federal funding, and require a study into the use of Federal funds that have previously been provided.

I cosponsored H.R.1023, Rep. Gary Palmer’s bill to repeal the section of the Clean Air Act that allocates funds for the radical Left’s greenhouse gas reductions.

I cosponsored H.R.1010, Rep. Drew Ferguson’s Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act, which would protect Americans’ financial privacy by preventing the implementation of new requirements for individuals to report bank account deposits and withdrawals.

I cosponsored Rep. Bob Good’s H.R.997, English Language Unity Act of 2023, which would require that all official functions within the United States Government are conducted in English and that every U.S. Citizen must be fluent in English, by declaring English as the official language of the United States.

I cosponsored Rep. Dan Bishop’s H.R.991, COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act, which would prevent organizations that refuse to provide care based on COVID-19 vaccination status from receiving Federal funds.

I cosponsored Rep. Jim Bank’s H.R.989, Build the Wall Now Act, which would aid in the construction, development, and ultimate completion of a border wall between the United States and Mexico.

I cosponsored Rep. Doug Lamborn’s H.R.983, Second Chance at Life Act of 2023, which would ensure a woman seeking a chemical abortion is informed that she may reverse the decision and save the life of her unborn child should she change her mind.

I cosponsored Rep. August Pfluger’s H.R.944, Preventing Malign CCP Influence on Academic Institutions Act, which would protect our coming generation by requiring higher education institutions to disclose any affiliation they may have to the Government of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party.

In the District

Last Friday, a delivery celebration was held for the first F-16 Block 70 jet for the Bahraini Air Force. The jet took its first flight in January and will arrive in Bahrain in 2024 after additional flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base.

Two Upstate South Carolina schools were named Palmetto’s Finest by by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, including Southwood Academy of the Arts in Anderson.

It is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina. Should you or your family need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.