{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"SC\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-ruling-maines-secretary-state", "Wilson Statement on the Trump Ruling by Maine\u2019s Secretary of State", "2023-12-28", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Trump derangement has appeared again today with the decision by Maine\u2019s Secretary of State to bar Donald Trump from running for President in the state. This undemocratic move is contrary to what Americans should be working for which is to bring our country together with a fair and honest selection where all candidates can participate, especially one that is leading all the polls. It would be outrageous and insulting to the intelligence of any American that he or she should not be able to run without a conviction, as all Americans are presumed innocent until given a full and fair trial.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-signing-fy24-national-defense-authorization-act", "Wilson on Signing of FY24 National Defense Authorization Act", "2023-12-23", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 was signed into law.\n\n\u201cThis bill represents the commitment of Congress to our service members, their families, and our national security.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. One of the provisions is a 5.2% pay increase for our service members, the largest in over 20 years. As our service members and their families make sacrifices, Congress has the duty to ensure they are taken care of.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, I was grateful that this NDAA included provisions that rejected divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas. Our military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution.\n\n\u201cAs our adversaries continue to threaten and attack our Armed Forces around the globe, Congress needs to ensure our military is prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA authorizes critical funding for South Carolina military bases and the missions at the Savannah River Site. With China sharply expanding their nuclear stocks and capability, the U.S. needs to modernize its own nuclear arsenal and its infrastructure to maintain its nuclear deterrent.\n\n\u201cI was grateful to have my legislation expanding mutually beneficial defense and technology collaboration with Israel included in the NDAA. This gives the opportunity for both countries to collaborate on defense projects in areas of emerging technologies, such as AI. With our adversaries looking to surpass us in technology, the U.S. and its allies must be at the forefront.\n\n\u201cAlso included is the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which I led in the House. It prevents foreign officials from demanding bribes of American companies and has been referred to as the most significant legislation targeting foreign corruption in over forty years. This provides a vital tool for protecting Americans and American businesses from foreign corruption.\n\n\"As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our military and am committed to continuing to work for our service members and their families. I am thankful this bill was signed into law.\n\nHighlights of the FY24 NDAA\n\nSavannah River Site (SRS)\n\nIncludes funding authorizations for the missions of the Savannah River Site, including for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility and modernization of our nuclear triad.\n\nSupports funding for the Tritium Finishing Facility and adds a deadline of December 31st, 2036, for the facility to commence operations, which prevents any unnecessary delays.\n\nAuthorizes funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) to support schools, emergency services, and county operations in counties surrounding Savannah River Site.\n\nCaring for our Military Service Members and their Families\n\nSupports a 5.2% increase in service member basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years to combat inflation.\n\nExpands Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income service members supporting a family.\n\nMilitary Readiness\n\nIncreases funding for military exercises ensuring the U.S. military is prepared to fight in any theater.\n\nPrevents the Biden administration from retiring certain weapons systems that are still useful.\n\nDepartment of Defense Support for Border Security\n\nRequires DOD to use or transfer all border wall materials in its possession to southwest border states.\n\nFully funds the deployment of the National Guard to the Southern Border to support CBP officers.\n\nPromoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel\n\nAdds $47 million above the President\u2019s budget request to research and develop advanced technology with Israel, which has benefited the U.S., including at our border.\n\nExtends the US-Israel Anti-Tunneling Cooperation Program, which could be used at the Southern Border, by two years.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-colorado-supreme-court-ruling", "Wilson Statement on the Trump Colorado Supreme Court Ruling", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cTrump derangement runs amok. IRS corruption targets Trump, FBI subverted to target Trump, Department of Justice endlessly targets Trump, New York Democrat Attorney General targets Trump, Democrat Fulton County prosecutor targets Trump, and now the Democrat Supreme Court of Colorado targets Trump. The consequence is that the American people will support the election of Donald Trump to end corruption, protecting all Americans from abuse by Big Government.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-schneider-dunn-and-neal-introduce-resolution-recognizing-120th", "Wilson, Schneider, Dunn, and Neal Introduce Resolution Recognizing the 120th Anniversary of the U.S.-Bulgaria Relationship", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Co-Chairs of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus Joe Wilson (R-SC), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), and Richard Neal (D-MA) introduced a resolution recognizing the 120th anniversary of the bilateral relationship between the United States of America and the Republic of Bulgaria.\n\n\u201cIn June 2002, I founded the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus because of the importance of the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Bulgaria since their independence. In 1990, I was grateful to be an observer in Bulgaria for the first post-communist election and saw firsthand how important democracy is in Bulgaria. The people have been an inspiration to me with their personal capabilities and extraordinary heritage. Together, our two nations have grown with mutual benefit for economic opportunities and national security,\u201d said Congressman Wilson.\n\n\u201cOn this auspicious 120th anniversary, I\u2019m pleased to recognize Bulgaria as America\u2019s close friend and ally, and a place to where so many great Illinoisans trace their roots. I look forward to continuing to work with Bulgaria to secure the Black Sea, support Ukraine, combat terrorism, and protect the rules-based international order. Over the next 120 years, I\u2019m confident our peoples will grow ever closer through cultural exchange, trade, and innovation,\u201d said Congressman Schneider.\n\n\u201cI am proud to celebrate the remarkable 120th anniversary of the enduring friendship between the United States and Bulgaria. This milestone is a testament to the strength of our relationship and the shared valuesthat unite our nations. I look forward to continuing to work towards a prosperous future for both our nations,\u201d said Congressman Dunn.\n\n\u201cIn this commemorative year, we recognize that the relationship between Bulgaria and the United States has never been stronger! Bulgaria and the United States stand side by side to protect the freedom and common heritage of our peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law. We are expanding our defense partnership to enhance security in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans. We are working together to permanently end our dependence on Russian energy sources, including by expanding our civil nuclear cooperation. This resolution honors our enduring friendship, marks the significant milestones, and celebrates the people-to-people ties that are the bedrock of this unbreakable bond,\u201d said Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria Georgi Panayotov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-honors-south-carolinaaes-larry-doby-at-congressional-gold-medal-ceremony/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN HONORS SOUTH CAROLINA\u2019S LARRY DOBY AT CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) joined Congressional Leadership and other Members of Congress to participate in a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the life and legacy of South Carolina son and Baseball Hall of Famer Larry Doby. Below are the Congressman\u2019s remarks.\n\nRemarks as delivered\n\n\u201cMr. Speaker, Mr. Leader of the Senate, House, my colleagues. Let me begin by thanking Larry Doby, Jr. for being here today and thanking all of my colleagues for leading this effort to ensure that Larry Doby\u2019s story continues to be told.\n\n\u201cGrowing up in South Carolina, Larry Doby \u2014 got to get the record right \u2014 was an inspiration for all of us. A native of Camden, South Carolina, Larry attended my high school, Mather Academy. He moved to New Jersey when he was 15 years old. I got to believe that all of the fundamentals were in place by the time he left Camden.\n\n\u201cI played baseball in high school and college, and We had so much pride in knowing that one of us had made it, even before a World Series championship in 1948.\n\n\u201cSo, I\u2019m pleased that we are gathered here today to celebrate this pioneer and recognize how his contributions paved the way for many more to follow in his footsteps.\n\n\u201cStanding outside of the Camden Museum and Archives is a statue modeled after Larry and Bernard Baruch. As the first African American player in the American League, he faced his share of harassment by fans and players alike. While traveling with the team, he had to stay in separate hotels and eat at separate restaurants. Even some of his teammates were slow to welcome him.\n\n\u201cBut that did not deter Larry. He was well rooted in those first 15 years. He reconciled all that and he endured and continued to put his best foot forward, becoming an incredible baseball player and the second African American team manager.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s fitting that this statue I just spoke of in Camden is called \u2018Reconciliation,\u2019 because Larry Doby showed us the path to reconciliation through the sacrifices he made in his life.\n\n\u201cLarry followed Jackie Robinson to the majors by three months, and, being second rather than first, did not receive the same attention and fanfare. But this much is true: When the time came for Larry Doby to step up to the plate and do something memorable, he knocked it out of the park and became the first African American to hit a home run in a World Series game. Today, thanks in part to his sacrifices, countless players follow in his footsteps.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-allen-introduce-resolution-condemning-cnn-complicity-hamas-attack", "Wilson, Allen Introduce Resolution Condemning CNN for Complicity in Hamas Attack", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia along with Representative Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced a House Resolution condemning CNN for its photojournalists identified by Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu as \u201caccomplices in crimes against humanity\u201d with the massacre on October 7th.\n\nRepresentative Wilson responded to this report in the New York Post, \u201cThe American people deserve the truth and accountability for what has taken place within our legacy media organizations, especially as they promote crimes against humanity.\n\n\u201cIt is disgusting that CNN is complicit by having photojournalists pre-positioned with Iranian-puppet Hamas terrorists as Israel was being invaded on October 7th. There is absolutely no justification in the Journalist Code of Ethics for not warning citizens of Israel, including 33 butchered Americans with 20 Americans kidnapped to be tortured. As a former editor of my high school, college, and law school newspapers, and a former summer reporter with The Post and Courier in Charleston, I am even more disgusted by media subverted to be mass-murder Iranian puppet propagandists.\n\n\u201cCNN\u2019s complicity is comparable to having a camera crew pre-positioned on 9/11 at time of massacre to secure clear footage of hijacked jets striking World Trade Center as advised by Osama Bin Laden. As FBI Director Christopher Wray warns of a terrorist attack in America and even President Biden acknowledges a coming Lone Wolf attack, CNN has a duty to warn of potential mass murder, not be an accomplice. With Biden open borders, The New York Post and Washington Times reveal American families at risk today.\u201d\n\nThe text of the resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-jackson-lee-whitehouse-tillis-applaud-inclusion-bipartisan-foreign", "Wilson, Jackson Lee, Whitehouse, Tillis Applaud Inclusion of Bipartisan Foreign Extortion Prevention Act in the NDAA", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), along with U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) applauded the inclusion of the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act as part of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow authoritarians to extort American companies and profit from mafia tactics that subvert U.S. national security and competitive interests. I\u2019m grateful this legislation has been included in the FY2024 NDAA as it holds corrupt foreign officials accountable for bribery demands and protects the interests of hardworking Americans,\u201d said Rep. Wilson, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission.\n\n\u201cI was pleased to work with Senator Whitehouse in helping to pass and negotiate the bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Extortion Prevention Act that is now included in this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act,\u201d said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. \u201cThe passage of this legislation will be the most significant international criminal anti-corruption legislation since 1977, and I look forward to it being signed by the President of the United States and becoming law.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased to announce the inclusion of our bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Extortion Prevention Act in this year\u2019s NDAA. Our legislation defends the rule of law and sends a clear message that demanding a bribe from American companies will not be tolerated,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Helsinki Commission. \u201cI look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican businesses too often face bribery demands from foreign officials, putting them at an economic disadvantage for following the law,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cOur commonsense legislation will help promote free enterprise and protect American businesses from corrupt foreign officials who try to extort them.\u201d\n\nText of the FY2024 NDAA, as agreed upon by House and Senate conferees, was released today. The legislation is likely to be approved by both chambers. The Foreign Extortion Prevention Act will combat kleptocracy and corruption by criminalizing bribery demands by foreign officials. Under U.S. law, only the giving or offering of a bribe abroad is considered a criminal activity. However, foreign corrupt officials routinely demand bribes from companies hoping to do business with them. This system gives unscrupulous companies operating in a corrupt environment a competitive edge while disadvantaging companies beholden to the rule of law, including American companies. The Foreign Extortion Prevention Act remedies this by criminalizing the demand side of bribery, arming the United States to fight corruption.\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives legislation was also cosponsored by Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), William Keating (D-MA), John Curtis (R-UT), Dean Phillips (D-MN), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Donald Davis (D-NC), and Colin Allred (D-TX). While the legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate was also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Kennedy (R-LA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=311", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Introduces the Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced the Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act. This legislation would require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the intelligence collection capabilities of the Chinese surveillance balloon and its impacts on U.S. national security.\n\nOn January 28, 2023, a high-altitude surveillance balloon controlled by the People\u2019s Republic of China entered United States airspace and traveled across the country before being shot down off the coast of Congressman Fry\u2019s district, in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, on February 4, 2023. The American people deserve to know the truth behind the device that perpetrated China\u2019s blatant attempt at espionage.\n\nThe Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act would require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the national security impacts of the Chinese surveillance balloon, including:\n\na description of the balloon\u2019s surveillance on U.S. military installations; and\n\nan analysis of the technology and materials recovered from the surveillance balloon.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration sat on their hands and let this spy balloon freely fly across the country before shooting it down off the coast of my hometown of Surfside Beach \u2014 putting our country\u2019s national security at risk and projecting weakness on the world stage,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cAlmost a year later, we still don\u2019t know the consequences of this administration\u2019s lack of action. This legislation will provide Congress and the American people with answers on the effects this spy balloon had on our country\u2019s national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccountability matters,\u201d said Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg Former National Security Advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, Co-Chair of the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute. \u201cUnfortunately, this Administration has not held up to that standard and has left the American people confused, angry, and concerned regarding our national security at home and abroad. Our Nation\u2019s security today faces more global threats from various enemies than it has faced in several decades, and they need to be addressed promptly and decisively. Congressman Fry rightly holds the Secretary of Defense accountable for providing a report detailing the failures and after-action steps regarding the massive intelligence failure surrounding the \u201cChina Spy Balloon\u201d debacle earlier this year. Congress should swiftly move this bill forward. South Carolinians and families across America deserve answers.\u201d\n\n\"The people of South Carolina and all Americans deserve full transparency from the Biden Administration regarding the events surrounding the Chinese spy balloon,\" said Governor Henry McMaster. \"I applaud Congressman Fry's efforts to hold the Biden Administration accountable and ensure the American people are informed about the implications and intelligence gathered by the Chinese government within U.S. airspace.\"\n\nThis bill is cosponsored by Reps. Biggs (R-AZ), Donalds (R-FL), Duncan (R-SC), Hageman (R-WY), Higgins (R-LA), Hinson (R-IA), Langworthy (R-NY), Moylan (R-GU), Norman (R-SC), Rose (R-TN), Timmons (R-SC), Weber (R-TX), Webster (R-FL), Wilson (R-SC).\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-cohen-whitehouse-graham-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation", "Wilson, Cohen, Whitehouse, Graham, Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Seize Russian Oligarch Assets to Aid Ukraine", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), together with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act. The bill would allow for expedited seizure of high-value assets including private jets, mega yachts, and luxury real estate owned by Russian oligarchs who have violated U.S. law. This commonsense policy works through existing administrative forfeiture processes, preserving due process. The proceeds from these assets would be transferred to Ukraine for reconstruction. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) cosponsored the legislation.\n\n\u201cWar criminal Putin\u2019s oligarchs have played a major role in financing the mass murder of Ukrainians while lining their own pockets and benefitting from freedoms they actively work to destroy. This commonsense legislation provides a clear mechanism to expedite the seizure of Putin-connected illicit assets and transfer those funds to support Ukraine. Putin and his cronies will be held accountable for the death and destruction they have caused,\u201d said Congressman Wilson.\n\n\u201cWe must do all we can to assist Ukraine, and that should include making use of forfeited Russian assets to defend and rebuild,\u201d said Congressman Cohen. \u201cThe corruption we have uncovered through whistleblowers and the Magnitsky Act is staggering. Rather than line the pockets of Putin's friends, these assets should be used to support the Ukrainian people, and rebuild their institutions, in the face of Russian aggression.\u201d\n\n\u201cPutin and his oligarch cronies launder their dirty money by purchasing super-yachts, priceless artwork, and other high-value assets in rule-of-law nations. We must shutter the sanctuaries for oligarchs\u2019 riches and punish the enablers propping up Putin,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse. \u201cGetting this bipartisan bill over the finish line will give the Biden administration the tools it needs to seize oligarchs\u2019 ill-gotten assets more expeditiously and repurpose them to support Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cDictators like Putin care only about themselves and their cronies,\u201d said Senator Graham. \u201cAll the Russian oligarchs \u2013 Putin\u2019s partners in crime \u2013 should lose their yachts, luxury apartments, and pay a price for being part of a thuggish group \u2013 a nation-state that really is a mafia-state. I want to see the Department of Justice, Treasury, and law enforcement partners go in and take apartments, fine art, and seize yachts from a bunch of thugs and crooks. This is an important step in the effort to push back against Putin and his misadventures.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur bipartisan bill holds accountable the cruel enablers of Putin\u2019s murderous invasion of Ukraine. By providing necessary authorities to U.S. law enforcement, it will enable swift seizures of super yachts, jets, mansions, penthouses, and other luxury assets belonging to Putin\u2019s partners in conflict to support the brave Ukrainian freedom fighters,\u201d said Senator Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThe Ukrainian people have suffered unspeakable atrocities at the hands of Russia. As such, it is only fair that Putin and his henchmen pay to help Ukraine and its people recover. This legislation will help ensure the private financial assets of those enabling Russia\u2019s war are seized and used to help the people of Ukraine, rather than fund terror and genocide,\u201d said Senator Risch. \u201cBut this bill is just a first step. We must also act to seize Russia\u2019s sovereign assets in the United States. That is why I have been working with Senator Whitehouse on the REPO Act to ratchet up pressure on Russia and send a strong message of American support for Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the past two years, the Ukrainian people have made tremendous sacrifices in the name of democracy. They are winning on the battlefield, and we cannot let them down on Capitol Hill,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cPutin and his oligarchs are directly responsible for the death, destruction, and dislocation wrought by their illegal war in Ukraine. Our bipartisan legislation will make them pay by directing funds from their seized assets to support Ukraine\u2019s reconstruction and recovery.\u201d\n\nRussian oligarchs have played a major role in financing Russian aggression while profiting personally from their alliance with the Putin regime. The legislation would aid Ukraine by facilitating the forfeiture of oligarchs\u2019 ill-gotten assets and the transfer of such proceeds to Ukraine. The bill would lift the $500,000 cap on administrative forfeitures of assets owned by Russian oligarchs and others that aid the Russian government in violation of U.S. laws. The bill would also clarify DOJ\u2019s transfer authority, ensuring that the U.S. government can transfer to Ukraine all the funds it acquires through seizure of Russian oligarch assets.\n\nThe Asset Seizure for Ukraine Reconstruction Act is supported by Razom for Ukraine and Foreign Policy for America.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=300", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Announces Mobile Office Hours for November in South Carolina\u2019s Seventh", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) announced mobile office hour time and locations for the month of November to make constituent services more accessible across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.\n\nStaff members will be available to meet with constituents to assist with problems they may be having with Social Security, Veteran benefits, Medicare, the IRS, or another federal agency or to answer any questions they may have.\n\nMobile office hours will be available at the following time and locations:\n\nWednesday, November 29\n\n10:00am -12:00pm\n\nHorry County\n\nHorry County Government & Justice Building \u2013 Multipurpose Room B\n\n1301 2nd Ave\n\nConway, SC 29526\n\nMarion County\n\nMarion City Hall \u2013 Council Chambers\n\n107 S Main Street\n\nMarion, SC 29571\n\nFor an updated list of the Office of Congressman Russell Fry\u2019s mobile office hours visit fry.house.gov/services/mobileofficehours.\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-statement-on-two-year-anniversary-of-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law-2/", "Congressman Clyburn Statement on Two Year Anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Click here to see how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for South Carolina.\n\nColumbia, S.C. \u2014 U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement today to celebrate the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).\n\n\u201cTwo years ago today, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to repair and rebuild America\u2019s infrastructure. To date, the BIL has provided South Carolina with over $1.9 billion for roads, bridges, and roadway safety. Thanks to this historic funding, projects like the Lowcountry Lowline are transforming the Charleston Peninsula and nearly $23 million is headed to Orangeburg to transform \u201cRailroad Corner,\u201d build a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks and two busy throughfares, and connect Orangeburg\u2019s two HBCUs to downtown.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, South Carolina has received $100 million from the BIL to connect more South Carolinians to reliable, high-speed internet and help them save on their internet bills. To date, over 407,000 households in South Carolina are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, with more signing up every day.\n\n\u201cWhen President Biden took office, he promised the American people that we would upgrade our infrastructure and prioritize the needs of our disadvantaged communities. The Infrastructure law has made good on that promise.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-statement-on-two-year-anniversary-of-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-law/", "Congressman Clyburn Statement on Two Year Anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Click here to see how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for South Carolina.\n\nColumbia, S.C. \u2014 U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement today to celebrate the second anniversary of President Biden signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).\n\n\u201cTwo years ago today, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to repair and rebuild America\u2019s infrastructure. To date, the BIL has provided South Carolina with over $1.9 billion for roads, bridges, and roadway safety. Thanks to this historic funding, projects like the Lowcountry Lowline are transforming the Charleston Peninsula and nearly $23 million is headed to Orangeburg to transform \u201cRailroad Corner,\u201d build a new pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks and two busy throughfares, and connect Orangeburg\u2019s two HBCUs to downtown.\n\n\u201cAdditionally, South Carolina has received $100 million from the BIL to connect more South Carolinians to reliable, high-speed internet and help them save on their internet bills. To date, over 407,000 households in South Carolina are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, with more signing up every day.\n\n\u201cWhen President Biden took office, he promised the American people that we would upgrade our infrastructure and prioritize the needs of our disadvantaged communities. The Infrastructure law has made good on that promise.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-doggett-lead-two-bipartisan-measures-strengthen-us-response-putins-war", "Wilson, Doggett Lead Two Bipartisan Measures to Strengthen U.S. Response to Putin\u2019s War", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission joined Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and 50 colleagues, in introducing two bipartisan pieces of legislation in further response to Russian atrocities in Ukraine by strengthening the current ban on Russian petroleum products as well as supporting Ukrainian reconstruction and recovery.\n\nThe Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act would close the \u201crefining loophole\u201d that allows Russian oil to be laundered through third-party countries and sold in the United States as gasoline and other petroleum products, and the Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act, would tax interest and dividend income currently accruing in frozen sovereign Russian and Belorussian assets to establish a trust fund dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine.\n\nEnding Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act\n\n\u201cReducing Putin's access to financing is crucial to ensuring victory for Ukraine. The Biden administration ended American energy independence and then cozied up to foreign dictators for their oil, enabling Putin. The U.S. must end all purchases that indirectly benefit Putin,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cWhile timely delivery of military assistance remains the most urgent priority, we must also reduce funding of Putin\u2019s \u2018well-oiled\u2019 war machine and assure Russia contributes to rebuilding what it is destroying,\u201d said Rep. Doggett. \u201cRussia is selling millions of barrels of oil that are refined through foreign refineries and resold here and in Europe. While modest in Putin\u2019s total war budget, American purchases represent enough to buy thousands of drones.\u201d\n\nLast year, the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act, became law. This measure prohibits the direct import of energy products from Russia into the United States. However, Russia can circumvent these sanctions when its oil is refined or \u201csubstantially transformed\u201d in third-party countries into products such as gasoline and diesel. Accordingly, the U.S. remains linked to a supply chain channeling funds used by Russia to wage aggression in Ukraine.\n\nRussian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act\n\n\u201cAs Putin and his cronies commit atrocities in their war against democracy in Ukraine, it is critical that Russia foot the costs of their destruction. This bill allows the U.S. to turn over to Ukraine tax profits of the U.S.-controlled frozen Russia bank assets to help pay for reconstruction costs,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cAs the cost of damage inflicted on Ukraine approaches $1 trillion, I personally favor seizing all Russian sovereign wealth assets,\u201d said Rep. Doggett. \u201cActing now to at least take the earnings from those assets will encourage other countries to do the same and enable our beginning to collect resources already needed to begin reconstruction.\u201d\n\nThe U.S. and its allies have frozen more than $330 billion in Russian Central Bank assets. The U.S. and the UK recently expressed support for the EU to tax windfall profits generated by such assets to cover reconstruction costs. The Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act positions the U.S. to join EU allies in ensuring that those committing war crimes pay for some of the damage they\u2019ve inflicted. Tax revenue generated from this legislation would flow into a Ukrainian Reconstruction Trust Fund for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.\n\nQuotes from Endorsing Organizations\n\n\u201cUkraine will need billions of dollars to rebuild and recover after this war of aggression. The Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act is a smart way to help secure these funds by using Russia's own resources in the United States to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction and re-establish the foundations of a free and prosperous democracy,\u201d said Eleanor Nichol, Executive Director of The B4Ukraine Coalition. \u201cIn the past 600 days, Russia has amassed a staggering 440 billion US dollars in revenue from fossil-fuel exports. This money provides a financial lifeline to the Russian government, helping to fund the invasion of Ukraine and its war crimes. Squeezing this Kremlin cash-cow is the quickest way to end this horrific war. That's why B4Ukraine is proud to support this Bill to close the loophole allowing refined Russian oil reaching the United States. It's a win-win measure which will strengthen existing sanctions without raising prices at the pump.\u201d\n\n\u201cRussia's war on Ukraine is paid for by oil sales. It is counterproductive for the US government to send aid to Ukraine while simultaneously allowing gasoline imports that directly fund Russia\u2019s war machine. The Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act will make good on the US promise of unwavering support for Ukrainian sovereignty by severing America\u2019s links to Russian oil at no cost to the taxpayer.\" \u2013 said Lela Stanley, interim co-lead for Global Witness\u2019s Stop Russian Oil project.\n\n\u201cThe U.S., as a democratic leader on the global stage, must spearhead efforts to create full and transparent sanctions against Russia\u2019s fossil fuel industry. Cutting down oil and gas exports from Russia is paramount for both ending the war of aggression started by Russia and mitigating climate change. Ukrainian civil society welcomes the introduction of the Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act as a significant step towards tightening the oil embargo against Russia. We hope the U.S. will adopt this bill swiftly and, with the broad engagement of the EU, G7, G20 and other powerhouses, will succeed in efforts to close all loopholes to cut Russia\u2019s fossil fuel trade for the sake of peace, energy security and justice,\" - said Svitlana Romanko, founder and director of Razom We Stand.\n\n\u201cThe sale of Russian oil products has and continues to finance Putin's war of genocide against Ukrainians. Putin's blood oil has no place in America. American consumers must have the certainty that when they are fueling their cars, it is not being done with products enriching the Putin regime.\u201d - Scott Cullinane, Director of Government Affairs for Razom for Ukraine.\n\nText of the Ending Importation of Laundered Russian Oil Act can be viewed here.\n\nText of the Russian War Crimes in Ukraine Tax Act can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-announces-resolution-condemning-cnn-complicity-hamas-attack", "Wilson Announces Resolution Condemning CNN for Complicity in Hamas Attack", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia along with Representative Rick Allen (R-GA) will be introducing a House Resolution condemning CNN for its photojournalists identified by Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu as \u201caccomplices in crimes against humanity\u201d with the massacre on October 7th.\n\nRepresentative Wilson responded to this report in the New York Post, \u201cThe American people deserve the truth and accountability for what has taken place within our legacy media organizations, especially as they promote crimes against humanity.\n\n\u201cIt is disgusting that CNN is complicit by having photojournalists pre-positioned with Iranian-puppet Hamas terrorists as Israel was being invaded on October 7th. There is absolutely no justification in the Journalist Code of Ethics for not warning citizens of Israel, including 33 butchered Americans with 20 Americans kidnapped to be tortured. As a former editor of my high school, college, and law school newspapers, and a former summer reporter with The Post and Courier in Charleston, I am even more disgusted by media subverted to be mass-murder Iranian puppet propagandists.\n\n\u201cCNN\u2019s complicity is comparable to having a camera crew pre-positioned on 9/11 at time of massacre to secure clear footage of hijacked jets striking World Trade Center as advised by Osama Bin Laden. As FBI Director Christopher Wray warns of a terrorist attack in America and even President Biden acknowledges a coming Lone Wolf attack, CNN has a duty to warn of potential mass murder, not be an accomplice. With Biden open borders, The New York Post and Washington Times reveal American families at risk today.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-boyle-eu-caucus-statement-georgias-candidate-status-eu", "Wilson, Boyle EU Caucus Statement on Georgia\u2019s Candidate Status for the EU", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Co-Chairs of the Congressional European Union Caucus issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cAs co-chairs of the Congressional European Union Caucus, we celebrate the recent news that the European Commission has recommended to grant Georgia candidate status to the EU. We congratulate the Georgian people \u2013 who have demonstrated unwavering support for European values \u2013 on this major achievement. As EU President Josep Borrell stated, the door is open for Georgia to join the EU if its reform efforts are sustained.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=275", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Introduces Legislation to Rename Surfside Beach Post Office in Honor of Nancy Yount Childs", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced legislation to rename the Surfside Beach, South Carolina Post Office in honor of Nancy Yount Childs.\n\nChilds was a dedicated public servant and accomplished law enforcement officer who spent her career protecting others. She was one of the first women to serve as a U.S. Capitol Police Officer, and when she retired from service, she held the esteemed rank of Inspector. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for two decades. After retiring, Childs resided in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.\n\nThis legislation would rename the United States Post Office located at 420 Highway 17 North in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, the \u201cNancy Yount Childs Post Office Building.\u201d\n\n\u201cNancy\u2019s commitment to service and trailblazing accomplishments deserve to be honored and remembered,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cRenaming the Surfside Beach Post Office in recognition of Nancy is just one small way of showing our appreciation for her commitment. I am proud to introduce this legislation in honor of her service one year after her passing.\u201d\n\n\u201cNancy was a dedicated wife, mother, and public servant,\u201d said Bob Childs. \u201cI'm incredibly grateful to Congressman Fry for recognizing Nancy with this distinct honor. It is comforting to know that her legacy will live on and that she will remembered by the Grand Strand community.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-nadler-introduce-bill-providing-tax-credit-living-organ-donors", "Wilson, Nadler Introduce Bill Providing a Tax Credit to Living Organ Donors", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), introduced the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. The bill will provide a $5,000 one-time refundable tax credit to living organ donors who were not reimbursed for the costs of organ donation by the National Living Organ Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) or any entity.\n\nOur nation\u2019s transplant shortage is dire. Seventeen people die every day waiting for a viable organ according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Currently, there are around 93,000 Americans on the kidney transplant waitlist, with some having to wait as long as six years to receive a transplant, according to UNOS. Patients waiting for a transplant on average cost the U.S. government at least $77,000 a year on dialysis, which adds up to more than $20 billion a year according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Removing the barriers to organ donation will not only increase the number of living donors therefore saving lives, but also will save the taxpayers money. This tax credit would apply to living kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, bone marrow donors, and any other viable living organ donation.\n\n\u201cThe gift of living donation is truly priceless. The donors who choose the selfless act of giving a lifesaving organ are making a major life decision, whether gifting to a stranger or a loved one. That lifechanging decision should not be burdened by the costs of donation, and this bill will remove that disincentive to ensure that everyone is able to donate an organ if they choose to, regardless of their financial situation,\u201d said Rep. Wilson. \u201cMy predecessor House Armed Services Committee Chairman Floyd Spence miraculously received a double lung transplant as the thirtieth in the world to receive the experiment, living an additional 13 years serving America. We are always grateful for Dr. Sesshadri Raju at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi for performing the procedure in 1988. I previously worked in the South Carolina State Senate to add a red heart for organ donors to South Carolina Driver\u2019s Licenses at the time of registration. Today, I am grateful to expand this piece of Floyd Spence\u2019s legacy.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen an organ donor decides to donate one of their organs to someone else, they aren\u2019t just saving someone\u2019s life\u2014they\u2019re making one of the most selfless, difficult decisions anyone could ever make. However, donors can face tremendous and often prohibitive costs associated with surgery, including the cost of travel, lodging, follow up care, and lost wages in connection to transplantation. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Wilson and continue my work to remove roadblocks to organ donation.\u201d said Rep. Nadler.\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by the American Kidney Fund (AKF), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), RSN Hope, Waitlist Zero, Kidney Transplant Collaborative (KTC), Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, American Society of Nephrology (ASN), American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA), National Kidney Registry (NKR), National Kidney Donation Organization (NKDO), Coalition to Modify NOTA, American Society of Transplantation (AST), American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), and the Renal Physicians Association.\n\n\u201cThe Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2023 would help expand the number of living donors and provide more end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with kidneys. A refundable tax credit will eliminate many of the financial barriers to organ donation and give more people the opportunity to give this life saving gift. The American Kidney Fund applauds the introduction of this bill,\u201d said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF).\n\n\u201cLiving donors should not have their life-saving generosity rewarded with outstanding bills for lodging, transportation, and other donation-related expenses,\u201d said Kevin Longino, chief executive officer of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), and a transplant recipient. \u201cA refundable tax credit is a bi-partisan, common-sense measure that will remove financial barriers that interfere with an individual\u2019s ability to donate a kidney.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are financial barriers for people who want to give the gift of life. People who donate a kidney to help someone in need are heroes. The Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act is long overdue,\u201d said Lori Hartwell the Founder and President of the Renal Support Network (RSN Hope).\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), representing a majority of the nation\u2019s medical professionals engaged in the field of solid organ transplantation, I applaud Congressman Wilson for his longtime support of organ transplantation and living donation. The AST strongly endorses and supports the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. The Society commends and is grateful for the steadfast leadership of Congressmen Wilson and Nadler to improve the lives of those awaiting a life saving donor organ,\u201d said Josh Levitsky, M.D, President of the American Society of Transplantation (AST).\n\nElizabeth Pomfret, MD, PhD, University of Colorado and President of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons(ASTS) said, \u201cwe welcome this carefully structured policy that would help remove financial disincentives to living donation through the tax code.\u201d She added, \u201cthe legislation would provide a clear message to potential donors: Congress can help to eliminate disincentives to donation while safeguarding patient health and safety without resorting to financial coercion in order to share the gift of life.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act will help make organ donation an easier choice for many Americans. People who donate a kidney provide the gift of life, yet many organ donors must pay thousands of dollars out of pocket in order to donate. By establishing a tax credit for certain expenses incurred during donation, this bill will help remove financial barriers facing living donors,\u201d said Michelle A. Josephson, MD, FASN, President, American Society of Nephrology (ASN).\n\n\u201cThe Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act moves us closer to the goal of removing all financial barriers to organ donation. The legislation builds upon existing programs that support living donors, providing all living organ donors access to financial support through a limited tax credit. I believe the support provided through the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act is important to respect living donors and hope the bill will make the choice to donate a kidney achievable for more people,\u201d said Roslyn B. Mannon, MD, FASN, Chair, American Society of Nephrology Policy and Advocacy Committee.\n\nThe American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN), \u201capplauds the introduction of the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act by Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY). Rates of living kidney donation are declining in the US in both the pediatric and adult populations. This decline persists despite the fact that living donor kidney transplant is well established as the optimal treatment for children and adults with end stage kidney disease due to superior graft and patient survival. This important legislation will encourage living donors and we urge its swift passage.\u201d\n\n\u201cANNA supports the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act. Transplantation is the most effective treatment for chronic kidney disease, but donating a kidney can be costly. This bill will help reduce some of the cost barriers that hinder potential organ donations,\u201d said Jennifer Payton MHCA, BSN, RN, CNN, President of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA).\n\n\u201cOver 90,000 Americans are on the kidney transplant waitlist, including thousands of polycystic kidney disease patients in kidney failure who are waiting for a cure. The Federal Government needs to do everything possible to get kidneys to more individuals before it\u2019s too late. The PKD Foundation applauds and stands with Representatives Joe Wilson and Jerry Nadler for introducing the Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act which will help encourage more Americans to give the gift of life by offsetting some of the financial burdens that discourage living organ donation,\u201d said Susan Bushnell, President and CEO of the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation.\n\n\u201cWaitlist Zero was founded by living kidney donors who know that living organ donation costs donors on average 10% of their annual salaries. For that reason, too many potential donors remove themselves from consideration once they realize that donation includes a financial burden. Representative Wilson's and Representative Nadler's Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act will provide a refundable tax credit for all living organ donors. Organ transplant is both life and tax saving, and Waitlist Zero is proud to support this bill,\u201d said Waitlist Zero.\n\nA copy of the legislation can be found at this link.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1742", "Rep. Norman Sends Letters to U.S. Universities Concerning the Rise in Pro-Hamas Support on Campuses", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) sent letters to the administrations at several U.S. universities concerning the rise in antisemitic statements and pro-Hamas protests on their campuses. The letters express profound disappointment in administrators for their half-hearted, hypocritical, or absent responses to the outrageous protests by student organizers and certain professors.\n\nBackground\n\nOn October 7, 2023, Hamas, an Islamist terrorist organization, coordinated a series of violent attacks against Israel. The deliberate and indiscriminate firing of rockets and missiles into civilian areas along with the slaughter of women and children is not only a violation of international law but also a grave threat to the lives and well-being of innocent people.\n\nUnfortunately, following the horrendous attacks and acts of violence on Israelis by Hamas terrorists, many student organizations and professors at our country's top universities have chosen to turn a blind eye to these evils. These university organizations and individuals have either gone public with pro-Hamas statements, or have been slow to condemn such evil.\n\nColumbia University\n\nAt Columbia University, there was a recent assault against an Israel student, pro-Palestine protests on campus, and a tenured professor who described the Hamas attack as \"awesome stunning victory.\"\n\nCornell University\n\nAt Cornell University, a professor described the Hamas attacks as \"energizing\" and \"exhilarating.\"\n\nHarvard University\n\nAt Harvard University, student organizations publicly blamed Israel for Hamas' attacks.\n\nUniversity of Pennsylvania\n\nUPenn hosted multiple openly antisemitic speakers on campus.\n\nYale University\n\nAt Yale, a professor justified Hamas killing Israelis and described Israel as \"a murderous, genocidal state.\"\n\nThe behavior and tolerance for hate speech and violence from these institutions raises serious concerns over their basic morality and commitment to standing against terrorism and those who wish harm to others.\n\nThese letters are co-signed by: Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX), Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL), Rep. Neal Dunn (FL), Rep. Joe Wilson (SC), Rep. Bob Good (VA), Rep. Mike Collins (GA), Rep. Chris Smith (NJ), Rep. Randy Weber (TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (TN), Rep. Michael McCaul (TX), Rep. Brian Babin (TX), Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC), Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA), Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI), Rep. Andy Harris (MD), Rep. Nancy Mace (SC), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA), Rep. Jack Bergman (MI), Rep. Mike Carey (OH), Rep. Doug Lamborn (CO), Rep. Bill Posey (FL), Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (NY), Rep. Burgess Owens (UT), and Rep. Michael Guest (MS).\n\nStatements\n\nRep. Norman issued the following statement on Tuesday: \u201cIsrael is our single most important ally in the Middle East and a beacon of democracy. I was astonished to learn that five ivy league schools have allowed for pro-Hamas, antisemitic acts at their campuses and among their faculty and student bodies.\"\n\n\"The delay in response by these universities in conjunction with their outright support of these student organizations and professors sends a message of indifference and alienates part of their own student body. The message from these universities is clear, not only to the victims of the attacks but to the victims of terrorism globally. Israel deserves our support in response to this heinous and unprovoked terrorist attack carried out by Hamas.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-banks-and-hern-introduce-maximum-pressure-act", "Wilson, Banks, and Hern Introduce Maximum Pressure Act", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Republican Study Committee (RSC) National Security Task Force Chairman, Jim Banks (R-IN) and RSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) in introducing the Maximum Pressure Act with 85 original cosponsors. The legislation would codify the Trump administration\u2019s successful maximum pressure campaign on Iran into law. You can find the bill text here.\n\nThis bill was previously introduced alongside former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the beginning of the 117th Congress.\n\nThis legislation represents the toughest Iran sanctions package ever proposed by Congress. Sanctions in the bill would gut Iran\u2019s ability to fund terrorism throughout the region, sanction the Supreme Leader of Iran, and force the President to enforce sanctions on Iran\u2019s oil sales. Further provisions restrict the ability of the President to abuse waiver and license authorities to lift sanctions on Iran by placing sunsets on such authorities and empowering Congress to prevent the Biden administration from providing more money to Iran and from ever reentering the failed Obama-era nuclear deal.\n\n\u201cThe threat emanating from the Iranian regime has never been more dire as we have witnessed mass murder in Israel, including of Americans, by Iran\u2019s terrorist puppet Hamas and attacks on U.S. forces by other Iran terrorist proxies. This administration has utterly failed to enforce sanctions and this is the consequence. I am grateful for the leadership of the Republican Study Committee to apply maximum pressure on the murderous regime that seeks death and destruction around the world,\u201d said Rep. Joe Wilson.\n\n\u201cThe October 7th attack on Israel, just weeks after the Biden administration released $6 billion to the Iranian regime, was a tragic reminder that weakness begets war. This administration\u2019s failed strategy of appeasement has left the world a much more dangerous place than it was before Joe Biden took office. We must restore the policies of the Trump administration, which forged peace through strength, and this legislation is a major step in the right direction,\u201d said Rep. Jim Banks.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s Maximum Pressure campaign was effective. It held the Iranian regime and their proxies in check. Biden abandoned that campaign and we are seeing the results of that decision today with the attacks from Iran-backed Hamas on Israel and from Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq on US forces. The Maximum Pressure campaign is one of RSC\u2019s flagship foreign policy bills and would build on President Trump\u2019s policy by codifying it into law and strengthening it significantly. The bill has support both in Congress and in the broader conservative movement, and there is a strong consensus on Iran policy within the Republican conference. As RSC Chairman I look forward to strongly advocating that the bill be marked up immediately and passed on the floor,\u201d said Rep. Kevin Hern.\n\nThe Maximum Pressure Act includes the following provisions in response to Hamas\u2019s October 7th terrorist attack, Iranian aggression since Biden took office, and Iranian malign influence within the Biden administration:\n\nDeclares that Iran is responsible for the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel and that the only suitable punishment for these attacks is a return to maximum pressure on Iran.\n\nTransfers Iran\u2019s $6B ransom payment to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund.\n\nRemoves the limits on bounties for the capture of terrorist perpetrators of the October 7 massacre.\n\nExpands sanctions on Iran\u2019s ballistic missile program and sales to also include Iranian drones.\n\nRequires Treasury to blacklist all new banks in Iran not already sanctioned under E.O. 13902.\n\nRequires a report on Iranian intelligence and influence activities in the U.S., like the Iran Experts Initiative, and whether Iranian agents have been employed with the U.S. government.\n\nRequires a report on whether Iran sanctions relief has freed up resources for Iranian-backed terrorist groups and describing how much those groups have benefited from sanctions relief.\n\nOutside Group Support:\n\nThe Maximum Pressure Act is supported by FDD Action, Alliance Advancing Freedom (AAF), United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI), Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), Christians United For Israel (CUFI), Heritage Action, and Faith and Freedom Coalition.\n\nThe Islamic Republic of Iran has reaped billions of dollars in windfalls from unenforced oil sanctions and the use of waivers and licenses to provide Teheran access to previously frozen funds. Iran-backed atrocities domestically and abroad must be met with resolve. With the massacre of over 1400 Israelis on October 7th, it has become evident that a policy of appeasement towards Iran and its proxy Hamas has failed. The Maximum Pressure Act lays out the appropriate policy response toward Iran that comprehensively targets all aspects of the regime\u2019s economy, and that of its terrorist partners Hamas and Hizballah. FDD Action supports this important bill,\u201d said Foundation for Defense of Democracies Action.\n\n\u201cUANI Action supports the Maximum Pressure Act. Informal \u2018understandings\u2019 with Iran and tens of billions of dollars in sanctions relief through non-enforcement have only emboldened the Iranian regime. U.S. policy on Iran must revert to crippling sanctions and their full enforcement to deprive Tehran of funding for its conduct of terrorism; nuclear, drone, and missile programs; and human rights abuses,\u201d said United Against a Nuclear Iran Action.\n\n\u201cThe United States must return to maximum sanctions on the Iranian regime that were implemented during the Trump-Pence administration. President Biden\u2019s appeasement will not work with Iran, the maximum amount of pressure must be applied,\u201d said AAF Executive Director Paul Teller.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-chronicles-october-podcast-features-south-carolina-broadband-director-jim-stritzinger/", "Clyburn Chronicles October Podcast Features South Carolina Broadband Director Jim Stritzinger", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) released the newest edition of the Clyburn Chronicles podcast with Jim Stritzinger, Director of the South Carolina Broadband Office. Director Stritzinger joined Congressman Clyburn to discuss his role and efforts to expand highspeed affordable internet to every corner of the state.\n\nIn 2023, millions of Americans still lack a reliable, high-speed connection at home. Efforts to deploy affordable, high-speed internet service is the modern equivalent of rural electrification in the 20th century in both complexity and importance.\n\n\u201cThere are plenty of people who say that is too expensive to put internet on county roads and that \u2018those people\u2019 will never use it\u2026we are going to prove them wrong,\u201d said Director Stritzinger. \u201cThe internet provides the foundation for all those things we hold special. We can lift up school teachers, we can lift up agricultural professionals, we can do research and development, we can make entrepreneurship happen\u2026the internet is as important to daily life as electricity was back in the 1930s.\u201d\n\nEfforts to make highspeed broadband affordable for low-income households have been made possible through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was established and funded in President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n\u201cACP is a place where qualifying families can get $30 a month towards their monthly internet bill. It\u2019s been extremely successful in South Carolina\u2026it makes me sick to my stomach to think about a child that has a beautiful, fully-functional device and they go home and they have no connectivity That\u2019s where we\u2019re leaving brilliant minds behind. We\u2019re fixing it rapidly, though, I\u2019ll be happy to share that we\u2019ve made incredible progress,\u201d Director Stritzinger continued.\n\n\u201cSouth Carolina is leading the way in this all-important broadband deployment,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cThe gentleman that we have here today is the one that is responsible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=271", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Announces Mobile Office Hours for October in South Carolina's Seventh", "2023-10-13", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) announced mobile office hour time and locations for the month of October to make constituent services more accessible across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee.\n\nStaff members will be available to meet with constituents to assist with problems they may be having with Social Security, Veteran benefits, Medicare, the IRS, or another federal agency or to answer any questions they may have.\n\nMobile office hours will be available at the following time and locations:\n\nWednesday, October 25\n\n10:00am -12:00pm\n\nGeorgetown County\n\nWaccamaw Regional Council of Governments\n\n1230 Highmarket Street\n\nGeorgetown, SC 29440\n\nDillon County\n\nLatta City Hall \u2014 Arts Center\n\n107 Northwest Railroad Ave.\n\nLatta, SC 29565\n\nFor an updated list of the Office of Congressman Russell Fry\u2019s mobile office hours visit fry.house.gov/services/mobileofficehours.\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1729", "Rep. Ralph Norman Co-Sponsors Resolution in the House of Representatives in Support of Israel", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) co-sponsored a resolution in the House of Representatives in support of Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas.\n\nThis resolution, which has over 230 bi-partisan co-sponsors in the House, declares the following:\n\nResolved, That the House of Representatives\u2014\n\n\u2022 stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists;\n\n\u2022 reaffirms Israel\u2019s right to self-defense;\n\n\u2022 condemns Hamas\u2019 brutal war against Israel;\n\n\u2022 calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas\u2019 brutal war against Israel;\n\n\u2022 calls on Hamas to immediately cease these violent attacks and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages;\n\n\u2022 mourns the over 800 Israelis killed and over 2,600 others wounded in Hamas\u2019 unprovoked attack on Israel;\n\n\u2022 reaffirms the United States\u2019 commitment to Israel\u2019s security, including through security assistance in accordance with the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding;\n\n\u2022 urges full enforcement of the Taylor Force Act (title X of division S of Public Law 115\u2013141; 132 Stat. 1143) and other restrictions in United States law to prevent United States foreign assistance from benefiting terrorists, directly or indirectly;\n\n\u2022 condemns Iran\u2019s support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad;\n\n\u2022 urges full enforcement of United States sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran\u2019s funding of terrorist groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; and\n\n\u2022 stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support.\n\nStatements\n\nRep. Norman issued the following statement on Tuesday: \"Israel is our single most important ally in the Middle East, and a true friend to our country and people.\n\nThey need our prayers today and deserves our support in response to this outrageous, unprovoked terrorist attack by Hamas. This cannot go unanswered.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-removal-speaker-mccarthy", "Wilson Statement on Removal of Speaker McCarthy", "2023-10-03", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:\n\nKevin McCarthy has been an effective Conservative Speaker, sadly eight Republicans voted with Democrats to embolden Biden\u2019s policies of destruction with fiscal insanity.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-moskowitz-introduce-legislation-sanction-hostage-takers", "Wilson, Moskowitz Introduce Legislation to Sanction Hostage-Takers", "2023-10-02", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), House Foreign Affairs Chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee, and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced the bipartisan \u2018No Paydays for Hostage-Takers Act.\u2019\n\nThis legislation deters the Government of Iran, other hostile governments, and individuals from hostage-taking or wrongfully detaining United States nationals by imposing sanction and other strict penalties. Among the actions listed in the bill is the requirement of the President to deny visas for anyone seeking admission to the United States as a representative to the United Nations who is sanctioned under terrorism or weapons of mass destruction proliferation Executive Orders. The legislation also requires the Administration to review all cases of hostage-taking regarding Iran and determine if foreign persons responsible for hostage-taking meet the criteria for sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.\n\n\"The Iranian Regime continues to be the world's largest state sponsor of terrorism. This bill takes action, ensuring terrorists who take American citizens hostage are punished for their crimes, and not rewarded with financial incentives. It ensures that the oppressors of freedom in Iran do not get to visit the United States to enjoy the liberties here that they deprive their citizens of at home in Iran. Mass murderer and terrorist Ebrahim Raisi hates the United States, pledges death to America, yet applies and is granted to travel to New York annually for the United Nations, this hypocrisy is unacceptable,\" said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\"Robert Levinson was a constituent of mine. He missed birthdays, anniversaries, and even funerals because of the Iranian regime's continued crimes against the American people. When Iran wrongfully detains one ofour own, they must know that the U.S. will not sit back, we will take action and respond,\u201d said Rep. Moskowitz.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=265", "Congressman Russell Fry's (R-SC) No More Political Prosecutions Act Passes the House Judiciary Committee", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Russell Fry\u2019s (R-SC) No More Political Prosecution Act passed out of the House Judiciary Committee yesterday.\n\nThis legislation would give presidents and vice presidents, both former and current, the option to move their own civil or criminal cases from a state court to a federal court.\n\n\u201cIn the past year, our country has witnessed unprecedented moves by state prosecutors to bring politically motivated charges against a former President of the United States,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cThe No More Political Prosecutions Act would thwart these rogue district attorneys from wielding unwarranted power and targeting our nation's top leaders for their own political gain. Today, we are one step closer to restoring sanity to our nation's rule of law and preventing these political prosecutions that are nothing more than dog and pony shows for partisan district attorneys who are looking to make a name for themselves.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe passage of Congressman Fry's No More Political Prosecutions Act is a critical step to ensure that political agendas aren't pursued by a weaponized justice system,\u201d said Chairman Jim Jordan.\n\n\u201cOpposing the weaponization of our Department of Justice and making sure no one can use the rule of law for political revenge should be a bipartisan issue,\u201d said Renee Hudson, Chief Government Affairs Officer, America First Policy Institute. \u201cCongressman Fry thankfully recognizes this and is courageously taking a stand for its countless victims. This is a great first step to solving this problem.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-passing-senator-feinstein", "Wilson Statement on Passing of Senator Feinstein", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:\n\n\"I am saddened to hear of today\u2019s passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving woman senator in history. I admire her dedication to public service and commitment to her home state of California.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1710", "Rep. Norman and Rep. Buchanan Introduce a Constitutional Amendment to Prohibit Member Pay During a Government Shutdown", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) introduced a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a government shutdown.\n\nBackground\n\n2023 represents the 27th consecutive year in which Congress has not fulfilled its duty of appropriating a budget by the end of the fiscal year on September 30th.\n\nGovernment shutdowns disrupt the efficiency of nearly every federal agency while service members and most federal civilian employees forego their pay. Without any accountability, Congress has continued to fail to meet their appropriations deadline for decades, yet continues to receive compensation each time.\n\nThis constitutional amendment would prohibit Member pay while a government shutdown is in effect without receiving backpay. It is the intent of the bill to encourage congressional leadership to pass all 12 appropriations bills on time.\n\nStatements\n\nRep. Norman issued the following statement on Tuesday: \u201cMembers of Congress have a constitutional duty to fund necessary functions of the government, and I'd argue we must do so without piling trillions of dollars in debt onto our future generations.\n\nIf a shutdown of non-essential services occurs because Congress cannot meet these obligations, then Members should not be paid. Nowhere else in America would employees get paid for failing to do their jobs, yet that's exactly what happens for Members during a shutdown. That's inappropriate, and it's time to amend the Constitution to prevent that from happening.\"\n\nRep. Buchanan added: \u201cNo small business in America would pay someone who refuses to do their job,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cSo why should taxpayers pay a Congress that fails to perform one of its most fundamental responsibilities \u2013 funding the federal government? They shouldn\u2019t, which is why I\u2019m pleased to help introduce this legislation to block paychecks for senators and members of Congress during a government shutdown.\u201d\n\nPay Our Military Act of 2023", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-celebrates-the-announcement-of-4-1-million-in-department-of-transportation-funding-for-south-carolinaaes-first-electric-locomotives/", "Congressman Clyburn Celebrates the Announcement of $4.1 Million in Department of Transportation Funding for South Carolina\u2019s First Electric Locomotives", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Columbia, S.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn celebrated the announcement of $4,170,000 for the South Carolina Department of Commerce through the United States Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. This funding will be utilized to improve rail safety for Palmetto Railways and allow the purchase of South Carolina\u2019s first two zero-emission electric-powered locomotives and related charging infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration has once again displayed their commitment to infrastructure development and clean energy efforts in rural communities,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cThis funding will enable South Carolina to set the standard for railway improvement and development throughout the nation.\u201d\n\nOnce in use, the two zero-emission retrofitted locomotives will provide a foundation for deploying future electric-powered locomotives in Palmetto Railways\u2019 operations. These two electric-powered locomotives will help maximize a cleaner and more energy efficient transfer and shipment of goods through Palmetto Railways\u2019 existing North Charleston facilities along with the anticipated Navy Base Intermodal Facility which is currently under construction with S.C. Ports Authority.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-celebrates-the-announcement-of-4-1-million-in-department-of-transportation-funding-for-south-carolinas-first-electric-locomotives/", "Congressman Clyburn Celebrates the Announcement of $4.1 Million in Department of Transportation Funding for South Carolina\u2019s First Electric Locomotives", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "Columbia, S.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn celebrated the announcement of $4,170,000 for the South Carolina Department of Commerce through the United States Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration. This funding will be utilized to improve rail safety for Palmetto Railways and allow the purchase of South Carolina\u2019s first two zero-emission electric-powered locomotives and related charging infrastructure.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris administration has once again displayed their commitment to infrastructure development and clean energy efforts in rural communities,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cThis funding will enable South Carolina to set the standard for railway improvement and development throughout the nation.\u201d\n\nOnce in use, the two zero-emission retrofitted locomotives will provide a foundation for deploying future electric-powered locomotives in Palmetto Railways\u2019 operations. These two electric-powered locomotives will help maximize a cleaner and more energy efficient transfer and shipment of goods through Palmetto Railways\u2019 existing North Charleston facilities along with the anticipated Navy Base Intermodal Facility which is currently under construction with S.C. Ports Authority.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1708", "Rep. Norman and Rep. Pfluger Introduce the No CORRUPTION Act to Close Pension Loopholes for Corrupt Politicians", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC-5) and Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11) introduced the No Congressionally Obligated Recurring Revenue Used as Pensions to Incarcerated Officials Now (CORRUPTION) Act to eliminate pension payments for Members of Congress who have been convicted of various criminal offenses. This bill is a re-introduction of H.R 3327 from the 117th Congress.\n\nUnder current law, if a pension-eligible Member of Congress is convicted of certain crimes, he or she is still eligible to receive that pension through the appeals process until a \"final conviction\" is reached, which could drag on for years. (A \"final conviction\" is defined as a criminal conviction where all possible appeal options have either expired or been exhausted.)\n\nThe No CORRUPTION Act would mandate that Members found guilty of these crimes immediately become ineligible to collect any pension payments earned while serving as a Member of Congress. This would apply upon initial conviction, not years down the road after reaching final conviction.\n\nThis bill is the House companion to S. 932 introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-phillips-spartz-travel-israel-turkiye-and-saudi-arabia", "Wilson, Phillips, Spartz Travel to Israel, T\u00fcrkiye, and Saudi Arabia", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, Dean Phillips (D-MN), Subcommittee Ranking Member, and Victoria Spartz (R-IN), recently traveled to Israel, T\u00fcrkiye, and Saudi Arabia. While there, the bipartisan delegation met with senior government officials to discuss deepening bilateral security ties and regional normalization efforts.\n\nIn Israel, the Members went to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem where they met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cabinet and government officials to discuss strengthening United States-Israel cooperation, expanding the Abraham Accords, and countering Iran\u2019s malign activities.\n\nImage\n\nThe delegation continued on to Ankara and Istanbul, T\u00fcrkiye, and met with senior members of the government and parliamentarians to discuss ways to enhance the U.S.-T\u00fcrkiye relationship and our shared goal of supporting Ukraine, including Sweden\u2019s admission to NATO. Discussions were also held with civil society leaders, including those with the Syrian humanitarian organization White Helmets to talk about how the U.S. can further support the Syrian people and hold the Assad regime accountable for war crimes. Finally, a meeting took place with representatives from AmCham Istanbul to discuss the robust economic ties between the U.S. and T\u00fcrkiye.\n\nImage\n\nChairman Wilson visits Kemal Atat\u00fcrk\u2019s gravesite in T\u00fcrkiye.\n\nThe trip concluded with a stop in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. There, the delegation met with the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the U.S. and Saudi Arabia\u2019s shared goals in the Middle East and how we can work together to achieve them. The Members also sat down to a roundtable with representatives from U.S. businesses in the country to discuss how to further enhance business relationships between our two countries. They also spoke about Boeing\u2019s historic deal with Saudi Arabia for up to 121 Dreamliner 787 aircraft, manufactured in South Carolina, with suppliers across Congressman Wilson\u2019s district, valued at nearly $37 billion.\n\nImage\n\nCongressman Wilson shares date fruit with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to have led this important congressional delegation to some of America\u2019s key allies in the Middle East. Each stop provided my colleagues and I a platform to discuss a variety of issues of mutual importance to our countries, while further enriching our relationships. The hospitality provided and friendships shared through these exchanges are invaluable and appreciated by not only the United States, but also my home state of South Carolina,\u201d said Representative Wilson.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=241", "Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) Introduce the Grant Transparency Act of 2023", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) introduced the Grant Transparency Act of 2023. This legislation requires government agencies to provide competitive grant applicants with more information about their selection criteria and evaluation process.\n\nIt is not always clear to state and local applicants why they are not awarded federal grant funding, especially if they meet all of the listed criteria. The Grant Transparency Act of 2023 will ensure these applicants can better understand the criteria being evaluated in the application process for federal grants.\n\n\u201cIn just nine months of being in office, I have heard from many constituents who don\u2019t have a clear understanding of why they weren\u2019t awarded a competitive federal grant. This legislation would shed light on the federal grant funding process so the people of South Carolina\u2019s Seventh and the rest of the country who are applying for federal funding can have a better understanding of the process,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would create more transparency for the American people.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo often, the intricacies of the federal grant process have led to confusion about how federal grants are considered, weighed, and ultimately awarded. The result has left local and state governments and numerous organizations like those in Texas\u2019s 30th at a disadvantage in competing for federal resources to help better their community,\u201d said Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. \u201cOnly when we clarify how the federal government decides between each applicant will there truly be an equal playing field. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Grant Transparency Act with Congressman Fry, which would require federal agencies to clarify the criteria used to win federal grants, thereby making the federal grant process fairer for all.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Grant Transparency Act of 2023 requires the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for competitive grants to have:\n\na description of any rating system, evaluation, and selection criteria the agency uses to assess applications for the competitive grant;\n\na statement of whether the agency uses a weighted scoring method and a description of any weighted scoring method the agency uses for the competitive grant, including the amount by which the agency weights each criterion; and\n\nany other qualitative or qualitative merit-based approach the agency uses to evaluate an application for the competitive grant.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Gary Peters (D-MI).\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-named-ndaa-conference-committee", "Wilson Named to NDAA Conference Committee", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement upon his appointment as a conferee on the House-Senate Conference Committee for the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\"I am thankful to Speaker Kevin McCarthy and my colleagues for the opportunity to serve on this year\u2019s NDAA Conference Committee. As a veteran, father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, and senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am committed to supporting our servicemembers, veterans, and military families.\n\n\u201cWar criminal Putin continues his war of aggression against Ukraine, the Chinese Communist Party is expanding its military and territorial claims in the region, and the Iranian regime continues exporting missiles and terrorism as it calls for the death of America and Israel. These critical threats, which our Founding Fathers understood, must be met with meaningful deterrence promoting peace through strength.\n\n\u201cI look forward to working with the conference committee to advance this bipartisan legislation, while continuing to represent the needs of the Palmetto State, including its military bases, defense research projects at South Carolina universities, and the critical missions at Savannah River Site.\u201d\n\nMembers of the NDAA Conference Committee, appointed by the Speaker of the House and approved by the full House, work together to resolve differences between House and Senate-passed versions of the bill that fund the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces of the United States. Congressman Wilson is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves on the Strategic Forces and Readiness subcommittees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1702", "Rep. Norman Introduces the Fair-Value Accounting and Budget Act", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced the Fair-Value Accounting and Budget Act. The objective of this bill is to provide Congress with more oversight and information pertaining to market risk in federal lending policies. The Fair-Value Accounting and Budget Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI).\n\nThis bill is a reintroduction of H.R. 3785 from the 117th Congress and has the support of Heritage Action, Club for Growth, and Freedom Works.\n\nBackground Information\n\nBetween student loans and home ownership, the federal government provides various types of direct loans or loan guarantees to individuals and businesses. However, when it comes to making budget assessments in federal loan legislation, Congress does not currently use accounting guidelines that reflect the true value (i.e. net impact) of loan defaults. A supplemental assessment method, called fair-value accounting, is a tool that can be used by legislators to calculate a broader measure of an asset\u2019s worth that would consider such risks.\n\nIn the projections of the lifetime costs of new loan guarantees under such programs in 2020, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the subsidy rate is on average 5% higher when using fair value accounting methods than when using the current method of accounting as required under the Federal Credit Reform act (FCRA).\n\nRep. Norman's Fair-Value Accounting and Budget Act aims to take the real cost to taxpayers into consideration by providing Congress with more oversight and information to account for market risk in federal lending policies. Without a supplemental fair-value accounting method, legislators have a false sense of deficit reduction which will continue to lead to dangerous budget confusion and irresponsible reckless spending.\n\nThe Fair-Value Accounting and Budget Act includes several provisions related to fair-value accounting:\n\n(1) It would allow the Chair or Ranking Member of the House and Senate Budget Committees to request a supplemental fair-value estimate for any legislation that establishes or makes changes to loan or loan guarantee programs;\n\n(2) It requires CBO to include fair-value estimates in it\u2019s Budget and Economic Outlook;\n\n(3) It would provide the option for Congress to use fair-value estimates to determine budget compliance and enforcement; and\n\n(4) It requires OMB to provide an annual report on fair-value estimates and the costs of federal credit programs.\n\nRep. Norman issued the following statement on Tuesday: \"Supplementing fair-value accounting assessments and improving access to information on fair-value estimates, as the bill sets out to achieve, will improve transparency in the real liabilities accrued overtime for today\u2019s taxpayers and the future generation of Americans.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-and-bicameral-coalition-introduce-disarm-hate-act/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN AND BICAMERAL COALITION INTRODUCE DISARM HATE ACT", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "(Washington, DC) \u2013 This week, Representatives James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Brian Higgins (NY-26), John Garamendi (CA-08), Katie Porter (CA-47) Nikema Williams (GA-06), and Summer Lee (PA-12) introduced the Disarm Hate Act to prevent individuals convicted of violent misdemeanor hate crimes from purchasing or possessing firearms.\n\nThe Disarm Hate Act would address the dangerous gap in current federal law by providing that individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor-level hate crime, or received an enhanced sentence for a misdemeanor crime after a judicial finding that they acted with hate or bias motivation, are prohibited from buying or possessing guns.\n\n\u201cAs we tragically witnessed in Charleston, South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church in 2015, and far too often elsewhere, hatred and guns are a lethal mix,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cWe must do more to keep deadly firearms out of the hands of those seeking to use them to commit these heinous crimes. To that end, earlier this year I reintroduced my legislation to close the Charleston Loophole, and today I am pleased to join Rep. Escobar in reintroducing the Disarm Hate Act. I urge the Republican majority to bring these common-sense bills to the House floor for a vote. Lives are at stake.\u201d\n\n\u201cFour years after a white supremacist came to El Paso to slaughter Mexicans and immigrants in what was the deadliest targeted attack against Latinos in modern American history, hatred against Hispanics and migrants undoubtedly persists,\u201d said Rep. Escobar. \u201cHate and bigotry, coupled with easy access to weapons of war, make for a terrifying and deadly combination. Too many communities \u2013 including my own \u2013 know the consequences all too well. As legislators, we have a solemn obligation to act and prevent further gun violence atrocities. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing critical legislation to keep firearms out of the hands of those who should never have them.\u201d\n\n\u201cPeople who have been convicted of hate crimes should not have access to firearms. It\u2019s that simple,\u201d Senator Casey said. \u201cI\u2019m introducing the Disarm Hate Act because it\u2019s commonsense to keep guns out of the hands of people seeking to commit acts of hateful violence.\u201d\n\n\u201cSeven years after the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and only weeks after the deadly shooting in Jacksonville that left three Black Floridians dead \u2014 my home state of Florida has seen and lived through some of the darkest instances of gun-enabled hate at the cost of innocent lives,\u201d said Rep. Frost. \u201cPeople with a criminal history of hate and violence in their hearts should not be able to access a gun to commit the next mass shooting. The Disarm Hate Act is a critical step we must take to end gun violence in Florida and across our country and spark change from tragedy.\u201d\n\n\u201cOregon is a leader in gun safety and already classifies hate crimes as a firearm-prohibiting offense. It\u2019s time to bring Oregon\u2019s gun safety model to Congress. It is unacceptable that people convicted of targeted hate crimes can continue to access guns, which we know increases the lethality of these attacks. This should be something that everyone can agree on,\u201d said Rep. Blumenauer.\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor-level hate crime can purchase a firearm. As the author of California\u2019s assault weapons ban and a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, I am committed to ending America\u2019s gun violence epidemic,\u201d said Rep. Garamendi. \u201cWhile hate-based mass shootings have become all too common, we cannot accept them as inevitable. I am honored to work with Rep. Escobar to build a safer future for families nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cWestern New York knows all too well the devastating impact that crimes motivated by hate and bias can have on a community,\u201d said Rep. Brian Higgins. \u201cThis legislation builds on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and takes another step toward ending senseless violence, like the racist mass shooting that took place in Buffalo, by closing legal loopholes to prevent those with a history of committing hate crimes from possessing deadly weapons. I am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing this commonsense bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cHate crimes are rising across the country, but criminals who commit them can still get their hands on a gun,\u201d said Rep. Porter. \u201cWe know how to prevent gun violence, and we need politicians to have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby to save lives. I\u2019m proud to co-lead the Disarm Hate Act with Rep. Escobar to protect our communities from hate and violence.\u201d\n\nRep. Nikema Williams, a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force said, \u201cJust over two years ago, Atlanta witnessed the Atlanta Spa Shootings, a horrific act of anti-Asian hate. Our communities are still healing from the trauma. No matter your race, ethnicity, or gender, everyone has the right to live without fear of violence in their workplace or public spaces. We\u2019ve mourned tragedy after tragedy from gun violence, it is past time to keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of hate crimes.\u201d\n\nRep. Summer Lee said, \u201cRepresenting a community that\u2019s still reeling from the trauma of the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, I see every day the devastating impact of laws that give white supremacists access to weapons of war. The Disarm Hate Act will protect our communities against the scourge of anti-Black hate crimes, rising antisemitism, islamophobia, anti-asian and anti-trans hate. By addressing the deadly gap in our federal laws, our bill will keep firearms out of the hands of individuals convicted of misdemeanor-level hate crimes or those who have received enhanced sentences due to hate or bias motivation. This is a critical step towards safeguarding our communities against gun violence and ensuring minoritized and vulnerable folks don\u2019t have to live in constant fear.\u201d\n\n\u201cViolent extremists and hate-motivated offenders pose serious threats to the safety of historically marginalized communities, and easy access to firearms makes it more likely that a hate crime will have a fatal outcome. Hate-motivated offenders have committed some of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history and even when they do not fire guns, they consistently use them to threaten, intimidate, and humiliate their victims. We applaud Senator Casey, Rep. Escobar, and Rep. Frost for introducing the Disarm Hate Act to respond to the growing tide of violent hate crimes and to help prevent these tragedies before they happen,\u201d said Nick Wilson, Senior Director of Gun Violence Prevention, Center for American Progress.\n\nThe Disarm Hate Act is endorsed by National Violence Domestic Hotline, Amnesty International USA, Everytown, Brady, The United Methodist Church, The Violence Policy Center, March for Our Lives, WOLA, ADL, AFT, Giffords, Human Rights Campaign, and Sandy Hook Promise.\n\nAll original co-leads represent states and districts that have been impacted by hate-motivated mass shootings.\n\nIn June 2015, a white supremacist murdered nine worshippers during a bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.\n\nIn June 2016, a gunman attacked a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, leaving 49 people dead and 53 others injured.\n\nIn October 2018, 11 worshippers were killed and seven others injured during at attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.\n\nIn August 2019, a man killed 23 victims and wounded 23 others in a shooting in a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, admitting to targeting Mexicans.\n\nIn March 2021, a gunman killed eight victims on a shooting rampage through three spas in Atlanta, Georgia, six of whom were Asian American women.\n\nIn February 2022, a gunman with a history of expressing support for Nazis and Proud Boys groups opened fire at a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Portland, Oregon, killing 1 and injuring 5 others.\n\nIn May 2022, a self-described supporter of white supremacy killed 10 people in a supermarket in a predominately Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York.\n\nIn May 2022, a Nevada man carried firearms into a Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, shooting and killing one congregant and injuring five others with gunfire in an attempt to kill all 44 parishioners. The man allegedly targeted the church because of the congregants\u2019 national origin and religion.\n\nIn August 2023, an individual tore down the pride flag in a Southern California store while yelling homophobic slurs. When the store owner confronted the individual, he shot and killed her. The assailant had a history of anti-LGBTQI+ posts on social media, and the incident is now being investigated as a hate crime.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-and-connolly-introduce-legislation-sanction-north-korea-material", "Wilson and Connolly Introduce Legislation to Sanction North Korea for Material Support of Russia\u2019s Invasion of Ukraine", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Following the September 13th meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin in Russia, Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, introduced legislation to expand sanctions on any activity related to an agreement between North Korea and Russia to provide material support for Russia\u2019s illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine.\n\n\u201cNorth Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is a member of the alliance of tyrants working to destroy freedom and democracy around the world,\" said Wilson. \"This bill ensures that dictator Kim can neither profit nor aid and abet war criminal Putin\u2019s mass murder of innocent Ukrainians.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-2-6-million-in-usda-rural-energy-funding-for-south-carolina/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES $2.6 MILLION IN USDA RURAL ENERGY FUNDING FOR SOUTH CAROLINA", "2023-09-05", "2023", "2023-09", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC\u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn announced over $2.6 million in USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding for projects across the state with $676,707 coming to the sixth congressional district. The funding will be utilized to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower energy costs for South Carolinians. This funding was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act. Congressman Clyburn was the only member of the South Carolina Congressional delegation to vote for this legislation and subsequent funding.\n\n\u201cThe Biden-Harris Administration continues to show their dedication to providing rural communities with the resources they need,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cThanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, South Carolina is serving as a blueprint for a clean energy future.\u201d\n\nView the Sixth Congressional District Projects below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=211", "Congressman Fry Announces Mobile Office Hours for August in South Carolina's Seventh", "2023-08-23", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Announces Mobile Office Hours for August in South Carolina\u2019s Seventh\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) announced that the Office of Congressman Russell Fry will be hosting mobile office hours across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee to make constituent services more accessible.\n\nStaff members will be available to meet with constituents to assist with problems they may be having with Social Security, Veteran benefits, Medicare, the IRS, or another federal agency or to answer any questions they may have.\n\nMobile office hours will be available at the following time and locations:\n\nWednesday, August 30\n\n10:00am -12:00pm\n\nGeorgetown County\n\nWaccamaw Regional Council of Governments\n\n1230 Highmarket Street\n\nGeorgetown, SC 29440\n\nChesterfield County\n\nMcBee Town Hall\n\n38 W Juniper Ave\n\nMcBee, SC 29101\n\nFor an updated list of the Office of Congressman Russell Fry\u2019s mobile office hours visit fry.house.gov/services/mobileofficehours.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=210", "Congressman Fry and Congressman Gallego Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Study the Effects of the Fentanyl Crisis on Taxpayers in America", "2023-08-18", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Study the Effects of the Fentanyl Crisis on Taxpayers in America\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Fentanyl Crisis Research and Evaluation Act. This legislation requires the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on how the fentanyl crisis is affecting various sectors of our society to understand its implications on American taxpayers.\n\nIn an Axios-Ipsos poll published just yesterday, Americans said opioids and fentanyl are the number one health threat in this country. In order for the government to present solutions to combat the fentanyl crisis head-on, it is important to understand its effects.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation requires the Comptroller General to study the effects of the fentanyl crisis in seven different areas, including \u2014 the labor market, industry sectors, federal tax revenue, federal benefits programs, federal health programs, housing instability, and state finances, including the resulting effect on the federal government.\n\nIt also requires the Comptroller General to provide recommendations on how the federal government can better assist the states and address the fentanyl crisis more efficiently.\n\n\u201cFentanyl is the deadliest drug our country has faced, and it has taken the lives of too many Americans,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will give the federal government a deeper understanding of the implications of this ongoing crisis. There is no other study that includes the specific information that this legislation requires. It\u2019s important for lawmakers to understand the effects of this deadly drug on our country so we can pinpoint solutions to address it.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo combat the fentanyl crisis effectively, we need to understand the full scope of the problem,\u201d said Congressman Ruben Gallego. \u201cBy reporting on the impacts of the fentanyl crisis on the labor market, health programs, housing, and more, the Fentanyl Crisis Research and Evaluation Act will give Congress the information we need to mitigate the burden on states and the American people. I\u2019m proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Fry to introduce this bill.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/trump-indictment-deranged", "Trump Indictment Deranged", "2023-08-15", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson condemned the deranged indictment of former President Donald Trump.\n\n\"Democrat derangement indicting Trump is dangerous for democracy as rule of law is undermined by political persecution. This spectacle now can best be corrected by restoring rule of law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-administration-capitulation-iran", "Biden Administration Capitulation to Iran", "2023-08-11", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "August 11, 2023\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson commented on the Biden administration\u2019s recent and ongoing capitulation to Iran.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration continues its reckless submission to the Iranian regime:\n\nIncentivized hostage taking of Americans by Iran, Russia, and China with a $6 billion deal. Former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander has publicly called for taking thousands of Americans hostage for revenue.\n\nThe fungible $6 billion payments will be used to fund Putin\u2019s murder of Ukrainians, attacks on Israel, and others targeted by Iranian missiles, drones, and terrorism.\n\nBypassing Congress by conducting secret nuclear agreements without legally required congressional review.\n\nZero sanctions enforcement announcement for months as the regime exports record oil to the Chinese Communist Party.\n\nThis agreement does nothing to prevent Iran from becoming a hostile nuclear power and is a projection of weakness as dictators are working together to threaten freedom and safety around the world.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-announces-2023-bus-tour", "Wilson Announces 2023 Bus Tour", "2023-08-11", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "West Columbia, SC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) will host his annual bus tour from August 14-17, 2023, where he will travel throughout South Carolina\u2019s Second Congressional District making stops at local businesses, schools, and organizations.\n\n\u201cEach August I host an annual bus tour where I visit all five counties across the Second Congressional District to hear from members of our community and share news of my work in Congress. While I regularly meet with people in our district, I am grateful for this time-honored tradition of being accessible and accountable to those I represent,\u201d said Congressman Wilson.\n\nThough all can follow us throughout the tour with ongoing updates and photos on our FacebookandInstagram pages, and via hashtag #SC02BusTour2023, the following stops are opportunities for the media to join us and ask questions.\n\nAugust 14th\n\nUniversity of South Carolina (USC) Aiken\n\n10:30 a.m. \u2013 11:00 a.m.\n\n471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801\n\nAugust 15th\n\nAmerican Legion Post 193\n\n9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.\n\n102 Lexington Avenue, Chapin, SC 29036\n\nAugust 16th\n\nBoyd Island Project *\n\n8:30 a.m. \u2013 9:15 a.m.\n\n500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210\n\n* South end of Riverbanks Zoo parking lot.\n\nAugust 17th\n\nWoodard Unity Park\n\n12:30 p.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.\n\n133 North Oak Street, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006\n\nMedia interested in attending please RSVP to David Snider at david.snider@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-celebrates-17-4-million-in-federal-funding-for-claflin-university/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN CELEBRATES $17.4 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY", "2023-08-07", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, S.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) is pleased to celebrate over $17.4 million in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) funding for Claflin University. The funding will go towards the construction of a Bioscience Research and Technology Center at Claflin University. Claflin will be the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to receive NIST-Construction funding.\n\n\u201cIt has always been one of my priorities to provide HBCUs with the resources they need to develop the next generation of leaders,\u201d said Congressman James E. Clyburn. \u201cHBCUs are some of the most important intuitions in this country. This funding will allow Claflin to provide invaluable learning opportunities to its students and ensure STEM students of color have an equal opportunity to grow and thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot thank Congressman James Clyburn enough for recognizing how important a new science and technology center will be to Claflin, the state of South Carolina, and our aspirations for increasing research opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students,\u201d said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. \u201cThis grant is an investment that will provide Claflin with the resources and the potential to lead research in critical areas that impact our nation and the world.\u201d\n\nThe Bioscience Research and Technology Center will be the epicenter for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) on Claflin\u2019s campus. The new state-of-the-art facility be equipped with laboratories and advanced technologies to foster research opportunities for faculty, staff, and students. When completed, this will put Claflin University in a major competitive position to continue recruiting leading scientists to grow the research enterprise of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-celebrates-naming-of-orangeburg-post-office-in-honor-of-j-i-washington/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN CELEBRATES NAMING OF ORANGEBURG POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF J.I. WASHINGTON", "2023-08-07", "2023", "2023-08", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC\u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) celebrated the naming of the Orangeburg post office in honor of J.I. Washington. The U.S. Post Office located at 1550 Middleton Street will now be designated as the \u201cJ.I. Washington Post Office.\u201d\n\n\u201cJ.I. was a pillar in Orangeburg and highly influential throughout South Carolina,\u201d said Congressman James Clyburn. \u201cHis name on this post office will be a constant reminder that everyone has a role to play to make their community a better place. Despite having never stood for elective office, he accomplished more than many elected officials and had a significant impact on the community and the state.\u201d\n\nJ. I. Washington grew up on the campus of South Carolina State College. His elementary education began at the Claflin Elementary Department and Felton Laboratory School of South Carolina State. He completed high school at Mather Academy in Camden. J.I. graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and the Academy of Mortuary Science in New York City. Throughout his life he served as a member of the Santee Cooper Board of Directors, the S.C. State College Board of Trustees, the Orangeburg Civic Breakfast Club, the NAACP, the Urban Area Planning Commission, the Lower Regional Manpower Commission, and he served as the first African American on the Orangeburg Board of Voter Registration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-host-hurricane-preparedness-forum", "Wilson to Host Hurricane Preparedness Forum", "2023-08-07", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "West Columbia, SC \u2013 U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) will host a business forum regarding hurricane preparedness. This will be an opportunity to educate organizations in the community on steps they can take to better prepare for a hurricane, and what options exist if a storm has struck.\n\nWHO:\n\n\u2022 U.S. Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02)\n\n\u2022 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)\n\n\u2022 Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)\n\n\u2022 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)\n\n\u2022 South Carolina Department of Commerce\n\n\u2022 South Carolina Emergency Management Division\n\n\u2022 South Carolina Department of Insurance\n\n\u2022 South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff\n\n\u2022 The Home Depot\n\nWHAT:\n\nA forum to educate area businesses on hurricane preparedness and resources available before, during, and after weather crises in South Carolina.\n\nWHEN:\n\nThursday, August 10th\n\n2:00 p.m. (Doors open at 1:30 p.m.)\n\nWHERE:\n\nMidlands Technical College\n\nAcademic Center 116\n\n1260 Lexington Drive\n\nWest Columbia, SC 29170\n\nPlease contact David Snider at david.snider@mail.house.gov with any questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/trump-derangement-gone-wild", "Trump Derangement Gone Wild", "2023-08-04", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson condemned the deranged indictment of former President Donald Trump.\n\n\"Trump indictment: Deranged U.S. Attorney General, deranged prosecutor, deranged judge, deranged media. This is a sad combination against the freedoms of the American people.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=191", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Calls for the Impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas Over his Failure to Secure the Southern Border", "2023-08-02", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "ICYMI \u2014 Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Calls for the Impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas Over his Failure to Secure the Southern Border\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Last week, Congressman Russell Fry officially called for the impeachment of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, over his failure to secure the U.S. southern border. This comes after Secretary Mayorkas testified before the House Judiciary Committee.\n\n\u201cWhile Secretary Mayorkas testified before the House Judiciary Committee, I listened to him dodge questions from my Republican colleagues, deflect blame, and fail to acknowledge the border crisis,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry.\n\n\u201cUnder his leadership, the Department of Homeland Security has terminated construction of the border wall, terminated the Remain in Mexico program, abused parole authority and released illegal aliens into the U.S. en masse, and restricted U.S. Customs and Border Protection\u2019s ability to arrest, detain, and remove aliens who violated U.S. law.\u201d\n\n\u201cSecretary Mayorkas takes credit for the alleged \u2018success\u2019 of his department but blames other people for his own failures. Under his watch, there have been 5.6 million illegal alien encounters, 1.5 million known gotaways, 2.1 million illegals released into our country, and 250 terrorist encounters at our southern border.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe malfeasance in defending our national security and securing our southern border is unmistakable. He must be impeached.\u201d\n\nCongressman Fry\u2019s full remarks during last week\u2019s House Judiciary Committee with Secretary Mayorkas can be found here.\n\nCongressman Fry is a cosponsor of H.R. 89 \u2014 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/trump-indictment-conceals-biden-corruption", "Trump Indictment Conceals Biden Corruption", "2023-08-02", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Updated 2:12 p.m. EST August 2, 2023\n\nWashington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson condemned the indictment of former President Donald Trump to conceal Biden corruption.\n\n\"Gruesomely, in Washington, former President Donald Trump was again indicted by partisan Democrats with Trump Derangement. Each new political indictment along with political coverups of Biden Family influence peddling, reveals a two-tier system of persecution of all opposition while the Biden Family is protected. All Americans of all parties are at risk of abuse unless equal justice under the law is restored.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:30:18Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-biden-corruption", "Wilson Statement on Biden Corruption", "2023-07-31", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson commented on the revealing of corruption within the Biden administration.\n\n\"Sadly, proof of more Biden corruption as former President Donald Trump\u2019s property manager was indicted for removing sections of a video recording from his private home at Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, Biden\u2019s Secret Service conceals details of a video recording at the White House amid the cocaine scandal by nearly two weeks. Trump derangement syndrome is dangerous for all Americans. Just as they abuse Trump, so too can they abuse every American.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-indictments", "Wilson Statement on Trump Indictments", "2023-07-28", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson commented on the indictments of former President Donald Trump.\n\n\"Each new political indictment (today at Mar-a-Lago) of former President Donald Trump by partisan Democrats nationally, along with political coverups of Biden Family influence peddling, reveals a two-tier system of persecution of all opposition while the Biden Family is protected. All Americans of all parties are at risk of abuse unless equal justice under the law is restored.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-wilson-crow-waltz-and-wild-introduce-bipartisan-afghanistan-human-rights", "Reps. Wilson, Crow, Waltz, and Wild Introduce Bipartisan Afghanistan Human Rights Resolution", "2023-07-27", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, Jason Crow (D-CO), Afghanistan veteran and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, Mike Waltz (R-FL), and Susan Wild (D-PA), introduced a resolution to support the people of Afghanistan including Afghan partners who assisted the U.S. mission, and condemn the Taliban\u2019s ongoing persecution of Afghan women, girls, and members of ethnic and religious minority groups.\n\nAdditionally, the resolution encourages the Secretary of State to investigate if the Taliban has committed crimes against humanity, specifically towards women and girls, and encourages the U.S. to work with allies and partners to develop a long-term strategy to counter the Taliban\u2019s human rights abuses and hold them accountable.\n\n\u201cFor those living under Taliban rule, the situation is dire. Women and girls have effectively been banished from public life, and ethnic and religious minorities face violence and abuse from the Taliban. I am grateful to join Rep. Jason Crow in supporting the people of Afghanistan and holding the Taliban accountable for its human rights abuses and support for terrorism,\u201d said Congressman Wilson.\n\n\u201cThe Taliban has committed atrocious human rights abuses, especially against women and girls, and must be held to account,\u201d said Congressman Crow. \u201cThe US fought in Afghanistan over 20 years; I deployed to Afghanistan twice. We have a moral duty to support our partners who are now targets of Taliban violence. With this resolution, my Republican and Democratic colleagues agree: we must honor our promises, defend human rights, and support our partners.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a Green Beret, I fought in Afghanistan and saw firsthand the human rights atrocities committed by the Taliban,\u201d said Congressman Waltz. \u201cIn the aftermath of our withdrawal, the Taliban are reverting to their most oppressive behaviors, including extrajudicial killings of our former allies, religious and ethnic minorities, and turning back the clock on the most basic of rights of women and girls. I am proud to join my colleagues on this resolution to hold the Taliban accountable for their vile human rights abuses in Afghanistan today.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been dismayed to watch as the Taliban\u2019s assaults on the human rights and freedoms of the people of Afghanistan grow more and more egregious,\u201d said Congresswoman Wild. \u201cThis targeting of women and girls, of humanitarian workers and human rights defenders, of journalists, of religious and ethnic minorities cannot go unaddressed. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues to urge action among our democratic allies and partners, to hold the Taliban to account, and take necessary steps in defending the rights and livelihoods of Afghans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-baird-mccaul-introduce-effort-hold-war-criminal-assad-accountable", "Wilson, Baird, McCaul Introduce Effort to Hold War Criminal Assad Accountable", "2023-07-27", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia joined Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) in leading the introduction of legislation that will block the Biden administration from extending or reissuing Syria General License 23, which authorized direct transactions with the Assad regime for 180 days after the February T\u00fcrkiye\u2013Syria earthquake.\n\n\u201cThe criminal Assad regime has directly benefitted from General License 23 while refusing aid to areas hit hardest by the earthquake,\u201d said Chairman Wilson. \u201cIn fact, mass murderer Assad and war criminal Putin have relentlessly bombed northwest Syria since the earthquake. Humanitarian exemptions are built into U.S. sanctions, and the Biden administration should not renew this broad license which allows the Assad regime to profit as he continues his assault on the Syrian people.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor far too long, the Biden administration\u2019s soft-on-crime foreign policies have had wide-reaching and devastating international effects that have weakened the United States\u2019 standing on the global stage,\u201d said Congressman Baird. \u201cBy extending General License 23, the administration is effectively refusing to hold Bashar Al Assad accountable for his unspeakable war crimes and sends a dangerous message to the world that the United States condones this humanitarian crisis. As the world\u2019s leader, we have a responsibility to send a resounding message to all that this despicable conduct will not be tolerated, which is why I am introducing a bill to block this extension.\u201d\n\n\u201cBashar Al Assad is a war criminal who has faced no accountability for his crimes against the Syrian people. Yet he is increasingly being welcomed back into the international community, particularly by governments in the Middle East,\" said Chairman McCaul. \"Extending General License 23 would undermine our Syria sanctions and send a message that the United States accepts normalization with Assad. That\u2019s why we\u2019re introducing this bill to block the extension of this over-broad license, especially since our Syria sanctions already contain humanitarian exemptions.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn February 9, 2023, in response to the February 6th T\u00fcrkiye-Syria earthquake, the Biden administration issued Syria General License (GL23) that would authorize sanctions lifts for 180 days on all transactions related to the earthquake. Recently, the administration signaled that it plans to extend this general license despite the devastating humanitarian crisis created and perpetuated by the Assad regime. The general license was set to expire August 8th. The Safeguarding Syrian Sanction Act would:\n\nPrevent the administration from renewing or extending GL23 upon enactment of this bill.\n\nRequire that the Secretary of Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce notify the appropriate committees if there are any changes to any Syria Sanctions Regulations no more than 15 days prior of the change effective date.\n\n**This bill would have no effect on future or other General Licenses**", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-jayapal-lead-bill-combat-high-rate-heart-disease-south-asian-americans", "Wilson, Jayapal lead bill to Combat High Rate of Heart Disease in South Asian Americans", "2023-07-26", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) are re-introducing the bipartisan South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, landmark legislation to both raise awareness about the alarming rate of heart disease for South Asians across the United States and also put resources and strategies toward reversing this deadly trend for all communities. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) plans to introduce Senate companion legislation later this year.\n\n\u201cHeart disease disproportionately affects certain populations such as the South Asian community, and this bill will expand research and education to benefit those communities. I am grateful that this bipartisan bill passed the house in multiple previous Congresses, and I look forward to its final passage into law,\u201d said Rep. Joe Wilson.\n\n\u201cI have seen the devastating impacts of heart disease on our community firsthand, and as the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, I\u2019m fully committed to increasing understanding of heart disease and the unique risk factor in the South Asian community while ensuring that all those living with it get the resources, treatment, and support they need,\u201d said Rep. Jayapal. \u201cNo community should face disproportionate health outcomes because of lack of research, understanding, or awareness. I won\u2019t stop fighting for this legislation to make sure we have the research resources and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in the South Asian community and across the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe heightened prevalence of heart disease in the South Asian community demands urgent attention and resources,\u201d said Sen. Booker. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will be an important step to promote critical research on heart disease and support organizations involved in heart health promotion through the development of new, culturally sensitive materials.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, South Asian Americans have been disproportionately impacted by the devastating effects of heart disease,\u201d said Neil Makhija, President of Indian American Impact. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for Representative Jayapal\u2019s leadership as this bill is a significant step towards safeguarding the well-being of millions in our community. We urge Congress to swiftly pass this bill so we can generate new research, raise awareness, and save lives across all communities.\u201d\n\nStudies show that South Asians in the United States \u2013 people who immigrated from or whose families immigrated from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal \u2013 are experiencing a dramatic rise in heart disease and face four times the risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Despite making up 25 percent of the world\u2019s population, South Asians account for a disproportionate 60 percent of the world\u2019s heart disease cases and over 50 percent of the world\u2019s cardiovascular deaths. Almost two-thirds of middle-aged South Asian Americans are at intermediate or high risk for heart failure within the next 10 years, and because research agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not disaggregate medical data for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, it is nearly impossible to examine data on South Asian Americans.\n\nHeart disease is widely prevalent in the United States, but is not well understood. One person in America dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease, and heart disease costs the United States more than $363 billion each year.\n\nThe South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act would authorize the HHS Secretary to make grants available to states to promote awareness of the increasing prevalence of heart disease in South Asian communities. These grants can be used to:\n\nDevelop culturally appropriate materials on topics such as nutrition education, optimal diet plans, and programs for regular exercise.\n\nSupport heart health promotion activities of community organizations that work with or serve communities disproportionately affected by heart disease.\n\nSupport conferences or workshops on research practices, methodology, and design to include more members of communities disproportionately affected by heart disease in scientific studies.\n\nThe legislation also directs the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the grant activities and any data gathered related to heart disease in disproportionately impacted communities and authorizes funding for these programs through 2028.\n\nIn the 117th Congress, this legislation was passed by the full House of Representatives before being blocked in the Senate. The bill is also supported by President Biden.\n\nThe South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is also sponsored by Ami Bera (D-CA), Tony C\u00e1rdenas (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Grace Meng (D-NY), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Lauren Underwood (D-IL), and Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez (D-NY).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1683", "Rep. Ralph Norman Introduces the Business Over Activists Act", "2023-07-25", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On July 14th, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) introduced H.R. 4655, the Businesses Over Activists Act, to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to prohibit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from compelling the inclusion or discussion of shareholders proposals or proxy or consent solicitation materials. It aims to limit the SEC\u2019s authority in this area entirely and emphasizes the role of state regulations in governing shareholder proposals.\n\nThis proposed bill revises Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to rescind the SEC\u2019s power to politicize corporate boardrooms through the compelled inclusion of environmental, social, and governance proposals (ESG) and policy related shareholder proposals.\n\nBackground\n\nCurrently, the SEC affirms the authority to compel the inclusion of a shareholder proposal that relates to issues of broad societal impact which encompasses and primarily applies to environmental, social, and governance proposals (ESG), regardless of the issues relation to business operations of the company.\n\nSeveral industry groups, most notably the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), have significantly criticized the SEC\u2019s authority to politicize corporate governance through the forced inclusion of ESG proposals on shareholder ballots, arguing the \u201cthe corporate proxy ballot is not the appropriate venue for policy decisions better made by America\u2019s elected representatives, and manufacturers are regularly caught in the middle as activists on the left and the right bring fights from the political arena into the boardroom.\u201d\n\nThe SEC\u2019s forced inclusion conflicts with traditionally delegated powers held by state governments over the regulation of the shareholder proposal process.\n\nIn addition to the unconstitutionality of the SEC\u2019s actions in compelling corporate speech through the forced inclusion of shareholder proposals on proxy ballots, the SEC\u2019s rules pose tremendous economic burdens on firms. Over the past fiscal year, ESG shareholder proposals accounted for 61% of all proposals on proxy ballots, or nearly double the amount prior to the implementation of the SEC\u2019s rules, and the vast majority of proposals are cited to have no tangible positive impact on a company\u2019s financial performance.\n\nH.R. 4655 is critical to both preserving the first amendment rights of corporations and impeding economic damages stemming from the misuse of resources delegated to the management of these politicized proposals.\n\nStatements\n\n\"ESG is an evil pollutant that must be eradicated from corporations and businesses,\" said Rep. Norman in a statement on Friday. \"Ultimately, this bill would solve a freedom of speech issue. The SEC should not and does not have the authority to compel companies to vote on a proposal, especially if it\u2019s irrelevant.\u201d\n\nThe National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said, \"The SEC\u2019s compelled-speech regime under Rule 14a-8 is a clear violation of manufacturers\u2019 First Amendment rights. The NAM applauds Rep. Norman for introducing the Businesses Over Activists Act, which would prevent the SEC from forcing companies to speak on politically motivated activist proposals. Limiting the SEC\u2019s authority to dictate the content of corporate proxy statements will prevent activists from hijacking the proxy ballot and allow manufacturers to focus on long-term growth and job creation.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-over-300-thousand-in-federal-transit-administration-funding-for-rural-transit-project/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES OVER $300 THOUSAND IN FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FUNDING FOR RURAL TRANSIT PROJECT", "2023-07-20", "2023", "2023-07", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, S.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn is pleased to announce South Carolina will receive $342,000 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Areas of Persistent Poverty Program funding for the TriCounty Link. Currently, the TriCounty Link system maintains 9 regular fixed routes and 4 commuter routes for the rural residents of Berkley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. This funding will support the development of additional routes in Summerville and same day, on-demand transit service in currently serviced communities.\n\nThese routes will be developed in partnership with the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), who recently received nearly $26 million to build the Shipwatch Square Transit and Workforce Center \u2014 an electric transportation hub for the Charleston and North Charleston communities \u2014 from President Biden\u2019s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.\n\n\u201cThis funding is yet another example of how the Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to providing persistent poverty communities with the resources they need to thrive,\u201d said Congressman James E. Clyburn. \u201cI am happy to see the FTA is building on my 10-20-30 plan by distributing funding to the communities in South Carolina and throughout the nation that have been left underserved for too long.\u201d\n\nThe Areas of Persistent Poverty Program awards grants to eligible applicants for the planning, engineering, or development of financial plans to improve transit access in areas experiencing long-term economic distress. This round of Areas of Persistent Poverty Program funding was in part made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which also included more than $373 million to fund community projects in South Carolina and nearly $155 million for projects in the Sixth Congressional District. Congressman Clyburn was the only member of the South Carolina House delegation to support this legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-jackson-lee-whitehouse-and-tillis-lead-introduction-bipartisan-bill", "Wilson, Jackson Lee, Whitehouse, and Tillis Lead Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Fight Foreign Corruption", "2023-07-20", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, and Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), together with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Thom Tillis (R-NC), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Foreign Extortion Prevention Act to combat kleptocracy and corruption by criminalizing bribery demands by foreign officials. This legislation would protect businesses and national security interests by criminalizing the demand-side of foreign bribery.\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow authoritarians to extort American companies and profit from mafia tactics that subvert U.S. national security and competitive interests. This legislation holds corrupt foreign officials accountable for bribery demands and protects the interests of hardworking Americans,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cThe Foreign Extortion Prevention Act will finally enable U.S. law enforcement to indict foreign kleptocrats for extorting U.S. businesses,\u201d said Rep. Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime. \u201cIt is time that we expand our foreign bribery laws to capture the malfeasance of foreign kleptocrats\u2014in this age of globalization, we can wait no longer. This legislation will protect rule-abiding companies, and stand up for the victims of kleptocracy around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is in a clash of civilizations with international kleptocrats and criminals seizing any and every opportunity to extort American businesses and undermine our national security,\u201d said Senator Whitehouse, a member of the Helsinki Commission. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation defends the American rule of law and sends a clear message that demanding a bribe from American companies will not be tolerated.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican businesses too often face bribery demands from foreign officials, putting them at an economic disadvantage for following the law,\u201d said Senator Tillis. \u201cOur commonsense legislation will help promote free enterprise and protect American businesses from corrupt foreign officials who try to extort them.\u201d\n\nUnder U.S. law, only the giving or offering of a bribe abroad is considered a criminal activity. However, foreign corrupt officials routinely demand bribes from companies hoping to do business with them, then spend those ill-gotten gains in developed democracies. This system gives unscrupulous companies operating in a corrupt environment a competitive edge while disadvantaging companies beholden to the rule of law, including American companies. The Foreign Extortion Prevention Act remedies this by criminalizing the demand side of bribery, arming the United States to fight corruption.\n\n\u201cWhen foreign officials demand bribes, they steal precious resources from their citizens, endanger law-abiding Americans and American businesses, give impunity to environmental criminals, and fortify and finance corrupt, authoritarian regimes,\u201d said Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. \u201cIf corrupt officials also face no threat of prosecution by the U.S., while U.S. companies face serious criminal liability for their involvement in bribery schemes, we\u2019re left with incomplete justice. It\u2019s time for the United States to impose a cost on those who would threaten Americans\u2019 safety with bribe demands.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen bad actors are allowed to extort Americans it undermines our economy and our democracy,\u201d said Debra Perlin, Policy Director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics. \u201cWhile our laws prohibit American corporations from bribing corrupt foreign officials, our system does not prevent these same corrupt officials from demanding bribes. The bipartisan Foreign Extortion Prevention Act would close that loophole, and make it harder for unethical leaders to build an economy where corruption is the norm. CREW strongly supports this common-sense legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cA level playing field and clearly enforceable rules of the road are vital for American companies to grow, thrive, and compete abroad,\u201d said Foundation for Defense of Democracies Action. \u201cThe Foreign Extortion Prevention Act is commonsense legislation that will ensure the United States Government has the legal tools it needs to protect American workers and businesses operating overseas. This bipartisan bill will hold foreign corrupt officials accountable and align our legal instruments with the 21st century realities of doing business abroad.\u201d\n\nThe Foreign Extortion Prevention Act is also supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and a broad coalition of civil society organizations. In December 2021, the White House released the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption, which stated a goal of working Congress to \u201ccriminalize the demand side of bribery by foreign public officials.\u201d\n\nThe Senate legislation was also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Kennedy (R-LA), while the legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives was also cosponsored by Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), William Keating (D-MA), John Curtis (R-UT), Dean Phillips (D-MN), and Maria Salazar (R-FL).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=178", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Celebrates the Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2024", "2023-07-14", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) issued the following statement celebrating the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024:\n\n\u201cToday, House Republicans proudly passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. The FY24 NDAA supports our men and women in uniform by including the largest increase in servicemember basic pay in 20 years, puts a stop to woke priorities infiltrating our military, ends taxpayer-funded abortions in the DOD, strengthens programs to counter the Chinese Communist Party's aggression, increases oversight of the Biden administration, assists the 8,000 servicemembers discharged for refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and supports our allies overseas like Israel and Taiwan. The NDAA bolsters vital parts of our military and cuts back inefficient and pointless programs that have no business being funded by defense spending in the first place. Like with most everything else, the Biden administration has weakened our military and allowed woke initiatives to be prioritized over core functions. I am proud to have voted YES today to put our troops first, strengthen our country\u2019s national defense, and protect the conservative values of South Carolina\u2019s Grand Strand and Pee Dee.\u201d\n\nToday the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 passed the House of Representatives 219-210.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-house-passage-fy24-ndaa", "Wilson on House Passage of FY24 NDAA", "2023-07-14", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024:\n\n\"I was grateful to have joined my Republican and Democrat colleagues in passing this critical legislation that advances peace through strength, in a bipartisan manner for the 63rd consecutive fiscal year. This year's NDAA represents the ongoing commitment my colleagues and I have for our national security, servicemembers, veterans, and their families. As a Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Second District of South Carolina and will continue to work hard every day to keep Americans safe and help make our lives and communities stronger.\n\n\u201cOur military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution. Our military readiness depends on the rejection of divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas. Along with my Republican colleagues, we were able to successfully add language that targets the \u201cwokeness\u201d in our military. Additionally, this NDAA provides a path back to service for servicemembers discharged for those who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccination.\n\n\u201cCongress has a duty to ensure our Armed Forces are prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow, and this NDAA not only prioritizes increasing our capability, but it also ensures that our servicemembers are taken care of both professionally and personally. This year\u2019s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. It also supports funding for critical missions at Savannah River Site.\n\n\"Many of the initiatives I have championed this Congress are in this year's NDAA, including language to enhance readiness and modernization within our military, increase pay for servicemembers, modernize our nuclear triad for defense, supporting military families with special needs, funding research for our universities, and securing jobs throughout the district.\n\n\"Military families are the strong foundation of the nation's military, which is why I am focused on ensuring servicemembers and their families continue to receive the benefits they deserve. This NDAA provides a 5.2 percent pay increase.\n\n\"As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our military and am committed to continuing to work for our servicemembers and their families. I am thankful to have worked with my colleagues to pass this important, bipartisan legislation.\"\n\nHighlights of the FY24 NDAA\n\nSavannah River Site (SRS)\n\nIncludes funding authorizations for the missions of the Savannah River Site, including for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility and modernization of our nuclear triad.\n\nSupports funding for the Tritium Finishing Facility and adds a deadline of December 31st, 2035, for the facility to commence operations, which prevents any unnecessary delays.\n\nAuthorizes funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) to support schools, emergency services, and county operations in counties surrounding Savannah River Site.\n\nCaring for our Military Servicemembers and their Families\n\nSupports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years to combat inflation.\n\nExpands Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income servicemembers supporting a family.\n\nAuthorizes over $240 million to reduce servicemember out-of-pocket housing expenses and counteract the skyrocketing cost of rent due to inflation.\n\nIncludes Congressman Wilson\u2019s efforts to support military families with special needs by ensuring providers meet standards needed to serve our exceptional families as they transition through stations of duty.\n\nMilitary Readiness\n\nIncreases funding for military exercises ensuring the U.S. military is prepared to fight in any theater.\n\nSupports funding for Defense Research Projects at South Carolina Universities.\n\nIncreases investment in the Army Ammunition Plants to expand domestic munition production capacity.\n\nPrevents the Biden Administration from retiring certain weapons systems that are still useful.\n\nDepartment of Defense Support for Border Security\n\nDirects the Department of Defense (DoD) to inform Congress on how it will utilize, transfer, or donate to border states unused border wall materials for further construction of a border barrier.\n\nFully funds the National Guard\u2019s operation and maintenance account to support a border deployment.\n\nProvides an additional $15 million over the President\u2019s request to enable U.S. Northern Command to improve drug interdiction, including fentanyl shipments from China.\n\nProvides an additional $25 million over the President\u2019s request for the National Guard to work with local law enforcement agencies in efforts to disrupt and degrade illicit drug production and trafficking.\n\nPromoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel\n\nAdds $50 million above the President\u2019s budget request to research and develop advanced technology with Israel, which has benefitted the U.S., including at our border.\n\nRequires Central Command to engage in regular, joint, and interoperable, exercises with Israel to practice and simulate coalition strikes, refueling, and other missions.\n\nExpands DoD\u2019s annual reporting requirements on Iran's military power to add new threats facing Israel, including Iranian advancements in space.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-votes-pass-ndaa", "REP. NANCY MACE VOTES TO PASS NDAA", "2023-07-14", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "July 14, 2023\n\nScores major wins for South Carolina\n\nWashington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-01) voted yes on the bipartisan 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to fund our military and veterans after securing a number of major wins for South Carolina and the Lowcountry.\n\n\u201cWe worked very hard to ensure the House passed NDAA included a number of wins for South Carolina and the Lowcountry. Our state provides integral support to our men and women in uniform, both here and abroad. Many of our nation\u2019s best warfighters are trained and stationed here. This bill will provide our U.S. military the resources they need to be the best, brightest and most lethal fighting force on Earth.\u201d\n\nPriorities Benefitting the First District and South Carolina:\n\nEnsures our ability to use high-powered microwaves to stop vessels. Parsons, a company which has 419 employees in South Carolina, produces components for the technology.\n\nAuthorizes 13 new Virginia class submarines. All Naval nuclear operators are trained at the Navy Nuclear Power School in Charleston.\n\nDirects military installations to clean up Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This includes Parris Island and Joint Base Charleston.\n\nEnsures the DoD priorities research for the University of South Carolina Research Authority on defense communication technology across land, air, sea, space, and cyber (The Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) system)\n\nImproves security for MCAS Beaufort and Navy Nuclear Power School weapons systems.\n\n$5 million dollars for the construction of an AI-Enhanced Quantum Computing Innovation Center in Charleston.\n\n$1.8 million for the Poseidon, a U.S. Navy aircraft manufactured by Boeing.\n\n$300 million for the F-35. MCAS Beaufort currently houses F-35 hangars and training facility.\n\nFunding for a critical extended-range air defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy. South Carolina has several suppliers supporting the Standard Missile family.\n\nResources for a remotely piloted aircraft used by Special Operations Command. This aircraft, version MQ-9, is based in South Carolina and the engine is manufactured by Rolls Royce.\n\nOther policy initiatives spearheaded by Congresswoman Mace:\n\nKeeps the C-130 total aircraft inventory at 271.\n\nRequires a briefing on all foreign objects operated in U.S.airspace beginning in January 2021.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to implement a pilot program to investigate new drugs derived from cannabis for FDA approval and to collect and publish state data addressing the health effects of medical marijuana on active duty military and veterans.\n\nSecures funding for Department of Defense website modernization.\n\nA briefing for Congress on transportation vulnerabilities from communist China.\n\nEstablishes a pilot program for the military to use certified low-methane intensity natural gas.\n\nA report on the vulnerabilities of our supply chain.\n\nOTHER FY24 NDAA PROVISIONS:\n\nThe FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains huge wins for national security and military families. It also includes provisions to remove political agendas which have no place in our military. This year\u2019s NDAA capitalizes on innovation to increase real lethality of the Joint Force; strengthens U.S. capabilities and partnerships to counter the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s increased military aggression; adequately equips our warfighters to complete their missions; and ensures vigorous oversight of taxpayer dollars at the Pentagon.\n\nFully funds our national defense while cutting costs and improving efficiency:\n\nAuthorizes $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs, $23 billion over the FY23 enacted level\n\nSaves nearly $40 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and unnecessary bureaucracy in the Pentagon\n\nSupports servicemembers and their families:\n\nIncludes a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years\n\nExtends recruitment and retention bonuses\n\nAuthorizes over $240 million to reduce out-of-pocket housing costs\n\nExpands reimbursement eligibility for military spouses on business costs and relicensing when transferring locations\n\nReduces DoD childcare fees for military families\n\nAuthorizes $113 billion over the budget request for new military childcare centers, and authorizes over $280 million to build new schools for military children\n\nStrengthens oversight and fiscal accountability at the Pentagon:\n\nRequires the DoD Inspector General (IG) to conduct a full audit of the price and cost data for major acquisition programs\n\nEstablishes an Inspector General for Ukraine tasked with auditing all aid provided by the U.S.\n\nPenalizes DoD for cost overruns on major programs\n\nSaves taxpayer money on wasteful contract disputes by establishing a loser-pays pilot program\n\nIncreases oversight on wasteful DoD property leases\n\nRequires a fix for the unauthorized release of military records\n\nStrengthens strategic deterrence, lethal capabilities, and promotes innovation:\n\nAuthorizes key priorities left unfunded in the Administration\u2019s budget for INDOPACOM and missile defense\n\nDevelops advanced radar systems to track high-altitude balloons and missiles.\n\nFully funds the modernization of our nuclear triad and rejects the administration\u2019s request to cancel the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program\n\nRequires DoD to notify Congress of collaborative nuclear efforts between China and Russia and assess the cooperation between China and Iran on ICBM technology\n\nRequires the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to report directly to the Secretary of Defense, promoting more rapid scalability of private sector innovation into the Department.\n\nPromotes processes for small businesses to enter the market to work with the DoD.\n\nCounters aggression from the Chinese Communist Party:\n\nRequires the DoD to ensure military fuel providers are not owned by the CCP, and mitigate potential threats posed by the purchase by CCP-backed entities of land near military installations\n\nIncreases funding for innovative technologies like AI, autonomous systems, cyber, mobile micro nuclear reactors, and high energy lasers to meet and defeat China\u2019s pacing threat\n\nImproves training and development of the workforce to accelerate Foreign Military Sales deliveries to Taiwan and other key partners\n\nProhibits DoD from contracting with the Ecohealth Alliance, consulting firms with CCP-backed business, or any entity with CCP-backed transportation logistics software\n\nPrevents the retirement of capabilities with remaining service life, including 5 battle ships and additional F-22 and C-130 aircraft\n\nInvests in projection forces and shipyard infrastructure projects\n\nProvides a pathway back to the armed forces for service members who did not take the COVID vaccine:\n\nContinues to prohibit the DoD from mandating servicemembers take the COVID-19 vaccine\n\nRequires the DoD to establish a process to fully inform interested servicemembers of how to reinstate\n\nClassifies time away from service of discharged service members as \u201ccareer intermissions\u201d so future promotion considerations will not be negatively impacted\n\nRequires DoD to prioritize requests of discharged servicemembers to enable full retirement benefits\n\nProvides DoD support to secure the border:\n\nProvides additional resources for the National Guard\u2019s work with local law enforcement to disrupt illicit drug trafficking\n\nProvides funding for NORTHCOM to improve drug interdiction efforts\n\nDirects DoD to inform Congress on how it can utilize or transfer unused border wall materials to border states\n\nFully funds the National Guard\u2019s border deployment account.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/maces-mace-act-marked-committee-oversight-and-accountability", "Mace\u2019s MACE Act Marked Up by Committee on Oversight and Accountability", "2023-07-13", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability marked up the MACE Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at modernizing federal cybersecurity job requirements to foster a more diverse and competitive workforce. The bill was introduced by Rep. Mace (SC-01) and is co-led by Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47).\n\nThe MACE Act eliminates unnecessary degree barriers for federal cybersecurity jobs, opening doors to talented individuals with exceptional skills. By focusing on qualifications directly relevant to job performance, the bill ensures equal opportunities and combats biases in hiring.\n\nWith a shortage of over 700,000 cybersecurity professionals nationwide, the MACE Act addresses the pressing need for a stronger cybersecurity workforce. It draws inspiration from effective executive orders under the last administration and upheld by the current one.\n\nThe bill further mandates the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to publish annual progress reports on the reform of education-based qualifications and the formal education levels of new hires in cyber-related positions.\n\nWith numerous corporations and states already removing unnecessary degree barriers in their hiring processes, the MACE Act positions the federal government as a trailblazer in modern employment practices.\n\n\u201cToday, a brilliant computer whiz who drops out of Harvard after a year or two \u2013 as Bill Gates did \u2013 would stand little chance of securing a federal cybersecurity job. We often hear from the other side of the aisle that the federal government should be a \u201cmodel employer\u201d and the elimination of unnecessary degree barriers ensures the federal government is such an employer,\u201d Rep. Mace said.\n\n\u201cGovernment employees should be the best in the business, especially when it comes to our nation\u2019s cybersecurity,\u201d said Rep. Porter. \u201cProspective employees who prove their qualifications and competency shouldn\u2019t be disqualified from a federal job on the basis of one type of educational credential. I\u2019m proud to partner with Rep. Mace on this bipartisan bill to strengthen our federal workforce and protect our cyber infrastructure.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-matsui-introduce-legislation-increase-organ-donation", "Wilson, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Increase Organ Donation", "2023-07-06", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Organ Donation Clarification Act, a bipartisan bill to reduce barriers to organ donation and increase the supply of organs for transplantation.\n\nCurrently, over 114,000 Americans are on the national waitlist. In 2022, although over 42,000 patients received a transplant, over 68,000 additional patients were added to the national waitlist.\n\nWith over 95,000 patients in need of a kidney transplant, the average wait time is between three to five years. Those delays cause tens of thousands of Americans to go through lifesaving yet burdensome and disruptive dialysis treatments in the hope that they live long enough for a kidney to become available. However, thousands of Americans every year will become too sick to receive a transplant and die waiting for one. Not only can thousands of lives be saved, but getting everyone the lifesaving transplant they need can also save billions of dollars a year in dialysis costs.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to introduce this bipartisan bill with Congresswoman Matsui to address the severe organ donation shortage in our country,\u201d said Congressman Wilson. \u201cAn average of 17 people in the U.S. succumb to their illnesses every day because they don't survive the wait for a viable organ. In certain parts of the country, the waitlist can be over five years for a kidney. Current law lacks clarity and prevents potential organ donations. This legislation addresses those issues by removing the hurdles for potential donors and allowing new, innovative ways to increase organ donation. This would not only save taxpayer dollars but, most importantly, it would save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery day that our country suffers from an organ donation shortage means more preventable loss of life,\u201d said Congresswoman Matsui. \u201cBy removing disincentives and barriers for prospective donors, we can reach more patients and save lives. The Organ Donation Clarification Act is a bipartisan solution that will help us bridge the gap in organ donations and give hope to patients and families waiting for a lifesaving transplant.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Congresswoman Matsui\u2019s leadership on this bill, which improves the chances that a living donor can make the choice to save a life,\u201d said Dr. David Lubarsky, CEO of UC Davis Health. \u201cUC Davis Health is enormously proud of our Transplant Center, which is one of the largest in the country and has saved more than 5,000 lives in its 38 years of operation.\u201d\n\nOrgan transplantation is governed by the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) of 1984. This law prohibits buying or selling organs for \u201cvaluable consideration.\u201d Confusion about what constitutes valuable consideration has hampered donation by scaring people away from reimbursing living organ donors for things like medical expenses and lost wages. Both are legal under NOTA, but the law's lack of clarity and its criminal penalties have created uncertainty and prevented reimbursements in many cases.\n\nMoreover, current law does not allow for any entity to test the efficacy of providing benefits to encourage donation. The bill would allow for government run pilot programs to test the provision of non-cash benefits in order to increase organ donation, subject to ethical review, and mandates a report so the broader transplant community can understand best practices for encouraging additional organ donation. These benefits could include funeral benefits for deceased donors and health insurance, tuition assistance, or other proposals to increase the number of living donors. A 2019 American Economic Review survey indicates that between 65 and 80 percent of Americans would support such a program to encourage additional donation.\n\nFinally, when determining eligibility for reimbursements for donation expenses such as travel and medical costs, current law requires the government to take into account the income of the recipient, rather than solely focusing on the income of the donor. This often disqualifies potential donors by creating additional financial burden.\n\nThe Organ Donation Clarification Act would:\n\nClarify that certain reimbursements are not valuable consideration but are reimbursements for expenses a donor incurs;\n\nAllow government-run pilot programs to test the effect of providing non-cash benefits to promote organ donation;\n\nClarify that the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) can\u2019t consider the organ recipient\u2019s income when determining whether to reimburse a donor\u2019s expenses.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation is endorsed by the Americans for Tax Reform, American Transplant Foundation, Foundation for Kidney Transplant Research, National Kidney Donation Organization, Transplant First Academy, Chris Klug Foundation, Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation, American Liver Foundation, National Kidney Donation Organization, Kidney Transplant Collaborative and Wait List Zero.\n\nText of the legislation can be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-biden-visit-south-carolina", "Wilson Statement on Biden Visit to South Carolina", "2023-07-05", "2023", "2023-07", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement regarding President Biden\u2019s visit to South Carolina tomorrow:\n\n\u201cI was shocked to learn Wednesday that tomorrow President Biden is visiting a manufacturing facility associated with the Chervon Group, owned by the Chinese Communist Party, a mile from my house.\n\n\u201cThe fabricated funding of borrowed money from American taxpayers facilitates dependency on Chinese Communist Party batteries.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden should promote energy independence in America with American resources.\n\n\u201cThis is highly suspicious, given the Biden family accepted $5 million, as previously reported by IRS whistleblowers.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:18:03Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-announces-2023-congressional-art-competition-winner", "Wilson Announces 2023 Congressional Art Competition Winner", "2023-06-29", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) is pleased to announce Allie Wetmore of Chapin High School, as the Second District of South Carolina\u2019s 2023 Congressional Art Competition winner.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional Art Competition is a way to recognize the talent of young artists in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina and across the nation. I congratulate Allie for her wonderful submission. The piece, entitled \u2018America\u2019s Backyard,\u2019 is a talented and colorful use of gouache paint and gel pen to convey a patriotic message. A special thank you goes to her parents, Bill and Kristen, as well as her art teacher, Jane Rangel. I look forward to showing her artwork to all of our visitors in the U.S. Capitol over the coming year,\u201d said Congressman Wilson.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s Backyard\u201d by Allie Wetmore", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-cohen-introduce-resolution-address-threat-russian-tactical-nukes", "Wilson, Cohen Introduce Resolution to Address Threat of Russian Tactical Nukes", "2023-06-27", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and Steve Cohen (D-TN), Ranking Member of the Helsinki Commission, introduced a resolution to respond to the Russian Federation delivering tactical nuclear weapons to the Republic of Belarus. This is the first time Russia has deployed nuclear warheads beyond its borders since the fall of the Soviet Union, and represents a serious threat to global security in the midst of the war in Ukraine.\n\nWilson and Cohen noted their resolution holds that any use of a tactical nuclear weapon by Russia, Belarus or their proxies, or the destruction of a nuclear facility that disperses radioactive contaminants into NATO territory would be viewed as an attack on NATO itself, requiring an Article V response.\n\n\u201cThe threat of use of a nuclear device or the detonation of mines at the site of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant is imminent. The best deterrent is a clarification that any use of tactical nuclear weapons or act of destruction of a nuclear facility that disperses radioactive materials into NATO territory will be viewed as an attack on NATO itself, which requires massive retaliation,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cWe must do all we can to deter Putin and his army from using nuclear weapons or engaging in plans to sabotage the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant which they occupy in Ukraine. The purpose of this resolution is to set clear, defined boundaries for Putin. It conveys that Russian use of nuclear weapons will be understood as an attack on our NATO allies and the U.S. will respond accordingly,\u201d said Rep. Cohen.\n\nThe resolution:\n\nAgrees that the deployment of the Russian Federation\u2019s tactical nuclear weapons within the Republic of Belarus is a threat to Ukraine and NATO member states;\n\nViews the use of any tactical nuclear weapon by the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, or their proxies, or the destruction of a nuclear facility, dispersing radioactive contaminates into NATO territory causing significant harm to human life, as an attack on NATO requiring an immediate response, including the implementation of Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty; and\n\nUrges the current administration to consult with NATO leaders and other European partners to develop a comprehensive response to minimize the threat to civilians and coordinate a diplomatic and military response commensurate with the situation.\n\nCompanion legislation has also been introduced by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\n\nThe full bill text is available here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-25-9-million-in-federal-transit-administration-funding-for-carta/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES $25.9 MILLION IN FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION FUNDING FOR CARTA", "2023-06-26", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC\u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) is proud to announce nearly $26 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding for the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority. The funding is a direct result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will be utilized to build the CARTA Shipwatch Square Transit and Workforce Center. The Center will serve as an electric transportation hub for the Charleston and North Charleston communities. Congressman Clyburn was the only member of the South Carolina House delegation to support the legislation that made this funding possible.\n\n\u201cI am delighted to see how the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to elevate and connect communities,\u201d said Congressman James E. Clyburn. \u201cThis funding will make Charleston a model for zero-emission transit systems throughout the state and the nation.\u201d\n\nFunding through the FTA Low-No Emission Grant Program will allow CARTA to replace and rehabilitate electric bus charging infrastructure needed to make Shipwatch Square a \u201csuper stop charging station.\u201d The FTA Low- and No-Emission and the Buses and Bus Facilities grants have awarded nearly $1.7 billion in funding for 130 projects in 46 states and territories. This additional funding will result in approximately 1,700 low or zero emission buses.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-over-551-5-million-in-broadband-funding-for-south-carolina/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES OVER $551.5 MILLION IN BROADBAND FUNDING FOR SOUTH CAROLINA", "2023-06-26", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, S.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) is pleased to announce the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is allocating $551,535,983 in funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to help close the digital divide in South Carolina.\n\n\u201cI often say access to affordable high-speed broadband will have the same dramatic impact in the 21st century as access to electrification efforts had in the 20th century. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious fault lines in our country, which disparate access to the basic necessity that is high-speed internet has become,\u201d said Congressman James E. Clyburn. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that with this BEAD funding, South Carolina will now have the means to bring high-speed internet access to every household across the state. This life-changing funding will connect every community to opportunity and bring us significantly closer to making this country\u2019s greatness accessible and affordable to all.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis investment will help ensure that every household in South Carolina, including those in rural communities, has access to affordable, high-speed internet,\u201d said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. \u201cThanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the leadership of Representative Clyburn, we will close the digital divide and create new opportunities for South Carolinians to succeed in the 21st century economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressman Clyburn for their work to make this funding possible,\u201d said SC Broadband Office Director Jim Stritzinger. \u201cWe are working hard on behalf of the citizens of South Carolina to make sure everyone is connected to reliable affordable high-speed internet.\u201d\n\nIn 2021, the South Carolina Broadband Office estimated that it needed $650 million in funding to bring high-speed broadband to every underserved household in the state. South Carolina received $400 million from President Biden\u2019s American Rescue Plan, roughly $100 million from the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and has dedicated $50 million in state match funds. Thanks to today\u2019s $551.5 million allocation from BEAD, which is $451 million more than the $100 million the state had incorporated into its original plan, South Carolina will be able to build out faster, affordable, high-speed broadband for every household in the state. This funding ensures South Carolina will remain on track to achieve 100% affordable connectivity by 2026.\n\nThe BEAD program is the federal government\u2019s largest and most ambitious investment in high-speed, affordable broadband in history. The $42.45 billion dollar program will provide federal funding in the form of grants to eligible states, territories, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico for broadband planning, development, mapping, equity, and adoption projects and activities by the program\u2019s conclusion. The program was created through President Biden\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, or the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in 2021. Congressman Clyburn was the only member of the South Carolina House delegation to vote in favor of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mace-and-senators-graham-gillibrand-durbin-introduce-protecting-older", "REP. MACE AND SENATORS GRAHAM, GILLIBRAND, & DURBIN INTRODUCE PROTECTING OLDER AMERICANS ACT", "2023-06-23", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina), U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), and Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Older Americans Act. The legislation would invalidate forced arbitration clauses which prevent age discrimination victims from seeking justice and public accountability.\n\n\u201cJustice, fairness, and accountability should extend to every individual, regardless of their age,\u201dsaid Representative Mace.\u201cThe Protecting Older Americans Act is a crucial step towards ensuring older Americans are not denied their right to seek justice and hold perpetrators of age discrimination accountable. Invalidating forced arbitration clauses is essential in allowing victims to have their day in court and fostering transparency in addressing age-related injustices. We must stand together to protect the rights and dignity of our older citizens.\"\n\n\u201cWhile I support arbitration as a means for resolving disputes, the idea of people signing away their legal rights in employment contracts, and other situations where there is an imbalance of power, is unacceptable. Age discrimination is real, and I believe people should have access to court rooms in such situations,\u201dsaid Senator Graham.\n\n\u201cThree out of four older workers have seen or experienced age discrimination on the job, but too often cannot pursue justice because of forced arbitration, a secretive and unfair process that strips hard-working Americans of their constitutional right to a jury trial,\u201dsaid Senator Gillibrand.\u201cThe bipartisan Protecting Older Americans Act would ban forced arbitration in cases of age discrimination, enabling victims the chance to file their cases in court if they so choose, and giving them a voice in the process. Employers should no longer be able to use forced arbitration to hide illegal conduct. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill with my colleagues and I am optimistic we can pass this critical reform this Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Protecting Older Americans Act builds on our work last Congress and voids pre-dispute arbitration clauses for disputes involving age discrimination. According to a survey by AARP, 78 percent of older workers have either seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. And more than 10,000 U.S. workers file age discrimination claims with the EEOC every year. These older Americans should not be forced to litigate their claims in arbitration forums that are stacked in favor of their employers,\u201d said Senator Durbin. \u201cI am hopeful that this Congress can come together to pass the Protecting Older Americans Act. No American, especially an elderly victim of discrimination, should ever be denied their day in court.\u201d\n\n\u201cOlder workers who face age discrimination should have the option of having their case heard in court with the legal protections provided under the law,\u201d said AARP Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Bill Sweeney.\u201cMandatory and binding arbitration clauses in contracts force employees to give up those rights, adjudicate disputes outside the courts, with fewer protections, and in forums often determined by the employer. AARP is pleased to endorse the Protecting Older Americans Act of 2023, which prohibits forced arbitration for age discrimination claims in the workplace.\n\n\u201cForced arbitration allows corporations to get away with illegal discriminatory behavior like firing employees based on their age,\u201d said Linda Lipsen, American Association for Justice CEO.\u201cAs advocates for those employees facing age discrimination, we are proud to support this bill that would let the worker decide how to seek justice, instead of having that choice decided for them by corporation.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnding the use of forced arbitration in cases of age discrimination will create safer work environments and protect millions of people,\u201dsaid Gretchen Carlson, Co-Founder of Lift Our Voices.\u201cThe Protecting Older Americans Act builds off of the two laws we championed last year and is the next step for Lift Our Voices in its mission to create safer workplaces for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo one should ever be forced from a job because their employer thinks they have aged out,\u201dsaid Julie Roginsky, Co-Founder of Lift Our Voices.\u201cThis bill ensures that older workers are free from the secret chamber of forced arbitration that exists to cover up behavior that harms older survivors.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-committee-passage-fy24-ndaa", "Wilson on Committee Passage of FY24 NDAA", "2023-06-22", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee completed the markup of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024:\n\n\u201cI was grateful to have voted for the committee passage of the bipartisan FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which supports funding for critical missions in my district. Congress has a duty to ensure our Armed Forces are prepared to face the threats of today and tomorrow, and this NDAA not only prioritizes increasing our capability, but it also ensures that our service members are taken care of both professionally and personally.\n\n\u201cAs a veteran and father with four sons who have served in this nation\u2019s military, I am deeply committed to ensuring the Department of Defense (DoD) has every available resource to deter our adversaries, support our allies, strengthen our communities, and, if necessary, fight and win against hostile aggressors.\u201d\n\nHIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FY24 NDAA\n\nIncreased Pay for Service Members\n\n\u201cOur service members\u2019 pay should reflect the realities of inflation and the sacrifices they make to serve our Nation. The 5.2% increase in this year\u2019s NDAA will solidify support for our service members and their families, ensuring they are able to meet their basic needs. I will always remain an advocate for the quality of life of our service members and their families.\u201d\n\nModernizing our Nuclear Triad for Deterrence\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA establishes December 31st, 2035, as the deadline for the new Tritium Finishing Facility to be built, replacing a 1950\u2019s era installation within the existing Savannah River Tritium Enterprise. The Savannah River Site, in Aiken County, is the only location in the country that produces tritium for our nuclear weapons. The establishment of this deadline ensures this vital facility is funded and prevents any unnecessary delays.\n\n\u201cI was also grateful to have voted against an amendment that would have removed the mandated deadlines for the development of plutonium pits to support our Nation\u2019s nuclear deterrent. Moving them would send the message that our deterrent capabilities are a lesser priority. I appreciate that the Republican-led committee reaffirmed this important capability and is focused on meeting current statutory timelines.\u201d\n\nProtective Equipment Modernization\n\n\u201cI am committed to ensuring our Nation\u2019s service members are equipped with the best equipment to carry out their duties without hindrance. Our service members deserve the same level of attention to their equipment as a professional athlete.\n\n\u201cMy amendment in the FY24 NDAA directs the DoD to provide Congress with an assessment of the efforts to modernize protective equipment as directed by my language in the FY21 NDAA.\u201d\n\nSupporting Military Families with Special Needs\n\n\u201cFor military families who have special needs or disabilities, navigating resources can be a disruptive and overwhelming process when they make a permanent change of station. My amendment included in this year\u2019s NDAA, requires the DoD to conduct a study to assess the need for additional training for providers that work with Exceptional Family Member Program dependents to ensure their standards meet the needs and ease the adjustment for special needs families.\u201d\n\nSecure PiLT Funding for Savannah River Site Communities\n\n\u201cAs the only Member of Congress to have worked at the Savannah River Site, I know how critical the communities surrounding the Site are to supporting its mission. This bill includes full funding for Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PiLT) for the counties of Aiken, Barnwell, and Allendale.\n\n\u201cThe Savannah River Site covers over 310 square miles and spans three counties. PiLT funding goes to these counties to support schools, emergency services, and county operations that would have otherwise received taxes through development on that property.\u201d\n\nPreventing Divisive and Radical Agendas Within the Military\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA supports strategic deterrence initiatives, modernization of our critical weapons systems, and most importantly, the needs of service members and their families. Our military has already succeeded in bringing together people of all backgrounds to serve in the United States Armed Forces and uphold the Constitution. Our military readiness depends on the rejection of divisive and unnecessary programs to promote certain agendas.\u201d\n\nPromoting Defense Research Projects at South Carolina Universities\n\n\u201cI was grateful to champion continued authorizations for defense research projects and programs at South Carolina colleges and universities in the FY24 NDAA. This will provide for ongoing quality, high-paying jobs and lead to additional opportunities to strengthen a homegrown workforce. The ingenuity of our students in technology and engineering fields is an asset to our Nation. Their contributions and abilities in cybersecurity and remote capabilities contributes greatly to our national defense. South Carolina is home to multiple DoD installations, and these programs play such a positive role in promoting community and cooperation between universities and our military.\u201d\n\nPromoting Defense Research and Development Cooperation between the United States and Israel\n\n\u201cThe United States and Israel are leaders in the development of defensive capabilities and technologies to address shared threats. I was grateful that my bill, the US-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, which provides for additional developmental cooperation between the United States and Israel, was included in the Chairman\u2019s Mark of the FY24 NDAA. This is a mutually beneficial initiative that fast tracks cutting edge development and financially benefits both countries.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-phillips-whitehouse-risch-lead-introduction-bill-improve-sanctions", "Wilson, Phillips, Whitehouse, Risch Lead Introduction of Bill to Improve Sanctions Enforcement", "2023-06-21", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and James Risch (R-ID) introduced the Sanctions Evasion Whistleblower Rewards Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would protect national security by offering rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of sanctions evaders.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to have authored this text to incentivize informants with credible information regarding evasion of U.S. or UN sanctions to come forward. This bill was inspired by Bassam Barabandi, a former Syrian diplomat, who defected and provided critical information to the United States on the Assad regime\u2019s illegal activities and human rights abuses. Those seeking to circumvent sanctions and threaten U.S. national security need to know that the United States will pursue violators and impose penalties for doing business with terrorists and dictators,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cNo one is above the law,\u201d said Rep. Phillips. \u201cWe must do everything in our power to hold individuals who evade U.S. or UN sanctions accountable and incentivize prospective whistleblowers to do the right thing. The bipartisan Sanctions Evasion and Whistleblower Rewards Act will facilitate both, and I'm proud to help lead it.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur bipartisan bill will incentivize the sharing of information to help apprehend dangerous Russian oligarchs,\u201d said Whitehouse. \u201cProviding rewards to informants can pay dividends in protecting our national security.\u201d\n\n\"As we continue to ratchet up sanctions and pressure on malign actors, those actors are finding new ways to evade sanctions around the world,\u201d said Risch. \u201cThis legislation will leverage the success of the State Department\u2019s existing Rewards for Justice Program by expanding the program to include rewards for credible information on U.S. and UN sanctions evasion.\u201d\n\nThe Sanctions Evasion Whistleblower Rewards Act would amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956, expanding the Rewards for Justice program to authorize the Department of State to offer rewards for information about the identity or location of individuals and entities that defy sanctions imposed by the United States or the United Nations.\n\nThe Rewards for Justice program does not currently authorize providing rewards for those giving information regarding the identity or location of individuals who violate sanctions. This legislation would expand the program and incentivize informants to come forward with actionable information regarding evasion, improving sanctions enforcement.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Representatives Pat Fallon (R-TX) and Steve Cohen (D-TN).\n\nThe full bill text is available here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-reins-act", "HOUSE PASSES REINS ACT", "2023-06-16", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bill to \u201cRein In\u201d Wasteful Taxpayer Spending\n\nWashington, D.C.- This week, the House passed the REINS Act, to cut Washington's red tape and rein in overbearing federal regulations which have cost American taxpayers trillions over the years. As one of the original co-sponsors of the bill, Rep. Mace has issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe REINS Act is a vital piece of legislation restore accountability and balance to the regulatory process by requiring congressional approval for major regulations and promoting transparency,\u201d said Rep. Mace. \u201cBy ensuring thorough cost-benefit analysis, it strikes the right balance between effective governance and individual freedom, fostering economic growth and innovation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-caucus-foster-youth-participate-foster-youth-shadow-day", "CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS ON FOSTER YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN FOSTER YOUTH SHADOW DAY", "2023-06-14", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - TODAY, Co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth released the following statement ahead of this year\u2019s Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day:\n\n\u201cCongressional Foster Youth Shadow Day is a great chance to highlight the love and compassion kids in the foster system deserve. We look forward to hosting a remarkable former foster care child for the day on Capitol Hill. This initiative embodies the power of empathy and understanding as we work to uplift and support foster youth. By opening the doors of Congress to them, we are giving them a firsthand experience of our democratic process and empowering their voices. Together, we can create a brighter future for all foster youth by ensuring their perspectives are heard and their needs are met,\" said Co-Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-SC).\n\n\u201cFoster Youth Shadow Day is a wonderful, enriching opportunity for both members of Congress and foster youth delegates, who receive an inside look at the U.S. House of Representatives while advocates serving in Congress gain valuable firsthand insight into the child welfare system. Having participated in past year\u2019s Shadow Days, I know these experiences and conversations have helped shape me as a person and inform me as a lawmaker. The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth was created to help spearhead policies to support and lift up foster youth across the country. As the Caucus Chairwoman, I am especially thrilled to lead this unique tradition, and I am grateful for the full support of my fellow co-chairs in securing this year\u2019s opportunity for all Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth\u2019s members to learn from our youth,\u201d said Chairwoman Gwen Moore (D-WI).\n\n\u201cFoster Youth Shadow day is an opportunity for us to hear firsthand from foster youth,\u201d said Co-Chairman Don Bacon (R-NE). \u201cIt is a joy to host this day with the Foster Caucus co-Chair Rep. Moore and bring these kids to Congress so that they know they are heard. Our family adopted our two foster kids, so it is my hope that these children know that they have advocates in Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, it's so important to me that input from current and former foster youth is incorporated in our work to ensure that our policies and programs are responsive to their unique needs and challenges.\" said Co-Chairwoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA).\"That\u2019s why I\u2019m excited to join my fellow Co-Chairs in facilitating Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill to connect former foster youth from across the country directly with Members of Congress so their voices are heard.\"\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s foster youth depend on us to act in their best interest. It is important that Congress work to pass legislation to reform our foster care system and provide our children with the critical resources and support they deserve,\u201d said Co-Chairwoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA).\u201cAs a Co-Chair of the Foster Youth Caucus, I am glad to take part in the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. I look forward to spending time with our foster youth, hearing their stories, and discussing the issues that are important to them. I will always be an advocate for our kids and will continue working with my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation that supports our youth and ensures safe and loving homes for them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the father of two children who my wife and I recently adopted through the foster care system, I know how critical opportunities like this are for kids who are in foster care,\u201d said Co-Chairman Zach Nunn (R-IA).\u201cThe Foster Youth Shadow Day will also raise awareness and help more members of Congress understand the importance of the foster care system and the improvements that need to be made. I recently introduced legislation to help more families be able to afford the adoption process. Together, we can help improve the lives of more than 400,000 children in foster care.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-co-leads-bipartisan-resolution-urging-immediate-transfer-army-tactical", "Wilson Co-Leads Bipartisan Resolution Urging Immediate Transfer of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine", "2023-06-13", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) joined Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ) Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe in announcing the introduction of a bipartisan House Resolution aimed at urging the Biden administration to swiftly provide Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. This resolution is co-sponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA), Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Jared Golden (D-ME).\n\n\u201cUkrainians have given everything to save their country and families from Putin\u2019s genocidal invasion. Delays in sending critical weapons cost countless lives. Our allies have provided longer range munitions, trusting that Ukraine will use these weapons responsibly. The sooner Ukraine receives ATACMS, the sooner they can secure victory,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\"I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution, which calls upon the Biden administration to prioritize the provision of Army Tactical Missile Systems to Ukraine,\" said Chairman Kean. \"ATACMS can help Ukraine in its critical counteroffensive, and I hope this bipartisan message can unlock this long overdue policy decision.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy not giving Ukraine the weapons it needs to win this war, the administration is prolonging the conflict and costing countless Ukrainian lives,\u201d said Chairman McCaul. \u201cThe success of Ukraine\u2019s counteroffensive is directly tied to the military assistance provided by the U.S. and our allies. As such, it is extremely disappointing the administration is sitting on billions in remaining military funding with which it could immediately transfer ATACMS to Ukraine and, in turn, help their Armed Forces make a major difference on the battlefield.\u201d\n\n\u201cUkraine is at a pivotal point in their fight against Russian aggression. For this reason, I believe the U.S. should provide Ukraine with sufficient numbers of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), while still maintaining U.S. military readiness,\u201d said Ranking Member Keating. \u201cTo ensure their success, the U.S. has worked with Ukraine to fulfill the vast majority of Ukraine\u2019s weapons systems requests. While I do not believe we should be providing systems that cause indiscriminate harm to civilians, such as cluster munitions, ATACMS will allow Ukraine to strike high-value Russian military targets that are current inaccessible in Russian-occupied Ukraine.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must provide the Ukrainians with what they need to win. This is war. The side that makes the decision to win is the side that will win,\u201d said Rep. Lieu. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to cosponsor this resolution urging the Biden Administration to provide Ukraine with the long-range missile systems they have repeatedly requested. Currently, Russia\u2019s arsenal of long-range missiles largely outnumbers that of Ukraine, putting Ukraine at a significant disadvantage. I applaud the United Kingdom and France for providing Ukraine with long-range missiles and believe the United States should follow suit. Providing Ukraine with these missiles will expand Ukraine\u2019s capabilities and help Ukraine win.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe should give the Ukrainians the things they need to win this war,\u201d said Rep. Golden.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-leads-south-carolina-house-colleagues-introducing-let-freedom-sing-act", "Wilson Leads South Carolina House Colleagues in Introducing \u2018Let Freedom Sing Act\u2019", "2023-06-13", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (SC-02), William Timmons (SC-04), Russell Fry (SC-07), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Jeff Duncan (SC-03) introduced legislation to prohibit any regulations on the singing of the National Anthem in the U.S. Capitol, when the action does not interfere with the operation of the government.\n\n\u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner symbolizes the hopes and dreams of our nation, earned through a history of blood, sweat, and tears so that Americans may be free. Democracy is not easy, but expressing love of our country by singing our national anthem should be easy, particularly in the nation\u2019s Capitol building. I am grateful to join my fellow South Carolina Congressional colleagues in introducing this legislation to allow this beautiful song to be sung, unhindered,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cOur National Anthem embodies the tradition, history, and beliefs of our great country. It should be celebrated, not shutdown. Unfortunately, the Rushingbrook Children\u2019s Choir\u2019s beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner at the U.S. Capitol was recently cut short. I am proud to join my South Carolina colleagues to introduce legislation to protect our National Anthem in the People\u2019s House,\u201d said Rep. Timmons.\n\n\u201cIt is absurd that legislation needs to be introduced in this country to protect the singing of our National Anthem in the United States Capitol. But unfortunately, that\u2019s where we are. Today I join my Republican colleagues in the South Carolina delegation as co-lead of the Let Freedom Sing Act to make sure what happened with the Rushingbrook Children's Choir never happens again,\u201d said Rep. Fry.\n\n\u201cIn typical Washington fashion, it literally takes an act of Congress to allow children to sing the National Anthem in the People\u2019s House. At least these kids will have no allusion that DC is a functioning place,\u201d said Rep. Mace.\n\n\u201cThe Star-Spangled Banner is our national anthem for a reason\u2014it is a song about courage, liberty, and freedom. It reminds us of how incredible this country is, and how blessed we are to have so many who have fought for our freedoms. I am happy to support legislation that would allow the singing of our National Anthem in the U.S. Capitol, which is another symbol of the democracy that our country stands for,\u201d said Rep. Norman.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a sad day for our country when a children\u2019s choir is interrupted in the United States Capitol for singing our National Anthem. It is important that we preserve national unity and freedom of speech, and I am proud to cosponsor the Let Freedom Sing Act to ensure the National Anthem is allowed to be freely sung in the U.S. Capitol. I hope to see the Rushingbrook Children\u2019s Choir of Greenville visit Washington, D.C. again soon to finish their patriotic performance,\u201d said Rep. Duncan.\n\nClick here for the full text of the bill.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:15:57Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-8-million-in-national-park-service-civil-rights-grants-for-south-carolina/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES $8 MILLION IN NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CIVIL RIGHTS GRANTS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA", "2023-06-09", "2023", "2023-06", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, S.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn is pleased to announce $8 million in funding from the National Park Service (NPS) is being awarded to five South Carolina projects as part of the Historic Preservation Fund\u2019s African American Civil Rights grant program. This program funds preservation projects and efforts of sites tied to the struggle of African Americans to gain equal rights.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see the National Park Service\u2019s continued dedication to preserving the history of African Americans in South Carolina and throughout the country,\u201d said Congressman James E Clyburn. \u201cIt is imperative that we continue to protect and celebrate the places, people, and stories of one of the greatest struggles in American history.\u201d\n\nCongress appropriates funding for the African American Civil Rights Grant Program through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The HPF uses revenue from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf to assist with a broad range of preservation projects and mitigate the loss of non-renewable resources by funding the preservation of other irreplaceable resources without expending tax dollars.\n\nThe African American Civil Rights Grant Program was established during the Obama Administration and has been funded every year since, providing grants to preserve the sites and stories of the Civil Rights Movement. National Park Service is expected to offer additional grant opportunities through this program this summer.\n\nView the full list of projects below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-announces-winner-congressional-art-competition", "REP. NANCY MACE ANNOUNCES WINNER OF CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION", "2023-06-09", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Artwork to be hung in the U.S. Capitol Building on behalf of SC-01\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition for South Carolina\u2019s 1st District.\n\nAlondra Colula of Hilton Head Island High School had her piece titled \u201cMax and Toby\u201d chosen as the winner of the prestigious competition.\n\nCongratulations as well to Shreya Patel of Pinewood Preparatory School and Luis Angel Navarro of Philip Simmons High School on their 2nd and 3rd place submissions!\n\n\u201cThe Lowcountry is home to some of the nation's most talented artists, and I love getting to see the work of our next generation of local artists,\u201d said Rep. Mace.\"Every year our office receives so many incredible submissions from students across the district, making choosing a winner all the more difficult. Congratulations to all the participants in this year's competition, and especially to our winner Alondra. I look forward to seeing her piece hang in the Capitol!\"\n\n2nd Place - Shreya Patel\n\n3rd Place - Luis Angel Navarro", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-frankel-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-us-israel-international", "Wilson, Frankel Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand US-Israel International Development Partnership", "2023-06-08", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Lois Frankel (D-FL) introduced legislation to extend and increase international development cooperation between the United States and Israel. This legislation reauthorizes and expands a successful program that has enabled the U.S., through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Israel, primarily through the Israeli Agency for International Development and Cooperation (MASHAV), to engage in sustainability projects in developing countries. The proposed law will also study new opportunities for additional countries to participate in the cooperative program.\n\nTo date, the partnership has completed projects such as bringing smart-agriculture and greenhouse technology to Albania and expanding technical knowledge of drip irrigation in the coffee production industry in Guatemala.\n\n\u201cThe United States and Israel have unique capabilities to confront shared threats and opportunities. As our two countries celebrate 75 years of an unbreakable relationship, this bill promotes strengthened cross-sector collaboration that will truly unleash the full potential of our two countries. Countries around the world will benefit from the result of development cooperation,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cIsrael and the United States have a special relationship,\u201d said Rep. Frankel. \u201cThis legislation will allow our joint efforts to continue to boost green energy production, water technology, education, and food security in developing countries, while fostering good will.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecent development cooperation between the United States and Israel has led to collaboration on agricultural, water, and energy projects in Central America and Europe. These projects have enabled the sharing of American and Israeli know-how and technology and are helping to improve lives. Over the last almost three years, the Abraham Accords have opened new pathways to cooperation between Israel and Arab states, pointing the region toward a new era of peace,\u201d said Jason Isaacson, Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer at American Jewish Committee (AJC). \u201cWe applaud Representatives Frankel and Wilson for their legislation to reauthorize this important development partnership, and their effort to include regional Arab partners. Such multilateral cooperation further strengthens the Abraham Accords and demonstrates the United States Government\u2019s commitment to advancing shared goals through international development.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica and Israel are partners that work together to benefit each other and the world,\u201d said the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). \u201cThis important bipartisan bill will expand this mutually beneficial cooperation by leveraging Israel's proven innovation in areas like water, energy, agriculture, and sustainability.\n\nUSAID has a long history of partnering with MASHAV to leverage their capacity-building and training expertise in the areas of education, women\u2019s empowerment, food security, humanitarian aid, and technology innovation. In 2019, USAID and MASHAV signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on global development cooperation\u2014this bill fulfills that MOU and enables the US and Israel to continue this important work while creating new partnerships abroad.\n\nThe bill has been endorsed by AJC, AIPAC, Hadassah, Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and Jewish Federations of North America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-statement-trump-indictment", "Wilson Statement on Trump Indictment", "2023-06-08", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson commented on the Department of Justice indictment of former President Donald Trump.\n\n\u201cThe insulting indictment of President Donald Trump is an attack on American democracy, undermining Rule of Law. All citizens of all parties are at risk of abuse by Big Government subverting freedom.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-mace-pettersen-fitzpatrick-and-moskowitz-introduce-bipartisan-bill", "REPS. MACE, PETTERSEN, FITZPATRICK, AND MOSKOWITZ INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF SCHOOL SAFETY DRILLS", "2023-06-06", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Legislation comes during Gun Violence Awareness Month and in response to record levels of gun violence in schools\n\nWASHINGTON\u2014 Today, U.S. Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) introduced a bipartisan bill alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) to address the mental health implications of school lockdown and active shooter safety drills, which are practiced by 95% of schools across the United States. The bipartisan School Safety Drill Research Act would provide K-12 schools with evidence-backed, standardized recommendations for conducting effective drills while protecting the mental well-being of students, parents, teachers, and school personnel.\n\n\"We cannot continue to bury our heads in the sand when it comes to gun violence and the affect it has on our children. By conducting a comprehensive study on the potential mental health impacts of lockdown or active shooter drills in schools, we can ensure that our safety measures do not inadvertently harm the emotional well-being of our children,\u201d said Mace. \u201cThis act will provide valuable insights that can guide the development of effective and compassionate protocols, ensuring both physical safety and mental resilience for our students. We remain committed to working towards creating safer learning environments for all of our children regardless of where they live and go to school.\"\n\n\u201cI was in the 11th grade at a neighboring high school during the Columbine massacre. Our community knows all too well the pain and trauma school shootings and their aftermath cause to the students, parents, and teachers involved\u2014as well as the entire community,\u201d said Pettersen. \u201cWhile it is crucial to prioritize the safety and preparedness of our schools, we must also consider the mental health implications of these drills. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure active shooter and lockdown drills are effective, safe, and prioritize the well-being of our kids.\u201d\n\n\u201cPreparing our students, parents, and educators for a crisis or emergency is essential to school community safety. While we encourage our schools to conduct lockdown and active shooter drills, we must also consider the impacts of these effective exercises on our communities\u2019 mental wellbeing,\u201d said Fitzpatrick. \u201cI am proud to partner with Representative Pettersen (D-CO), Representative Mace (R-SC), and Representative Moskowitz (D-FL) in introducing this bipartisan legislation and requiring the Department of Education to research and report on the mental health effects of critical safety drills.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn February 14, 2018, my son was at school just down the street when the mass shooting took place at my high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and 17 innocent people were murdered. He was hiding in a closet on lockdown,\u201d said Moskowitz. \u201cMy community has lived with the trauma ever since, and we now live in a world where our children are forced to conduct active shooter drills regularly, which undoubtedly impacts their mental health and way of life. This legislation will help us better understand the consequences of these unfortunate but necessary drills on our children and help us put forward a holistic approach to keep our kids safe in school.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\nSchool safety drills have become a universal part of American children\u2019s school experience, with 40 states setting a required quota for how many lockdown drills schools must complete in a year. This practice underscores the need for increased school safety and preparedness, especially related to gun violence incidents, which have affected more than 352,000 students since Columbine. However, limited guidance or standardized best practices on these drills and their impact on the mental health of our school communities are not widely available.\n\nThe School Safety Drill Research Act would address these gaps by studying and identifying the best practices to maximize the effectiveness of school safety drills, as well as funding the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to examine the possible mental health effects of active shooter drills, lockdown drills, and other firearm violence prevention activities in schools on school staff and students, including younger children and children with disabilities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-phillips-mccaul-meeks-baird-allred-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand", "Wilson, Phillips, McCaul, Meeks, Baird, Allred Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Abraham Accords", "2023-06-02", "2023", "2023-06", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, Subcommittee Ranking Member Dean Phillips (D-MN), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), joined House Foreign Affairs Committee colleagues James Baird (R-IN), and Colin Allred (D-TX) in releasing the following statement regarding the introduction of the U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023. This bill reauthorizes key cooperative programs between the United States and Israel and fosters the utilization of existing programs to help expand the ground-breaking Abraham Accords.\n\n\u201cAs champions of the U.S.-Israel relationship, we are grateful to introduce the U.S.-Israel Partnership and Abraham Accords Enhancement Act of 2023. The U.S. and Israel are strongest when we work together to achieve shared goals and respond to shared challenges. As we celebrate 75 years of Israel\u2019s existence, we hope this bill charts a course for what the next 75 years of our friendship will bring.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, this bill affirms it is the policy of the U.S. to:\n\nSupport the democratic, Jewish state of Israel\u2019s right to self-defense.\n\nSeek a successor to the current U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding reflecting the unshakeable commitment of the U.S. to Israel\u2019s security.\n\nEncourage the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords, in accordance with the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2022.\n\nSupport Israel\u2019s full participation as an equally treated member of the community of nations.\n\nContinue to expand the U.S.-Israel relationship to deepen existing economic and people-to-people ties, including through cooperative programs.\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:08:25Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-issues-statement-on-the-murder-of-cyrus-carmack-belton/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF CYRUS CARMACK-BELTON", "2023-05-30", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC \u2014 Today, Congressman James E. Clyburn released the following statement on the murder of Cyrus Carmack-Belton.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m horrified and deeply saddened by the senseless murder of 14-year-old Cyrus Carmack-Belton in Columbia this weekend. His family and loved ones should be celebrating his recent eighth grade graduation from Summit Parkway Middle School. Instead, they are mourning this unimaginable loss. My prayers are with them and the entire community during this devastating time.\n\n\u201cThis tragedy should have never happened. The criminalization of Black men and boys and the historic trend of painting them as aggressors have time and again led to deadly and heartbreaking circumstances. Cyrus Carmack-Belton has since been declared innocent, but his supposed crime of shoplifting a bottle of water should not have cost him his life. I pray justice is swift.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-congratulates-president-turkiye-election-win", "Wilson Congratulates President of T\u00fcrkiye on Election Win", "2023-05-30", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson congratulates President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of T\u00fcrkiye on his win in the recent presidential election.\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Caucus on U.S.-T\u00fcrkiye Relations & Turkish Americans, I commend the people of T\u00fcrkiye on their strong commitment to democracy and congratulate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his reelection. T\u00fcrkiye is a valued partner and NATO ally, and the United States looks forward to continuing its important work with President Erdogan, including defeating war criminal Putin in Ukraine.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mace-introduces-maryam-rajavi-first-assembly-iranian-women-congressional", "REP. MACE INTRODUCES MARYAM RAJAVI AT FIRST ASSEMBLY OF IRANIAN WOMEN CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS", "2023-05-19", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, the Iranian Women Caucus and the Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus held their first assembly in support of Iran\u2019s uprising led by women and the human rights of the Iranian people. Rep. Mace, the co-chair of the Iranian Women Congressional Caucus, introduced witness Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Rep. Mace has issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cWe are offering our unwavering commitment to advocating for the freedom and rights of women in Iran and worldwide,\u201dsaid Rep. Mace.\u201cWe will not stand for the grave human rights violations inflicted upon the women of Iran by a regime who continues to stifle their voices, suppress their aspirations, and deny their basic rights.\u201d\n\nMrs. Maryam Rajavi emphasized\u201cWe call on all governments to recognize the struggle of the Iranian people to overthrow the regime. We call on them to confirm the legitimacy of self-defense for Iran\u2019s youth against the IRGC.\u201d\n\nTo watch, look here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-12-7-million-for-jasper-county-project/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES $12.7 MILLION FOR JASPER COUNTY PROJECT", "2023-05-18", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC \u2014 Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is awarding $12.7 million in Community Facilities Direct Loans to Jasper County projects. Part of the funding will be utilized to construct the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry, a new YMCA facility in Hardeeville, South Carolina.\n\nThis funding builds upon the $1.5 million Community Project Funding (CPF) Congressman Clyburn secured for the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry through the Fiscal Year 2023 House Appropriations Package.\n\n\u201cCommunity Projects are essential to supporting the communities I serve, especially rural communities that have faced historic neglect. When combined with the funding my office secured last Congress, USDA Rural Development\u2019s investment will connect Jasper County with resources to help bring the community together and provide families with access to critical services. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued support of this project,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re excited to bring the YMCA to a growing community that has a great need for the critical programs we offer,\u201d said project facilitators. \u201cThis project is more than building a new facility; it\u2019s about creating spaces that foster connection and support, providing necessary health, well-being, youth development and family services that will allow the people of Jasper County to thrive for decades to come.\u201d\n\nThe proposed facility is anticipated to be 34,292 square feet of building space in addition to land for outdoor sports and program elements, parking, and future growth space. The building will include a wide range of program spaces available for the community to use such as an aquatics complex, wellness center, child development rooms, group exercise studio, sports fields, and a child watch adventure zone.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1648", "Rep. Norman Urges Restoration of Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Provisions", "2023-05-18", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Citing examples from companies with operations in the 5th congressional district of South Carolina like Element Electronics, Nation Ford Chemical, and Domtar, Rep. Norman urges quick renewal of the MTB to \u201cprovide critical support for businesses \u2026 by ensuring they are not unnecessarily disadvantaged compared to foreign competitors when sourcing vital manufacturing components.\"\n\nMTB provisions temporarily eliminated tariffs on imported materials that were either not made in the U.S. or not made in sufficient quantities. The purpose was to provide support for American businesses by boosting their competitiveness and ensuring these American businesses were not unnecessarily disadvantaged in the domestic and global marketplace. However, the MTB and its suspension of tariffs expired at the end of 2020, which has created financial difficulties for many manufacturing businesses throughout the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=112", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Celebrates the Passage of his Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act", "2023-05-17", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) celebrates the passage of his legislation, H.R. 3091 \u2014 the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, by the House of Representatives today.\n\nThis legislation allows current and retired federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase a retired service weapon from a federal agency.\n\n\u201cAs a new Member of Congress, I'm truly honored that my legislation \u2014 H.R. 3091, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act passed the House of Representatives today,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cThis bill enacts a commonsense change and is a win for our federal law enforcement officers and American taxpayers.\u201d\n\nThis bill is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Treasury Employees Union, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, America First Policy Institute, America First Works, Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) Action, and Heritage Action for America.\n\n\u201cAllowing certified Federal law enforcement officers who are authorized and eligible to purchase their former service weapon, which would be otherwise destroyed, would benefit the American taxpayer,\u201d said Patrick Yoes, National President of the National Fraternal Order of Police. \u201cOn behalf of the more than 367,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I am proud to offer our support for this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill has so many benefits it is common sense. Allowing active federal officers and agents to buyback their service weapons provides a force multiplier in society, eliminates material waste, and saves taxpayer funds. Many agencies have already adopted a buyback program and many officers in other agencies have long called for it. We applaud the House for hearing the voice of law enforcement and responding accordingly. We are especially grateful for Representative Fry for leading this effort during National Police Week,\u201d said FLEOA President Larry Cosme\n\n\u201cWith the passage of the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act in the House today, Congress is one step closer to establishing a commonsense program that allows federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons,\u201d said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. \u201cThese weapons would otherwise be unnecessarily destroyed at a great cost to the federal taxpayer. NAPO thanks Congressman Fry for his leadership on this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Customs and Border Protection Officers we represent strongly support the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act,\u201d said Tony Reardon, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union. \u201cNTEU would like to thank Rep. Russell Fry and other cosponsors for their support of this commonsense legislation that allows federal law enforcement officers, including those who work at the U.S. air, sea and land ports of entry, to purchase their retired service handguns for personal use, under certain conditions, and save the government the cost of destroying them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe FBIAA is pleased that the House of Representatives plans to move forward with the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act,\u201d said FBI Agents Association President Brian O\u2019Hare. \u201cFederal law enforcement officers should be allowed to purchase retired handguns and the bill is recognition of the responsibility, professionalism and commitment to public safety that is required of FBI Special Agents and other federal law enforcement officers. Congress should enact this legislation as soon as possible, and makes perfect sense to begin that process during Police Week 2023 \u2014 a time set aside to honor and support all law enforcement officers.\u201d\n\nThe Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act passed the House of Representatives 232-198.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-led-assad-regime-anti-normalization-act-passes-house-foreign-affairs", "Wilson-Led \u2018Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act\u2019 Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee", "2023-05-17", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, welcomed the full committee voice vote passage of the Assad Anti-Normalization Act of 2023. The legislationholds the regime of Bashar al-Assad accountable for its crimes against the Syrian people and illustrates the severe cost of governments considering normalization with the Assad regime.\n\nThis bill passed with an amendment offered by Rep. Wilson which improves and strengthens the bipartisan commitment to punish offenders, while providing additional protection for humanitarian organizations serving the Syrian people.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Chairman Mike McCaul (R-TX), Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and members of the committee for their bipartisan support of this important legislation. Backed by war criminal Putin and the terrorist Mullahs in Tehran, over half a million people in Syria have been slaughtered by this criminal regime, and over half the Syrian population has been displaced. The Assad regime is illegitimate and poses a threat to peace and prosperity in the region, yet importantly, support for a free and democratic Syria remains strong,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cThe United States must use all of our leverage to prevent normalization with the war criminal Bashar al Assad. I am proud to join my colleagues in mandating further sanctions against any form of investment in territory under the control of the Assad regime, as we remain committed to ensuring the Syrian people receive justice and have a say in mapping their own future,\u201d said Rep. McCaul.\n\nThe Committee is grateful for the input and support of this legislation by the American Center for Levant Studies (ACLS), Americans for a Free Syria, Citizens for a Safe and Secure America, Syrian Institute for Progress, Foundation for Defense of Democracy (FDD) Action, Multifaith Alliance, Pro Justice, Syria Faith Initiative, Syrian American Council, Syrian Christian USA, Syrian Forum USA, Syrian Humanitarian Institute for National Empowerment (SHINE), and the Syrian Emergency Task Force.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-announces-3-million-to-preserve-and-restore-historically-black-colleges-and-universities-in-south-carolina/", "CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA", "2023-05-16", "2023", "2023-05", "Democrat", "House", "SC", "James E. Clyburn", "C000537", "clyburn.house.gov", "clyburn", "https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/", "scraper", "COLUMBIA, SC \u2014 U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) today announced $3 million from the National Park Service (NPS) to help preserve and restore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina. The funding will support four projects that will focus on repairing historic structures on the campuses.\n\nNPS awarded $9.7 million total for 14 projects in 10 states today as part of the Historic Preservation Fund\u2019s Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program. South Carolina received 30% of the allocated funding and was the only state to receive funding for multiple projects.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see another round of essential funding coming to South Carolina\u2019s HBCUs,\u201d said Congressman Clyburn. \u201cI applaud the National Park Service for supporting these preservation and rehabilitation projects. This continued support will help future generations remember the legacy of HBCUs.\u201d\n\nCongress appropriated funding for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant Program in FY2022 through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). Congressman Clyburn has long been a champion of this program, having successfully passed legislation to authorize it in 2003 and 2019.\n\nView full list of South Carolina recipients below:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-crow-kim-sherrill-introduce-resolution-honor-50th-anniversary-vietnam", "Wilson, Crow, Kim, Sherrill Introduce Resolution to Honor 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War POW Homecoming", "2023-05-15", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jason Crow (D-CO), Young Kim (R-CA), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) introduced a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the homecoming of United States prisoners of war (POWs) from Vietnam and recognizing their service and sacrifices.\n\nThe resolution also expresses Congressional approval for an awards ceremony of the 50thanniversary to be held at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, California.\n\nMore than 2.7 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces served in the Vietnam War, and approximately 766 were taken as POWs. In 1973, 591 of those prisoners were released by the North Vietnamese, while over 110 died in captivity. The remainder are considered missing in action.\n\n\u201cAs a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, and a veteran of both the U.S. Army Reserves and South Carolina Army National Guard, I am grateful to join my bipartisan colleagues in introducing this resolution recognizing those brave Vietnam War veterans on the 50th Anniversary of their return to the U.S. after becoming prisoners of war. This nation will always remember the sacrifices these heroes made and never forget those that have yet to return,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cMore than two million US troops served in the Vietnam War, and over 760 of those servicemembers were taken captive as prisoners of war. Fifty years ago, many of those POWs came home,\u201d said Rep. Crow. \u201cAs an Iraq and Afghanistan combat veteran, I join my colleagues in celebrating their return as well as remembering those who never came home, including the more than 58,000 Americans killed and over 1200 still missing in action.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur Vietnam-era veterans answered the call to serve in our nation\u2019s uniform and defend our freedoms we hold dear, but unfortunately did not often receive the recognition they deserved. As a wife and sister to U.S. Army veterans, supporting our veterans is personal to me,\u201d said Rep. Kim. \u201cI am proud to join Rep. Wilson to show our gratitude to our Vietnam-era veterans and POWs 50 years after the last U.S. troops left Vietnam. As the representative of Yorba Linda, I am thrilled we can host the ceremony recognizing them at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. I will always fight to protect the benefits our veterans and their families have earned as we honor them and their service.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe brave servicemembers of the Vietnam War did not, and often still do not, receive the recognition and respect for their service and sacrifice that they deserve. With this resolution, we are coming together to honor the resilience, courage, and sacrifice of our fellow Americans that were taken as prisoners of war. Fifty years later, we remember their bravery and repatriation while honoring those who never came home,\u201d said Rep. Sherrill. \u201cAs a veteran, I will always fight for the proper support, treatment, and recognition of our servicemembers and veterans.\u201d\n\nA companion bill in the Senate is being led by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-kildee-introduce-bill-combat-rising-food-prices-american-families", "Wilson, Kildee Introduce Bill to Combat Rising Food Prices for American Families", "2023-05-15", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) introduced the bipartisan Farm Operations Support Act, legislation that would revert the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) to the December 2022 rate for the remainder of 2023. The AEWR in South Carolina rose 14% from $11.99/hour to $13.67/hour in February 2023.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s increase of the AEWR has exacerbated the current agricultural labor crisis, as farmers in South Carolina and across the country are facing extraordinary costs and challenges. Providing AEWR relief would be critically beneficial to the U.S. agricultural industry, and I am grateful to be working on this important issue,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cMichigan farmers have faced many challenges in recent years, including rising input costs and supply chain issues. This bill will provide relief to farmers as Congress works on a long-term sustainable solution,\u201d said Rep. Kildee. \u201cI will continue to work with Republicans and Democrats to support our agricultural community and farmers in Michigan.\u201d\n\n\u201cI applaud Representative Wilson for responding to the needs of South Carolina farmers and sponsoring the Farm Operations Support Act. This bill will allow farmers to continue to grow food, fuel and fiber without the costly impact of a wage increase,\u201d said Harry Ott, President, South Carolina Farm Bureau.\n\nDespite the undue burden placed on farmers, the AEWR has steadily increased for the last nine years. Many farmers have said this year\u2019s increase is unsustainable on top of rising input costs and other inflationary challenges.\n\nCompanion legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA).\n\nRead the full bill here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/mace-correa-bergman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-protect-veterans", "MACE, CORREA, BERGMAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT VETERANS", "2023-05-15", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Representative Nancy Mace (SC-01) along with Representatives Lou Correa (CA-46) and Jack Bergman (MI-01) recently introduced H.R. 1822, the PLUS for Veterans Act of 2023, bipartisan legislation that will safeguard Veterans from fraud, abuse, and bad actors who seek to take advantage of them when they seek VA disability benefits. The bill will also protect Veterans\u2019 right to seek private assistance when seeking benefits if they so choose.\n\nUnder the guise of legitimate organizations, malicious individuals have defrauded Veterans who turn to private entities for help with their VA benefit processes. To remedy this potential for systematic abuse, some proposals have sought to ban the entire industry of legitimate businesses that have helped thousands of Veterans. Instead of a heavy-handed ban, the PLUS for Veterans Act will preserve a Veteran\u2019s ability to seek private sector help when preparing their VA applications by incorporating these businesses into the VA accreditation system \u2013 protecting Veterans and punishing bad actors that seek to mislead them.\n\n\u201cAs the proud daughter of an Army General, we understand how vital it is for our vets to receive the best care available. This legislation is a testament to our commitment to honoring the sacrifices and service of our brave men and women in uniform. The PLUS Act ensures veterans can access the benefits and services they deserve without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, streamlining the process and providing them with the support they need. It also ensures bad actors who take advantage of veterans are severely punished. We are committed to working towards a system which properly takes care of those who have served our country,\u201dRep. Mace said.\n\n\u201cEvery servicemember deserves our respect, gratitude, and most of all, the benefits and care we promised,\u201dsaid Rep. Correa.\u201cI am proud to join my colleagues today in introducing the PLUS for Veterans Act, to ensure that Veterans receive the care they deserve with the help of the private sector and the VA. This bill would incorporate private businesses into the VA accreditation system while imposing penalties on bad actors that seek to take advantage of Veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cCurrently, there\u2019s far too much leeway for predatory businesses to take advantage of Veterans who are unfamiliar with the complicated VA disability process. It\u2019s imperative that we close the loopholes that bad actors exploit and protect our Veterans from abuse. At the same time, we must ensure that every Veteran has the right to seek whatever private help they deem necessary when navigating their VA assistance. Whether they seek assistance in applying through their local VSO, a private business, or any other means, every Veteran should get the VA benefits they deserve without fear of being ripped off. I\u2019m proud of this bipartisan step in the right direction, which will begin the necessary process of preventing fraud, unreasonable fees, and undue roadblocks for our Veterans,\u201dRep. Bergman stated.\n\n\u201cAs a veteran-owned-and-operated company, we pride ourselves on empowering veterans with choices, options, and the freedoms to succeed in life post-service. This bipartisan legislation builds upon the good intentions of previous efforts by preserving a veteran's right to choose how they navigate the government by securing for them a wide variety of options, while at the same time protecting them from predatory practices by legislating around fees and medical provider relationships. We applaud General Bergman, Congresswoman Mace, and Congressman Correa for their efforts, and look forward to working with Members of Congress, the VA, and the VSOs on continuing to serve our veterans after they have served our country,\u201d said Lt. Col. Scott Greenblatt (Ret. U.S. Army), CEO & Co-Founder, Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting.\n\n\u201cOur mission is to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. Our therapeutic events are not where our mission ends, but rather where it begins. We seek to change the veteran outlook by empowering them, driving healthy culture in their community, connecting them with a network of resources and support, and helping them find physical and mental well-being,\" said Nate McDonald, VP/COO, Irreverent Warriors. \"Those that would take advantage of veterans actively combat these goals and our mission. The PLUS for Veterans Act allows veterans the choice and freedom to make their own decisions regarding their disability claims, while at the same time protecting them from those who wish to prey on their veteran status. Our veterans have protected our nation and it's time that our nation protected them.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the only Veterans Service Organization solely dedicated to advocating for men and women in the Special Operations community, we understand the challenges Veterans face when seeking aid with their earned benefits,\" said David Cook, Executive Director Special Operations Association of America. \"The PLUS for Veterans Act empowers these men and women to choose how they navigate and receive their hard-earned benefits in a manner that works best for them and their families. We stand with the PLUS for Veterans Act.\"\n\n\u201cWe launched the VA Disability Initiative to call attention to Congressional efforts that would limit a veteran\u2019s ability to choose how they secure the disability benefits many of them rely upon. This bill takes the opposite approach by expanding a veteran\u2019s options while ensuring any bad actors are heavily policed and punished. These men and women have sacrificed much for our country, and we owe them the highest levels of care and support upon returning to civilian life,\u201d said George Landrith, Frontiers of Freedom.\n\n\u201cVeteran Benefits Guide strongly supports the PLUS for Veterans Act and commends Representatives Bergman, Correa, and Mace for their leadership on this important issue. The PLUS for Veterans Act would take appropriate steps to crack down on bad actors trying to take advantage of Veterans while preserving the right of Veterans to seek assistance from honorable companies in preparing their claims. Veterans deserve to have the choice of using experienced private sector guides to help them receive the full benefits they earned from their service in a timely manner,\" said Josh Smith, Founder & CEO, Veterans Benefits Guide.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/mace-kilmer-introduce-bipartisan-havens-act-address-veteran-homlessness", "MACE, KILMER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN HAVENS ACT TO ADDRESS VETERAN HOMLESSNESS", "2023-05-15", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Bipartisan Legislation Would Enact Pilot Program to Establish Individualized Transitional Homes for Veterans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Nancy Mace (SC-01) introduced the Housing America\u2019s Veterans and Ensuring They Have Needed Services (HAVENS) Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at providing housing solutions for veterans experiencing homelessness.\n\nAccording to the 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress, on a single night in 2022, more than 33,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in the U.S., approximately seven percent of all adults experiencing homelessness. Of every 10,000 veterans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Among veterans experiencing homelessness, 28 percent had chronic patterns of homelessness.\n\n\u201cOur nation owes a debt of gratitude to those who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. That means that every veteran should have a home, and it shouldn\u2019t be under a freeway overpass,\u201d said Rep. Kilmer.\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to help provide more accessible, affordable, and safe housing options for veterans experiencing homelessness.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe HAVENS Act is an important step towards fulfilling our promise to care for our nation's veterans,\u201d said Rep. Mace. \u201cWith over 37,000 veterans experiencing homelessness, it's clear we have more work to do. This pilot program will provide grants for the creation of 5 villages of tiny homes that are energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. In addition to housing, the villages will offer crucial social services such as counseling on employment resources, mental health support, and financial management. Providing individual housing units not only improves safety for veterans, but also addresses the factors related to homelessness such as social isolation and substance abuse.\u201d\n\nThe HAVENS Act would establish a new pilot program within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program to establish individualized transitional homes, offering more affordable housing options for veterans. These individualized homes, also known as \u201ctiny homes,\u201d offer enhanced safety and privacy and are essential for specific veteran populations, including women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Also, individualized home villages will provide wrap-around supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness and their families.\n\nThe legislation proposes to:\n\nEstablish a 6-year pilot program within the GPD to award five grants totaling $10 million annually for constructing tiny home villages\n\nUse existing GPD funds to initiate the pilot program\n\nAddress gaps in the GPD program's case management by expanding veterans' access to vital resources, helping them regain stability quickly\n\nIncrease access to supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness and their families, including job training, counseling services, financial management, and educational opportunities\n\nGive preference to grant recipients using energy-efficient building materials, like cross-laminated timber\n\nRequire VA to improve tracking of outcomes for veterans experiencing homelessness", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/mace-mccollum-introduce-legisaltion-strengthen-link-between-nonprofit-sector", "MACE, McCOLLUM INTRODUCE LEGISALTION TO STRENGTHEN LINK BETWEEN NONPROFIT SECTOR AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT", "2023-05-15", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Nancy Mace", "M000194", "mace.house.gov", "mace", "https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) have introduced the Nonprofit SEAT Act (H.R. 3245) to strengthen the nonprofit sector and its relationship with the federal government. The legislation will improve access to data about the nonprofit sector, and leverage the mission, knowledge, and impact of thousands of nonprofits to work together more effectively in pursuit of shared goals.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan Nonprofit SEAT Act recognizes the valuable role nonprofits play in shaping public policy at the federal level,\u201d Congresswoman Mace said. \u201cBy giving the nonprofit sector a seat at the table, we can ensure their unique perspectives and expertise are considered in federal decision-making, while also ensuring they have access to the resources they need. There are a number of federal resources available to nonprofits, and it is encouraging to know they will now have help facilitating access so they can continue their great work making a difference in their local communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cNonprofits provide $24 billion in wages to Minnesota workers, employing 14 percent of those in the private sector\u2014which is why it is so important that the nonprofit sector has a seat at the table when it comes to federal policymaking,\u201d Congresswoman McCollum said. \u201cThe nonprofit sector\u2019s unique ability to harness and direct the generosity, service, and volunteerism of the American people benefits all of us, and just as small businesses have the SBA to facilitate access to federal resources, so too should the nonprofit sector enjoy this level of support. I\u2019m pleased to join Rep. Mace in reintroducing my legislation to help nonprofits and the communities they serve.\u201d\n\nThe bill text can be found here. Find the full list of more than 450 supporting organizations here.\n\nNonprofit leaders from Minnesota, South Carolina, and across the country lend their support for the SEAT Act:\n\n\u201cThe nonprofit sector operates in uniquely complex and highly regulatory environments that only people who have experience working in nonprofits really understand. We need that knowledge at decision-making tables, to ensure policies are effective, efficient, and ultimately benefit communities that nonprofits serve. We\u2019re grateful to Minnesota\u2019s own Rep. McCollum for continuing to be a champion for the nonprofit sector, and Rep. Mace and other elected leaders in demonstrating bipartisan support for nonprofits that work tirelessly to support communities especially during times of crisis.\u201d -Nonoko Sato, Executive Director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits\n\n\u201cThe Nonprofit SEAT Act offers the opportunity for collaboration and mutual benefit between the Federal government and the nonprofit sector, ultimately benefiting communities across the country. The introduction of this bill reflects more than a decade of work by Rep. Betty McCollum, who has a long history of championing issues of importance for nonprofits and foundations.\u201d -Susie Brown, President, Minnesota Council on Foundations\n\n\u201cWhen sweeping laws are passed to address large-scale issues, without input from the nonprofit community, a critical opportunity to connect with those closest to the exact issues they may be trying to address is missed. Nonprofit leaders bring a historic and contextual understanding of the many nuances that exist when striving to address a problem within society. I am excited that our very own Representative Mace is increasing access for nonprofits to have a voice in the decision-making process.\u201d -Donna Waites, President, Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC\n\n\u201cWe are thankful to Rep. Mace and McCollum for introducing the Nonprofit SEAT Act, which will greatly help nonprofit organizations across South Carolina and throughout the country work more cooperatively and efficiently to serve their communities. This SEAT at the table will ensure that the voices that nonprofits represent can be heard at the highest levels.\u201d -Madeleine McGee, President & CEO, Together SC\n\n\u201cI want to express my gratitude to Rep. Mace and Rep. McCollum for introducing The Nonprofit SEAT Act. Recovery efforts from recent natural disasters are an immediate and painful reminder that better coordination between the federal government and nonprofits can have a critical impact on the lives of real Americans. The Nonprofit SEAT Act would strengthen the 1.8 million nonprofits that already help virtually all Americans and represent 5.6% of the GDP, and it would improve the way government and charities work on the ground in communities across the country to support people in need.\u201d -Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO, Independent Sector\n\n\u201cGovernments at all levels depend heavily on charitable nonprofits to provide essential services to constituents, yet the pandemic only exacerbated longstanding problems caused by antiquated grantmaking and contracting systems. The Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together Act of 2023 recognizes that charitable organizations need to have a voice at the federal level to solve those problems that range from the lack of awareness about the size, scale, and scope of charitable nonprofits in American life, to incomplete and inconsistent guidance and lack of enforcement of government-nonprofit grantmaking protections, to inadequate reporting of data regarding nonprofits that policymakers and nonprofits themselves need to make informed decisions. The National Council of Nonprofits endorses this legislation because it promotes a stronger partnership between charitable nonprofits and the federal government to advance the public good.\u201d -Tim Delaney, President and CEO, National Council of Nonprofits\n\n\u201cUnited Philanthropy Forum is proud to endorse the Nonprofit Stakeholders Engaging and Advancing Together (Nonprofit SEAT) Act introduced by Representatives Mace and McCollum. The Forum supports strengthening the nonprofit sector\u2019s ability to help government and the broader social sector work together more effectively in pursuit of shared goals that uplift communities across the country. The Nonprofit SEAT Act would give the sector a crucial voice in the federal government, allowing nonprofits a seat at the table while respecting their independence, helping make the sector and communities we serve stronger. The Forum looks forward to ensuring philanthropy does its part to help get this vital legislation passed.\u201d -Dave Biemesderfer, President and CEO, United Philanthropy Forum\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-mccaul-meeks-and-phillips-introduce-bill-sanction-irans-missile-and", "Wilson, McCaul, Meeks, and Phillips Introduce Bill to Sanction Iran\u2019s Missile and Drone Program", "2023-05-12", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Joe Wilson (R-SC) Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, along with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), and Ranking Member Dean Phillips (D-MN), introduced a bipartisan bill to impose sanctions on a wide range of activities supporting Iran\u2019s missile and drone program ahead of the October 2023 expiration of the UN missile ban on Iran.\n\n\u201cEven with the UN restrictions in place, Iran\u2019s missiles and drones are targeting U.S. troops, allies, and partners across the Middle East and increasingly fueling Vladimir Putin\u2019s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,\u201d said the members. \u201cWithout urgent action, Iran\u2019s missiles and drones could wreak even greater havoc around the globe come October. We are proud to introduce the Fight CRIME Act to constrain Iran\u2019s arsenal, deter malign actors from supporting Iran and its proxies, and keep these dangerous weapons from proliferating onto new battlefields, regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in place.\u201d\n\nBill Summary:\n\nThe Fight CRIME Act imposes mandatory property blocking and visa sanctions on anyone involved in the supply, sale, or transfer of, or support for, Iran\u2019s missiles and drones including by:\n\nacquiring or transferring Iranian missiles and drones;\n\nproviding Iran or its proxies with items that may contribute to the development of missiles or drones;\n\nparticipating in joint missile or drone development with Iran or its proxies; and\n\nimporting or exporting any restricted missile or drone-related materiel to or from Iran.\n\nThese sanctions also extend to the adult family members of designated persons, as well as actors providing significant support to, or engaging in transactions with designated persons.\n\nThe Fight CRIME act also requires the administration to submit a report on Iranian missiles and drones to Congress, specifically outlining:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-mccaul-gonzalez-hill-boyle-introduce-bipartisan-bill-hold-assad-regime", "Wilson, McCaul, Gonzalez, Hill, Boyle Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Hold Assad Regime Accountable", "2023-05-11", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Steve Cohen (D-TN), Ranking Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, the Co-Chairs of the Free, Democratic and Stable Syria Caucus, French Hill (R-AR), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), and Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (R-FL) introduced the Assad Anti-Normalization Act to hold the Assad regime accountable for its crimes against the Syrian people and to illustrate the severe cost of governments considering normalization with the Assad regime.\n\n\u201cIt has been over 12 years since the Syrian revolution against the brutal Assad regime began. Supported by war criminal Putin and the terrorist Mullahs in Tehran, over half a million people have been slaughtered by this criminal regime, and over half the Syrian population has been displaced. Countries choosing to normalize with the unrepentant mass murderer and drug trafficker, Bashar al-Assad, are headed down the wrong path. The Assad regime is illegitimate and poses a threat to peace and prosperity in the region. Support for a free and democratic Syria remains strong and I am grateful to introduce this bipartisan legislation to hold the Assad regime accountable for its crimes,\u201d said Rep. Wilson.\n\n\u201cAssad, and his Russian and Iranian backers, continue to commit horrific acts against the Syrian people and undermine regional security. They must be held accountable for these crimes, not welcomed back unconditionally by the international community. The United States must use all of our leverage to stop normalization with Assad. I am proud to join my colleagues in mandating further sanctions against any form of investment in territory under the control of the Assad regime, as we remain committed to ensuring the Syrian people receive justice,\u201d said Rep. McCaul.\n\n\u201cPresident Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime has led to the mass murder and displacement of its citizens,\u201d stated Rep. Gonzalez. \u201cNormalization of relations with Syria will only legitimize his regime\u2019s heinous acts. I am proud to join Congressman Wilson to introduce the Assad Anti-Normalization Act, which condemns the normalization of relations with Bashar al-Assad and imposes sanctions on those who support him.\u201d\n\n\u201cSyria\u2019s readmittance to the Arab League signals to Assad that his barbaric behavior is acceptable \u2013these steps towards normalization are reckless. The Arab League\u2019s recognition should not deter the U.S. government from its obligation to sanction Assad in our efforts to dismantle the trafficking and production of Captagon and hold him accountable for his egregious war crimes,\u201d said Rep. Hill.\n\n\"The United States and our allies have stood together in opposing Bashar al-Assad's barbaric regime for more than a decade now,\" said Rep. Boyle. \"If countries in the region are ready to look past the numerous documented criminal acts that were committed in Syria, then the United States must set the example and use its diplomatic strength to counter these misguided steps. Assad and his backers in Russia and Iran have not shown any reason that would justify normalizing relations with a government that is responsible for over 600,000 men, women, and children being murdered. This legislation is a great next step of making the position of Congress clear.\u201d\n\n\u201cBashar al-Assad is a war criminal whose ongoing atrocities should be condemned, not normalized. I am disappointed in the Arab League\u2019s decision to recognize his barbarous regime. The Syrian people have suffered enough and deserve new leadership,\u201d said Rep. Cohen.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation would:\n\nRequire an annual strategy for five years to counter normalization with the Assad regime by countries which have taken steps to normalize with the Assad regime.\n\nProhibit any federal government department or agency from recognizing or normalizing with any government in Syria led by Bashar al-Assad.\n\nRequire an immediate review for Caesar Act sanctions for any grants of $50,000 or more to Syria.\n\nRequire a report into the United Nations assistance that has gone to Syria which has gone to the benefit of the Assad regime.\n\nExpand the Caesar Act by plugging loopholes in the original bill which made it hard to enforce. It would also expand Caesar Act sanctions to those involved in diverting and stealing humanitarian assistance meant for the people of Syria and those involved in stealing the property of the Syrian people for political reasons or personal gain.\n\nSanction the members of Syria\u2019s People\u2019s Assembly and their immediate family members, as well as those who provide them with support, along with senior officials of the Arab Socialist Ba\u2019ath Party in Syria.\n\nClarify the applicability of current sanctions to Syrian regime airlines, and to energy transactions \u2013 sending a clear sign to countries normalizing with Assad which are considering allowing Syrian regime airlines to land in their airports.\n\nDetermine whether or not Asma al-Assad\u2019s charity the Syria Trust for Development meets the criteria for sanctions under the Caesar Act.\n\nAllow the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to request review of any names for Caesar Act sanctions which the President would be required to consider within 30 days.\n\n\u201cThis bill will pressure the Assad regime to account for its mass murder and other war crimes including chemical weapons, and will advance the fight against ISIS, support return of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), and block a geostrategic triumph by Assad, Putin and the IRGC,\u201d said former Ambassador and Special Representative to Syria, James Jeffrey.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill makes crystal clear that Congress is as committed as ever to enforcing the Caesar Act, holding Assad accountable for his war crimes and other atrocities, and actively opposing the attempt to normalize the Assad regime,\u201d said former Special Envoy to Syria, Joel Rayburn.\n\n\u201cHow the U.S. responds to Assad\u2019s continuing war crimes and atrocities matters. It will impact regional stability, US credibility, and our national security interests in the Middle East and in many other regions. The stakes are high. This critical, bipartisan bill not only reinforces existing legislatively-mandated Syria sanctions but makes it U.S. policy to neither recognize nor normalize relations with the Assad regime. Congress is rightly saying: normalizing war criminals and those individuals and entities who help them will not happen on our watch,\u201d said FDD Action.\n\nThe Representatives are grateful for the input and support of this legislation by the American Center for Levant Studies (ACLS), Americans for a Free Syria, Citizens for a Safe and Secure America, Foundation for Defense of Democracy (FDD) Action, Multifaith Alliance, Pro Justice, Syria Faith Initiative, Syrian American Council, Syrian Christian USA, Syrian Forum USA, Syrian Humanitarian Institute for National Empowerment (SHINE), and the Syrian Emergency Task Force.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=93", "Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) Introduces the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act", "2023-05-08", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Russell Fry", "F000478", "fry.house.gov", "fry", "https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Ahead of National Police Week, Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. This legislation would allow current federal law enforcement officers in good standing to purchase a retired service weapon at market value from a federal agency.\n\nCurrent federal regulations require all federal agencies, such as the U.S. Secret Service or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to destroy their weapons after they\u2019re retired from official use.\n\n\u201cThis legislation would give active federal law enforcement officers the option to personally purchase their weapon after it has been retired by the agency. Taxpayers are paying for these weapons twice \u2014 when they go into circulation and when they are retired,\u201d said Congressman Russell Fry. \u201cNot only does this have the potential to save millions of dollars in waste, but it would offset the cost of purchasing new weapons and fund other agency expenses.\u201d\n\nThis bill is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, and the National Treasury Employees Union.\n\nCongressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-joins-rsc-taskforce-members-in-introducing-slate-of-bills", "Wilson Joins RSC Taskforce Members in Introducing Slate of Bills Combatting the Iranian Regime", "2023-05-04", "2023", "2023-05", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) introduced a slate of six bills targeting Iran and preventing the Biden administration from reviving a nuclear deal with Iran.\n\nThe bills were rolled out Friday and through the course of this week and are led by: RSC National Security Task Force Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Representatives Pat Fallon (R-TX), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Cory Mills (R-FL), and John James (R-MI).\n\nRSC National Security Task Force Chairman Joe Wilson said, \"As Chairman of the RSC National Security Task Force, I'm grateful to lead this effort to push back on the Biden administration's failed policy toward the Iranian regime which jeopardizes U.S. national security. The Iranian regime continues enriching uranium, oppressing the Iranian people, and exporting missiles and terrorism. Now that the Republicans are in the House majority, we will pass legislation to continue to pressure this brutal regime. The RSC will play a vital role in this effort.\"\n\nRSC Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) said, \"The RSC has not forgotten about the Biden administration's continuing attempts to re-enter the Iran deal or enter into an even worse agreement \u2013 but the Biden Administration hopes no one is paying attention. Biden's presidency has thus far been defined by foreign policy disasters. RSC members will not allow him to put more lives at risk. Biden's weak posture on Iran is empowering bad actors around the world; we must put a stop to it before it's too late. The RSC's National Security Task Force will play an integral role in pushing the House to legislate on this issue. RSC's Members have done incredible work to introduce these bills targeting those failed policies and protecting Americans from a dire threat not only to the United States, but to the entire globe.\n\nRepresentative Pat Fallon said, \"The Ayatollah's continued oppression of the Iranian people and support for terrorism abroad makes it clear that Congress must ensure the enforcement of sanctions. The Sanctions Enforcement and Financial Institutions Transparency Act (SEFITA) would require a twice yearly review of foreign financial institutions suspected of dealing with State Sponsors of Terrorism. Sanctions are only effective if they are implemented. SEFITA will ensure that this happens.\"\n\nRepresentative Doug Lamborn said, \"Congress must ensure that our actions to counter Ayatollah Khameini's aggression towards the United States, our allies, and the Iranian people are fully implemented. The Closing IRGC Sanctions Loopholes Act requires the President to conduct regular reviews of the Iran sanctions lists and clarifies existing law to ensure no individual affiliated with the IRGC evades penalties and sanctions. The United States must continue to stand with the Iranian people against their repressive regime and advocate for democracy and basic human liberties.\"\n\nRepresentative Cory Mills said, \"Today, I'm proud to introduce the Reinforcing Sanctions on Iranian Terrorists Act. This legislation codifies sanctions against Mahan Air, an Iranian airline that has been demonstratively proven to be integral to the IRGC's terrorist activities. Mahan Air is currently sanctioned, but this administration has demonstrated a clear willingness to compromise with terrorists. This bill is essential to prevent these terrorists from being considered for sanctions relief, except unless they terminate their support for the IRGC or any other terrorist organization or activity. While President Biden and his administration refuses to stand up to adversarial nations, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure authoritarian regimes do not go unchecked.\"\n\nRepresentative John James said, \"Despite opposition from both parties and no support from our Israeli and Arab allies and partners, Joe Biden insists on negotiating a flawed nuclear deal with Iran. Moving forward, Congress must be in the driver's seat for any negotiations with Iran on a nuclear agreement. That's why I introduced the \u2018Address Iran's Malign Posture Act.' Not only does it require the Biden administration to work with us to address Iran's nuclear efforts, but it also targets any financial support to Iran's most dangerous organization\u2014the IRGC. This is about standing with our allies and defending our own national security when others will not.\"\n\nRead more on RSC's efforts to thwart a new Iran deal in the Free Beacon.\n\nBackground Information\n\nRSC National Security Task Force Chair Joe Wilson's bill uses an Executive Order from President Obama to sanction Iran's government leaders, police and security forces, and IRGC leaders.\n\nRep. Pat Fallon's bill tightens the screws on international financial institutions to prevent them from doing business with Iran.\n\nRep. Bryan Steil's bill prohibits the President from using licenses to lift sanctions on terrorists in Iran unless those terrorists stopped engaging in terrorism. This would block the loophole which allowed President Obama to use General License H and other licenses to lift terrorism sanctions mandated by Congress.\n\nRep. Doug Lamborn's bill expands and strengthens sanctions on the IRGC to include affiliates.\n\nRep. Cory Mills' bill maintains sanctions on Mahan Air, which the Iranian regime uses to transfer terrorists to Syria, Venezuela, and other places. This restores Trump-era sanctions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:55:44Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-wilson-leads-bipartisan-ukraine-victory-resolution", "Congressman Wilson Leads Bipartisan Ukraine Victory Resolution", "2023-04-28", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 This week, Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, introduced the Ukraine Victory Resolution in the House of Representatives. Commissioners Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), along with Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC), introduced the resolution in the Senate. The resolution affirms that it is the policy of the United States to see Ukraine victorious against the Russian invasion, holds that the peace brought by victory must be secured by integrating Ukraine into NATO, and declares that the United States must work with its allies and partners to secure reparations, reconstruction, justice for Russian war crimes, and accountability for Russian leaders.\n\n\"Ukrainian victory is the only path to peace. We must ensure that Ukraine is well-armed and outfitted so that the upcoming counteroffensive can meet expectations and Ukraine can win the war as quickly as possible. Ukrainian victory is good for U.S. national security and economic stability, denies Putin any reward for his invasion, and deters China and Iran. Ukraine's existence depends on victory,\" said Chairman Joe Wilson.\n\n\"Ukrainian victory is also critical for the United States. Ukraine is preventing an incursion into NATO and demonstrating to autocrats that borders cannot be changed by force alone\u2014a fundamental underpinning of the peaceful international system. The Ukrainian fight is our common fight. There is no alternative to victory,\" said Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen.\n\n\"Ukraine will win the war\u2014and win the peace\u2014if America continues its steadfast support as this resolution strongly states,\" said Senator Blumenthal. \"True victory means stopping Russia's murderous assault, imposing accountability for crimes against humanity, and rebuilding Ukraine at Russia's expense. To our NATO allies as well as Ukraine, our message must be that we'll have your back in this fight for freedom and democracy\u2014yours and ours together,\" said Commissioner Sen. Richard Blumenthal.\n\n\"This bipartisan, bicameral resolution says what we all know to be true \u2013 that Ukrainian victory is in the best interest of every democracy on earth,\" said Senator Whitehouse. \"Putin's brutal war seeks to steal Ukraine's land and its future. The United States and our allies have played, and should continue to play, a leading role in securing everything Ukraine needs to achieve victory and rebuild. I join my colleagues in sending a clear message to the people of Ukraine: we are with you to victory,\" said Commissioner Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.\n\n\"I enthusiastically support the concept of victory for Ukraine, which is possible with aggressive Western help, particularly in the area of weapons. The Russian army has been dealt a severe blow. It is now time to go all in for victory for Ukraine. That means continuing to provide them the weapons they need to repel the Russian invaders, labeling Putin's Russia a state sponsor of terrorism and lending our voice to holding Putin and his cronies accountable for war crimes committed on an industrial scale. Victory for Ukraine is possible, but we have to be all in,\" said Sen. Lindsey Graham.\n\nUkraine regained its independence in 1991 after three centuries of Moscow's imperial rule. In 1994, the United States encouraged Ukraine to abandon its arsenal of nuclear weapons, the third largest in the world at the time, in exchange for security assurances in the Budapest Memorandum. The Ukrainians have had two revolutions since independence, the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, demonstrating their commitment to shared ideals of democracy and freedom and their desire for Euro-Atlantic integration.\n\nIn 2008, at the Bucharest NATO Summit, NATO states declared, \"NATO welcomes Ukraine's and Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO. We agree today that these countries will become members of NATO.\" Russia initially invaded Ukraine in 2014 and massively escalated its invasion in 2022. In 2022, the UN General Assembly called on member states to create a mechanism for reparations to be paid to Ukraine. In 2023, the United States issued a finding that Russian officials have committed crimes against humanity.\n\nOriginal cosponsors of the resolution in the House of Representatives also include: Mike Lawler (NY-17), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Bill Pascrell (NJ-08), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), David Trone (MD-06), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09).\n\nThe text of the resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1624", "Rep. Ralph Norman Introduces the Cost Openness and Spending Transparency (COST) Act", "2023-04-27", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On Thursday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-5) introduced the Cost Openness and Spending Transparency (COST) Act. This legislation will require public disclosure of the total cost to taxpayers for every project supported with federal funds.\n\nThe COST Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace (SC-1), Rep. William Timmons (SC-4), and Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-9). This is a companion bill to S.778 introduced in the Senate by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA).\n\nBackground\n\nThe federal government utilizes hundreds of companies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other entities to implement a wide variety of programs, projects, and other activities. Under current law, entities that receive funding from some federal agencies are required to publicly disclose information about how those dollars are used, and what percentage of a project's total costs were paid for by taxpayers.\n\nUnfortunately, this law is largely disregarded by many recipients of taxpayer funds, as well as the federal agencies that distribute those funds. Furthermore, the current law only applies to the Departments of Labor, Defense, Health & Human Services, Education, and related agencies. Ultimately, there is very little transparency into where and how taxpayer dollars are being used.\n\nThe COST Act would improve this by:\n\nExpanding disclosure requirements to funds distributed by all federal agencies, not just the four listed above.\n\nStrengthening the reporting mandate to require that both federal agencies and the entities receiving taxpayer dollars must publicly disclose the percentage and dollar amount being financed with Federal funds.\n\nStatements\n\n\"Taxpayers have every right to know how their tax dollars are being allocated and for what purpose,\" said Rep. Norman in a statement on Thursday. \"I am proud to sponsor the COST Act, I believe every member of Congress should agree there is a need for more transparency by the government where taxpayer funds are concerned.\u201d\n\nTristan Daedalus, Director of Government Affairs at the White Coat Waste Project, added, \u201cCongressman Norman has shown outstanding leadership in reintroducing the COST Act this year. Transparency is key to accountable government. By ensuring federal agencies and their grantees publicly disclose how they spend billions each year, Rep. Norman is empowering citizens to closely monitor how their tax dollars are being spent,\u201d said \u201cIn our fight against cruel and unnecessary government-funded animal testing, we see taxpayer dollars wasted on countless program that would enrage most people. Our over 3 million members and other taxpayers have a right to know how much money Uncle Sam is wasting on these boondoggles.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"], ["https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-on-passage-of-debt-ceiling-legislation", "Wilson On Passage of Debt Ceiling Legislation", "2023-04-26", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Joe Wilson", "W000795", "joewilson.house.gov", "joewilson", "https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Joe Wilson statement on the passage of the debt ceiling legislation, Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023.\n\n\"Today, on behalf of American families now and in the future, I was grateful to join House Republicans in passing the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023, which will limit future government spending, reduce the federal regulatory state, and promote pro-growth energy and economic policies, creating jobs.\n\n\"Americans are struggling every day with inflation, rising energy prices, and the highest interest rates in decades, and unfortunately, President Biden has insisted on a blank check to increase the debt ceiling without any reforms to how the federal government spends taxpayer money. This legislation will save an estimated $4.8 trillion over ten years, all while maintaining a strong national defense and protecting Medicare and Social Security, and in exchange for these critical cost-saving policies, the debt limit would be responsibly lifted.\n\n\"This historic legislation claws back unobligated COVID funds, sets FY24 discretionary spending at FY22 levels, and caps growth of discretionary spending at 1% per year for the next ten years. All this while maintaining current funding for national defense, veterans, and national security. Additionally, this bill prohibits Biden's illegal student loan bailout, repeals Green New Deal tax credits, which benefit the Chinese Communist Party, institutes reasonable work requirements for able-bodied citizens receiving federal benefits, defunds the massive expansion of the IRS, increases domestic energy production and exportation, and reduces regulatory burdens across all sectors of the economy, which destroys jobs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"], ["https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1615", "Rep. Ralph Norman Introduces Resolution of Disapproval Opposing the Dept. of Labor's H-2A Adverse Effects Wage Rate Rule", "2023-04-25", "2023", "2023-04", "Republican", "House", "SC", "Ralph Norman", "N000190", "norman.house.gov", "norman", "https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 On Tuesday, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05) and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glenn \"GT\" Thompson (PA-15), introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to oppose the Department of Labor\u2019s H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates rule that was finalized on February 28th.\n\nSenator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) are leading a companion effort in the Senate.\n\nThis resolution has the support of 54 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and 26 co-sponsors in the Senate.\n\nBackground\n\nFarmers across the country are struggling to cope with skyrocketing production costs which the Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) new and harmful H-2A regulation are expected to exacerbate. Currently, all H-2A workers are paid in accordance with the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR).\n\nFor years, producers have called on the DOL to make commonsense reforms to make the H-2A program more workable. Unfortunately, this new regulation will only increase the complexity of the program, make it more difficult for the farmer and agency to administer, and significantly increase the cost of utilizing the program.\n\nUnder the new DOL rule, several job types on farms will have separate and higher AEWRs. This change not only inflates H-2A wage rates, but it also creates a massive administrative burden for all farmers utilizing H-2A labor and will require them to separately track every activity of each employee on their farms to avoid violating the new rule. This new AEWR methodology ignores:\n\n- agricultural industry realities such as labor shortages;\n\n- the impact of program costs on competitiveness at home and abroad; and\n\n- the impact that higher costs have on job availability and downstream industries.\n\nThis resolution is supported by over 590 agriculture groups as a part of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition, which includes over half of the state farm bureaus.\n\nStatements\n\n\u201cThe Department of Labor\u2019s new rule will only hurt our farmers and increase our reliance on imported food to keep our grocery shelves stocked, raising the cost of food and supplies. This is the last thing South Carolina families want. Congress must join my colleagues and me in overturning Biden's harmful regulation that poses tremendous harm to farmers across the country,\u201d said Rep. Norman.\n\n\u201cFood security is national security, and no industry is more affected by our broken immigration system than agriculture.\" said Rep. Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.\"Ensuring a reliable, year-round workforce is critical to driving the economy, feeding the world, and promoting the safety and security of our nation. The Biden Administration\u2019s latest H-2A wage rule would further undermine farmers access to a legal workforce, drive up already inflated production costs, and ultimately impact American consumers at the grocery store.\u201d\n\n\u201cRaised by a single mom, I know how hard it can be for families to make ends meet,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cWhen big government makes it more difficult to put food on the table, you know there\u2019s been a monumental failure of leadership. Yet that\u2019s exactly what President Biden\u2019s Department of Labor is proposing: forcing farmers to shoulder the burden of higher labor costs and causing food prices to spike even further. I\u2019m proud to stand with farmers and families in South Carolina and across the country in opposing this disastrous, out-of-touch rule. America needs a leader who puts families first.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when farmers and growers are already being pushed to their limit as a result of rising input costs and shrinking margins, President Biden\u2019s Labor Department is adding yet another burden,\u201d said Senator Budd. \u201cAt the same time, families are struggling to afford their daily lives because of the Biden administration\u2019s inflationary policies. This new rule will only add fuel to the fire by driving the cost of food and supplies up even higher. Congress must overturn this harmful rule to ensure that America\u2019s farmers have a seat at the table when the federal government issues policies that could exacerbate their already significant labor and operational costs.\u201d\n\n\u201cBy helping to introduce this House Joint Resolution, Congressman Norman is standing up for SC farmers over DC bureaucrats. The H2A Program is vital to the success of American agriculture and our food supply, and the [rule name] will make it impossible to get the labor farmers need to provide us the food, fuel, and fiber we all rely on,\u201d said President Harry Ott, South Carolina Farm Bureau.\n\n\"As a 25 year Veteran H-2A I want to personally thank Rep. Ralph Norman of my home state and House Agriculture committee Chairman GT Thompson for their leadership for offering this CRA, a crucial piece of legislation. Never in the existence of the Agriculture Guest worker program known as H-2A has the Federal Government implemented such negative 'new' rules to this program. These rules, if not overturned by Congress, will affect all Americans not just farmers, by driving food prices higher, put American farmers out of business and increase our countries dependance on imported fruits and vegetables, weakening our national security.\" said President & CEO Chalmers R. Carr III, Titan Farms.\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ted Budd (R-NC) in the Senate and Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC) and House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA) in the House for introducing disapproval resolutions under the Congressional Review Act.\n\nThe AWC urges Congress to act without delay to pass the disapproval resolutions as well as to pass ag workforce reform legislation that fully addresses our current and future workforce needs. Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage. The way the wage has and continues to be set is flawed. The H-2A guest worker program must be reformed, including the wage calculation. We stand ready to work with Congress and DOL to achieve reform that is fair to both farmers and farm workers and more easily understood by all.\u201d said the Agriculture Workforce Coalition.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T23:44:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 177, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "SC", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 149, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 28, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SC&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "SC", "label": "SC", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 177, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-04-25,https~3A~2F~2Fnorman~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1615", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SC&year=2023&_next=2023-04-25%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fnorman~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D1615&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 153.61329028382897, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}