{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"SC\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-2023-year-in-review/", "Senator Scott 2023 Year in Review", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released his 2023 year in review, highlighting his work on behalf of the people of South Carolina and efforts to advance his Opportunity Agenda across the country.\n\nThis year, Senator Scott introduced 24 bills, 4 resolutions and 10 amendments. 8 pieces of his legislation were partially or fully enacted this year.\n\nSouth Carolina\n\nThe Senator and his team assisted 7,320 South Carolinians with casework requests, an 80% increase compared to 2022.\n\nStrengthening a direct line of communication with constituents remained a priority for the Senator and allowed him to send over 82,000 letters to South Carolinians in 2023.\n\nThrough the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, the Senator championed several legislative accomplishments for South Carolina, such as:\n\n$66 million in funding to complete new barracks at Fort Jackson;\n\n$20 million in funding for the Aiken County National Guard Readiness Center;\n\n$4.37 million in funding to complete the National Guard Readiness Center at Joint Base Charleston;\n\n$7.9 million in funding for an automated multipurpose machine gun range at the McCrady Training Center in Columbia, South Carolina; and\n\n$2.7 billion in funding to support the Savannah River Site, including $1 billion for plutonium modernization activities and $1.6 billion for operations and maintenance.\n\nAmerican Energy\n\nReaffirming his commitment to American energy dominance and independence, Senator Scott championed the Protecting America\u2019s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from China Act, which would strengthen our energy security by prohibiting the sale of American crude oil from the SPR to any company under Chinese Communist Party (CCP) control and bar the exportation of SPR crude oil to China. Senator Scott also championed the Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe (ESCAPE) Act to weaken Russia\u2019s ability to influence our European allies by promoting energy independence.\n\nCommittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs\n\nSenator Scott took over as the top Republican on the powerful Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in January. As the Ranking Member, he has focused on commonsense policies to create economic opportunity and grow communities across the country, including those that are often left behind. Throughout the year, Ranking Member Scott introduced 11 pieces of legislation and legislative frameworks as the Republican leader of the committee.\n\nAs the son of a single mother, Ranking Member Scott grew up living with family until they could afford to rent a place of their own and wasn\u2019t able to experience the value of homeownership until later in life. That\u2019s why he\u2019s so dedicated to enhancing policies and programs that help improve housing affordability for Americans\u2014 making the American Dream a reality. Ranking Member Scott released the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act, his comprehensive legislative solution to lift families up by taking a holistic view of federal housing policy and making long-needed reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.\n\nThe Biden administration and its regulators have worked overtime to push a progressive policy agenda and regulate every aspect of American life. Agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have issued rules and proposals at a record pace and the federal banking agencies have waded into climate initiatives and other progressive priorities outside its mandate. Throughout the year, Ranking Member Scott has executed principled oversight of the Biden administration\u2019s burdensome regulatory agenda and demanded transparency and fact-based analyses for their proposed rules and regulations.\n\nTo see a full list of Senator Scott\u2019s accomplishments during his first year as the Republican leader of the Senate Banking Committee, click here.\n\nEducation\n\nSenator Scott has strived to create pathways to give all Americans a quality education. To that end, he hosted the largest ever National School Choice Week Student Rally at the U.S. Capitol, which was attended by more than 300 students from 10 D.C.-area public charter and private schools.\n\nAs the co-chair of the bipartisan Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, Senator Scott hosted the 7th Annual HBCU Fly-In to celebrate the historic accomplishments of HBCUs, highlight their immense contributions to the American economy and workforce and discuss ways to strengthen them for years to come. This was the largest HBCU Fly-In to date.\n\nWith education as a central focus of his Opportunity Agenda, the Senator led two bipartisan Senate resolutions \u2013 National Charter School Week and National School Choice Week \u2013 both of which unanimously passed, raising attention to critical education issues and priorities.\n\nIn an effort to protect parental rights and ensure parents remain the lead decision makers in their child\u2019s life, Senator Scott secured House passage of his Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their (PROTECT) Kids Act. Far too often, parents are pushed out of their child\u2019s education\u2014and kids are paying the price.\n\nHealth Care\n\nSenator Scott championed 12 pieces of legislation aimed at making American health care more consumer friendly and market-driven. His Initiating Meaningful Patient Review Of Various Existing (IMPROVE) Part D Regulations Act, which ensures the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) listen to the patients who rely on Medicare Part D and make improvements based on their feedback, passed committee. Also passing committee this year was the Senator\u2019s Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act, which ensures occupational therapists can provide care to those suffering with substance abuse and mental health disorders.\n\nWhen the Biden administration pushed radical far-left priorities, Senator Scott back on harmful health care policies to South Carolinians and opposed two radical health care nominees. When Washington bureaucrats threatened American seniors\u2019 coverage access and choices, Senator Scott co-led a bipartisan group of 61 Senators in calling for the protection of Medicare Advantage for the nearly 30 million older adults and individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program. The Senator also worked with Republicans on the Senate Committee on Finance to help prevent drastic cuts proposed by the Biden administration to the Medicare Advantage program.\n\nAs in everything he does, Senator Scott was focused on ensuring Washington bureaucrats work on behalf of the hardworking American people. In addition to formally launching another investigation into government waste, Senator Scott received a report from an investigation he previously initiated detailing deficiencies within Medicaid\u2019s Recovery Audit Contractor Program\u2014a program created to identify and correct government overpayments and underpayments.\n\nRestoring Law & Order\n\nOver the course of this year, South Carolinians and Americans alike have witnessed a spike in crime and an increase of illegal border crossings. In an effort to restore law and order, the Senator has supported legislation to tackle immigration, bolster police funding, prevent federal government overreach and combat human trafficking.\n\nThe Senator introduced the Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act and Secure the Border Act of 2023, and supported the Back the Blue Act of 2023, Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2023, Combatting Violent and Dangerous Crime Act, Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act, Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act, Securing Our Border Act and Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act.\n\nTo combat the rising fentanyl crisis in America, Senator Scott, in his capacity as Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, wrote and introduced the FEND Off Fentanyl Act. This bill targets every part of the illicit fentanyl supply chain \u2013 from the chemical suppliers in China to the manufacturers in Mexico and the cartels who smuggle the deadly drug across our border \u2013 and aims to choke off the income source of synthetic opioid traffickers and stop the flow of deadly fentanyl into the United States. The FEND Off Fentanyl Act was unanimously voted out of the Senate Banking Committee and earned 66 Senate cosponsors. It was included in the Senate\u2019s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\nNational Security & Foreign Affairs\n\nThis year, Senator Scott joined the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on which he serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy. Throughout the year, the Senator championed policies to strengthen U.S. national security, support our allies and push back on our adversaries.\n\nAfter Iranian-proxy Hamas\u2019 October 7 attack on Israel, Senator Scott stood by our greatest ally in the Middle East, and, in his capacity as Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced the Revoke Iranian Funding Act, a bill to permanently freeze the $6 billion released by the Biden administration to Iran and direct the Treasury Secretary to provide an accounting of all high-value Iranian assets around the world that are currently blocked by U.S. sanctions. To prevent Iran from funding further attacks on the U.S. and our allies, Senator Scott also pushed for passage of his Solidify Iran Sanctions Act to extend sanctions on funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors and curtail the regime\u2019s ability to develop its nuclear program and finance destabilizing activities. Before and after the October 7 attack, the Senator led dozens of his Republican colleagues in holding the administration to account for its dangerous Iran polices. Additionally, to prevent U.S. tax dollars from winding up in the hands of Hamas and combat potential malign influence at our foreign policy institutions, Senator Scott helped author the Stop Support for Hamas Act and the State Department Security Notification Act, a portion of which was signed into law in the FY24 NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-joins-resolution-to-condemn-iranian-military-proxy-attacks-on-u-s-troops/", "Senator Scott Joins Resolution to Condemn Iranian Military Proxy Attacks on U.S. Troops", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and 10 of their bipartisan colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning the increasing attacks by Iranian military proxies against U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Syria and emphasizing the urgency of responding to and deterring such attacks.\n\n\u201cWe cannot stay silent while American troops and our allies are under attack from Iranian-backed terrorists,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cWithout a clear and cohesive strategy to counter Iranian aggression, the Biden administration continues to place American service members and our Israeli allies at risk. Substantive action is needed to deter Iran and its proxies.\u201d\n\n\u201cAttacks on American troops are reprehensible, and Iranian support for these attacks has rightfully earned a swift and forceful response from the Biden administration,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cI join Senator Cruz in introducing this resolution to condemn these attacks, increase pressure on Iran to cease its support for violent militia groups, and support efforts to deter Iranian-backed militia attacks on U.S. troops and the international community. I also commend the resiliency and bravery of American service members across the Middle East and hope this resolution makes clear Congress\u2019 support for U.S. Central Command\u2019s mission of countering terrorism and maintaining stability across the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Iranian regime is attacking Americans, our allies, and our interests across the Middle East,\u201d said Senator Cruz. \u201cThey are not only launching attacks and massacres against our Israeli and Arab allies, but their Houthi proxies are now trying to shut down freedom of navigation that is vital to the American and global economies. It is clear that they are not deterred, and it is long past time for the Biden administration to take all necessary steps to deter and counter these activities. Enough is enough.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nAmerican troops in the region have been targeted by Iranian proxies more than 115 times since mid-October, in the wake of the terror attacks committed by Hamas against Israel. Iran provides financing, training and other support to militia groups throughout the region, including the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In addition to targeting U.S. troops and infrastructure, attacks by Iran-backed militias have forced global shipping companies to stop using the Red Sea as a travel route, slowing down critical supply chains throughout the region.\n\nSenators Scott, Coons and Cruz were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska.).\n\nThe text of the full resolution is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-rips-chicago-mayor-education-board-president-for-anti-school-choice-resolution/", "Senator Scott Rips Chicago Mayor, Education Board President for Anti-School Choice Resolution", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "Chicago Mayor Previously Promised Not to Close Selective Enrollment Schools\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, slammed Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Board of Education President Jianan Shi for the city\u2019s recently passed resolution that could eliminate school choice for Chicago families, strip minority and low-income students of their preferred high schools and widen the achievement gap.\n\n\u201cOn December 14th, 2023, the Chicago Board of Education approved a teachers\u2019 union-backed resolution that seeks to eliminate selective enrollment in Chicago Public Schools in the name of promoting \u2018equity\u2019. If enacted, this plan would be devastating to the thousands of students and families who currently benefit from attending a school of their choice. Chicago\u2019s 11 selective-enrollment high schools, which emphasize academic rigor, achievement, and excellence, enroll nearly 10,000 Black and Hispanic students. Over 7,500 of students enrolled in these schools are low-income,\u201d Senator Scott wrote. \u201cThese schools are not just the best in Chicago \u2013 they\u2019re some of the highest performing in the entire country. They have been a lifeline for children from low-income and minority backgrounds whose families are desperate to provide them the best education possible amidst a landscape of failing assigned schools in Chicago.\u201d\n\nAs a candidate for mayor, Johnson promised not to close the city\u2019s selective enrollment schools. If enacted, this plan will break that promise and result in thousands of low-income students being trapped in failing schools.\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nDear Mr. Shi and Mayor Johnson:\n\nI write to express strong condemnation of the Chicago Board of Education\u2019s recently passed resolution that could eliminate school choice for Chicago families, strip minority and low-income students of their preferred education options, and widen the achievement gap. As Chairman of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, I believe that every parent in the country has the right to choose the best school for their child, regardless of their zip code, and I urge you to preserve these critical options for families in Chicago.\n\nOn December 14th, 2023, the Chicago Board of Education approved a teachers\u2019 union-backed resolution that seeks to eliminate selective enrollment in Chicago Public Schools in the name of promoting \u201cequity\u201d. If enacted, this plan would be devastating to the thousands of students and families who currently benefit from attending a school of their choice. Chicago\u2019s 11 selective-enrollment high schools, which emphasize academic rigor, achievement, and excellence, enroll nearly 10,000 Black and Hispanic students. Over 7,500 of students enrolled in these schools are low-income[1].\n\nThese schools are not just the best in Chicago \u2013 they\u2019re some of the highest performing in the entire country. They have been a lifeline for children from low-income and minority backgrounds whose families are desperate to provide them the best education possible amidst a landscape of failing assigned schools in Chicago. For example, Walter Payton College Prep, one of the schools that could be effectively dismantled by this plan, is ranked in the top 10 high schools in the United States. 96 percent of its students are proficient in math, compared to 11 percent in the district, and 95 percent of students are proficient in reading, compared to 14 percent in the district[2]. It also serves a minority population of nearly 59 percent, doing incredible work to reduce the achievement gap in Chicago. Across the board, data clearly shows that students at selective-enrollment high schools reach academic proficiency at substantially higher rates than CPS students districtwide.\n\nSchools like this are providing life changing opportunities for students, and families are clearly crying out for more choice\u2014not less. Six years ago, when Chicago Public Schools set up a new application system that allowed eighth graders to apply for a high school of their choice, rather than enrolling in their assigned neighborhood school, parents jumped at the chance to give their child better options. Since then, a stunning 76 percent of Chicago high school students have chosen to attend a school other than the one assigned to them[3].\n\nEven then-candidate Brandon Johnson recognized the demand for and success of selective enrollment schools, promising not to get rid of them when his name was on the ballot. Now, having secured office on that promise, he\u2019s turning his back on the families who rely on these schools and shutting out the students utilizing them to better their future. Chicago\u2019s leaders should be looking for ways to increase school choice options for families who want them, rather than cutting them off.\n\nAs Chairman of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, I believe supporting both neighborhood schools and schools of choice is not an either/or proposition. I am gravely concerned that this plan will strip away public school choice for families, destroy one of the city\u2019s best ways of helping minority and low-income children succeed, and force children into failing public schools that do not work for them. As you work to finalize this plan over the next several months, I urge you to preserve these crucial school choice options.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B62E572D-3D82-4987-AC6B-9B33FD7524E3", "Graham Statement On Report That China Will Take Taiwan", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on a news report that Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Biden that China will take Taiwan.\n\n\u201cThis story as reported is beyond unnerving.\n\n\u201cI support the One China Policy, but I also support freedom and democracy.\n\n\u201cTo communist China, if you think you can bully your way into destroying world order without consequences, you will be making Putin\u2019s decision to invade Ukraine look wise.\n\n\u201cI will be working with Democratic and Republican Senators to do two things quickly. First, create a robust defense supplemental for Taiwan and second, draft pre-invasion sanctions from hell to impose on China if they take action to seize Taiwan. I believe there is strong bipartisan support to stand up to Chinese communist aggression.\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to communist China, it is a genocidal, thuggish regime that has broken its word in several agreements, particularly Hong Kong.\n\n\u201cI believe the United States Congress is firmly united and fed up with communist China\u2019s provocations.\n\n\u201cApparently China sees weakness when it comes to the United States. I can say unequivocally when it comes to communist China, both parties are united in standing up to this anti-democratic regime.\n\n\u201cThis statement by Chinese Communist Party dictator boss Xi proves the old saying, weakness anywhere provokes aggression everywhere.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-lee-champion-school-choice-educational-freedom/", "Sens. Scott, Lee Champion School Choice, Educational Freedom", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) in introducing the Accelerating Children\u2019s Education (ACE) Act to bolster educational choices for American families. This legislation builds upon a provision of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and enhances federal tax incentives for the enactment of state-level school choice legislation while addressing growing concerns among parents about the ideological influences in public education and the economic barriers to alternative schooling options.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve always championed educational freedom because of one simple truth \u2013 when parents have a choice, kids have a chance,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cI\u2019m proud to continue fighting to ensure every child \u2013 no matter their zip code \u2013 has access to a school that best fits their needs and provides them the opportunity to live out their version of the American dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is the fundamental right of parents to choose the educational path that is most suitable for their children,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cThe ACE Act ensures that our tax system reflects this principle and provides real support to those seeking alternatives to public schooling.\u201d\n\n\u201cAcross the country, and especially in Southwest Missouri, school choice is already benefitting many of our nation\u2019s young children.\u201d said Rep. Burlison. \u201cThrough 529 education saving accounts, families are freed from the arbitrary link between where they live and which school their child can attend. School choice makes institutions of education more accountable and responsive to families. This leads to higher graduation rates and increases parental satisfaction and involvement while saving taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nKey provisions of the ACE Act include:\n\nDoubling the allowable level of tax-exempt 529 account distributions for qualified educational expenses to $20,000 per taxable year;\n\nGift tax exclusions up to $20,000 per year for contributions to 529 accounts; and\n\nAdjusted federal tax exemption on municipal bonds based on state school choice laws, incentivizing states to adopt such measures.\n\nUnder the ACE Act, states with no qualifying school choice laws will see the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds for local projects, such as new school construction, revoked. States that adopt school choice laws will benefit from a 50% tax exemption on bond interest income, while states fully embracing school choice will enjoy a complete tax exemption.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D0DA692D-6BA7-4AB8-B8D5-3CCCBE32957D", "Graham: Democrats Have Yet To Make A Serious Proposal To Fix Border Security", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after President Biden and Senate Democrats tried to shift the blame for the broken southern border caused by their failed policies.\n\n\u201cDemocratic Senators are expecting Republicans to put duct tape on a national security nightmare. You can forget that.\n\n\u201cAfter months of informing my Democratic colleagues that we cannot pass the supplemental without real border security, we still do not have any legislative language as to what they will agree to. Republicans shared legislative text with Democrats months ago.\n\n\u201cA real, serious effort to solve this problem requires translating ideas into legislative language so that we can move forward.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and Senate Democrats are refusing to make any meaningful reforms on parole, one of the tools used by the Department of Homeland Security to flood the U.S. with illegal immigrants.\n\n\u201cFor almost 3 years, the Biden Administration, supported by liberal Democrats, has allowed our southern border to become a national security nightmare. There is no way we can fix our border security problems until the Democrats change their attitude. It\u2019s not about time. It\u2019s about attitude.\n\n\u201cIsrael and Ukraine will be able to continue to defend themselves until next year. Every day that goes by without a secure border, the chance for another 9/11 goes up. At the beginning of December, FBI Director Wray testified that he\u2019s never seen a time where all the threats are elevated at exactly the same time, and that there are blinking red lights everywhere he looks.\n\n\u201cHe underscored that post-October 7, there is a \u2018veritable rogues\u2019 gallery of terrorist organizations calling for attacks against us\u2019 and that these groups know they can exploit our southern border.\n\n\u201cThe proposals being made by the Republicans are not being answered.\n\n\u201cAnother show vote on the supplemental \u2013 with inadequate or nonexistent border security measures \u2013 does not move the ball.\n\n\u201cI am glad to go back home to South Carolina and say I am not supporting the needs of other countries until we take significant steps to secure our southern border. What the Democrats are proposing continues the disaster they created.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FD45F8D3-C143-4AA5-80E1-FD285470ADC3", "Graham Statement On Senate Passage Of Defense Authorization Bill", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\u201cVery glad that the Senate has shown overwhelming support for the passage of the NDAA,\u201d said Graham. \u201cFor the last 63 years Congress has passed the defense authorization bill, which authorizes pay raises for our troops, modernizes our military, and in this case, stops a lot of woke policies. While no bill is perfect, the passage of the defense authorization bill makes us a stronger nation and provides certainty and predictability to our armed forces at a time of growing threats.\u201d\n\nHighlights of Provisions Included in the Final FY24 NDAA:\n\nAdvocates for South Carolina.\n\nAuthorizes billions for the Savannah River Site to sustain the nation\u2019s nuclear arsenal as well as to treat and remove radioactive liquid waste\n\nAuthorizes millions for critical military construction projects in the state for both the active component and the South Carolina Army National Guard\n\nAuthorizes millions for defense-related research and development funding that could benefit state institutions\n\nGives troops a much-deserved pay raise.\n\nAuthorizes a 5.2 percent pay raise for both servicemembers and Defense Department civilian workers\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-hears-from-hamas-victims-and-victimsfamilies/", "Sen. Scott Hears from Hamas Victims and Victims\u2019 Families", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Senators JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) met with victims of Hamas\u2019s October 7th attack and members of victims\u2019 families. During this meeting, Senator Scott heard first-hand about the brutality inflicted by Hamas on innocent civilians, including innocent children.\n\n\u201cSince October 7th, the world has watched the shear brutality and terror that Hamas inflicted on thousands of people across Israel. But hearing firsthand accounts in-person today brought these horrors into painful perspective. Today underscored that the United States must stand firm in our support to Israel and its people,\u201d said Senator Scott.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nImmediately following the Biden administration\u2019s August decision to release $6 billion to Iran, Ranking Member Scott led his colleagues in demanding answers from the administration. In a letter to Secretaries Blinken and Yellen, the Ranking Member warned that the decision would \u201cenable the Iranian regime to increase its destabilizing activities\u201d and would \u201cserve to encourage additional hostage taking for financial or political gain.\u201d\n\nAfter the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas, Ranking Member Scott was the first leader of the Senate Banking Committee to demand accountability from the Biden administration on the release of the $6 billion, and called for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to testify and for the Senate to investigate the matter.\n\nRanking Member Scott also introduced the Revoke Iranian Funding Act, a bipartisan bill to permanently freeze $6 billion released by the Biden administration to Iran. The bill also directs the Treasury Secretary to study Iran\u2019s sanctioned assets and ensures Congress has the information it needs to prevent Iran from accessing and using sanctioned funds to finance Hamas or other terrorists that seek to harm Israel or any other nation. Earlier this year, Ranking Member Scott led the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act, which would cement US sanctions on Iran and help prevent the regime from funding terrorists like Hamas. The bill would extend restrictions on funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors and curtail the regime\u2019s ability to develop its nuclear program and finance destabilizing activities. After Hamas\u2019s attacks on Israel, Scott renewed his efforts to pass this bill, calling it up for unanimous consent on the Senate floor.\n\nFollowing the Biden administration\u2019s recent November 13 decision to extend an Iran sanctions waiver, Ranking Member Scott led his colleagues in a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding answers over the administration\u2019s lack of a cohesive Iran strategy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-schmitt-and-rep-luetkemeyer-introduce-the-no-tax-dollars-for-the-united-nations-climate-agenda-act/", "Sens. Scott, Schmitt\u00a0and\u00a0Rep. Luetkemeyer Introduce the No Tax Dollars for the United Nations Climate Agenda Act", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) in introducing the No Tax Dollars for the UN Climate Agenda Act, which would bar President Biden from allocating taxpayer dollars to the United Nations Green Climate Fund.\n\nRepresentative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cSince day one of this administration, taxpayers have footed the bill for President Biden\u2019s far-left climate agenda\u2014 but the buck stops here. Sending more U.S. money to an ineffective U.N. slush fund is far from a priority for the American people,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cI will continue fighting to ensure that hard earned tax dollars go where they belong\u2014back in the pockets of those who earned them.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe cannot allow Biden to continue throwing billions of taxpayer dollars towards a useless fund that purports to solve climate change in developing countries, but is actually sending billions to countries like China. Biden\u2019s radical climate agenda is not just virtue signaling anymore, it\u2019s now coming to fruition by allocating Americans\u2019 hard-earned money to a UN fund that will neither help nor solve anything. There is absolutely no reason that taxpayer money should go into a climate alarmism slush fund that doles out money to our greatest adversary. Enough is enough,\u201d said Senator Eric Schmitt.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration is using Montanans\u2019 hard-earned tax dollars to create a climate slush fund that benefits our adversaries, including China. As if the Left\u2019s radical green agenda isn\u2019t bad enough, this abuse of taxpayer funds is unacceptable and it must be stopped,\u201d said Senator Daines.\n\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for an organization that has no proven track record of success, often engages in skeptical science, and over which we have very little control. I encourage my colleagues to support this effort and prevent the use of federal tax dollars to fund corruption and a radical climate-change agenda,\u201d Rep. Luetkemeyer said.\n\nSenators Scott and Schmitt and Representative Luetkemeyer were joined by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Representatives Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) and Sam Graves (R-Mo.) in introducing the legislation.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Green Climate Fund (GCF) was created by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to fund various climate projects and programs in developing countries. Funding for the GCF is primarily provided by member nations of the UN, and as the primary donor nation to the UN, the U.S. has contributed $5 billion to the GCF \u2013 far and wide the most of any member nation.\n\nChina is one of these nations considered to be a developing country, and received an initial $100 million for a project from the GCF.\n\nChina has given a total of $0 to the GCF.\n\nThe Department of State is supposed to use Economic Support Funds to strengthen independent judiciaries, protect human rights and freedom of the press, combat human trafficking and corruption, increase public accountability and access to justice and fight terrorism. Yet, the State Department under Joe Biden is instead using the funding for the radical UN climate agenda that helps fund China.\n\nThe Biden Administration\u2019s Department of State gave $1 billion in mid-April to the fund, and it is expected that Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019 recent announcement of $3 billion will be from the same funding source.\n\nThe No Tax Dollars for the UN Climate Agenda Act will require that no funds made available to any federal department or agency may be used to make assessed or voluntary contributions on behalf of the United States to or for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Agenda, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or the Green Climate Fund.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-secures-critical-state-national-wins-in-annual-defense-bill/", "Senator Scott Secures Critical State & National Wins in Annual Defense Bill", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, issued the following statement after final adoption of the Conference Report to accompany the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024:\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s the border crisis here at home or our adversaries flagrantly attacking our troops and allies around the globe, we\u2019ve witnessed first-hand the dangerous repercussions of President Biden\u2019s weak leadership on the world stage. This year\u2019s NDAA takes critical steps to restore American leadership, bolster our southern border, curb the influence of foreign adversaries like China and Russia and support our brave men and women in uniform and their families.\n\n\u201cSouth Carolina serves as a vital training ground for and home to so many of the selfless Americans who serve this nation. From the Low Country to the Upstate, this bill invests in South Carolina\u2019s military facilities and supports our critical defense industry, ensuring our state continues to serve an important role in our national security at home and abroad.\u201d\n\nProvisions in the FY2024 NDAA championed by Senator Scott include:\n\nIncreasing pay for service members by 5.2%;\n\nCombating the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on U.S. higher education by requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to report gifts and grants given to U.S. universities from entities in the Chinese military-industrial complex;\n\nEnding China\u2019s unfair advantage by requiring the Department of State to oppose any effort to label China as a \u2018developing nation\u2019 at international organizations or in future treaties;\n\nPreventing the mismanagement of taxpayer funds by requiring the examination of U.S. diplomatic language programs to ensure foreign service officers receive the training they need to advance America\u2019s interests around the world;\n\nRequiring the Department of State to explore alternative methods to fill numerous, long-standing vacancies at U.S. embassies, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa\u2014an issue Senator Scott raised with Secretary of State Antony Blinken that hinders our ability to collaborate with African partners and counter China and Russia\u2019s expanding influence;\n\nCreating a new fellowship within the Fulbright Program for the study of nonviolent civil rights movements, in honor of civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis;\n\nRequiring the Secretary of State to notify Congress when the security clearances of senior members of the Department of State are suspended or revoked, to prevent another security lapse like the one that occurred with the most-recent U.S. Special Envoy for Iran; and\n\nHistoric level funding for the Department of Defense Historically Black Collegesand Universities (HBCU) and Minority Serving Institutions Program.\n\nSouth Carolina specific provisions included in the FY2024 NDAA include:\n\n$66 million in funding to complete new barracks at Fort Jackson;\n\n$20 million in funding for the Aiken County National Guard Readiness Center;\n\n$4.37 million in funding to complete the National Guard Readiness Center at Joint Base Charleston;\n\n$7.9 million in funding for an automated multipurpose machine gun range at the McCrady Training Center in Columbia, South Carolina; and\n\n$2.7 billion in funding to support the Savannah River Site, including $1 billion for plutonium modernization activities and $1.6 billion for operations and maintenance.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-fights-to-protect-schools-from-china-malign-foreign-influence/", "Sen. Scott Fights to Protect Schools from China, Malign Foreign Influence", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in introducing the Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act, which will prevent higher education institutions and their faculty from entering into certain relationships with foreign adversaries and require states to develop policies to create similar requirements for K-12 schools.\n\n\u201cChina and other foreign adversaries are infiltrating every level of our education system,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cWe cannot allow American students \u2013 the future of our great nation \u2013 to be corrupted by bad actors who are pushing anti-American propaganda and sowing chaos and distrust around the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe integrity of our schools is one of the most basic guarantees that we should give to our students. Current federal policies to protect our students from adversaries are incomplete and disappointing. The U.S. is being infiltrated through its educational institutions,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cThis bill aims to close those gaps, securing a robust defense against malign foreign influence in our classrooms.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a universally accepted truth that Communist China is stealing U.S. technology and intellectual property from institutions of higher learning. We cannot allow the U.S. federal government to sit back and let this dangerous espionage happen,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott. \u201cNow is the time to take a stand against this madness, and I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in fighting to pass the Protecting Education from Malign Foreign Influence Act to better protect America\u2019s colleges and universities.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Scholars and Parents Defending Education Action.\n\nOn December 8th, Senator Scott led his colleagues in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at American colleges and universities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-stands-in-solidarity-with-jewish-community-at-chanukah-in-the-square/", "Sen. Scott Stands in Solidarity with Jewish Community at Chanukah in the Square", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "CHARLESTON, S.C. \u2013 On Sunday, December 10, 2023, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke at Chanukah in the Square 2023 \u2013 hosted by Chabad of Charleston. During his remarks, Senator Scott expressed support for Israel and the Jewish people and condemned the antisemitic, pro-Hamas demonstrations taking place in the United States and around the world, especially at American colleges and universities.\n\n\u201cYour federal funding is not a right; it\u2019s a privilege. What is a right is for every Jewish student to go to class or to a library and not have to fear for their lives. I would say to every student on college campus fomenting hatred and antisemitism and promoting Jewish genocide and talking about terrorism, if you are on a visa, your visa is not a right. It is a privilege,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cAs we celebrate the Festival of Lights, my prayer is within my lifetime, we will see the end of antisemitism, bigotry and hatred.\u201d\n\nSenator Scott has championed the following legislation to support Israel and combat antisemitism:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-ernst-rosen-and-colleagues-demand-accountability-and-call-out-hypocrisy-in-un-response-to-hamas-sexual-violence/", "Sens. Scott, Ernst, Rosen and Colleagues Demand Accountability and Call Out Hypocrisy in UN Response to Hamas Sexual Violence", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and 30 of their Senate colleagues in penning a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres calling out the hypocrisy in the United Nations\u2019 delayed response denouncing Hamas\u2019s sexual violence and rape of Israeli women following the October 7th terrorist attack.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter demands Secretary Guterres launch a full and independent investigation into the sexual violence and rape committed by Hamas. The group of senators also urged the Secretary-General to hold the UN Women\u2019s leadership accountable for their weeks-long failure to condemn the sexual violence incidents.\n\n\u201cSexual violence, particularly on this scale and of this level of brutality, must be condemned unequivocally and without qualification, which is why we were shocked that it took UN Women nearly two months to speak out against these atrocities,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cMoreover, the organization has taken no meaningful steps to provide support to the Israeli survivors of sexual violence. UN Women\u2019s failure to publicly stand with Israeli women undermines its legitimacy and contributes to the outrageous effort by some to dismiss, downplay, or outright deny these atrocities.\u201d\n\nFind the Senators\u2019 letter in full below or here:\n\nLETTER TEXT:\n\nHis Excellency\n\nMr. Antonio Guterres\n\nSecretary-General of the United Nations 760 United Nations Plaza\n\nNew York, NY 10017\n\nDear Secretary Guterres:\n\nWe write to express our profound disappointment with the United Nations\u2019 (UN) response to Hamas\u2019s widespread sexual violence, including rape and mutilation, as a weapon of war against women in Israel on October 7, 2023. As the international community observes the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence intended to \u201ccall for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls\u201d1, we urge you to immediately launch an independent investigation into sexual violence committed by Hamas. We additionally urge you to hold UN Women, which is a leading UN organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence, accountable for its failure to immediately and unequivocally condemn Hamas\u2019s brutal use of sexual violence.\n\nA growing body of evidence including the testimonies of survivors, witnesses, and first responders makes clear that as part of Hamas\u2019s terrorist attack that killed 1,200 men, women, and children on October 7, the terrorist organization intentionally used rape and sexual assault as weapons of war. Israeli police have gathered more than 1,500 testimonies from witnesses and medics, as well as forensic evidence demonstrating that rape and sexual assaults took place.2Testimonies include one witness who described an account of a gang rape that took place at the Nova music festival site2 and footage showing mutilated bodies exhibiting signs of women being raped before they were executed.3\n\nAs multiple UN Security Council Resolutions affirm, the use of sexual violence is a war crime under international law. Hamas\u2019s premeditated campaign of systematic sexual violence on October 7 clearly meets this standard. Sexual violence, particularly on this scale and of this level of brutality, must be condemned unequivocally and without qualification, which is why we were shocked that it took UN Women nearly two months to speak out against these atrocities. This came a week after the organization issued an initial statement condemning Hamas, only to delete the post and replace it with a halfhearted statement that dropped any mention of Hamas. Moreover, the organization has taken no meaningful steps to provide support to the Israeli survivors of sexual violence. UN Women\u2019s failure to publicly stand with Israeli women undermines its legitimacy and contributes to the outrageous effort by some to dismiss, downplay, or outright deny these atrocities.\n\nWhile we note your November 30 statement calling for prosecution of Hamas for its abhorrent acts of sexual violence, we have serious concerns that the UN body tasked with investigating these crimes is the permanent Commission of Inquiry (COI) on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The COI includes an appointed Commissioner who has used antisemitic tropes and questioned the right of the State of Israel to be a member of the UN.4 Given that the COI has a history of bias and unfairly singling out Israel, we urge you to move swiftly to seek the establishment of an independent fact-finding effort through a separate mechanism, tasked with collecting testimonies from survivors and witnesses of Hamas\u2019s sexual violence. An independent investigation is a necessary step to hold perpetrators accountable, support survivors, and provide justice for victims.\n\nThe UN\u2019s delay in denouncing Hamas\u2019s sexual violence and rape on October 7 is a moral failure. Tasking the one-sided COI to investigate these atrocities undermines the effort\u2019s credibility, creates the strong potential for biased outcomes, and provides no measure of justice for the victims and survivors. In addition to holding UN Women\u2019s leadership accountable for their weeks-long failure to condemn sexual violence committed by Hamas, we call on you to immediately launch a full and independent investigation into Hamas\u2019 brutal campaign of sexual violence committed against Israeli women. We thank you for your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/media-advisory-sen-scott-to-speak-at-chanukah-in-the-square-in-charleston/", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Sen. Scott to Speak at Chanukah in the Square in Charleston", "2023-12-09", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "CHARLESTON, S.C. \u2013 On Sunday, December 10, 2023, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will speak at Chanukah in the Square 2023, which is hosted by Chabad of Charleston. Senator Scott will deliver remarks in support of Israel and the Jewish people and against the antisemitic, pro-Hamas demonstrations taking place in the United States and around the world.\n\nWHO: Senator Tim Scott, Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Congresswoman Nancy Mace, Mayor John Tecklenburg and Anita Zucker\n\nWHAT: Chanukah in the Square 2023\n\nWHERE: Marion Square (In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to 477 Mathis Ferry Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.)\n\nWHEN: Sunday, December 10, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST (Note: Remarks will begin at 5:15.)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-applauds-fda-approval-of-two-sickle-cell-disease-gene-therapies/", "Sen. Scott Applauds FDA Approval of Two Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapies", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) celebrated the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s (FDA) decision to approve exa-cel, from CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, as well as lovo-cel, from bluebird bio. Both gene therapies are potential one-time cures for sickle cell disease. Exa-cel now becomes the world\u2019s first CRISPR gene editing therapy designed to treat sickle cell disease.\n\n\u201cSickle cell disease affects 100,000 Americans, most prominently those in the African American, Latino and other minority communities,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cThese revolutionary new treatments are medical innovation at its finest and has the potential to significantly improve the lives of and provide hope to those who have been afflicted with this deadly disease.\u201d\n\nOn June 15, 2023, Senator Scott\u2019s Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023 wasapproved by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). The legislation reauthorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration\u2019s (HRSA) Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program beyond fiscal year 2023 through fiscal year 2028. This bill helps to make sure that HRSA has the flexibility to provide technical assistance and educational materials more rapidly to grantees and communities in response to emerging subjects, such as gene therapies to treat individuals with sickle cell disease.\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s leadership on Sickle Cell Disease awareness includes:\n\nIntroducing and signing into law the Sickle Cell and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research Surveillance, Prevention and Treatment Act in 2018;\n\nCreating a bipartisan resolution to dedicate September as Sickle Cell Awareness month;\n\nQuestioning the FDA nominee on the future of CRISPR technology in finding a cure for sickle cell disease; and\n\nDesignating February 28th as Rare Disease Day to promote awareness for all rare diseases, such as sickle cell.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-colleagues-slam-dols-new-h-2a-rule-imposing-union-pressure-on-temporary-farm-workers/", "Sen. Scott, Colleagues Slam DOL\u2019s New H-2A Rule Imposing Union Pressure on Temporary Farm Workers", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and 16 of their Republican colleagues slammed the Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) proposed rule that allows unions to coerce and pressure temporary foreign agriculture workers into unionization.\n\n\u201cThe proposed rule advances unionization on U.S. farms by making H-2A workers vulnerable to pressure. It opens these workers up to coerced unionization and deprives workers of an informed choice about whether to unionize,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cThe new DOL proposal circumvents Congress\u2019 authority to legislate on the unionization of agricultural workers and adds unnecessary obstacles to a complicated visa process. DOL already dictates wage rates and regulates working conditions for H-2A workers. This proposed rule is unnecessary and will harm American consumers, American agriculture, and H-2A workers themselves.\u201d\n\nThe H-2A visa program allows DOL to grant visas to temporary foreign agricultural workers when there is a shortage of domestic workers. Temporary foreign agricultural workers are allowed to reside in the United States based on their working status. Congress did not authorize the unionization of farm workers to prevent labor strikes that would threaten harvests and disrupt food supply. DOL has existing regulations to ensure temporary foreign workers receive fair wages and have safe working conditions.\n\nRecently, DOL proposed a new rule that gives unions unprecedented access to temporary foreign agricultural workers to pressure them into unionization. Specifically, the new rule would permit union officials to participate in employee disciplinary meetings and collect their private information for an organizing campaign. It would also force farmers to allow union organizers to stay in employer-sponsored housing for workers and prohibit farmers from discussing the organizing campaign with their workers.\n\nThe senators raised concerns that this new policy will discourage farmers from participating in the H-2A program and hamper American food production, further increasing the cost of essential food items for American families at a time of high inflation. Since President Biden took office in January 2021, the cost of bread, baby formula, and frozen fruits and vegetables are up almost 25 percent.\n\nIn addition to Ranking Member Cassidy, Senator Scott was joined by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-ND..), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), James E. Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nRead the full letterhere and below:\n\nDear Acting Secretary Su:\n\nWe write to oppose the Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) proposed regulation entitled \u201cImproving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States,\u201d Docket No. ETA-2023-0003.\n\nDOL\u2019s proposed regulation affecting H-2A visa holders will place an undue burden on American farmers. DOL grants H-2A visas to employers to hire temporary foreign workers to address agricultural workforce needs. Employers request these visas because they face a shortage of domestic workers. The new DOL proposal circumvents Congress\u2019 authority to legislate on the unionization of agricultural workers and adds unnecessary obstacles to a complicated visa process. It will discourage many smaller growers from participating in the program and accelerate consolidation of the U.S. agricultural industry. It will also hurt American families, who are already having a hard time making ends meet. Under Bidenomics, food prices have soared. Bread, baby formula, and frozen fruits and vegetables are up almost 25 percent since January 2021. If this rule is adopted, food prices will increase even more.\n\nThis proposed rule uses the Immigration and Naturalization Act to allow unions to unionize temporary agricultural workers, who are allowed to reside within the United States based on their working status, and organize strikes that would threaten the disruption that Congress intended to prevent.\n\nThe proposed rule advances unionization on U.S. farms by making H-2A workers vulnerable to pressure. It opens these workers up to coerced unionization and deprives workers of an informed choice about whether to unionize. Union officials would have unprecedented access to employees. Union officials could participate in employee disciplinary meetings and collect their private information for an organizing campaign. Farmers would have to allow union organizers to stay in employer-sponsored housing for workers, agree to negotiate in \u201cgood faith\u201d with a potential union, and agree to a de-facto gag order prohibiting the farmer from discussing the organizing campaign.\n\nDOL already dictates wage rates and regulates working conditions for H-2A workers. This proposed rule is unnecessary and will harm American consumers, American agriculture, and H-2A workers themselves.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-scott-lujan-fight-to-combat-skyrocketing-overdose-deaths-among-pregnant-and-postpartum-women/", "Senators Scott, Lujan Fight to Combat Skyrocketing Overdose Deaths Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) introduced the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act to ensure pregnant and postpartum women across the United States have reliable access to mental health and substance use disorder care. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women, including a state pilot program that directs funding to Mom\u2019s IMProving Access to Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care Through Telehealth and Telemonitoring (IMPACTT) in South Carolina.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve spoken at length of the devastating effects and reach of illicitly-trafficked fentanyl in this country, and its deadly impact on new and expecting mothers is yet another reason that seriously addressing this crisis must be our government\u2019s top national security priority,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cThe harsh but heartbreaking truth is the number of skyrocketing fatalities of pregnant and postpartum women represents far more than mere statistics show \u2013 these are children left without mothers and families ripped apart. As we fight to secure our border and curb the flow of illicit drugs into this country, we have an obligation to provide essential resources for these new and expecting moms.\u201d\n\n\u201cImproving the health of pregnant women facing substance use disorders is critical to creating positive outcomes for families and lasting health,\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n. \u201cBy reauthorizing these critical programs, pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders can access the necessary tools to prevent health complications and treat substance use\u2013including recovery and rehabilitation. I\u2019m committed to improving families\u2019 health and safety in New Mexico and across the country.\u201d\n\nA recently released study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed drug overdose deaths among women who were pregnant or postpartum within the previous 12 months skyrocketed from 2018 through 2021. The overdose death rate for pregnant and postpartum women ages 35 to 44 more than tripled during that time period. A similar study published last year in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that overdoses due to synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, were the leading drug type involved in the deaths of pregnant and postpartum women. From 2017 to 2020, synthetic opioids deaths increased from 5.73 per 100,000 to 9.47 per 100,000.\n\nIn addition to Senators Scott and Luj\u00e1n, the bill\u2019s original cosponsors include Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-grassley-risch-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-doj-address-ccp-influence-on-college-campuses/", "Sens. Scott, Grassley, Risch Lead Colleagues in Demanding DOJ Address CCP Influence on College Campuses", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho) led their colleagues in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland expressing serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at American colleges and universities. Recent reports suggest that the Chinese government is increasingly pushing its agenda on our nation\u2019s campuses through student organizations such as CSSAs. The letter urges the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to determine whether CSSAs need to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for their work on behalf of the CCP, which would help combat this influence on campus.\n\n\u201cThere are currently 150 known CSSA chapters on American campuses. These organizations purport to \u2018support\u2019 Chinese students overseas, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has shown they often serve as extensions of China\u2019s party-state. They \u2018can be co-opted into foreign government appendages\u2019 that intimidate and monitor Chinese overseas students while shaping favorable public perceptions of Beijing foreign policies. Of particular concern are the Chinese government\u2019s efforts to \u201cinfringe on the academic freedom and personal safety\u201d of persons at American universities. Some CSSAs receive guidance and funding from, and routinely coordinate with, Chinese consulates in the United States, while attempting to conceal these government ties,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201c\u2026The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they act at the behest of a foreign principal to influence U.S. policy or public opinion. There is clear evidence that CSSAs act as an arm of the PRC for the purpose of shaping U.S. policy and public opinion, and the United States should therefore evaluate whether they are required to register as foreign agents.\u201d\n\nSenators Scott, Grassley and Risch were joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).\n\nRead the letter here and below:\n\nDear Attorney General Garland:\n\nWe write to express serious concern about Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence over Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs) at our nation\u2019s colleges and universities. With the closure of many Confucius Institutes, the CCP is relying on other actors, including CSSAs, to influence U.S. academic institutions. This issue requires greater attention from the United States government.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Department of State, \u201c[w]hen the Chinese government first allowed its citizens to attend western universities in the late 1970s, the CCP created\u2026CSSA[s] to monitor Chinese students and mobilize them against views that dissent from the CCP\u2019s stance. That directive has not changed.\u201d These organizations are overseen by the CCP\u2019s United Front Work Department, a \u201cworldwide network of party loyalists\u201d that directs activities of the Chinese diaspora. In 2016, the PRC Ministry of Education issued a directive demanding that \u201cuniversity and college students be instructed\u2026to \u2018always follow the [CCP].\u2019\u201d The directive instructs officials to \u201cbuild a multidimensional contact network linking home and abroad,\u201d such that \u201coverseas students are seen as a population to be mobilized in support of their country and connected through organizations like the\u2026[CSSA]s\u2026and the consulates.\u201d\n\nThere are currently 150 known CSSA chapters on American campuses. These organizations purport to \u201csupport\u201d Chinese students overseas, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has shown they often serve as extensions of China\u2019s party-state. They \u201ccan be co-opted into foreign government appendages\u201d that intimidate and monitor Chinese overseas students while shaping favorable public perceptions of Beijing foreign policies. Of particular concern are the Chinese government\u2019s efforts to \u201cinfringe on the academic freedom and personal safety\u201d of persons at American universities. Some CSSAs receive guidance and funding from, and routinely coordinate with, Chinese consulates in the United States, while attempting to conceal these government ties.\n\nThere are many examples across the country. At the University of Miami, the CSSA is the only campus organization \u201cauthorized by the Chinese Embassy.\u201d The George Washington University\u2019s (GWU) CSSA has publicly acknowledged that it was \u201cdirected by\u201d and \u201cworks with\u201d the Chinese Embassy. Similarly, a University of Connecticut webpage states its CSSA is supported by the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) Consulate in New York. The president of the University of Pittsburgh\u2019s CSSA publicly disclosed on a Chinese social media platform that a Chinese consulate allocated $6,000 to the organization annually, but later deleted the post. The Southwestern CSSA\u2014 a coalition of 26 CSSAs in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii\u2014 revealed on its website that the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles must approve all Southwestern CSSA presidential candidates.\n\nCSSAs reportedly are not open to all students with Chinese ethnicity, but rather only to citizens of the PRC. This is a \u201cviolation of the principle that student organizations not discriminate based on nationality,\u201d as noted in a 2020 State Department fact sheet. At the University of Tennessee CSSA, members are obligated to \u201cfervently love the motherland\u201d and \u201cprotect the motherland\u2019s honor and image.\u201d Membership eligibility hinges on unwavering commitment to \u201csupport [China\u2019s] national reunification\u201d and \u201crecognize the \u2018One China\u2019 principle.\u201d Furthermore, \u201cCSSA chapters actively inhibit debate and interactions with non-Chinese peers\u201d and, at the direction of PRC government officials, \u201cdisrupt lectures or events that question CCP ideology or views.\u201d For example, the Brandeis University CSSA organized a coordinated campaign to disrupt an online discussion on the genocide of Uyghurs, featuring human rights activist Rayhan Asat. The event was \u201cZoombombed\u201d by uninvited attendees, who shared inappropriate content and played the Chinese national anthem during the panel presentation.\n\nTroubling communications from CSSAs have been reported at U.S. universities. For example, a graduate student at the University of Colorado-Boulder told her professor that the CSSA president had called late at night to inquire about the department faculty\u2019s work on Tibet. In another case, a Chinese national who was a former University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student said he received a \u201cdeluge\u201d of abusive CSSA emails accusing him of \u201cbeing a traitor to [China], including one death threat,\u201d after expressing belief that a CSSA list-serv email proposed racist and inappropriate slogans to protest a visit by the Japanese Prime Minister. A China expert and professor at the University of California-Riverside stated that CSSAs are a \u201ctool of government\u2019s foreign ministry.\u201d He added that \u201c[t]he effect of that surveillance is less that certain people are caught and punished and more that virtually all Chinese students know they could be reported, and, therefore, watch what they say in public fora.\u201d\n\nCSSAs also use money to wield political influence. The CSSA at Wayne State University reportedly funded travel to China for the mayor of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and three other officials. That funding allegedly came from a Chinese consulate to promote a potential real estate project. CSSAs have also facilitated paid displays of popularity for visiting Chinese leaders. In 2012 and 2015, the Chinese Embassy funneled money through GWU\u2019s CSSA to sponsor students who lined up the streets to welcome Xi Jinping to Washington, D.C.\n\nThe Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they act at the behest of a foreign principal to influence U.S. policy or public opinion. There is clear evidence that CSSAs act as an arm of the PRC for the purpose of shaping U.S. policy and public opinion, and the United States should therefore evaluate whether they are required to register as foreign agents.\n\nPlease provide a response to the following questions no later than 30 days after receipt.\n\nWhat actions has DOJ taken to assess whether CSSAs should register under FARA for their work on behalf of the PRC?\n\nHas DOJ sent either a letter of inquiry or a letter of determination pursuant to FARA to any CSSA chapters regarding their status? Has any CSSA ever requested an advisory opinion in relation to work done on behalf of the PRC for purposes of FARA? If so, please provide a copy.\n\nWhat steps has DOJ taken to investigate allegations that CSSAs have engaged in transnational repression, harassment, and monitoring of Chinese nationals and diaspora in the United States? If none have been taken, please explain why not.\n\nAre there authorities that DOJ assesses as more appropriate than FARA to address CSSA involvement in CCP influence operations? If so, please explain why those authorities are more appropriate, how the Department is using them, and describe supporting interagency efforts.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to a timely and detailed response.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=20727582-554F-42C4-96D6-6A37AD7960C7", "Graham on Former Speaker McCarthy's Retirement", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced that he will be leaving the U.S. House of Representatives at the end of his term.\n\n\u201cI wish Kevin McCarthy well in his future endeavors to help the conservative cause. Kevin has much to be proud of, rising through the ranks to Minority Leader and Speaker of the House. He navigated the Republican Party through some of the most turbulent periods in recent history, getting results in difficult circumstances.\n\n\u201cHe will be missed, but I am sure his contributions to the future of the Republican Party will be enormous.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-scott-presses-bank-leaders-on-real-world-impacts-of-bidens-regulatory-agenda/", "Ranking Member Scott Presses Bank Leaders on Real-World Impacts of Biden\u2019s Regulatory Agenda", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 At today\u2019s Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing with the leaders of the eight Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs) headquartered in the U.S., Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) pressed the leaders of the institutions on the impact of the Biden administration\u2019s burdensome regulatory agenda on their businesses and, in turn, the Americans they serve. Ranking Member Scott has continued to highlight the negative effects of these proposals, particularly the Basel III Endgame proposal, that will limit the availability of credit for housing, severely restrict lending for small businesses, and cut into the retirement savings of hard-working Americans.\n\nRanking Member Scott also asked the bank CEOs about their experiences with the regulators that supervise them. Since the spring bank failures, Ranking Member Scott has been critical of financial regulators, and recent reports of a toxic work environment at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and a repeated focus on partisan climate policies raise additional questions about the agencies\u2019 conduct.\n\nClick here to watch Ranking Member Scott\u2019s opening remarks.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-squawk-box-to-discuss-ceo-hearing-regulatory-impact-on-the-american-dream/", "Scott Joins Squawk Box to Discuss CEO Hearing, Regulatory Impact on the American Dream", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "\u2018So why would we go down a road of, what I consider, a nightmare of regulatory burdens that will restrict capital in the marketplace which means fewer loans for small businesses, fewer homes for first-time buyers and a strong challenge \u2013 headwinds \u2013 against the American Dream?\u2019\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined CNBC\u2019s Squawk Box this morning ahead of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing with the leaders of the nation\u2019s largest banks. In the interview, Ranking Member Scott pushed back on the Biden administration\u2019s regulatory agenda, including the Basel III Endgame proposal, for the harm it would cause to consumers and the American Dream \u2013 particularly for those living paycheck to paycheck. Ranking Member Scott highlighted that more capital on the sidelines as the result of increased regulatory burdens would lead to fewer jobs, less wage growth, and would crush small businesses.\n\nClick here to watch the full interview.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-statement-on-retirement-of-former-speaker-kevin-mccarthy/", "Sen. Scott Statement on Retirement of Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy\u2019s (R-Calif.) announcement that he will leave Congress at the end of the year:\n\n\u201cKevin McCarthy\u2019s story embodies the promise of the American Dream. Born into a middle-class family in Bakersfield, California, Kevin went on to not only be a member of Congress, but Whip, Leader and the 55th Speaker of the House. As a steadfast conservative fighter, his leadership was oftentimes the sole calming force during Congress\u2019s most turbulent moments. While he will be dearly missed by his colleagues and the institution, I wish my friend Kevin and his family happiness and fulfillment as they enter into this exciting next chapter.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EE4E9915-B210-4535-95FD-EFD6EA304A70", "In Response to Graham, FBI Director Wray Confirms Threats to U.S. Skyrocketed Post October 7", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray.\n\nOn border security negotiations:\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cThe Biden Administration refuses to follow the law as written [and] refuses to give up this concept of humanitarian parole because it is their way of \u2018managing\u2019 the border. Why are so many people coming now compared to before? The belief is, Mr. Chairman, you have a really good chance of never leaving. Catch and release is the policy.\u201d https://youtu.be/RI6UXmahK74?si=MbNEYlBCBUyfJ-BZ&t=164\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cYou [Democrats] clearly as a party do not want to change the policies that are attracting so many people. It\u2019s inhumane, I think, to lure people to this journey. It\u2019s not fair to the American people to be overrun in the fashion that we are. Given the threats that exist in the world, it\u2019s exceedingly dangerous to have lost control of your border.\u201d https://youtu.be/RI6UXmahK74?si=pecmxPTEUyBrWWZu&t=255\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cYou will not get a deal from the Republican Party unless we change the policies that are leading to [9,400 on average per week] coming to our border.\u201d https://youtu.be/RI6UXmahK74?si=Ig3E2pVT3I2uFwNH&t=222\n\nOn national security threats:\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cSo, blinking red lights analogy about 9/11 \u2014 all the lights were blinking red before 9/11, apparently. Obviously, all of us missed it. Would you say that there\u2019s multiple blinking red lights out there?\u201d\n\nWRAY: \u201cI see blinking lights everywhere I turn.\u201d\n\nhttps://youtu.be/MDnjCasaX9Q?si=fvfZqVLOf-p93hlb&t=97\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cOne of my concerns is after [the withdrawal from] Afghanistan, we put international terrorism on steroids. Are you concerned that international terrorism threats to the homeland are rising as the [southern] border continues to be broken?\u201d\n\nWRAY: \u201cI am concerned that we are in\u2026 a heightened threat environment from foreign terrorist organizations for a\n\nwhole host of reasons and obviously their ability to exploit any port of entry, including our southwest border\u2026 We\n\nhave seen an increase in so-called KSTs, \u2018known or suspected terrorists\u2019, attempting to cross over the last five\n\nyears.\u201d https://youtu.be/MDnjCasaX9Q?si=bcfYY_O_NsUI7PXJ&t=282\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cOctober 7 was devastating to our friends in Israel. So your testimony before this committee, since October 7 the urging of foreign terrorist organizations to attack America has gone up. Is that fair to say?\u201d\n\nWRAY: \u201cYes, the threat level has gone to a whole other level since October 7.\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cOkay folks. You\u2019re on notice. What are we going to do about it?\u201d\n\nhttps://youtu.be/MDnjCasaX9Q?si=bcfYY_O_NsUI7PXJ&t=375\n\nClick here to watch Graham\u2019s opening statement\n\nClick here to watch Graham\u2019s questions\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-fights-to-lower-energy-costs-for-american-families/", "Sen. Scott Fights to Lower Energy Costs for American Families", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) in introducing the Promoting Domestic Energy Production Act, which would allow companies to consider intangible drilling costs (IDCs) when calculating taxable income. This change would lower energy production costs, creating savings for American families.\n\n\u201cThe far-left\u2019s climate agenda has crippled our nation\u2019s energy production and crushed job creation and opportunity,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cNow, President Biden\u2019s Inflation Acceleration Act has worsened the burden of high energy costs on hardworking American families, small businesses and the economy as a whole. I\u2019m fighting to reverse the administration\u2019s war on domestic energy production and restore American energy dominance.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf you own a restaurant, a repair shop or a hardware store, you can deduct your normal business expenses,\u201d said Senator Lankford. \u201cBut the Democrats\u2019 so-called Inflation Reduction Act attacked oil and gas companies by taking away their ability to deduct normal business expenses. The result of that tax increase has been higher energy costs for Americans, which was clearly the plan of the Biden Administration. The Biden Administration celebrates higher energy costs as they push their progressive climate-change agenda. Higher energy prices hurt every family and drive up prices for everything we buy. This bill will restore basic tax fairness to energy businesses, encourage stable energy production and lower energy prices for everyone.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the legislation here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6130F785-7EB8-4F1E-9455-DC73FDE76635", "Graham Statement On Houthi Ship Attacks", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following attacks on commercial ships by Iranian-backed Houthi militants.\n\n\u201cThe Houthi\u2019s attack on commercial shipping vessels is yet another example of how we have lost deterrence against Iran and its proxies.\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration saying \u2018don\u2019t\u2019 to Iran and its proxies clearly is not working. The Biden Administration says don\u2019t - Iran and its proxies \u2018do\u2019. We need to regain deterrence by letting Iran know its infrastructure is on the target list.\n\n\u201cAttacks against American forces in Iraq and Syria are serious and unrelenting, and now the Houthi forces are expanding the target list and going after shipping.\n\n\u201cNone of this would be possible without support and backing from Iran. I also believe all of this would stop if Iran thought we were serious about holding them accountable for the actions of its proxies.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=959946E6-C07D-41DF-B9AD-9E48EC469F4B", "Graham Statement On The Passing Of Justice O'Connor", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the passing of retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O\u2019Connor.\n\n\u201cAmerica has lost one of her greatest legal giants with the passing of Justice Sandra Day O\u2019Connor. She broke many barriers and rose through the ranks to ascend to the Supreme Court under President Reagan as the first female Justice.\n\n\u201cJustice O\u2019Connor was a thought leader for the Court, shaping consequential American jurisprudence during her tenure.\n\n\u201cStrong, honest, kind and smart are but a few words to describe her. A trailblazing life and a true role model, Justice O\u2019Connor will be sorely missed.\n\n\u201cMay she Rest in Peace.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-joins-bipartisan-call-for-white-house-to-reverse-course-on-digital-trade-stand-up-to-china-support-american-workers-and-human-rights/", "Senator Scott Joins Bipartisan Call for White House to Reverse Course on Digital Trade, Stand Up to China & Support American Workers and Human Rights", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "Bipartisan Coalition Urges President Biden Not to Abandon Global Leadership in Online Rights and Commerce to China and Other Authoritarian Regimes\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and a bipartisan coalition of senators in calling on President Biden to reaffirm America\u2019s global economic leadership. They outlined the need to reverse a decision by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to abandon long-held positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and allow the free flow of information across borders, protect against the forced transfer of American technology and promote open markets for digital goods exported by American creators and businesses.\n\nIn addition to Senator Scott, Chairman Wyden and Ranking Member Crapo, the letter was signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Barrasso (R-Wy.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), James Lankford (R-Ok.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tedd Budd (R-N.C.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Krysten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).\n\nFor nearly 30 years, the United States, along with democratic allies like the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea and others, have supported the internet and free information flows as an engine of innovation and economic growth and a bulwark against authoritarian regimes that seek to dominate international digital rules. Human rights and free expression advocates, such as Freedom House, raised concerns that USTR\u2019s decision to withdraw support for key positions \u2013 without offering any alternatives \u2013 gives China, Russia and other repressive regimes an opening to advance policies allowing greater surveillance and censorship. U.S. creators, small businesses and major industries have also warned the USTR move will further China\u2019s model for digital protectionism and allow unfair trade practices targeting U.S. employers.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concerns with the decision of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to stop supporting key commitments in the e-commerce negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO)\u2014and potentially in other negotiations. These commitments reflect bipartisan principles that, until now, the United States has strongly supported across political parties, administrations, and the federal government: an open internet that promotes the flow of information across borders to support American exports and American values. USTR\u2019s decision to abandon these commitments at the WTO creates a policy vacuum that China and Russia will fill,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe WTO e-commerce negotiations have been supported by a wide range of American employers, including manufacturers, automakers, retailers, small businesses, creators in the film, music, and book publishing industries, precision agriculture, logistics and semiconductor sectors.\n\nThe senators emphasized that the U.S. can and should advance regulations to protect Americans\u2019 privacy and security and that the WTO principles involving data flows, intellectual property and unjustified data localization are compatible with smart regulation of tech and other industries.\n\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=129A31AF-3B48-4960-B968-8333AF0E135B", "Graham Encourages Texas Governor To Send Illegal Immigrants To States Where Senators Oppose Closing Asylum Loopholes", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today encouraged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to send illegal immigrants to states whose Senators are opposed to closing loopholes in our asylum laws. Graham has long warned that these loopholes are incentivizing and leading to the massive invasion we see at our southern border.\n\nTexas Governor Abbott has already sent thousands of illegal immigrants to New York City in an effort to spread the burden, which has disproportionately fallen on border states like Texas.\n\nGraham said:\n\n\u201cYesterday, ten Democratic senators came out against closing loopholes in our immigration, parole and asylum laws which are a magnet for illegal immigration. Those senators don\u2019t know or feel what it is like to live with a broken border.\n\n\u201cPeople in Texas have gone through a lot of hell and misery. The Democratic position is for illegal immigrants coming to the country to \u2018Remain in Texas.\u2019 That is wrong and unfair. Governor Abbott was right to send illegal immigrants to New York City and he should expand that program.\n\n\u201cIf I were advising Governor Abbott, I would encourage him to start sending the thousands of illegal immigrants - who show up daily in Texas - to these states. It\u2019s time these states, and their elected senators, understand what it is like to live with a broken border.\n\n\u201cThe senators from these states oppose legislation to stop this problem because they are not suffering from the consequences of this problem. At the end of the day, until you can make this problem real in some of these blue states, a lot of people are going to have this attitude.\n\n\u201cMy hope is that Governor Abbott will show the people in places like Rhode Island, Oregon and Connecticut the experience of having your community overrun with people not here legally. Governor Abbott\u2019s plan started changing views in New York City. It will change views in these states as well.\u201d\n\n#####\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWashington Examiner:\n\nGraham tells Abbott: Send \u2018busloads\u2019 of immigrants to senators who \u2018oppose border security\u2019\n\nFox News Interview with John Roberts: https://youtu.be/WoAV0BUv9Rg\n\nFox News Interview with Sean Hannity: https://youtu.be/vx63l8U0ehA\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9EC60037-2E95-478D-AE5F-8B22D04A367B", "Democrats Unsuccessfully Try To Authorize Subpoena In Latest Attempt To Discredit Supreme Court", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Democrats tried, but were unsuccessful in their attempt to issue a subpoena because they did not follow committee rules and violated the Senate Standing Rules. Further, Senate Rule 26(7)(a)(3)\u2014which normally waives or \u201ccures\u201d committee rules violations for reported measures like nominations and legislation\u2014does not apply to purely internal committee matters, including votes to authorize subpoenas.\n\nBelow is a summary of the events:\n\nChairman Durbin cut off debate and the offering of amendments by immediately ordering a roll call vote to authorize the subpoena (contrary to an earlier statement to Ranking Member Graham).\n\nRanking Member Graham objected, and demanded a roll call vote on the decision to end debate, which he is entitled to request under Committee Rule IV.\n\nIn response to Ranking Member Graham\u2019s objection, Chairman Durbin moved to suspend Committee Rule IV\u2014he later clarified that this was a motion to end debate.\n\nA roll call vote was held on the motion to end debate. The motion failed under Committee Rule IV, because no Republican voted in favor of the motion as required. The clock struck noon.\n\nChairman Durbin then ordered a roll call vote to authorize the subpoena. His calling the vote violated Committee Rule IV because the motion to end debate failed.\n\nRanking Member Graham attempted to make a point of order regarding the rule violation, but Chairman Durbin refused to entertain his point of order.\n\nThe clerk called the roll, with no Republicans present.\n\nDuring the roll call vote, because no Republicans were present, the Committee lacked a quorum to transact business as required by Committee Rule III. Committee Rule III requires two members of minority for a quorum.\n\nThe roll call vote on the subpoenas happened after 12:00 p.m. when the two hour rule was invoked. This violated the Senate Standing Rule 26 (5)(a).\n\nWhat does this mean? Chairman Durbin prevented the Republican Members from discussing or offering amendments in violation of committee rules. When Ranking Member Graham challenged this, Chairman Durbin refused to allow the challenge, and proceeded to the vote. Without a quorum needed under the committee rules, and after the two hours for committee activity permitted under the Senate Rules had elapsed, Chairman Durbin proceeded with an illegitimate vote on the subpoena. Since the subpoena is an internal committee matter, it cannot be \u201ccured\u201d by the \u201ccleansing clause\u201d in Rule 26 of the Standing Rules of the Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/ranking-member-scott-presses-director-of-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-on-oppressive-financial-policy-attack-on-free-markets/", "Ranking Member Scott Presses Director of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Oppressive Financial Policy, Attack on Free Markets", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "At today\u2019s Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra, Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) held the CFPB accountable for its abuse of enforcement powers and rulemakings driven by politics instead of policy, all of which continue to stifle innovation and harm American families and small businesses. In his opening statement, Ranking Member Scott noted that despite members calling on Chopra to reverse course, the agency has continued to abuse its authorities and propose regulations that reduce access to credit, limit consumer choice, and discourage financial responsibility.\n\nRanking Member Scott concluded by reminding Director Chopra of his responsibility \u2013 as a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board \u2013 to ensure all FDIC employees are treated with dignity and respect in light of recent reports of a toxic work culture at the FDIC.\n\nRanking Member Scott\u2019s opening remarks as delivered:\n\nThank you, let me start off by saying, it\u2019s certainly good to be back with the committee. I want to thank my members, fellow members, for their support, specifically in particular Senator Rounds for all of his support during my absence.\n\nI would also like to welcome our newest member, Senator Butler to the committee.\n\nNow turning back to business, just two weeks ago, our financial regulators testified before this committee and faced bipartisan concerns about the impact on everyday American families that these misguided and partisan regulatory proposals would have if implemented as proposed.\n\nWhile those \u201cindependent\u201d regulators have become increasingly politicized under the Biden administration, the CFPB has a much longer history of skirting statutory mandates and avoiding congressional oversight.\n\nDirector Chopra, you know these concerns well and you\u2019ve heard from me about those concerns, you\u2019ve heard from my fellow members of the committee, as well as House colleagues.\n\nAnd yet, the CFPB is no more accountable today than it was at its inception \u2013 and I fear under your leadership, the agency is straying even further from its mandated mission.\n\nThe abuse of enforcement powers, rulemakings driven by politics instead of policy, and a lack of oversight \u2013 which only leads to less economic opportunity \u2013 have become hallmarks under your leadership.\n\nThe law is clear. When it comes to consumer finance, the CFPB should consistently and fairly enforce federal consumer finance law; safeguard access to markets for consumer financial products and services; and ensure that such markets are fair, transparent, and competitive.\n\nSadly, the CFPB\u2019s actions don\u2019t match up with its mandate.\n\nUnder your leadership, the CFPB has operated in blind pursuit of additional power and has become the hallmark of government overreach \u2013 to the point where I am concerned the Bureau is doing more harm to consumers than good.\n\nThat is why in July, I led a bicameral group of 132 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court, urging the Court to affirm the lower court\u2019s decision that the CFPB\u2019s funding structure is constitutionally defective.\n\nWhen you last testified before us in June, we discussed your efforts to regulate through speeches and blog posts, your public pressure campaign on fee income, and your attempts to stifle innovation.\n\nInstead of correcting course, it seems that you have only accelerated towards the exact opposite direction of your statutory mission.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-leads-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-biden-administration-on-latest-iran-sanctions-waiver/", "Senator Scott Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Biden Administration on Latest Iran Sanctions Waiver", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, led his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin conducting needed oversight over the administration\u2019s lack of a cohesive Iran strategy given the recent decision to extend an Iran sanctions waiver. As Israel continues to battle Iranian-backed Hamas and the regime\u2019s proxies increase their attacks against U.S. personnel in the region, the Biden Administration on November 13 issued a waiver providing Iran access to approximately $10 billion.\n\nSenator Scott was joined by Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).\n\n\u201cA strong signal of deterrence\u2014utilizing military, economic, and diplomatic tools\u2014is needed if we want to stop the attacks against U.S. personnel and prevent the war in Gaza from expanding into a protracted regional conflict. Unfortunately, the administration\u2019s military and economic responses to Iran and its proxies have not only been disproportionate, they appear to be completely disjointed,\u201d wrote the senators.\u201cWe therefore request that your departments provide us with a classified assessment on the administration\u2019s plan to deter Iranian aggression and prevent the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. This assessment should include an estimation of how Iran has already leveraged\u2014and could in the future leverage\u2014against U.S. persons and interests the tens of billions in assets it now has access to due to your administration\u2019s use of U.S. sanctions waivers and is to be provided in a member or staff-level briefing no later than December 7, 2023.\u201d\n\nOn August 18, 2023, Senator Scott and 25 of his Republican colleagues demanded answers from the administration after it released approximately $6 billion in frozen assets to Iran in exchange for American prisoners.\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nDear Secretaries Blinken, Yellen, and Austin:\n\nOn August 18, 2023, we wrote to express our concern over the administration\u2019s decision to release $6 billion worth of frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the return of American detainees. This decision reinforced an incredibly dangerous precedent of providing ransom payments to the world\u2019s greatest state sponsor of terrorism and put a price on the life of every American overseas. Understanding the grave error of the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the danger this action poses to U.S. lives and interests, it is therefore alarming to hear that the administration is doubling down on its appeasement strategy by actively working to provide Iran with access to billions more in funding.\n\nOn October 7, 2023, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, brutally killing an estimated 1,200 civilians and taking over 200 hostages. In response, the administration reached an agreement with Qatar on October 12 to temporarily prevent the unfrozen assets\u2014now held at Qatari financial institutions\u2014from being expended. Based on information from your administration, it is our belief that with the current lack of safeguards, Iran will soon access this $6 billion and use the funds to continue to expand its malign proxy activities.\n\nSince October 7, Hamas and fellow Iranian proxy, Hezbollah, have continued to launch attacks against Israel as it fights to defend its sovereignty and protect its people. As we continue to stand with our greatest ally in the Middle East, other Iranian proxies have increased their attacks against U.S. personnel in the region. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have conducted over seventy attacks against U.S. personnel since October 7. United States forces have responded only three times. However, at the same time, your administration has inadvisably taken steps to unlock tens of billions of dollars for Iran to fund additional terrorist activities that directly threaten American lives.\n\nOn November 13, 2023, the U.S. Department of State extended a sanctions waiver pursuant to Section 1245(d)(5) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 and Section 1244(i) and 1247(f) of the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012, finding that a sanctions waiver to allow Iraq to pay Iran for electricity was in the national security interest of the United States. Public reports have held that there is roughly $10 billion in Iraqi payments for Iranian electricity currently being held in escrow accounts in Iraq.[1] The decision to extend this waiver and allow Iran to convert Iraqi Dinars to Euros was signed the day after U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out its latest strike against facilities used by Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian proxy groups in Eastern Syria, in response to their attacks against U.S. personnel. Such timing signals to Iran that despite attacks on U.S. service members and our allies, it is business as normal on the economic front.\n\nAs we said in August, money is fungible. Combined with the $10 billion waiver extension, the administration has provided Iran with access to roughly $16 billion in assets over the past four months; assets that can be used\u2014now or in the future\u2014to offset the cost of the Iranian regime\u2019s increase in destabilizing activities across the region.\n\nA strong signal of deterrence\u2014utilizing military, economic, and diplomatic tools\u2014is needed if we want to stop the attacks against U.S. personnel and prevent the war in Gaza from expanding into a protracted regional conflict. Unfortunately, the administration\u2019s military and economic responses to Iran and its proxies have not only been disproportionate, they appear to be completely disjointed.\n\nWe therefore request that your departments provide us with a classified assessment on the administration\u2019s plan to deter Iranian aggression and prevent the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. This assessment should include an estimation of how Iran has already leveraged\u2014and could in the future leverage\u2014against U.S. persons and interests the tens of billions in assets it now has access to due to your administration\u2019s use of U.S. sanctions waivers and is to be provided in a member or staff-level briefing no later than December 7, 2023.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-champions-legislation-to-protect-faith-based-child-welfare-providers/", "Senator Scott Champions Legislation to Protect Faith-Based Child Welfare Providers", "2023-11-27", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "In Light of Biden Administration Attacks on Faith-Based Child Welfare Providers, the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act Protects Their Federal Funding and Combats Religious Discrimination\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led Senators James Risch (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in introducing the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act. This legislation protects child welfare providers from being discriminated against for acting in accordance with their deeply held religious beliefs and prohibits federal, state and local government agencies that receive federal adoption assistance funding from discriminating against child welfare service providers based on the providers\u2019 unwillingness to take action contrary to their sincerely held religious beliefs.\n\n\u201cFaith-based foster care organizations have provided reliable, effective resources to countless families and children with nowhere else to go,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cDespite their success, President Biden has caved to the far-left, making it harder for these organizations to provide critical services and leaving the kids who need them most out in the cold. I\u2019m fighting back to protect religious freedom and support the incredible work of these invaluable organizations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAdoption is truly Heaven\u2019s work, yet the religious organizations that work tirelessly to place children in the best homes are often legally required to ignore their religious doctrine or risk closing their doors for good,\u201d said Senator Risch.\u201cIn an effort to protect religious adoption and foster care agencies, with my colleagues, we are introducing the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act to protect faith-based adoption agencies from this discrimination and ensure they can to provide life-changing adoption services.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s attacks on law-abiding citizens exercising their deeply held religious convictions must stop,\u201d said Senator Cotton. \u201cOur legislation will help protect faith-based organizations from government overreach and discrimination and provide care for children in need.\u201d\n\n\u201cChild service providers who hold fast to their faith and find loving homes to children are an inspiration, and don\u2019t deserve to be penalized or targeted by the Biden administration,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith. \u201cThis is reasonable legislation that protects religious freedoms and supports an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensuring the best welfare for vulnerable children.\u201d\n\n\u201cBureaucratic nonsense should never get in the way of helping kids in need,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cActivists on the left have tried for years to discriminate against child welfare agencies for their religious beliefs. We need to support faith based adoption and foster agencies, recognizing their faith compels compassion and their call to service.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, faith-based nonprofits have been reliable partners with state and local child welfare agencies,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cNow, radical social activists are attempting to stop them from offering foster children essential services. I\u2019m proud to join this bill, which would strengthen religious liberty protections and ensure these organizations can continue caring for our children.\u201d\n\n\u201cFaith-based child welfare providers perform invaluable work every day to help struggling children,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cThe Biden administration has unfairly targeted these faith-based organizations in order to appease their radical left-wing base. The Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act will safeguard these providers from religious discrimination by federal agencies.\u201d\n\n\u201cFaith-based adoption and foster care providers do incredible work finding loving homes for our nation\u2019s orphans,\u201d said Senator Wicker. \u201cIt is deeply disturbing that certain states are seeking to drive these providers out of the marketplace because of their religious and moral beliefs, leaving children to pay the price. This legislation would protect federally-funded child welfare providers from discrimination based on their beliefs, allowing them to continue serving children in need.\u201d\n\n\u201cFaith-based organizations have a long history of connecting vulnerable children with loving homes,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would ensure child welfare providers can continue their life-changing work without fear of religious discrimination that runs counter to our Constitution.\u201d\n\nU.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-Penn.) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cFaith-based organizations have always played an extraordinary role in caring for our nation\u2019s most vulnerable children. Millions of Americans are better off today because of their noble work,\u201d Rep. Kelly said. \u201cSince coming into office, President Biden has discriminated against these faith-based providers because of their deeply held religious beliefs. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Tim Scott on this commonsense legislation to protect faith-based organizations who are simply seeking a level playing field to help those in need.\u201d\n\nThe Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act has been endorsed by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Heritage Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee and the Family Research Council.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D21A1989-67E2-4705-B8F3-5E500B6C4EF4", "Bipartisan Group of Senators Introduce Resolution Supporting U.S. Efforts To Deter Iran", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) today introduced a resolution recognizing deterrence is most credible when the President keeps all options on the table, including the use of military force in accordance with constitutional processes, to deter attacks from Iran and its proxies.\n\n\u201cOur resolution urges the Biden Administration to keep all options on the table, including the military option against Iran, if there is continued escalation against our forces in Syria and Iraq by Iranian proxies or an effort by Hezbollah to expand in the north of Israel, which would also be supported by Iran,\u201d said Graham. \u201cThe bipartisan resolution urges peace, but is prepared to hold Iran accountable for terrorist activities and any escalation. If Iran escalates, the set of targets should be in Iran \u2013 not Syria or Iraq. In addition, our resolution encourages Saudi Arabia and Israel to continue their effort to normalize relations between their two nations. I, along with most in the region, believe the barbaric attack by Hamas was designed to stop this effort, because it would be a nightmare for Iran.\u201d\n\n\u201cIran is a toxic, malign influence. The purpose of this resolution is very simply to deter Iran by showing we\u2019re behind the president as he seeks to stop the war in Israel from escalating. Iran is responsible for the actions of its surrogates and must pull them back. There is strong bipartisan common ground here at home and consensus in the region: deterrence it is critical to prevent a widening war,\u201d said Blumenthal.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no disputing the malign influence of Iran in the Middle East, nor the role the regime has played in recent attacks on Israel,\u201d said Sullivan. \u201cThere is no Hamas without Iran. There is no Hezbollah without Iran. There are no Houthis without Iran. All of these terrorist organizations are funded, trained and supplied by the Iranians. It\u2019s also important for the American public to remember that, for decades, Iran\u2019s Quds Force and their proxies have targeted and killed American citizens\u2014including wounding or killing over 2,000 American service members. I have been critical of the Biden administration\u2019s policies toward Iran, but today, we are looking forward. This resolution builds on the strong bipartisan support for reimposing a broad suite of sanctions against Iran\u2014including on oil and ballistic missiles\u2014and being prepared to use military force against Iran if they kill Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cMake no mistake, as the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism, Iran cannot successfully be appeased. The regime in Tehran funded and trained Hamas before the barbaric October 7 terrorist attacks on Israel, fuels the proxies that have attacked American troops in Iraq and Syria, and continues to funnel resources to Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups across the region. Peace will only come through strength, and this bipartisan resolution sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate attacks on Americans in the Middle East and across the globe,\u201d said Britt.\n\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism, and its actions are destabilizing the Middle East,\u201d said Rosen. \u201cIran\u2019s support has been instrumental for terrorist groups like Hamas \u2013 which carried out brutal attacks on innocent Israelis \u2013 and its proxies who attack U.S. troops and pose the greatest threat to their safety. The U.S. must continue to stand with our allies and keep pushing back on Iran\u2019s support of terrorism and attempts to thwart regional normalization and peace.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must send a strong message of deterrence to Iran as Israel defends themselves following the horrific Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, and to ensure this war does not further escalate in the Middle East,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this bipartisan resolution that advocates for meaningful steps to make very clear that the United States will not tolerate Iran\u2019s continued attacks. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to explore all avenues to stand with Israel and prevent a regional conflict.\u201d\n\nThe resolution:\n\nSupports the President\u2019s efforts to deter the Islamic Republic of Iran, the IRGC, Hamas, Hezbollah, Ansar Allah, PIJ, and other proxies from expanding the ongoing conflict, and recognizes deterrence is most credible when the President keeps all options on the table, including the use of military force in accordance with constitutional processes.\n\nRecognizes Israel\u2019s right to self-defense and its operations to ensure Hamas can never again terrorize innocent Israelis and Palestinians.\n\nEncourages the President to work to secure the safe release and return of all hostages held by Hamas.\n\nCommends the President\u2019s decision to position military and diplomatic assets in the region to deter escalation of the conflict by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the IRGC, Hamas, Hezbollah, Ansar Allah, PIJ, and other proxies of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Iraq or Syria.\n\nRecognizes that all responsible nations agree that Hamas is a terrorist organization that must be fought, dismantled and prevented from having the capacity to further terrorize Israel and the region.\n\nUrges the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Israel, with the support of the United States, to continue diplomatic negotiations to normalize relations and establish lasting peace, prosperity, and stability in the Middle East.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is available here.\n\nSenators Graham, Blumenthal, and Sullivan discussed the resolution earlier today on Capitol Hill. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6MBMfCh8ok&t=2s", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-hagerty-expand-oversight-of-senior-diplomats-rescinded-security-clearances-following-iran-envoy-scandal/", "Scott, Hagerty Expand Oversight of Senior Diplomats\u2019 Rescinded Security Clearances Following Iran Envoy Scandal", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in introducing the State Department Security Notification Act, which requires the Secretary of State to notify Congress when the security clearances of senior members of the State Department are suspended or revoked. This legislation comes after the Biden administration withheld information regarding the suspension of Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley\u2019s security clearance after he mishandled sensitive classified information. Earlier this year, Senator Scott led his colleagues in demanding an investigation into how the Department of State handled Malley\u2019s suspension.\n\n\u201cWith Iranian proxies attacking U.S. troops in the Middle East and Iranian-backed Hamas waging terror against America\u2019s greatest ally in the region, strong, reliable and consistent leadership on Iran policy has never been more important,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cThe fact that President Biden\u2019s hand-picked Special Envoy to Iran \u2013 one of our greatest adversaries \u2013 could not maintain a proper security clearance illustrates gross incompetence, and the attempt to cover it up illustrates blatant misconduct. The American people deserve answers and transparency. More importantly, they demand this never happens again.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe State Department\u2019s refusal to provide transparency regarding Robert Malley and the handling of his security clearance has been deeply concerning,\u201d said Senator Hagerty. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to introduce this legislation that will require the State Department to notify and brief Congress if it revokes or suspends security clearances of senior officials.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American people deserve to know about serious security breaches at the State Department,\u201d said Senator Barrasso. \u201cIt is especially important when it involves senior members like the Special Envoy to Iran. Without transparency and oversight in the reported mishandling of classified information, the Biden administration is putting our national security at risk. In light of the many challenges we face across the globe, Congress must be aware when senior members are under investigation for mishandling critical intelligence and information pertaining to our nation\u2019s security.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican diplomats are entrusted with some of our nation\u2019s most important information,\u201d said Senator Rubio. \u201cIf that trust is ever in doubt, and the State Department has suspended or revoked an official\u2019s security clearance, Congress and the American people have a right to know.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans want to know why the Biden administration has been so friendly with the Iranian regime, which sponsored the horrific October 7 terrorist attack, and why Biden administration officials have so single-mindedly enabled Iranian nuclear progress and terrorism,\u201d said Senator Cruz. \u201cThe Biden administration is deliberately not providing those answers. We know there was vast Iranian influence operation that went to the very top of the administration, we know that Iran Envoy Robert Malley was suspended, and we know investigations are ongoing. The Biden administration\u2019s cover-up must end.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Brian Mast (R-FL-21) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThe State Department Security Notification Act requires:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=021EDA09-E98D-481E-845F-1338C358C15A", "Graham Presses Secretary Mayorkas On Biden Administration's Failed Border Policies", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas about the record-breaking levels of migration the United States is experiencing at our southern border.\n\nEarlier this week, Graham and other Republican senators announced legislation to address the abuse of the asylum system and slow the flow of migrants traveling to the United States. Graham has also said that funding for Ukraine and Israel should be tied to policy changes to deal with the problems the Biden Administration has created at our southern border.\n\nAfter the hearing, Graham made this statement:\n\n\u201cSecretary Mayorkas and some Senate Democrats are in complete denial about the problems at our southern border.\n\n\u201cThey believe it is due to a global phenomenon \u2013 a breakdown of borders. However, I believe the phenomenon is a breakdown of OUR border.\n\n\u201cThe rush on our southern border is because of the terrible policy choices the Biden Administration and Democrats wholeheartedly embraced that entice illegal immigration.\n\n\u201cI made it clear that when they discussed and adopted these policies they would create \u2013 and ultimately have \u2013 a nightmare on their hands. Unfortunately for our country, those warnings have come true.\n\n\u201cI will not vote for any supplemental package for Ukraine and Israel that does not have real border security reform. We can\u2019t help other countries unless we also help ourselves!\u201d\n\nWATCH\n\nGraham Questions Mayorkas About Biden Administration\u2019s Border Policies\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-reaffirms-economic-ties-with-israel-in-wake-of-hamas-terror-attacks/", "Scott Reaffirms Economic Ties With Israel in Wake of Hamas Terror Attacks", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and nine of their colleagues in introducing a resolution reaffirming economic ties between the U.S. and Israel. The resolution comes amidst Israel\u2019s war against Hamas, which has weakened Israel\u2019s economy, following the terrorist group\u2019s gruesome assault on southern Israel on October 7th.\n\n\u201cHamas\u2019 terrorist attacks on innocent civilians, including so many women and children, made October 7th the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cThe United States must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel as it seeks to eradicate this terrorist threat and fight for its right to exist. That\u2019s why I\u2019m reaffirming the economic relationship between our two nations to make clear the United States stands with the people of Israel during this dark hour.\u201d\n\n\u201cEver since the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement was instituted in 1985, the strong economic relationship between Israel and the U.S. has flourished,\u201d said Senator Blackburn. \u201cWhile Israel faces an unprecedented war against Hamas, we must have their back. It is essential that we further trade and investment between our two countries in order to help boost Israel\u2019s economy during this turbulent time.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to support Israel and demonstrate our commitment to working together to strengthen our two economies,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cLet me be clear: the U.S. stands with Israel, and I will continue working across the aisle to combat terrorism and bolster our alliance with our strongest ally.\u201d\n\nSenators Scott, Blackburn, and Cortez-Masto were joined by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).\n\nRead the resolution in full here.\n\nBACKGROUND", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B64496D0-B6D3-4E34-BBEC-D1F310A071B3", "Senate Republicans Unveil Solutions For Southern Border Crisis", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Management and Border Operations today unveiled the proposal from the working group to fix the failed policies that are causing the crisis at the southern border.\n\nThe Senators noted the crisis at the southern border is a direct result of failed policies. They are presenting solutions to fix these failed policies, instead of throwing more money at the ever-worsening problem. These solutions, drawn from those found in H.R. 2, prioritize the policy reforms that are most critical to securing the border and stemming the flow of migrants now.\n\nSecuring our southern border should be a key component of our national security. The Republican Working Group proposal includes measures that increase pay for hardworking border patrol agents, strengthens border security, and removes pull factors by fixing our broken asylum process and stopping the Biden Administration\u2019s abuse of the immigration parole system.\n\n\u201cWe must make policy changes to reduce the flow of immigration. The world is on fire and threats to our homeland are at an all-time high. President Biden\u2019s border policies are not working and it\u2019s time to change course. Our proposal makes the necessary changes that our country needs at this critical time,\u201d said Senator Graham.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s immigration policies have put American workers last and exposed our communities to crime and terrorism. This border package will cut off the flow of illegal migration, prioritize legitimate claims to entry, and restore order,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cWe have needed significant updates in border security law for years,\u201d said Senator Lankford. \u201cBut President Biden has allowed the cartels to exploit the loopholes in our asylum laws like no other President in history. We must close those loopholes and secure our border.\u201d\n\nRead the one-pager on the Senate Republican Working Group\u2019s proposal HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0BAF2585-72D8-405F-9369-F459A3353F49", "Graham, Coons, Boozman Introduce New Solution to Global Food Security Crisis", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chris Coons (D-Delaware) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) today introduced legislation to combat the ever-growing global food security crisis. The current band-aid approach to food security challenges is both insufficient and unsustainable. The Foundation for International Food Security Act would be a new model to tackle this growing global challenge by leveraging private sector dollars to improve food systems. The Foundation will bring to the forefront innovative solutions from the private sector and help breakdown institutional barriers.\n\n\u201cToday, according to the World Food Program, there are more than 345 million people facing acute hunger. That is an increase of almost 200 million since early 2020,\u201d said Senator Graham. \u201cOur legislation will focus on helping people in the developing world produce their own food so they aren\u2019t forced to migrate. The American farming community is the gold standard and this will help us bring the best science and technology to the developing world. Our goal is to help teach people how to feed themselves using American ingenuity and technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cHundreds of millions of people are facing famine due to rising food prices, climate change, conflict, and Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine,\u201d said Senator Coons. \u201cAs Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I\u2019m proud to steer the United States\u2019 continuing leadership role in combatting global food insecurity. Giving a helping hand to those who need it the most has been a longstanding value of our nation, and this legislation will help promote sustainable, agriculture-led economic growth and build resilient food systems to put an end to hunger across the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cEscalating conflicts, food inaccessibility and increased prices are fueling a global hunger crisis. This is a humanitarian emergency that needs an innovative approach to deliver help to children and families most in need. I\u2019m pleased to support the Foundation for International Food Security Act to leverage private funding so we help modernize food supply systems around the world which will ultimately foster stability and prevent the weaponization of food,\u201d said Senator Boozman.\n\nBackground on the Foundation for International Food Security Act.\n\nEstablishes a nonprofit, independent foundation to fund a focused group of countries by leveraging the private sector to bring additional capital and resources to projects that address food security systems.\n\nProjects will be funded based on a list of predetermined criteria including the ability to hit performance metrics, increase agricultural production, mitigate against food shocks, and remain sustainable.\n\nThe Foundation will complement existing programs, but is charged with not duplicating existing US government funded programs\n\nBackground on the current food security crisis.\n\nMore than 345 million people face acute hunger in 2023 \u2013 more than double the number in 2020.\n\nUp to 50 million people are on the brink of famine and over 13 million children suffer from severe malnutrition, also known as wasting.\n\nThe number of acutely hungry people continues to increase at a pace that?funding is unlikely to match, while the?cost of delivering food assistance is at an all-time high.?\n\nSupport for the Foundation for International Food Security Act.\n\n\u201cOne Acre Fund is thrilled with the introduction of the Foundation for International Food Security bill, which will drive more resources into impactful programs that equip smallholder farmers with the tools they need to feed their families and communities. In an era of increasing global hunger, we are excited about this new Foundation's focus on measurable and sustainable results, and its unique governance structure that will build more support to help our sector get back on track to achieving SDG2, a zero-hunger world.\u201d \u2013 Matthew Forti, Managing Director, One Acre Fund\n\n\u201cGiven the many global challenges we collectively face, Farm Journal Foundation is supportive of the Foundation for International Security Act, which if enacted will complement the ongoing, impactful work of the U.S. government's Feed the Future initiative and help ensure that the public and private sectors work together to advance global food and nutrition security.\u201d \u2013 Katie Lee, Vice President, Government Affairs at Farm Journal Foundation\n\n\u201cClimate change is accelerating the global challenge of nutrition security and putting vulnerable people at greater risk each and every day. Solutions must be tailored to local food production systems while ensuring we protect the world\u2019s forests, rivers and grasslands. Through this bipartisan proposal, the U.S. government would advance durable public-private partnerships to make meaningful progress on the twin challenge of food security and climate change while also conserving critical ecosystems. Thank you to Sens. Graham and Coons for their work to balance the needs of people and nature.\u201d \u2013 Michael Doane, Global Managing Director, Food & Freshwater Systems, The Nature Conservancy", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D5C31813-D16B-44B6-A4E2-B63C75D1E011", "Graham Opposes Judiciary Democrats' Plan to Issue Subpoenas in Latest Attempt to Discredit Supreme Court", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today made the following statements about Judiciary Democrats\u2019 plans to issue subpoenas to Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo, and Robin Arkley II, all private citizens.\n\nThe Democrats\u2019 initial requests for information from these individuals earlier this year were overbroad and expansive, far beyond the bounds of any reasonable investigative request. Mr. Crow offered to provide five years of information related to some of these requests, which Democrats did not accept. Mr. Leo and Mr. Arkley declined to provide any information on the grounds that it was beyond the scope of a legitimate legislative inquiry and amounted to harassment of a private citizen.\n\nDemocrats claim this is about oversight, yet it is clear these subpoenas are not about legislative fact finding. Instead, they are part of an effort by liberals opposed to the conservative Supreme Court rulings to get the court to change course. A committee vote on the issuing of subpoenas is expected to occur as early as Thursday, November 9.\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cYou are spending more time trying to \u2018fix\u2019 the Supreme Court than you are the border.\u201d https://youtu.be/aQV2t4B3oxE?si=mcOVIadkB74fDfzk&t=17\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cYou are trying to manage the Supreme Court. I wouldn\u2019t let you manage anything. You are trying to create a political issue that I think crosses constitutional boundaries.\u201d https://youtu.be/aQV2t4B3oxE?si=wjM2w7XO8WO_c2pp&t=38\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cThe border is broken. What are you going to do about it? The mayor of New York said, today, if you come to New York you can stay here for thirty days, we are not going to pay for your stay here free forever. The mayor of Chicago is coming to the White House today to beg for money to deal with migrants that have been sent to Chicago by people in Texas and other places who are full. And we are going to be talking about subpoenaing three private citizens and getting in the Supreme Court\u2019s business? You have lost your way.\u201dhttps://youtu.be/aQV2t4B3oxE?si=VXaJL38XTs1N7h-A&t=70\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cYou know you are not going to get sixty votes to enforce the subpoena. Mr. Crow offered you five years and I don\u2019t know why he offered you anything. I would have told you to go pound sand.\u201dhttps://youtu.be/aQV2t4B3oxE?si=cKIsL96_UKUtwdeY&t=127\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cThis is a fight you want, you are going to get it.\u201d https://youtu.be/aQV2t4B3oxE?si=fM6LYTSJvv21Hrzy&t=154\n\nClick here to watch Graham\u2019s full remarks\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-slams-biden-for-weak-global-leadership-allowing-south-africa-to-host-the-agoa-forum/", "Senator Scott Slams Biden for Weak Global Leadership, Allowing South Africa to Host the AGOA Forum", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 As the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum begins in Johannesburg, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and member of the Senate Finance Committee, slammed President Biden for allowing the forum to take place in South Africa, considering the government\u2019s recent actions that undermine U.S. national security.\n\n\u201cSouth Africa has harbored sanctioned Russian ships, expanded relations with Iran and issued statements against Israel\u2019s right to defend itself following Hamas\u2019s recent terror attacks,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cPresident Biden\u2019s willingness to allow the AGOA Forum to remain in South Africa following these egregious actions illustrates his glaringly weak leadership and undermines our nation\u2019s strategic interests around the globe.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has headlined U.S. economic engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa for more than twenty years. To participate in the program, African partners must meet certain eligibility requirements, including a willingness to \u201cnot engage in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests,\u201d according to Section 104 of the AGOA statute (P.L. 106-200, as amended).\n\nDespite its status as the greatest AGOA participant, the government of South Africa has engaged in recent behavior\u2014including expanding its relations with Iran as the regime\u2019s proxies attack U.S. personnel and Israel\u2014that undermines U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. In addition to allowing the forum to move forward in Johannesburg, this week, the White House released its 2024 AGOA eligibility determinations that indicate South Africa will retain full AGOA benefits without so much as receiving a demarche.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-fights-for-143-billion-in-aid-to-israel/", "Senator Scott Fights for $14.3 Billion in Aid to Israel", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) cosponsored the Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which would provide $14.3 billion of aid to Israel, including $10.6 billion for assistance through the Department of Defense (DOD), $3.5 billion for foreign military financing, and $200 million in diplomatic funding to help protect U.S. embassies and personnel.\n\n\u201cWe must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel as it fights to eradicate Hamas,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cThat requires the United States of America to provide Israel the support necessary to defend itself and finish the job.\u201d\n\nThe Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023 would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=351FF34A-7D69-46E6-8F8C-D2CAA7EEB0D2", "Graham Presses Secretaries of State and Defense on Biden Administration's Response to Iran", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the Biden Administration\u2019s response to Iran at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the administration\u2019s national security supplemental request.\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cIs it a red line for Iran to orchestrate an attack on our forces that kills an American in Syria or Iraq? Is that a red line? Can we tell the Iranians today, in case they\u2019re watching, \u2018if an American is killed by your proxies in Syria and Iraq, we\u2019re coming for you.\u2019 Can you say that?\u201d\n\nAUSTIN: \u201cI think Iran should be held accountable for the activities of...\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201c\u2026Can we say publicly to the families who have service members over in Iraq and Syria, that we will hit Iran if they try to kill an American through their proxies? Can we say that?\u201d\n\nAUSTIN: \u201cWhat we have said and what we\u2019ll continue to say, Senator, is that we\u2019re going to hold...\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cWell, I wish you would be more clear. Because I\u2019ll tell you this: If one of these soldiers is killed, I\u2019m going to say it and I hope other people will join me.\u201d https://youtu.be/qFTkwvLmepg?si=AjJ-Yo-pzBqmcbOU&t=138\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cFrom an Israeli point of view, there will be no ceasefire until Hamas ceases to be a threat to the State of Israel. Do you agree with that statement?\u201d\n\nBLINKEN: \u201cI do.\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cOkay so, no ceasefire until Hamas ceases to be a threat. It makes perfect sense to me. Do you believe it is the goal of Hamas to destroy Israel and not have a two-state solution?\u201d\n\nBLINKEN: \u201cYou do not have to take my word for it. Take Hamas\u2019 word.\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cI could not agree with that more. Do you agree with that, General Austin?\u201d\n\nAUSTIN: \u201cI do. They have said so.\u201d https://youtu.be/qFTkwvLmepg?si=Dt8h1sfXolzPmtzX&t=11\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cDo you agree with me, Secretary Blinken, the one of the main reasons this attack occurred is because Iran wants to stop the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Israel?\u201d\n\nBLINKEN: \u201cYes, those who are opposed to normalization are Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.\u201d https://youtu.be/qFTkwvLmepg?si=RIFlDaAznItrWR6g&t=291\n\nClick here to watch Graham\u2019s full remarks\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B3DC4C4F-65ED-4A49-91FD-79497192C95E", "Graham Statement On Jack Lew", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Citing the dire situation in Israel and the need to provide stability in the region, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted to confirm Jack Lew to be U.S. Ambassador to the State of Israel. He was confirmed by a vote of 53-43.\n\n\u201cThere are legitimate concerns about Mr. Lew. However, I know from my recent travel to Israel that it is imperative the United States immediately have an ambassador in place.\n\n\u201cIsrael\u2019s back is against the wall and time is of the essence. Now more than ever, the United States needs an Ambassador in Israel.\n\n\u201cThe leaders I spoke with in the Israeli government both knew and were comfortable with Mr. Lew serving in this position. A vote for his confirmation was not something I took lightly, but given the circumstances, I believe it is the right call.\n\n\u201cMy position on Iran has been and remains crystal clear.\n\n\u201cIran is a threat to the United States, our interests, and allies. I will hold Iran, and its proxies, accountable for any escalation against America or our ally, Israel. The Iranians only respect strength. That is what the United States must project at this critical time as Israel works to eliminate Hamas terrorists.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-ricketts-introduce-bill-to-block-foreign-aid-benefitting-hamas/", "Scott, Ricketts Introduce Bill to Block Foreign Aid Benefitting Hamas", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and Pete Ricketts (R-Nev.) introduced the Stop Support for Hamas Act.\n\n\u201cWe must do everything we can to ensure that not a single American tax dollar ends up in the hands of Hamas,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cHamas has exploited assistance programs and resources to maintain its hold on Gaza and wage terrorist attacks against innocent civilians, including women and children. Halting U.S. funding for these programs is a critical step as we continue to stand with our ally Israel in its fight against terror.\u201d\n\n\u201cHamas has stolen and abused international aid to Gaza to further its mission to annihilate Israel for years,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cWe must do everything in our power to support Israel\u2019s efforts to eliminate Hamas. This bill will stop using American taxpayer dollars to fund specific programs that support Hamas\u2019 grip on Gaza.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter Hamas\u2019s heinous terrorist attack on October 7, in which it slaughtered innocent men, women, and children in the most horrifying ways imaginable, the international community must dispense with the dangerous fiction that Hamas is a credible governing authority. Hamas is a terrorist organization, and its access to international assistance should end immediately. Hamas has diverted global aid for years, using it to build up its deadly terror operations instead of benefitting the people of Gaza,\u201d said FDD Action. \u201cFDD Action is proud to endorse the Stop Support for Hamas Act, which freezes U.S. taxpayer funding to programs in Gaza and the West Bank until Hamas\u2019s terrorist infrastructure is verifiably destroyed. It also cuts off U.S. funding to failed international organizations like UNRWA, which have continued to feed Hamas\u2019s war machine. Never again should Hamas or any other Palestinian terror organization benefit from the generosity of the American people.\u201d\n\nThe Stop Support for Hamas Act:\n\nCuts off contributions for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has been described as \u201ceffectively a branch of Hamas;\u201d\n\nFreeze Economic Support Funds (ESF) to Gaza and the West Bank until Israel has verifiably dismantled the terrorist infrastructure of Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza;\n\nStrengthen certification requirements under the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 to ensure that no ministry, agency or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority (PA) employs members, agents or affiliates of Hamas;\n\nEnsures any U.S. assistance to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Gaza and the West Bank does not benefit Hamas or any other terrorist organization; and\n\nStrengthens Taylor Force Act provisions to prevent any U.S. funding that directly or indirectly benefits the PA until it ends its \u201cpay for slay\u201d program.\n\nRead full text for the Stop Support for Hamas Act found here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nCut Off Contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)\n\nUNRWA has employed educators who \u201cregularly call to murder Jews\u201d and teach from textbooks \u201cthat glorify terrorism, encourage martyrdom, demonize Israelis and incite antisemitism.\u201d\n\nUNRWA has employed registered Hamas members.\n\nUNRWA schools have been found storing Hamas weapons.\n\nUNRWA facilities have been used as staging grounds for attacks against Israel.\n\nIn 2018, the Trump administration cut off contributions to UNRWA, calling it an \u201cirredeemably flawed operation.\u201d\n\nThe Biden administration reversed the move, funneling more than $730 million to UNRWA since taking office.\n\nOn October 16, 2023, UNRWA initially said that Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip had stolen fuel and medical supplies meant for refugees from its premises in Gaza City, but later retracted the statement, presumably after pressure from Hamas.\n\nThe Stop Support for Hamas Act would cut off contributions to UNRWA.\n\nFreeze Economic Support Funds (ESF) for Gaza and the West Bank Until Israel Has Defeated Hamas & Ensure That Assistance to NGOs Doesn\u2019t Benefit Hamas\n\nESF is the main channel for NGO-implemented economic development, civil society, and basic needs assistance in Gaza and the West Bank.\n\nIt makes no sense to provide ESF assistance to Gaza and the West Bank while Israel is actively fighting a war to defeat Hamas.\n\nAdditional restrictions are also necessary to ensure that aid provided the NGOs does not benefit Hamas or other terrorist organizations.\n\nFor the last two fiscal years, Congress has appropriated over $400 million in ESF for Gaza and the West Bank. The Biden administration\u2019s request for FY24 is $225 million.\n\nThe Stop Support for Hamas Act would freeze ESF assistance until the conclusion of the war on Hamas and ensure any NGO assistance does not benefit Hamas.\n\nStrengthen Certification Requirements Under the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006 (PATA)\n\nAccording to the Wall Street Journal, a Hamas terrorist who died in an assault on Kibbutz Be\u2019eri carried a paycheck from the Palestinian interior ministry.\n\nThe paycheck indicated a wage of 5,000 shekels a month, or $1,260, a very high salary in Gaza.\n\nPATA prohibits U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority \u2013 who covers a portion of the enclave\u2019s government salaries \u2013 unless the administration certifies that \u201cno ministry, agency, or instrumentality of the Palestinian Authority is effectively controlled by Hamas.\u201d\n\nThe Stop Support for Hamas Act strengthens the certification from \u201ceffectively controlled\u201d to \u201cemploying any members, agents or affiliates of Hamas.\u201d The change will provide the PA with an incentive to rid Hamas members from its agencies and security services and get rid of a national security waiver that circumvents the limitations.\n\nStrengthens Taylor Force Act (TFA)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A661BEBE-7EEA-4D25-895E-14FA9E3FFB6E", "Graham, Scott File Amicus Brief with Supreme Court in Support of Port of Charleston, Leatherman Terminal Jobs", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) today filed an amicus brief asking the United States Supreme Court to review a lower court ruling that negatively impacts operations and jobs at the Port of Charleston\u2019s Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal.\n\nThe South Carolina Ports have long-operated under a balanced approach, where nearly 2,000 union laborers work alongside approximately 270 state workers. Following the opening of the state-of-the-art Leatherman Terminal in 2021, the dockworkers union staged a boycott of the terminal because it uses state-employed crane operators, even though state employees have operated the cranes for decades at the Port of Charleston.\n\nFederal law bans this kind of anticompetitive boycott. Defying the plain text of the law, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled in favor of the dockworkers\u2019 union, allowing the boycott to continue. That ruling was upheld by the Fourth Circuit. As a result, the Leatherman Terminal sits largely idle.\n\nSenators Graham and Scott are urging the Supreme Court to take-up a review of what they consider a radical overstep by the NLRB. Graham and Scott support the longstanding and balanced labor operations at the South Carolina Ports, allowing the economic engine of the state to flourish.\n\nAs their Supreme Court Brief explains, the NLRB and the Fourth Circuit decisions undermine the purpose behind Congress prohibiting secondary boycotts. The Senators are encouraging the Supreme Court to grant review to vindicate the plain meaning of the National Labor Relations Act as well as alleviate the economic harm done to South Carolina by the NLRB and Fourth Circuit decisions.\n\nThe NLRB\u2019s ruling puts at risk the estimated 270 jobs of state-employed lift operators. Supreme Court review is critical to protect these jobs and protect the $1.5 billion Leatherman Terminal.\n\n\u201cThere is no doubting this case\u2019s importance,\u201d wrote Graham and Scott. \u201cIt is important for the people of South Carolina. It is important to ensure consistent application of the law nationwide. And it is important to vindicate the federal constitutional structure, so that the People remain governed by a nation of laws, rather than ruled by administrative fiat.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-pushes-back-on-china-empowers-american-students-through-hbcu-africa-partnership-act/", "Scott Pushes Back on China, Empowers American Students Through HBCU-Africa Partnership Act", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), co-chair of Congressional Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, joined his Senate colleagues in introducing the HBCU-Africa Partnership Act of 2023 to foster greater partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and U.S. foreign policy institutions and promote exchange opportunities between HBCUs and African partners.\n\n\u201cMalign actors like China continue to expand their influence across Sub-Saharan Africa, jeopardizing America\u2019s national security interests and exploiting African communities,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cOur HBCUs are producing top-tier researchers and academics who are working to find solutions to global challenges. Encouraging greater collaboration between HBCUs and African partners will strengthen our relationships and combat authoritarian influence, while helping to fortify the foundations that enable free-market economies to flourish.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nFor the past two decades, the People\u2019s Republic of China has endeavored to expand its influence across Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging the size of its economy to cement the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s geopolitical interests across the continent. Understanding the value of people-to-people linkages, Beijing has also asserted its influence by expanding academic exchange programs for African students. The number of African students at Chinese institutions grew by 258% between 2011 and 2017, with over 80,000 African students studying in China in 2018. Last year, China opened its first CCP-funded party school in Africa.\n\nDespite China\u2019s growing influence, partnerships with American businesses and educational institutions are still the most sought after in the world. Many of our HCBUs have a long history of conducting research and exchange programs with international partners, including those in Sub-Saharan Africa. By expanding these ties, with an emphasis on economic growth and other development indicators, the HBCU-Africa Partnership Act provides an opportunity to weaken Beijing\u2019s leverage while empowering HBCU students and academics to find solutions to global challenges.\n\nIn his role as co-chair of the HBCU Congressional Caucus and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, Senator Scott has:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-leads-call-to-renew-agoa-to-combat-chinese-and-russian-influence-in-africa-provide-certainty-for-us-businesses/", "Senator Scott Leads Call to Renew AGOA to Combat Chinese and Russian Influence in Africa, Provide Certainty for U.S. Businesses", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa and member of the Senate Finance Committee, led a letter to Senate leadership alongside Senator Chris Coons calling for timely consideration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) renewal process as the program\u2019s 2025 sunset approaches. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the senators urged for AGOA\u2019s extension to provide certainty for American small businesses, counteract deepening Chinese and Russian influence across the continent, provide U.S. companies sourcing alternatives to China, and promote stability in Sub-Saharan Africa.\n\n\u201cThe African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the foundation of the United States\u2019 economic relationship with Sub-Saharan Africa. By lowering the cost of trade and encouraging investment in the region, AGOA creates valuable opportunities for U.S. businesses, workers, and consumers,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cAt the same time, by facilitating over $9 billion in exports from 35 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, AGOA promotes sustainable economic growth and development throughout the region, which, in turn, promotes stability and strengthens our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith effective implementation, AGOA helps to counter the malign influence of China, Russia, and other foreign actors seeking to advance repressive models of governance,\u201d continued the senators. \u201cWhile there are aspects of AGOA that Congress should seek to improve, we believe the priority should be renewing the program as soon as possible and for a lengthy period.\u201d\n\nJoining Senators Scott and Coons (D-Del.) in signing the letter are Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark Warner, (D-Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).\n\nRead the letter in full here.\n\nBackground:\n\nAGOA, which was first enacted in 2000 and reauthorized for ten years in 2015, is the cornerstone of U.S. economic engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa. As China and Russia expand their presence across the continent, AGOA can serve as critical tool to counter that influence, while facilitating trade, diversifying supply chains, reducing poverty, and promoting good governance. As the 2025 sunset approaches, Congress should enter discussions on AGOA renewal to enable adequate time for consideration of necessary reforms. Such action will send a signal to U.S. industry and African leaders that the United States intends to remain the partner of choice throughout the region.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-champions-bill-to-combat-antisemitism-on-college-campuses-in-wake-of-skyrocketing-incidents/", "Senator Scott Champions Bill to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses in Wake of Skyrocketing Incidents", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Congressman Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance\u2019s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on campus. Currently, the Department of Education lacks a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful or discriminatory conduct.\n\nAccording to the Anti-Defamation League, violent language and threats against the Jewish community and Israel increased 488% in the first 18 hours after Hamas\u2019 terror attacks on October 7, 2023.\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s institutions of higher learning have become hotbeds of antisemitism, especially in the wake of the brutal Hamas terror attacks against Israel and innocent civilians,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cIt\u2019s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe amount of antisemitism we consistently see on college campuses is disturbing and unacceptable,\u201d said Rep. Mike Lawler. \u201cColleges and universities have long been breeding grounds of antisemitism and the recent Hamas attack has taken it to the next level. Now, more than ever, it\u2019s critical that we crack down on antisemitic hate within our own country. The Antisemitism Awareness Act is a strong step in the right direction on this front, providing the Department of Education with a clear definition of antisemitism in order to combat this scourge on college campuses. The fact is, antisemitism is rampant in our country and we must quash it as quickly as possible. I\u2019m thankful for the bipartisan support of the Antisemitism Awareness Act and for the support from a wide range of Jewish organizations that are standing up, endorsing this legislation, and saying enough is enough. We must confront antisemitism at all times, unequivocally.\u201d\n\nThe IHRA definition of antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, often expressed as hatred toward Jews, which includes:\n\nCalling for, aiding or justifying the killing or harming of Jews;\n\nMaking dehumanizing, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews or the power of Jews as a collective, such as the myth of a Jewish conspiracy or Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions;\n\nHolocaust denialism;\n\nAccusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel than to the interests of their own nation;\n\nDenying the Jewish people the right to self-determination. For example, claiming the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor (anti-Zionism); and\n\nDrawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.\n\nThe Antisemitism Awareness Act is endorsed by the:\n\nRepublican Jewish Coalition;\n\nJewish Federations of North America;\n\nOrthodox Union;\n\nZionist Organization of America;\n\nAmerican Jewish Committee;\n\nIsraeli-American Council;\n\nChristians United for Israel;\n\nEndowment for Middle East Truth;\n\nHadassah; and\n\nCouncil of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.\n\nCosponsors of the Antisemitism Awareness Act include Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4D90C4AE-7B4A-4528-9029-22402F2A6D3E", "Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Graham Advocates for Southern Border Policy Reforms", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made these statements on the need for southern border policy reforms.\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cThe proposal by President Biden to secure our border has more to do with processing illegal immigrants than it does to turn them around. My goal is to come up with policies that will stop the flood of illegal immigration.\u201d https://youtu.be/pAlMEggCqs8? si=yXNxk1HiZmhLz-AQ&t=174\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cI will not go back to South Carolina and say we helped Israel, we helped Ukraine, but we did nothing meaningful on our own border. Our asylum system is being gamed. The parole system is being abused.\u201d https://youtu.be/pAlMEggCqs8? si=SR5iBpyTrTSWH14a&t=119\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cI can\u2019t stress to you enough, the broken border that has existed under the Biden Administration, along with the rise of radical Islam and Afghanistan and now Hamas is a cocktail for the American people to be viciously attacked. I have run out of patience. It is now time to change [our border] policy as part of a package to help our allies. It would be ironic to me that we helped Israel and Ukraine and did nothing on our own border that would change the trajectory of illegal immigration. Everything in the Biden proposal doesn\u2019t make anyone want to turn around. That\u2019s what I\u2019m seeking - to have people turn around!\u201d https://youtu.be/pAlMEggCqs8? si=pk1bl2dKDV1XVVEi&t=220\n\nClick here to watch Graham\u2019s full remarks\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C131E739-36CD-4016-AFDD-658FAB476E7D", "Graham To UN Secretary General: Correct Shocking Statement On Hamas' Attack On Israel", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today sent a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres in light of a speech he gave before the UN Security Council. In his speech, UN Secretary General Guterres said, \u201cIt is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum.\u201d\n\nGraham wrote,\u201cI have enjoyed our working relationship over the years. However, I am completely shocked by your statement at the United Nations Security Council meeting regarding the barbaric attack by Hamas against Israel. You suggested the Hamas attack did not occur in a vacuum, indicating there might be compelling reasons for this terrorist organization to take such inhumane actions against a sovereign state.\u201d\n\nGraham concluded, \u201cI urge you to correct your statement now before lasting damage is done to the United Nations. Your words are comparable to someone in a prominent position during the Holocaust suggesting there are two sides to this story and you should take the Nazi view into account. For the future of the United Nations and for human decency, I urge you to speak boldly and clearly, without equivocation regarding the effort by Hamas to slaughter Israelis and drive the world into darkness.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8E56F0D7-8E1F-4E00-88BA-283B41D934D0", "Graham Responds To Former President Obama's Statement On Israel", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today responded to a statement issued by former President Barack Obama on the Israel-Hamas war.\n\n\u201cI have been working in a bipartisan fashion to give Israel the time and space they need to destroy Hamas. We are also working to develop a plan to deliver a better life for the Palestinians, and to stop Iran from destroying the stabilization of the region by way of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.\n\n\u201cPresident Obama, you and your administration deserve credit for giving the green light to take Osama Bin Laden down in Pakistan. That was a hard decision, but the correct decision.\n\n\u201cHowever, your statements recently on Israel are shocking and not helpful.\n\n\u201cThe problems associated with an emboldened Iran were created on your watch!\n\n\u201cPresident Obama, it was your policies toward Iran that made them richer, more emboldened and stronger so that this day was made possible. The Biden Administration unfortunately continues the misguided efforts of your administration to fuel Iran with cash and oil revenue.\n\n\u201cIsrael must destroy Hamas. They are modern day religious Nazis. The goal of Israeli military operations is to protect the innocent. Hamas could not care less about innocent Palestinians.\n\n\u201cIsrael need not be reminded by you or anyone else about the need to lessen innocent civilian casualties. They have been working without much support from the international community to relocate innocent Palestinians before major ground operations occur.\n\n\u201cYour statement on Israel, intended or not, will not deter the terrorists. But it will create problems for our friends in Israel.\n\n\u201cNow is the time for all Americans to understand that Hamas is beyond evil. Their agenda is to destroy the Jewish state.\n\n\u201cNow is the time for all Americans to understand the barbaric nature of these crimes and to reinforce that there is no moral equivalence between Israeli policy and the genocidal actions of Hamas. I wish you and others would be more clear on who the bad guy is.\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to the rise of terrorism throughout the world, your presidency was a disaster.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D8F9EBE9-8D48-4979-B6B9-343F9BC0A867", "Graham, Colleagues Urge D.C. Mayor To Rename Plaza Following BLM Pro-Hamas Rhetoric", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) joined his colleagues in Congress to urge Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to rename Black Lives Matter Plaza. In 2020, following the protests and riots, a plaza directly in front of the White House was renamed the \u201cBlack Lives Matter Plaza.\u201d\n\nFollowing the devastating October 7th attack against innocent Israelis and Americans, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) organization has demonstrated support for Hamas, the terrorist group responsible for the attack. BLM has circulated disturbing antisemitic rhetoric and images on social media and is encouraging the spread of pro-Hamas propaganda following the terrorist attacks.\n\nContinuing to honor terrorist sympathizers with a plaza in our nation\u2019s capital is a slap in the face to all Americans, especially Jewish and Israeli Americans.\n\nThey wrote: \u201cYou [Mayor Bowser] stated after the attacks that you \u2018reject terrorism in all its forms\u2019 and that \u2018antisemitism has no place in our institutions, our country, our world or our hearts.\u2019 We wholeheartedly agree with this statement. We further believe that movements that celebrate violent anti-Semitism should not be honored by the government with a plaza, especially one located directly outside of our nation\u2019s White House.\u201d\n\n\u201cBLM continues to openly celebrate the antisemitic Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel. This stance is irreconcilable with American values. America must clearly affirm its stance against antisemitism, wherever it appears. We therefore urge you to immediately rename the Black Lives Matter Plaza, to remove the associated street painting in the plaza, and to end the city\u2019s celebration of this terrorist sympathizer group.\u201d\n\nRead full text of the letter here.\n\nThe bicameral letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), and Steve Daines (R-Montana) and U.S. Representatives Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina), Josh Brecheen (R-Oklahoma), John Rose (R- Tennessee), Ronny Jackson (R-Georgia), Jeff Duncan (R-South Carolina), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Scott Franklin (R-Florida), John H. Rutherford (R- Florida), Elise Stefanik (R- New York), Earl L. \u201cBuddy\u201d Carter (R-Florida), Doug LaMalfa (R-California), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Michael Waltz (R-Florida), and Claudia Tenney (R-New York).\n\n######", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-combat-chinese-land-purchases-near-us-military-bases-sensitive-sites/", "Scott, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat Chinese Land Purchases Near U.S. Military Bases, Sensitive Sites", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, along with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today introduced the Protect Our Bases Act to ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites by requiring member agencies to annually update and review their lists of these sites.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party can\u2019t be allowed to compromise the security of military and government facilities on our home turf,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cBy enhancing the review of foreign real estate transactions near sites that are vital to U.S. national security, this legislation will increase accountability to help ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States can take proper action to push back on Communist China and keep our nation safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cIdaho is home to the world-renowned Idaho National Laboratory and military bases and installations responsible for research, development and training of critical national security importance,\u201d said Senator Crapo. \u201cWe must protect sensitive military and government sites from encroachment by foreign adversaries on our own land.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs President Biden\u2019s weakness on the world stage has emboldened our adversaries, we must take action to protect the United States from potential national security threats,\u201d said Senator Daines.\u201cPurchasing land around sensitive intelligence sites and national labs gives foreign nations increased ability to spy on the U.S.\u2014it must be stopped.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country. If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot ensure an accurate review.\n\nThe Protect Our Bases Act requires agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites for national security purposes to CFIUS on an annual basis. Additionally, the legislation requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.\n\nThe Protect Our Bases Act builds on Ranking Member Scott\u2019s existing legislative work to safeguard America from malign foreign investments that pose national security concerns. Previously, the Ranking Member was an original cosponsor of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA), a bill that reformed and updated the CFIUS review process, and helped ensure its inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4026470A-DA3E-44A2-A473-8E4C14A4C1DA", "Graham Statement Following Meeting With Egyptian President El-Sisi", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement after leading a bipartisan Senate delegation to Egypt. The delegation met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.\n\n\u201cWe had a good, productive meeting with President El-Sisi of Egypt. I was also grateful for the frank nature of our meeting.\n\n\u201cDuring this incredibly stressful time, Egypt, under President El-Sisi\u2019s leadership, has stepped up to the plate to provide stability and create channels for important discussions between the parties.\n\n\u201cEgypt has a peace treaty with Israel and President El-Sisi has been one of the leading advocates of the Palestinian cause. We discussed the role Egypt would play in delivering humanitarian aid and helping secure the release of American citizens trapped in Gaza. The relationship between the United States and Egypt is of tremendous strategic importance to the United States, especially during a crisis like the one we now face.\n\n\u201cI will stay in touch with President El-Sisi in the coming days.\u201d\n\nMembers of the bipartisan delegation include U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-accepting-applications-for-spring-2024-internships/", "Senator Scott Accepting Applications for Spring 2024 Internships", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the spring of 2024. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, government policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.\n\nWashington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help manage correspondence on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communications and customer service skills.\n\nSouth Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A82FE615-5011-4E73-B8CC-0FD1F6018E44", "Graham Leads Press Conference In Tel Aviv", "2023-10-22", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today led a press conference with a bipartisan Senate delegation in Tel Aviv, Israel.\n\nMembers of the bipartisan delegation include U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).\n\nFollowing is a transcript of Senator Graham\u2019s opening remarks.\n\n\u201cThank you all. Ten percent of the United States Senate is in Israel. Ten percent of the United States Senate is in Israel because we care. Five Republicans and five Democrats. If I had a bigger plane, we probably would have brought the entire Senate.\n\n\u201cTo our friends in Israel, we stand with you without apology, unequivocal.\n\n\u201cI come here because I love Israel. I do not hate Palestinians. I hate Hamas. I know the difference.\n\n\u201cThe goal going forward is to take from this horror and try to make this a better world. I saw things today that I didn\u2019t think were possible in 2023. I\u2019ve seen grown men who\u2019ve been fighting wars all of their lives be stunned by what they saw. The level of barbaric behavior here is beyond my ability to explain it.\n\n\u201cWhat does Hamas mean in English? ISIS.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve seen a lot traveling the world with my friends and my late friend John McCain. I have never seen anything like this in my lifetime.\n\n\u201cHow does this end? Israel thrives, they survive. Hamas is destroyed. The Palestinian people have a better life. That\u2019s how this has to end.\n\n\u201cSo we\u2019re here today to give Israel what they need to do the job of destroying the modern day version of Nazis, Hamas. We\u2019re here today to tell Iran, we\u2019re watching you. If this war grows, it\u2019s coming to your backyard. There won\u2019t be two fronts, there will be three.\n\n\u201cIf there\u2019s an effort to unleash Hezbollah on the Jewish State to destroy it, my attention will be to Tehran. If these innocent hostages get slaughtered, I hold you, Iran, accountable because you could stop it if you chose to.\n\n\u201cThe idea that this happened without Iranian involvement is laughable. Ninety three percent of the [Hamas] budget over decades, their training, the equipment, all coming from the Ayatollah.\n\n\u201cI come here to let Israel know that America will be with you. I come here to let the Arab world know, let\u2019s make peace if we can. Destroying Hamas is non-negotiable. How we do it? Let\u2019s talk.\n\n\u201cWhat is winning? For the terrorist organization [Hamas] to be destroyed. For the people of Israel to have a sense of peace they\u2019ve lost. For the Palestinian people to have hope they don\u2019t have. And for the Arabs and the Israelis to end a conflict that would make the world better.\n\n\u201cWhy now? You\u2019ll never convince me that this is not about reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Iranians, through their proxy Hamas, unleashed holy hell on Israel to stop the march toward a better Mideast and a better world. My goal is for them to fail.\n\n\u201cFor Iran fail, Israel must destroy Hamas. For Iran to fail, the Palestinians must have a better life. For Iran to fail, the Mideast needs to come together, marching toward the light away from the darkness.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=846A360D-A863-4314-8D4F-33139D1EFAA6", "Statement From Senators Graham And Cardin", "2023-10-21", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released this statement.\n\n\u201cSenators Graham and Cardin led a bipartisan Senate delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and met the Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior government officials. The Senators appreciated the time and attention the Crown Prince gave the delegation. The delegation discussed strategic aspects of the U.S. - Saudi bilateral relationship. They reviewed recent developments in the region including the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas, and the need for humanitarian assistance to innocent Palestinians in Gaza. The delegation underscored the importance of addressing challenges in the region, including those that seek to undermine peace and recent positive developments in the Middle East. They committed to working together in advancing the two countries common interests in preserving and advancing the region\u2019s stability, security, and prosperity.\u201d\n\nJoining Graham and Cardin on the bipartisan visit to Saudi Arabia were Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=17FAD39E-818E-4FE5-9ACC-4298A52ABEF7", "Graham, Bipartisan Senate Delegation Arrive In Saudi Arabia", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and a bipartisan group of United States Senators are visiting Saudi Arabia.\n\nThe Senate delegation will meet with Saudi officials to discuss current political affairs in the region. The United States and Saudi Arabia have a common interest in preserving the stability, security, and prosperity of the Gulf region and consult closely on a wide range of regional and global issues. Saudi Arabia plays an important role in working toward a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.\n\nMembers of the bipartisan delegation include U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-crapo-ricketts-in-pushing-back-on-radical-electric-vehicle-mandate/", "Scott Joins Crapo, Ricketts in Pushing Back on Radical Electric Vehicle Mandate", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and 29 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden administration\u2019s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule and other regulations that seek to limit consumer vehicle choice.\n\n\u201cThe latest radical regulation from the Biden administration\u2019s EPA makes it harder for Americans to afford their own car, pushing the American Dream out of reach for too many across our country. Time and time again, the EPA has shown us it wants to control every part of our lives, right down to what we drive,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cThat\u2019s not right. It\u2019s time to put an end to this and protect Americans from Washington bureaucrats.\u201d\n\n\u201cOnce again, the Biden Administration\u2019s rule-making process is being used to push a radical green agenda and pick winners and losers,\u201d said Senator Crapo. \u201cAmericans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. However, the Biden EPA\u2019s rule change would hurt everyday Americans while simultaneously helping China. Consequences of rules and regulations such as these restrict consumer choice and raise costs for the average American family.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EPA cannot continue to pick winners and losers,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThis legislation ensures the Biden administration can\u2019t prioritize their radical left agenda over affordable and reliable internal combustion engines. I\u2019ll always fight to protect Nebraskans\u2019 ability to choose what is best for them and their families.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration is willingly ceding American auto leadership to China by pursuing this misguided mandate,\u201d said Representative Walberg. \u201cMany American families would simply be priced out of the auto market due to these quotas. On top of those issues, American manufacturing jobs will also be lost due to this government-mandated transition. We must block this rule and allow consumers and innovators to shape the future rather than bureaucrats. I look forward to my continued work with Senator Crapo as we fight for American auto leadership and consumer choice.\u201d\n\nSummary of the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act:\n\nProhibits the EPA from finalizing, implementing or enforcing its proposed emissions rule;\n\nProhibits the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or that limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle\u2019s engine type. This includes any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021;\n\nRequires the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle\u2019s engine within two years; and\n\nEnds the EPA\u2019s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America\u2019s auto industry to China.\n\nRead full text of the bill here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft rule titled \u201cMulti-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,\u201d which sets the most stringent tailpipe emissions standards ever crafted and creates a de facto mandate for mass production of electric vehicles. The EPA has projected that, if finalized, over two-thirds of all new vehicles could be electric by 2032. The average price of an EV is over $17,000 more than the average price of a gas-powered vehicle, according to data from Kelley Blue Book.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-introduces-legislation-to-recognize-united-negro-college-funds-80-years-of-exemplary-service-to-hbcus-and-black-students/", "Senator Scott Introduces Legislation to Recognize United Negro College Fund\u2019s 80 Years of Exemplary Service to HBCUs and Black Students", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee and Co-Chairman of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caucus, introduced legislation to award the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of its 80th anniversary.\n\nAs the nation\u2019s largest and most effective fundraising and scholarship granting organization of HBCUs, UNCF has raised over $7 billion in private donations, awarding $100 million in scholarships to 10,000 students at hundreds of colleges and universities annually.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-champions-legislation-to-develop-new-charter-schools-expand-educational-opportunity/", "Scott Champions Legislation to Develop New Charter Schools, Expand Educational Opportunity", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and six of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act, which would authorize existing federal funding to help states streamline the application process for opening new charter schools.\n\n\u201cEvery child \u2013 no matter their zip code \u2013 should have access to an education that sets them up to live out their version of the American Dream,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cThat\u2019s why millions of families have turned to the high-quality education provided by charter schools to offer a better future for their child. Making it easier to open first-rate charter schools in the communities that need them most will ensure more students have access to the educational opportunities best suited for them.\u201d\n\n\u201cCharter schools are an important part of America\u2019s education system, but the process to start one is often bogged down by red tape,\u201d said Senator Cornyn. \u201cThis legislation would make the application process more efficient for teachers, school administrators, and nonprofits interested in opening a charter school and help give parents more choices for their children\u2019s education.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina stands firmly in support of the Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act,\u201d said Kevin Mason, Executive Director of Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina, which has endorsed this legislation. \u201cThis crucial legislation empowers us to invest in the future of education by using CSP grants to support the development of high-quality charter applications. We believe that by providing pre-planning awards to prospective charter applicants and their supporting organizations, we can catalyze innovation and excellence in our state\u2019s public charter school system, ensuring a brighter future for South Carolina\u2019s students.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act would:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-presses-president-bidens-nominee-for-israel-ambassador-highlights-iran-threat-hamas-attack-on-israel/", "Scott Presses President Biden\u2019s Nominee for Israel Ambassador, Highlights Iran Threat, Hamas\u2019 Attack on Israel", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) pressed Jack Lew, President Biden\u2019s nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Israel, on the growing threats Israel faces as she defends herself from Iranian-backed terrorism. The Senator expressed concern over the nominee\u2019s role in supporting the dangerous 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)\u2014also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal\u2014during his time as Treasury Secretary in the Obama administration. He questioned whether Lew believed the current administration is trying to renegotiate another nuclear deal with Iran without submitting the deal to Congress\u2014as is required under the Scott-backed Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015\u2014and if the recent release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets is related to that effort, given that evidence suggests Iran\u2019s nuclear enrichment activities slightly slowed in the preceding months.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Scott urged the United States to stand strong against Hamas-backed narratives\u2014such as the distortions surrounding the recent Gaza hospital bombing\u2014and called on members of Congress and the media to stop perpetuating misinformation, which jeopardizes the United States\u2019 greatest ally in the Middle East.\n\n\u201cYou\u2019ve heard a number of my colleagues talk about your role in the Obama Administration and the impact that your role has had on resources being released through the JCPOA for Iran,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cFrankly, I think many of the questions are fair and your commentary is necessary. Iran policy is, without question, Israel policy. They are the greatest enemy that Israel faces, and, frankly, the greatest funders of terrorism\u2014state funders of terrorism\u2014anywhere in the world and we know that 90% of the funds that Hamas receives comes from Iran.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch Senator Scott\u2019s remarks and questions.\n\nExcerpts of Senator Scott\u2019s remarks as delivered:\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Lew, thank you for being here. Before I start asking questions of you, I do want to make it a point that, in many ways, Israel is now fighting a war on a different front in addition to the war with Hamas. It\u2019s a war of misinformation. There\u2019s now doubt in, unfortunately, the media carrying the false narrative regarding the hospital bombing, this narrative originated with Hamas\u2014the same people who murdered women and children. The same people who burned babies, who beheaded little ones. And as a result of that lie carried by the New York Times, and others, the summit in Jordan was canceled. Other meetings that Biden had scheduled\u2014canceled. Literally, protests around the globe at our embassies in an attempt, a very clear and specific attempt, to weaken Israel\u2019s position. Rather than waiting for all the facts, they carried the Hamas narrative. That is dangerous and it could be more costly in lives than the current conflict. And the long-term impact of a misinformation campaign, frankly, a misinformation war, could be deadly to the efforts of Israel, deadly to the unified support coming from our nation, and something that we should all take very seriously as Americans, and we certainly do not need members of Congress from the Squad being a part of the propaganda machine coming out of Washington D.C. in support of Hamas. I think it\u2019s very dangerous. In these times, we need the truth. The truth is incredibly important, and getting the facts should be necessary before reporting on this remarkable, frankly disgusting, war that we\u2019re seeing perpetrated against Israel.\n\nYou\u2019ve heard a number of my colleagues talk about your role in the previous \u2013 the Obama Administration and the impact that your role has had on resources being released through the JCPOA for Iran. Frankly, I think many of the questions are fair and your commentary is necessary. Iran policy is, without question, Israel policy. They are the greatest enemy that Israel faces, and, frankly, the greatest funders of terrorism\u2014state funders of terrorism\u2014anywhere in the world and we know that 90% of the funds that Hamas receives comes from Iran. One of the things that we have debated and will continue to debate, I\u2019m sure, is the $6 Billion paid to Iran for hostages. When Obama paid $400 Million, I said then, several years ago, that that will only raise the price on an American\u2019s head abroad and $6 Billion only makes it worse. I heard you say that the money can only be used for humanitarian aid, I would just say that Raisi, the President of Iran, said it very clearly that they will use the money in any way they want to use the money period. Beyond the fact that money is fungible, is really important as well. My question for you though, is that the administration insists that the $6 Billion transfer is in no way associated with any efforts to renegotiate the nuclear deal although those efforts have been going on secretly for months. And so, my question to you is: do you believe that there are any efforts going forward on the negotiation, and, if there are, would there be a need for that to be submitted to Congress?\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-colleagues-call-on-biden-administration-to-withdraw-acting-labor-secretary-julie-sus-nomination-remove-her-from-presidential-line-of-succession/", "Senator Scott, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Withdraw Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su\u2019s Nomination, Remove Her From Presidential Line of Succession", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and 28 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden requesting clarification regarding the administration\u2019s decision to unconstitutionally elevate Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su into the presidential line of succession. Although Ms. Su has failed to receive Senate confirmation amid bipartisan opposition to her nomination, the Biden administration has kept her in place as Acting Secretary of Labor on an indefinite basis and is now even listing her on the White House website as a member of the Cabinet \u201cin order of succession to the presidency.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is unimaginable to think that this Administration believes someone who has neither been duly elected nor confirmed by the Senate to the position of Secretary of Labor could be President of the United States. Suggesting that Ms. Su is eligible to be in the presidential line of succession is antithetical to our system of governance and the bedrock principles on which our Republic rests,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cFurthermore, as many of our Senate colleagues have done in the past, we once again call upon you to withdraw Ms. Su\u2019s nomination and put forward a nominee for Secretary of Labor who is capable of garnering sufficient support on a bipartisan basis to be confirmed.\u201d\n\nJoining Senators Scott and Britt in signing the letter are Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\nRead the full letter here and below:\n\nDear Mr. President,\n\nWe write today to express grave concerns with your Administration\u2019s apparent belief that Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su is eligible to assume the office of President of the United States pursuant to the presidential line of succession as established by Congress in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.\n\nAs you are well aware, since March 14, 2023, the United States Senate has declined to confirm Ms. Su\u2019s nomination as Secretary of Labor, and she continues to lack adequate support from both Republican and Democratic members of the Senate to be confirmed to that position.\n\nDespite that reality and Ms. Su becoming the longest-ever Cabinet nominee to await confirmation in a time when the same party controls the White House and the Senate, the White House has chosen to keep her in place as Acting Secretary of Labor on an indefinite basis and has also listed her on the White House website as a member of the Cabinet \u201c[i]n order of succession to the Presidency.\u201d\n\nWhile you and your Administration have clearly decided to ignore congressional intent in keeping Ms. Su in place in her current role, it would be unfortunate if you have decided to further discount congressional intent \u2013 and violate the law \u2013 by taking the position that Ms. Su is eligible for placement in the presidential line of succession.\n\nWhile the Twenty Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that the Vice President shall assume the presidency upon the removal from office, death, or resignation of the sitting President, Article II, Section 1, clause 6 of the Constitution vests in Congress the power to set the presidential line of succession beyond the Vice President.\n\nCongress exercised that authority in passing the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which established the current presidential line of succession. Specifically, 3 U.S.C. \u00a719(d)(1) lists the members of the President\u2019s Cabinet, including the Secretary of Labor, in the order in which they would succeed to the presidency, beginning with the Secretary of State and ending with the Secretary of Homeland Security.\n\nHowever, 3 U.S.C. \u00a719(e) further states that, with respect to Cabinet members, they are only eligible to be in the line of presidential succession and assume the office of President of the United States if they are an officer \u201cappointed, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.\u201d\n\nAs Ms. Su has failed to be \u201cappointed, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate\u201d as Secretary of Labor, we strongly urge the White House to clarify its position and views regarding Ms. Su\u2019s eligibility for the presidential line of succession and, in the event it was to become necessary, to assume the presidency.\n\nIt is unimaginable to think that this Administration believes someone who has neither been duly elected nor confirmed by the Senate to the position of Secretary of Labor could be President of the United States. Suggesting that Ms. Su is eligible to be in the presidential line of succession is antithetical to our system of governance and the bedrock principles on which our Republic rests.\n\nFurthermore, as many of our Senate colleagues have done in the past, we once again call upon you to withdraw Ms. Su\u2019s nomination and put forward a nominee for Secretary of Labor who is capable of garnering sufficient support on a bipartisan basis to be confirmed.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-introduces-legislation-to-defund-colleges-and-universities-that-promote-antisemitism/", "Senator Tim Scott Introduces Legislation to Defund Colleges and Universities that Promote Antisemitism", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), led Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) in introducing the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, which would rescind federal education funding for colleges and universities that peddle antisemitism or authorize, fund or facilitate events that promote violent antisemitism.\n\n\u201cAny university or college that peddles blatant antisemitism, especially after Hamas\u2019 brutal attack on Israeli civilians, women and children, has no place molding the minds of future generations, never mind receiving millions of taxpayer funds to do so,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cWe must not only call out this hate, but crush it wherever it rears its ugly head. If these schools don\u2019t change their ways, my legislation hits them where it hurts \u2013 their pocketbooks. No college or university should receive a single cent from the federal government to fund violent antisemitism.\u201d\n\nThis legislation comes on the heels of:\n\nGeorgetown University, Columbia University, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), New York University (NYU) and more who have hosted marches and rallies in coordination with Students for Justice in Palestine, a group which called Hamas\u2019 attack \u201ca historic win for the Palestinian resistance;\u201d\n\nThe University of Pennsylvania hosting a Palestine Writes Literature Festival, which promoted speakers with a history of antisemitic remarks; and more.\n\nAccording to the Anti-Defamation League, violent language and threats against the Jewish community and Israel increased 488% in the first 18 hours after Hamas\u2019 attack on Israeli civilians. Some examples include:\n\nHarvard University\u2019s silence regarding over thirty Harvard student organizations releasing a statement blaming Israel for the Hamas terrorist attacks carried out against Israeli civilians;\n\nA Cornell professor calling the Hamas terror attacks \u201cexhilarating\u201d and \u201cexciting\u201d; and\n\nA Columbia professor praised Hamas\u2019 actions as \u201castonishing,\u201d \u201castounding,\u201d \u201cawesome\u201d and \u201cincredible.\u201d\n\nCongressman Mike Lawler (R, N.Y.) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-pushes-bill-to-cement-us-sanctions-on-iran/", "Scott Pushes Bill to Cement U.S. Sanctions on Iran", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate, emphasizing the need for the United States to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel. The Ranking Member also sought unanimous consent for passage of his bill, the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act (SISA), to make permanent energy and weapons sanctions in the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. The bill, if passed, would have cemented sanctions that restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy and weapons sectors, thereby curtailing the regime\u2019s ability to finance terrorism and develop its nuclear program. The bill\u2019s passage was blocked on the Senate floor.\n\nToday\u2019s effort by the Ranking Member builds on his commitment to applying pressure on the Iranian regime. Yesterday, Ranking Member Scott introduced comprehensive legislation to address both immediate and future concerns regarding Iran and its funding of terrorism, and has called for the Senate Banking Committee to hold a hearing with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the $6 billion recently transferred to Iran and any sanctions gaps the United States might have with respect to Iran. Ranking Member Scott has also urged a Senate investigation into the matter.\n\nRanking Member Scott delivered remarks on the Senate floor prior to calling on the Senate to pass the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act:\n\nClick here to watch Ranking Member Scott\u2019s Senate Floor Remarks on SISA\n\nRanking Member Scott\u2019s remarks as delivered:\n\nLast Saturday, October the seventh, we saw evil personified. We saw the deadliest attack on the Jewish state since the Yom Kippur War. Over 1,400 dead Israelis. And for context, think of that, if that were America, it would be over 40,000 dead Americans. On top of that, Madam President, we\u2019ve seen 30 Americans lose their lives because of the evil brought upon Israel. We saw Hamas, an evil terrorist organization, launch an unprecedented, unprovoked, undeniably devastating attack on the Jewish state. I can\u2019t think of anything more evil than the images that we saw coming out of Israel \u2013 where grandmothers were taken captive. Where babies were burned alive. And where babies were beheaded.\n\nFor what reason? For what reason did we see the atrocities and the evil brought upon a people? Simply because they were Jews. Hamas \u2013 their goal is to eliminate the Jewish state. But that\u2019s not where they stop. They want to annihilate every single Jewish person on the planet. With more than 6 million living here at home in America. But they go one step further \u2013 they despise Western democracy. They want the elimination, the annihilation of our entire way of life. Fighting that war with a single-minded focus is exactly what we should expect from the Jewish people, from the State of Israel, from the Prime Minister \u2013 Prime Minister Netanyahu, he needs to have a single-minded focus.\n\nBut that is not the case. Because we have seen in the last 24 hours or so the emergence of a different kind of war that they now must fight. It is the war of misinformation. The disinformation, the misinformation war could be just as deadly if not more deadly than the actual attack we saw last Saturday, October the seventh. One might ask the question, why would I say that? Well, I would say that because immediately what we\u2019ve seen since the devastation in Israel was Prime Minister Netanyahu sending the signal that they were coming into Gaza, giving people \u2013 Palestinians \u2013 a chance to find themselves out of harm\u2019s way.\n\nBut the misinformation campaign takes a different turn, a different spin, a different direction. What is said was \u2013 that the hospital strike was, in fact, carried out by Israel. That misinformation was carried in the New York Times, the AP, and other news outlets in America. That misinformation campaign caused a summit in Jordan to be canceled. It caused President Biden\u2019s meetings to be canceled. It caused protests at embassies around the globe. Our embassies around the world felt the devastation of misinformation, of lies signaling to the world that now Israel must fight a different kind of war at the exact same time that they have a proportional response which is and should be wiping Hamas off the face of the map. We saw as a result of that misinformation war, Hezbollah mobilizing. We have seen very clearly an attempt to weaken Israel and their standing in the world.\n\nDevastation after devastation. And then on top of that, we see the emergence of another deadly counter. Rather than waiting for the facts, these outlets carried the Hamas narrative, carrying the narrative of an evil lying terrorist organization.\n\nAnd on top of that, equally as devastating, is to see the divide within the House of Representatives, where the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats stand firm with our ally, Israel. But there are members in the Squad who have decided to continue spreading the propaganda of Hamas. Congresswoman Tlaib has yet to delete the tweet that says, \u201cIsrael just bombed the Baptist Hospital, killing 500 Palestinians \u2013 doctors, children, patients \u2013 just like that.\u201d Delete the tweet. We cannot have members of the United States Congress sending out and being an extension of the Hamas propaganda machine. It is despicable behavior from our elected representatives of the greatest nation on God\u2019s green earth. Those members did not start their anti-Semitic comments on October the eighth. This started months and even years prior.\n\nThere is a cancer that is metastasizing on the radical extreme Left that has to be dealt with in America. I\u2019ve said several times over the past several days that Psalms 122:6 is so important. That we should pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and those who do will prosper.\n\nThere is no doubt in my heart, there is no doubt in my mind that we find ourselves living in dangerous times in this world. Conflicts in Eastern Europe, now conflicts in the Middle East, and real threats in the Indo-Pacific. We need American mettle. We need American leadership. And we need it to be strong, defiant, clear, and undeniably the strongest force for good on the planet.\n\nIt\u2019s one of the reasons why I made strong comments about the terrible decision, the unbelievable decision to release $6 billion for hostages. I said this during the Obama administration that paying $400 million for hostages would make more Americans less safe abroad and raise the price on every head. And now, with $6 billion being paid to Iran \u2013 Iran being the chief funder of Hamas \u2013 after the attacks, Hamas thanks Iran for the help. We do not need an administration to be complicit with such challenging and evil attacks on the Jewish state.\n\nThat\u2019s one reason why I seek, Madam President, I seek consent to pass my legislation the Solidify Iranian Sanctions Act. In 1996, we put in place sanctions on Iran. We did so in the sector of their energy sector because we understood that causing pain, causing pain would be an important and necessary component of keeping Iran in its place. To slow down, if not stop, the spread of terrorism.\n\nWe had to act \u2013 I\u2019m thankful \u2013 I\u2019m thankful that in 1996 we did act. But that action is set to sunset. It is set to expire. We must keep those sanctions in place \u2013 without any question. I look at the support, I look at the support for my legislation. This legislation predates the attacks on the nation of Israel. This bill has support from both sides of the aisle. It is a commonsense step to make permanent the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, and support comes from both sides of the aisle, including the only Jewish mother in the Senate, Senator Rosen.\n\nThis is one of the many steps we must take to restrain this regime from developing weapons that threaten safety and security around the world. I believe that if we want to respond to this brutality, if we want to respond to this evil, one of the ways that we can respond is by making permanent the sanctions on Iran.\n\nI ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs be discharged from further consideration of S.1390 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-colleagues-in-bill-to-freeze-6-billion-to-iran-probe-additional-iranian-assets/", "Scott Leads Colleagues in Bill to Freeze $6 Billion to Iran, Probe Additional Iranian Assets", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, along with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), today introduced the Revoke Iranian Funding Act to rescind the general licenses that enabled the release of the $6 billion to Iran and prevent the Iranian regime from accessing and using the funds held in Qatar to finance terrorist attacks against Israel or any other nation. In addition, the bill directs the Treasury Secretary to study all high-value Iranian assets around the world that are currently blocked by U.S. sanctions and provide that information to Congress, ensuring Congress has the information necessary to enact further targeted legislation, if necessary.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s decision to release $6 billion to Iran \u2013 the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terror \u2013 was a grave mistake that created a market for American hostages, emboldened our adversaries, and put a credit on the balance sheets of one of Hamas\u2019s biggest backers,\u201d said Ranking Member Tim Scott. \u201cIn the wake of Hamas\u2019s horrific attacks on Israel, it has only become clearer that this rogue regime cannot be trusted as long they continue to support terrorist organizations. My bill is a comprehensive approach to wielding our economic sanctions tools against Iran by freezing the $6 billion and ensuring Congress has the information necessary to prevent Iran from accessing funds in the future. We must be unequivocal that the United States will not back down and waive sanctions on frozen Iranian funds held by other nations.\u201d\n\nRead an overview of the bill here and a section-by-section here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nRanking Member Scott\u2019s legislation continues his commitment to applying pressure on the Iranian regime and holding the Biden administration accountable through rigorous congressional oversight. On August 18, Ranking Member Scott demanded answers from the Biden administration after it announced the release of $6 billion to Iran. In the letter, the Ranking Member and his colleagues warned that the funds would \u201cenable the Iranian regime to increase its destabilizing activities\u201d and would \u201cserve to encourage additional hostage taking for financial or political gain.\u201d\n\nOn October 10, Ranking Member Scott released a statement calling for the Banking Committee to hold a hearing with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on the Biden administration\u2019s release of $6 billion to Iran and urged a Senate investigation into the matter.\n\nEarlier this year, Ranking Member Scott introduced the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act to cement the Iran Sanctions Act. The Iran Sanctions Act imposes sanctions that restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy sector, curtailing the regime\u2019s ability to finance terrorism and develop its nuclear program. Ranking Member Scott\u2019s bill removes the expiration date of these sanctions and makes them permanent \u2013 demonstrating America\u2019s unwavering commitment to forcefully answering Iran\u2019s destabilizing actions.\n\nIn addition to serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Scott serves as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which has jurisdiction over the State Department.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=59698989-92A5-40DE-8FF6-95615366982E", "Graham Joins Faith Leaders In Columbia To Declare Support For Israel", "2023-10-13", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today led a roundtable discussion and a press conference with faith leaders in Columbia. They discussed the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, the American hostages currently being held by Hamas, and the path forward for Israeli security with U.S. support.\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cHamas has declared Friday, today, a day of rage. I am seeking South Carolinians to declare this coming Sunday a day of prayer. To all houses of worship in the state of South Carolina, please pray for Israel this Sunday. They [Hamas] want rage. I want prayer. They seek destruction. We seek peace. They seek a one state solution, Hamas, the destruction of Israel. I seek a world where Palestinians can live in dignity and in peace with Israel.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=_fb4cv1MLZhQrC58&t=69\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cI have a simple message. I have chosen sides. Israel has nothing to apologize for. Israel did not cause this.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=GPuj9qUpxpzvEpM8&t=107\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cHow did this happen? This is what happens when you appease terrorists for a long period of time. When you give the largest state sponsor of terrorism more money, they don\u2019t use it to build hospitals and schools. They use it to build rockets. The Biden Administration and the Obama Administration in my view, have gotten it wrong regarding Iran for a very, very long time. It is now time to adjust.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=PIIrg6jOFi-KdW0p&t=184\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cIf this war escalates, if there\u2019s an attack by Hezbollah against Israel in the north, if the hostages begin to be killed by Hamas, if American soldiers are attacked in Syria and Iraq, we should go after Iran. The largest state sponsored terrorism provides the money and the weapons for what happened in Gaza. It is time they pay a price\u2026 To Iran, it is your decision to make. Choose wisely.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=re3uzjFY9IElI6Il&t=264\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cThere are no good options for Israel. There will be Palestinians who die as a result of this, who are truly innocent. I blame Hamas, not Israel.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=77ta4yGNhkghE4JS&t=879\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cI want to save as many innocent Palestinians as possible. All Palestinians are not the same. If you defeat Hamas, not only do you make Israel safer, you free up a bunch of Palestinians who have known nothing but terror and oppression.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=d64dg6vwa7PHCJBs&t=329\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cI would like to find ways to protect the Palestinian population. I would like to find humanitarian corridors. I would like to assist in moving civilians out of target areas. But Hamas is a player here. They\u2019re not going to let the people move. They\u2019re going to use their own people as human shields.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=oJCAQHGdYbx1kQO0&t=823\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cHow does this end, from our point of view? Israel survives. They thrive. Hamas is totally destroyed.\u201d https://www.youtube.com/live/E8m25j4d9BA?si=kCw--XAvCAUDVCmr&t=369\n\nClick here to watch the full press conference\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-demands-answers-on-irans-malign-nuclear-activities-amidst-brutal-iranian-proxy-attacks-on-israel/", "Senator Scott Demands Answers on Iran\u2019s Malign Nuclear Activities Amidst Brutal Iranian Proxy Attacks on Israel", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and other Senate Republican colleagues in demanding an update from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on U.S. efforts to hold Iran accountable for its ongoing violations against international nuclear restrictions.\n\n\u201cThe Iranian regime is intent on fomenting terror across the region, as evidenced by its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah\u2019s, brutal attacks this weekend on our ally, Israel,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cNow more than ever, you must ensure that you hold the regime accountable for its failure to comply with obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Further, we were disappointed that the administration did not call for a formal censure of Tehran given its continued non-compliance with the IAEA.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration has failed to press for concrete action against Iran in Vienna,\u201d the senators continued. \u201cWe are especially disturbed by reports that the United States led efforts to oppose a censure of Iran. As Iran violates its commitments and refuses to comply with the IAEA, your business-as-usual approach to resolving the situation is tantamount to an endorsement of the Iranian regime\u2019s activities.\u201d\n\nSenators Tim Scott and Rubio were joined by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Nev.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nRead full text of the letter here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Blinken:\n\nWe respectfully request that the U.S. Department of State provide information regarding the status of the International Atomic Energy Agency\u2019s (IAEA) investigation into Iran following the recent IAEA\u2019s Board of Governors meeting. The Iranian regime is intent on fomenting terror across the region, as evidenced by its proxies, Hamas and Hezbollah\u2019s, brutal attacks this weekend on our ally, Israel. Now more than ever, you must ensure that you hold the regime accountable for its failure to comply with obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Further, we were disappointed that the administration did not call for a formal censure of Tehran given its continued non-compliance with the IAEA.\n\nIt is regrettable that the September 11-15, 2023, IAEA Board of Governors meeting achieved no progress in resolving key questions related to the Iranian regime\u2019s nuclear program. Once again, Iran was able to escape any shred of accountability. As you know, since 2018, the IAEA has been investigating Iran\u2019s undeclared nuclear material and activities related to a secret 2003 effort to produce atomic weapons, called the Amad Plan. Despite the IAEA\u2019s repeated requests to access several Iranian sites, it has not been able to determine whether Tehran retains covert nuclear weapons activities, nor has it investigated all sites, personnel, and documentation related to the Amad Plan and its successor entities, such as Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND).\n\nIn 2019 and 2020, the IAEA requested access to three Iranian sites and information about a fourth site where it believed Iran had carried out past undeclared nuclear work. This includes Lavisan-Shian, Marivan, Varamin, and Turquz-Abad. The agency detected man-made uranium particles at three of these sites despite Iranian stonewalling and sanitization efforts. Iran did not declare its nuclear activities or use of nuclear material as required under nonproliferation safeguards agreements associated with the NPT. The IAEA asked Tehran for additional information about its activities at the sites, but Tehran has not cooperated.\n\nIn March 2022, the IAEA determined that Iran had violated its safeguards agreement at Lavisan-Shian. The IAEA reported that Iran used \u201cat least one natural uranium metal disc, out of ten such discs available (totaling approximately 10 kg)\u201d to carry out \u201cdrilling to produce metallic flakes.\u201d The IAEA continued, \u201cthese flakes were subsequently subjected to chemical processing on at least two occasions at the same location.\u201d The IAEA concluded, \u201c[t]hese activities and the nuclear material used therein at Location 2 [Lavisan-Shian] were not declared by Iran to the Agency as required under the Safeguards Agreement.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, in May 2023, the IAEA determined that Iran had violated its safeguards agreement at one part of the Marivan site. Tehran also provided explanations that the IAEA found to be \u201cnot technically credible\u201d regarding activities at a second part of the site. The IAEA reported the first part of the site, a suspected high explosive test site, that \u201cbased on its analysis of all safeguards-relevant information available to it\u2026Iran conducted explosive experiments with protective shielding in preparation for the use of neutron detectors and nuclear material.\u201d\n\nMany questions remain with regard to Iran\u2019s nuclear activities. The May 2023 IAEA report additionally highlighted Tehran had yet to provide technically credible explanations for the presence of undeclared uranium particles it found at the Turquz-Abad open-air warehouse and at Varamin, a suspected former uranium conversion facility, nor had it informed the IAEA of the current location of nuclear material and/or of contaminated equipment related to the sites. At the Board of Governors meeting, Ambassador Laura S.H. Holgate, U.S. Permanent Representative to the IAEA, stated, \u201cIran\u2019s level of cooperation remains significantly lacking overall, and far short of the expectations outlined by the Board last November and the Director General in the March 4 Joint Statement.\u201d\n\nThe Biden Administration has failed to press for concrete action against Iran in Vienna. We are especially disturbed by reports that the United States led efforts to oppose a censure of Iran. As Iran violates its commitments and refuses to comply with the IAEA, your business-as-usual approach to resolving the situation is tantamount to an endorsement of the Iranian regime\u2019s activities. Further, your failure to pursue a censure of Iran, likely in conjunction with ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran that you continue to conceal from Congress, is simply unconscionable. We also note that concealing the details of such nuclear negotiations from Congress is illegal under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. Accordingly, we respectfully request the following:\n\nAn explanation as to why the State Department did not seek a censure of Iran during the September 11-15, 2023 Board of Governors meeting and the extent to which this decision was due to ongoing nuclear negotiations;\n\nAll documents related to the United States decision to oppose a censure of Iran at the September 11-15, 2023 Board of Governors meeting;\n\nA determination as to whether Iran is in compliance with the NPT;\n\nIf the State Department finds that Iran is in compliance with the NPT, an explanation of how Iran is in compliance with the treaty given the IAEA\u2019s findings of safeguards violations at two sites involving undeclared nuclear material and activities;\n\nAn explanation of what the State Department plans to do about Iran\u2019s failure to cooperate with the IAEA regarding the two outstanding sites of concern, which amounts to violations of Tehran\u2019s legal obligation to cooperate with the agency; and\n\nWhether the State Department will provide financial incentives or concessions for Iran while Tehran fails to comply with the IAEA\u2019s requests.\n\nWe thank you in advance for your attention to this matter, and look forward to receiving your response.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-calls-for-hearing-and-investigation-into-release-of-6-billion-to-iran/", "Scott Calls for Hearing and Investigation into Release of $6 Billion to Iran", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, released the following statement after the attack on Israel, calling for the Senate Banking Committee to hold a hearing with Secretary Janet Yellen and for a Senate investigation into the release of $6 billion to Iran:\n\n\u201cIn the face of evil, we must use every tool, weapon, and economic sanction available to provide for our nation\u2019s security and the security of Israel.\n\n\u201cAs the top Republican on the Senate Banking Committee with direct jurisdiction over our economic national security tools, including sanctions, I will push for Chairman Brown to invite and urge Treasury Secretary Yellen to testify as soon as possible on the $6 billion recently transferred to Iran and any sanctions gaps we might have with respect to Iran.\n\n\u201cThe Senate should also investigate what led the Biden administration to allow a transfer of $6 billion to Iran and how it could expect Iran to not use that money to continue to fuel terrorism. The American people and Israel, our closest ally in the Middle East, deserve transparency and answers.\n\n\u201cWe should be signaling strength \u2013 not leniency \u2013 when it comes to Iran. That\u2019s why now is the time to pass my Solidify Iran Sanctions Act and send the message that Iran should not expect U.S. sanctions to lapse.\n\n\u201cThe unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas \u2013 a U.S. designated terrorist organization \u2013 warrants the strongest response encompassing both military assistance and the most stringent economic sanctions. I look forward to thoroughly examining additional areas where we can hold these Iranian backed terrorist organizations accountable.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nRanking Member Scott\u2019s calls for rigorous congressional oversight mark a continuation of his commitment to applying pressure on the Iranian regime and holding the Biden administration accountable.\n\nOn August 18, Ranking Member Scott demanded answers from the Biden administration after it announced the release of $6 billion to Iran. In the letter, the Ranking Member and his colleagues warned that the funds would \u201cenable the Iranian regime to increase its destabilizing activities\u201d and would \u201cserve to encourage additional hostage taking for financial or political gain.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, Ranking Member Scott introduced the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act to cement the Iran Sanctions Act. The Iran Sanctions Act imposes sanctions that restrict funding for Iran\u2019s energy sector, curtailing the regime\u2019s ability to finance terrorism and develop its nuclear program. Ranking Member Scott\u2019s bill removes the expiration date of these sanctions and makes them permanent \u2013 demonstrating America\u2019s unwavering commitment to forcefully answering Iran\u2019s destabilizing actions.\n\nIn addition to serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Senator Scott serves as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which has jurisdiction over the State Department.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-continues-assisting-south-carolinians-in-israel-provides-resources-for-americans-in-harms-way/", "Senator Scott Continues Assisting South Carolinians in Israel, Provides Resources for Americans in Harm\u2019s Way", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Since Saturday, October 7, 2023, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and his constituent casework team have worked to assist South Carolinians in Israel and provide critical information and resources to Americans in harm\u2019s way.\n\n\u201cI strongly encourage South Carolinians who are in Israel and need assistance to reach out to my office immediately,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cMy team and I have been working around the clock to help Americans who are in danger, and we will not rest until they are out of harm\u2019s way.\u201d\n\nIf you or someone you know is a South Carolinian in Israel who needs assistance, please reach out to Senator Scott\u2019s Lowcountry office at (843) 727-4525, Midlands office at (803) 771-6112, Upstate office at (864) 233-5366 or Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-6121.\n\nThe Department of State has a 24/7 coordinating group communicating with U.S. citizens, providing them assistance through phone calls and an online form. U.S. citizens seeking to be in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can fill out this form or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131.\n\nIt is strongly encouraged Americans in Israel utilize the following resources to stay updated and safe:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-meets-with-israeli-ambassador-herzog-in-light-of-hamas-terror-attacks/", "Senator Scott Meets with Israeli Ambassador Herzog in Light of Hamas Terror Attacks", "2023-10-10", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and member of Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, met with Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C. following Hamas terror attacks against innocent Israeli civilians.\n\n\u201cMy heart goes out to the State of Israel and the entire Jewish community in light of these barbaric attacks on innocent civilians, including so many women and children,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cThese terror attacks are pure evil, and there must be a swift, decisive response. The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel as she defends herself and her people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=52F9D091-A3A0-4A34-826E-8167538A8632", "Graham Statement on Israel Attacks", "2023-10-07", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following Hamas\u2019 unjust invasion and attack on Israel.\n\n\u201cOur thoughts and prayers are with our friends and allies in Israel as they defend their homeland from this unjust invasion and attack by the terrorist group Hamas.\n\n\u201cIt would serve Israel and the world well to respond to this outrage by launching an operation that will destroy the Hamas organization \u2013 not just contain it.\n\n\u201cI am convinced that this unprecedented and brutal attack by Hamas is not only supported by Iran, it was designed to stop peace efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel. A peace agreement between those two nations would be a nightmare for Iran and Hamas.\n\n\u201cIsrael has lived long enough in the shadow of the Hamas terrorist organization. Israel has always been pressed by the international community to make a proportional response to any attacks and the world was ready to condemn any Israeli excesses in defending their citizens and homeland. That kind of thinking and criticism needs to come to an end.\n\n\u201cWe should support Israel\u2019s ability to eradicate this terrorist threat by any and all means necessary.\u201d\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=825423B3-F216-4C89-A202-FE393866894A", "Graham Opposes Proposed NOAA Rule On Right Whale That Would Negatively Impact SC Economy", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today in Charleston voiced his opposition to the proposed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rule regarding the North Atlantic Right Whale. He received a briefing from the Charleston Harbor Pilots, who are highly trained individuals that ensure safe ship movements at the Port of Charleston.\n\nThe Port of Charleston is an economic engine for the state of South Carolina and the rest of the southeast. NOAA\u2019s proposal would have the unintended consequence of gravely harming operations at the Port, and endangering pilots and pilot boat crews. It would negatively impact the maritime supply chain and raise the likelihood of marine accidents in entrance channels of East Coast ports.\n\nGraham said, \u201cThe Biden Administration is proposing limiting boat speed to 10 knots, which will dramatically affect the safety of the harbor pilots operating here in Charleston, in the name of protecting whales. Not one whale has been hit by a harbor pilot boat here in Charleston. To mandate 10 knots is going to put the lives of these men and women at risk with no benefits to the whale.\u201d\n\nThe proposed change would expand the mandatory speed restriction to 10 knots or less in designated areas of the ocean to include vessels 35-65 feet in length, which would affect the entire East Coast. Consequently, recreational boaters taking a one-way hundred-mile offshore fishing trip, which currently takes approximately three hours of travel time, would see that time increase to a ten-hour one-way trip.\n\nApproximately 5.1 million recreational fishing trips were taken in this region by vessels 35-65 feet in length since 2008. The chance of a 35-65 foot recreational vessel striking a Right Whale during an offshore fishing trip is less than one in 1,000,000.\n\nGraham continued, \u201cIt gets worse. Sports fishing is one of the biggest tourism generators on the coast of South Carolina. People who build sports fishing boats here in our state have told me that from their point of view, this regulation would be a death blow.\u201d\n\nThe proposed rule would cause significant harm to charter and recreational boaters, boat builders, and fishermen. Angler spending on recreational offshore fishing trips \u2013 which would be impacted by this proposed rule \u2013 is estimated at more than $15 million per year. These trips are likely to be cancelled or significantly shortened if vessels are subject to a 10-knot speed restriction.\n\nGraham concluded, \u201cThis offends me on numerous levels. This is the federal government out of control. You\u2019re not helping the whale, you\u2019re destroying the shipping industry. You\u2019re putting humans at risk without helping the whale. You are destroying a way of life on the coast of South Carolina that we\u2019ve enjoyed since we\u2019ve been a state, for no good reason.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe best thing to do to save a whale is to come up with better technology to locate whales and pass that information onto ships. That\u2019s my proposal. There\u2019s plenty of technology available that we can use to monitor whales without putting harbor pilots\u2019 lives at risk and destroying the sport fishing industry.\u201d\n\nTimeline and Background on the proposed NOAA rule regarding the Right Whale.\n\nAugust 2022 \u2013 NOAA proposed new vessel speed rule\n\nOctober 2022 \u2013 Senator Graham led Senators T. Scott, Burr, Tillis, Rubio, and R. Scott in a letter to NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad expressing concern over the pilot boat safety and economic impact of proposed rule.\n\nJuly 2023 \u2013 The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the FY24 Commerce Justice Science (CJS) bill with report language Senator Graham supported, which read in part:\n\n\u201c\u2026Committee is concerned that as part of the development of the proposed rule, [NOAA] did not engage with the recreational boating and fishing community, ports, nor other stakeholders that would likely be affected by the rule.\u201d\n\n\u201cBefore NOAA issues interim or final rules to protect endangered whales, the agency shall engage with affected stakeholders and incorporate relevant comments.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurther, the Committee has heard from other Member offices regarding difficulties receiving fulsome and timely responses to congressional inquiries regarding the proposed rule.\u201d\n\n\u201cNOAA is further encouraged to work with other Federal agencies\u2026 to support technology development, test and evaluation of whale monitoring technologies.\u201d\n\nA decision from NOAA is expected later this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-stands-against-president-bidens-fcc-internet-takeover-champions-internet-freedom/", "Scott Stands Against President Biden\u2019s FCC Internet Takeover, Champions Internet Freedom", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), and 41 of his Senate colleagues in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Rosenworcel to abandon her proposal to reinstate failed, heavy-handed Obama-era internet regulations, which promise to create regulatory uncertainty and stifle America\u2019s ability to continue leading in broadband services. In their letter, the senators note that following the repeal of the Obama-era rules in 2017, all of the Democrats\u2019 claims \u2013 most notably that Americans would get the internet one word at a time \u2013 were proven false. Just the latest of the Biden administration\u2019s actions to bypass Congress through federal agencies, this policy would impose regulations intended for public utility services, such as water, gas, and electricity, on internet service.\n\nSenators Tim Scott, Cruz and Thune were joined by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy M.D.(R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ala.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\n\u201cRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition for consumers, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices,\u201dwrote the senators. \u201cFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 already, and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\u201d\n\nSenator Scott first led efforts to oppose expanding bureaucratic internet regulations in 2014 when the Obama administration called on the FCC to redefine internet service providers as \u201ccommon carriers\u201d, making them subject to Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. In his role as member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has oversight of the FCC, Senator Scott opposed the policy change, arguing that the policy unconstitutionally circumvented Congress and eroded internet freedom.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nNet neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be transparent without the ability for internet service providers (ISPs) to block, throttle or prioritize content. For most of its existence, internet access has been regulated by Title I, a light touch approach to regulating the internet that has powered rapid growth for decades. In 2015, the Obama administration\u2019s heavy-handed approach expanded government powers. The FCC began applying Title II regulations to the internet, controlling ISPs as common carriers under a Depression-era framework designed for 19th century public utilities. Republicans rescinded the rule in 2017, restoring Title I regulations, fueling an open internet space and increasing broadband speeds.\n\nRead the letter in full here and below:\n\nThe Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel\n\nChairwoman\n\nFederal Communications Commission\n\nWe write regarding our strong opposition to the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s (FCC\u2019s) proposal to reinstate the heavy-handed, public-utility regulations of Title II of the Communications Act on the internet. Doing so would be an historic mistake.\n\nWhen the FCC rescinded the Obama-era Title II order almost six years ago, partisans argued that it was the \u201cend of the internet as we know it,\u201d that \u201cyou\u2019ll get the internet one word at a time,\u201d that consumers would have to pay by the tweet, and that online access would slow to a crawl. All such hyperbolic claims have proven false, as even FCC Democrat commissioners have admitted.\n\nThe growth of the internet continues to be a great American success story. Broadband investment has increased, deployment has increased, speeds have increased, and high-speed internet access has become more affordable than ever. American networks, freed from obtrusive regulations, easily handled the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Europe\u2019s heavily regulated internet providers were forced to actively slow down speeds to maintain connectivity. Indeed, America is now a leader in adopting next-generation telecommunications services like 5G and Wi-Fi 6e while Europe struggles to keep pace.\n\nRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices.\n\nFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\n\nGiven the lack of any policy or legal rationale for moving forward with such a proposal, the FCC should not pursue a hyper-partisan, politicized rulemaking.\n\nOur country faces real challenges. A lack of public-utility regulations for the internet is not one of them. Instead, the FCC and the Biden administration should be focusing on bipartisan efforts to address real problems, such as addressing rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government\u2019s broadband subsidy programs, and regulatory and permitting obstacles to broadband deployment, both of which divert funds and resources from the goal of connecting unserved Americans.\n\nWe urge you to end this charade and shelve this fifth attempt to adopt so-called \u201cnet neutrality\u201d regulations.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-colleagues-in-championing-american-workers-small-businesses/", "Scott Leads Colleagues in Championing American Workers, Small Businesses", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which ensures government regulation keeps up with a 21st century workforce. This legislation provides America\u2019s workforce with the flexibility and autonomy it needs and empowers entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed as they grapple with a dynamic global environment, regulatory challenges and uncertain economic conditions.\n\nJoining Senators Scott and Blackburn are Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\n\u201cWith families already struggling in President Biden\u2019s broken economy, the Biden administration and big labor unions are turning the screws, weaponizing regulations against Americans just trying to make ends meet,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cI\u2019ll never stop fighting to free American workers from burdensome red tape, so they can climb the economic ladder and live out their version of the American Dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe success of American workers should not be hampered by harmful and unnecessary regulation,\u201dsaid Senator Blackburn. \u201cIn Tennessee, we have record-low unemployment and a nationally recognized workforce development program because our laws enable our creators and businesses to innovate in the best way that they know how. That should be the standard across the country.\u201d\n\nThe Fair Labor Standards Act\u2019s failure to clearly define \u201cemployee\u201d has allowed the Biden administration to broadly exercise rigid labor rules against workers beyond the standard precedent, crippling the gig economy. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act addresses the ambiguity of the current law, releasing workers from burdensome regulations and freeing them to build economic opportunity.\n\nFull text of the Modern Worker Empowerment Act can be found here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s fight to support American workers includes:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-demand-biden-admin-hold-former-ecuadorean-president-correa-accountable-for-corruption-human-rights-abuses/", "Scott, Colleagues Demand Biden Admin Hold Former Ecuadorean President Correa Accountable for Corruption, Human Rights Abuses", "2023-10-02", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R, S.C.), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) on a letter to President Biden asking him to hold accountable the former President Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado of Ecuador for his involvement in acts of significant corruption and violations of internationally recognized human rights in Ecuador.\n\n\u201cOn April 7, 2020, Ecuador\u2019s National Court of Justice sentenced Mr. Correa to eight years in prison for bribery in the corruption case \u201cBriberies, 2012-2016.\u201d The court found Mr. Correa to be the leader and mastermind of a \u201ccriminal structure\u201d that included his Vice President Jorge Glas and 18 other senior government and business associates,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cMr. Correa also has a proven record of violating internationally recognized human rights while in office. According to Freedom House, Mr. Correa \u2018oversaw attacks on judicial independence, press freedoms, and other civil liberties\u2019 during his presidency.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 2018, Mr. Correa was indicted in a criminal case for ordering the kidnapping of an opposition leader. Despite Ecuador\u2019s extradition request of Mr. Correa to face these charges, he continues to travel freely between Europe and Latin America, including frequent trips to meet with U.S.-sanctioned officials of the narco-terrorist regime in Venezuela,\u201d the senators continued.\n\n\u201cCongress has demonstrated it is in the interest of the United States for Ecuador to preserve its independent democratic institutions and strengthen its economic prosperity. We recommend you support such interest by using the tools available to you under Presidential Proclamation 7750 and Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related programs Appropriations Act to hold Mr. Correa accountable for his involvement in acts of significant corruption and violations of internationally recognized human rights in Ecuador,\u201d the senators concluded.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nCongress is pursuing bipartisan legislative efforts to deepen bilateral relations with Ecuador, which has made significant progress since 2017 to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote economic growth. We believe you should reinforce these bipartisan measures by immediately holding accountable the former President of Ecuador, Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado, for his involvement in acts of significant corruption and violations of internationally recognized human rights in Ecuador.\n\nOn April 7, 2020, Ecuador\u2019s National Court of Justice sentenced Mr. Correa to eight years in prison for bribery in the corruption case \u201cBriberies, 2012-2016.\u201d The court found Mr. Correa to be the leader and mastermind of a \u201ccriminal structure\u201d that included his Vice President Jorge Glas and 18 other senior government and business associates. Specifically, Mr. Correa and his network accepted millions of dollars in illicit payments from local and foreign entities like Odebrecht, the Brazilian firm at the center of Latin America\u2019s largest modern corruption scheme, in exchange for illegally awarding major government contracts for Ecuador\u2019s critical infrastructure and natural resources, including within state oil company Petroecuador.\n\nIn September 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Ecuador shared a report by the Commission on Government Oversight of the National Assembly of Ecuador with the U.S. government revealing details of an international corruption scheme between the government of Mr. Correa and China\u2019s state-owned oil and gas company PetroChina.\n\nMr. Correa also has a proven record of violating internationally recognized human rights while in office. According to Freedom House, Mr. Correa \u201coversaw attacks on judicial independence, press freedoms, and other civil liberties\u201d during his presidency. The State Department\u2019s 2015 Ecuador Human Rights Report attests that Mr. Correa sanctioned and censored independent media and journalists, shut down independent civil society organizations, and restricted freedoms of press, speech, and assembly.\n\nIn 2018, Mr. Correa was indicted in a criminal case for ordering the kidnapping of an opposition leader. Despite Ecuador\u2019s extradition request of Mr. Correa to face these charges, he continues to travel freely between Europe and Latin America, including frequent trips to meet with U.S.-sanctioned officials of the narco-terrorist regime in Venezuela.\n\nCongress has demonstrated it is in the interest of the United States for Ecuador to preserve its independent democratic institutions and strengthen its economic prosperity. We recommend you support such interest by using the tools available to you under Presidential Proclamation 7750 and Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related programs Appropriations Act to hold Mr. Correa accountable for his involvement in acts of significant corruption and violations of internationally recognized human rights in Ecuador.\n\nWe look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B0B8A001-F3C3-47E8-A06B-805E317E1E77", "Graham Statement On The Passing Of Senator Dianne Feinstein", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California).\n\n\u201cDianne was a trailblazer. She was the first female mayor of San Francisco and then became one of the most consequential senators in history. She was passionate about her causes, and respectful and kind toward her colleagues and constituents. Dianne was a person who knew how to get things done.\n\n\u201cOn a personal level, she was a friend. She always had something good to say to start the day. I enjoyed working with Dianne on tough issues as she understood the give and take nature of politics and negotiation.\n\n\u201cI would recommend any young person who is interested in a political life to study the life and career of Senator Dianne Feinstein as a role model.\n\n\u201cRest in Peace.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-senate-colleagues-demand-pay-for-border-patrol-during-government-shutdown/", "Scott, Senate Colleagues Demand Pay for Border Patrol During Government Shutdown", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and his Senate colleagues in introducing the Keep Our Border Agents Paid Act. As the government heads toward a shutdown, this bill would ensure U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and contractors continue to be paid.\n\nThe surge in recent border crossings in Eagle Pass, Texas, and elsewhere along the Southern border has highlighted the critical role Border Patrol plays. Twice this week, daily border crossings reached over 11,000, breaking the record for the number of crossings in a single day.\n\nJoining Senators Tim Scott and Rick Scott in cosponsoring this legislation were Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss).\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the National Border Patrol Council.\n\n\u201cOur Border Patrol agents bear the full weight of President Biden\u2019s open border policy, met with an onslaught of illegal immigrants every day,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cNow more than ever, we need our agents to keep our nation safe. The least we can do is ensure these brave men and women are paid for their invaluable work and continued sacrifice.\u201d\n\n\u201cI have been to the southern border three times since President Biden took office, and the crisis is worse each time I visit,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott. \u201cFailed leadership created this crisis and we cannot allow the border to go unchecked, and our border patrol agents to go unpaid, due to a failure of Washington to fund government.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s work to address the border crisis includes:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=67EF397B-C625-4D26-9CB0-40854F81B242", "Graham Introduces Religious Education Week Resolution", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced a resolution designating October 1-7, 2023 as \u201cReligious Education Week\u201d to celebrate and emphasize the importance of religious education, and the schools and organizations engaged in religious instruction.\n\n\u201cSouth Carolina\u2019s children are our greatest resource and future leaders,\u201d said Graham. \u201cI am proud to introduce this resolution to emphasize the importance of continued religious education and the organizations who provide it.\u201d\n\nThe resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), James Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).\n\nThis resolution is also supported by Agudath Israel of America, American Association of Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools International, Catholic Education Partners Inc., Catholic Business Network, Center for Urban Renewal and Education, School Time Bible Ministries, Coalition for Jewish Values, Foundation for American Christian Education, Family Research Council, Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, National Committee for Religious Freedom, and North American Seventh-Day Adventist Church.\n\nThe full text of the resolution is HERE.\n\n#####\n\nSupport for Senator Graham\u2019s Religious Education Week resolution:\n\nGrayson Hartgrove, Director of School Time Bible Ministries in Columbia, SC:\n\n\u201cWe support and applaud the US Senate effort to pass a US Senate Resolution on Religious Education Week. Parents of public-school students want the option of providing faith-based programming during the public-school day. The legal practice, known as Released Time for Religious Education was started in 1914 by a school superintendent. He knew the importance of parents having options in directing the upbringing of their children. Currently over 13,000 public school students with parental permission in South Carolina leave campus every week for a faith-based class off campus at a church or non-school building. The number of students participating continues to grow as more parents learn of this option.\u201d\n\nRabbi Lerner, President Emeritus of the Coalition for Jewish Values:\n\n\u201cJudaism places the education of our children at the center of religious practice. We are happy to endorse this resolution, which underscores the intrinsic connection between religious education and the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the Constitution, and celebrates religious schooling as a method of civic and moral development.\u201d\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EFB41EEC-45BA-42F3-932C-961A6C507912", "ICYMI: Graham: Biden, Dems Have Failed Americans By Making Border Crisis Worse", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) led a press conference with Republican Senators to address the crisis at the southern border and the Democrats\u2019 policies that are making it worse.\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cIf you think it\u2019s just a bunch of Republicans complaining, you\u2019re wrong. This is the mayor of New York just a few days ago: New York City will experience a \u2018financial tsunami\u2019. \u2018The migrant crisis will destroy New York City.\u2019\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cWhy do we have so much illegal immigration? The Biden Administration took every Trump policy that worked and replaced it with magnets for illegal immigration. We\u2019re going to shut those magnets down.\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cAs a matter of fact in [the Biden Administration\u2019s] supplemental, they didn\u2019t put any money for immigration enforcement, detaining violent criminals or fighting cartels. They allowed money for enforcement \u2013 the ICE money \u2013 to be reprogrammed to \u2018community residential facilities\u2019 to help with the cost of housing illegal immigrants. Let me say that again. [Democrats] had a chance to fix the problem. Their solution is to defund ICE and put more money into community facilities.\u201d\n\nGRAHAM: \u201cSo here\u2019s our commitment to the American people. We\u2019re going to work to not only fund our government, keep the government open and deal with the real emergencies, but we\u2019re not going to allow the border to continue to be chaotic. We\u2019re going to bring solutions to the table, and there are solutions out there. If you don\u2019t change policy, you\u2019re not going to fix this.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch the full press conference\n\n#####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=81A79675-9F61-45E7-9E84-9C306528ED9E", "Graham Statement Following Visit To Charleston Passport Center", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement following a briefing and tour of the U.S. Department of State Passport Processing Center in Charleston, South Carolina on Monday.\n\n\u201cI received a very consequential tour and briefing regarding the Charleston Passport Center. Charleston, South Carolina has the largest footprint for State Department employees in the world outside of Washington, D.C. I am very proud of the Charleston Passport Center. They do great work on behalf of our nation.\n\n\u201cIn 1990, only five percent of Americans had a passport. Today it is now up to 46 percent. We are trying to obtain an \u2018in-person passport counter\u2019 for those who find themselves in an emergency passport situation in South Carolina. The closest office providing in-person emergency services is in Atlanta \u2013 which serves people from as many as five surrounding states.\n\n\u201cI hope that this service will come to Charleston because it would be a godsend for South Carolinians dealing with passport problems or emergencies. My office deals with hundreds of passport requests every year and having an in-person counter in Charleston, rather than relying solely on Atlanta, would be a game changer.\n\n\u201cFinally, I appreciate Deputy Secretary Rich Verma, a longtime friend and the Chief Operating Officer of the State Department, taking the time to come and personally look at this dilemma. Hopefully in the coming days and months we can have a break through allowing Charleston to provide in-person service to our communities.\u201d\n\nBackground on the U.S. Department of State Passport Processing Center in Charleston:\n\nThere are 29 passport agencies and centers across the United States.\n\nThe Charleston Passport Center does not offer in-person appointments. In turn, anyone from South Carolina that requires an emergency in-person appointment within two weeks of travel must physically travel to the Atlanta Passport Agency, which is the closest agency to South Carolina. Many constituents have had to travel to California, Chicago and Buffalo, NY since Atlanta was booked.\n\nThe Atlanta Passport Agency serves as many as five surrounding states (roughly 38.5 million people), compared to California which has three agencies in the state alone (roughly 39.2 million people).\n\nDuring travel peaks and different seasons, these agencies become overburdened and backlogged, resulting in fewer appointments being available. This adds additional layers of stress for those who must obtain a passport to make emergency travel, especially in situations where the travel is due to a life or death emergency.\n\nSenator Graham has long-called for a better solution for the people of South Carolina and is continuing to press the State Department to put together a plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=550866FC-019B-40C1-AD20-C33DBC8C514E", "Graham Reflects On President Zelensky's Address To The Senate", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following Ukrainian President Zelensky\u2019s address to members of the Senate.\n\n\u201cI just attended a presentation by Ukrainian President Zelensky in the old Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol.\n\n\u201cPresident Zelensky profusely thanked the American people for the many contributions we have made in support of Ukraine. He is determined to liberate his country from the Russian invaders. President Zelensky also pointed out this fight is much bigger than Ukraine. He understands that Putin will not stop until someone makes him stop and that appeasing aggression inevitably leads to more war.\n\n\u201cI believe that with continued military assistance, Ukraine will eventually break the Russian occupation.\n\n\u201cUkraine is the ally we dream of. They are not seeking American troops. They seek military and economic assistance to beat a common foe and evict them from their territory.\n\n\u201cWhen they write the history of these times, President Zelensky\u2019s personal bravery and determination to fight for freedom will be in the first chapter.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-ricketts-senate-colleagues-fight-to-strengthen-oversight-of-us-china-science-and-technology-agreements/", "Scott, Ricketts, Senate Colleagues Fight to Strengthen Oversight of U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreements", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, joined Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nev.) and 14 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act, which would strengthen oversight of science and technology agreements (STAs) between the U.S. and the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) by requiring the Secretary of State to provide comprehensive details to Congress about any new, renewed, or extended agreement and establishing a minimum 30-day congressional review period.\n\nThis bill addresses ongoing concerns that the PRC is exploiting research partnerships organized under the STA, using them to strengthen its military-industrial complex and develop technologies that could be used against the U.S. For instance, in 2018, under the STA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) organized a project with China\u2019s Meteorological Administration to launch weather balloons to study the atmosphere. Just a few months ago, similar balloon technology was used to surveil U.S. military sites on U.S. territory.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Scott offered an amendment to the State Department Authorization Act and National Defense Authorization Act which stated the STA was a risk to U.S. national security and should have been allowed to expire at the end of August 2023.\n\n\u201cFor the Chinese Communist Party, the line between civilian and military research is non-existent,\u201d said Senator Tim Scott. \u201cWhen a Chinese surveillance balloon violated our sovereignty using American technology, we witnessed how the Science and Technology Agreement between our two nations could be used against us. I\u2019ve said time and time again, this agreement is a threat to our national security. The Biden administration must ensure that scientific collaboration does not jeopardize our interests or enable an adversary to advance its malign agenda. I\u2019m honored to continue this fight alongside my Senate colleagues.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration has failed to stand up to the Chinese Communist Party time and time again,\u201d said Senator Ricketts. \u201cThere is no daylight between the Communist regime and the private sector in the People\u2019s Republic of China. The CCP will manipulate or disregard rules to gain technological and military advantages that put our national security at risk. Congressional oversight is necessary before we enter into science and technology agreements with our chief adversary. As the administration attempts to negotiate a stronger agreement, it should have to show its work. This bill would make sure that happens.\u201d\n\nUnited States Representative Andy Barr (R-Ky.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nSenators Scott and Ricketts were joined by Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Senate Foreign Relations Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-fights-to-restore-adoption-tax-credit-refundability-relieve-foster-care-crisis/", "Sen. Scott Fights to Restore Adoption Tax Credit Refundability, Relieve Foster Care Crisis", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined 23 of his Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, which encourages adoption by restoring the refundable portion of the Adoption Tax Credit. For lower income families who are unable to afford adoption fees such as attorney fees and travel expenses, making the Adoption Tax Credit fully refundable would allow them to recoup the full $14,890 tax credit per child, removing an income barrier to adoption and easing the foster care crisis.\n\nA nationwide shortage of foster homes has highlighted the urgency of reforming the adoption process. Between 2021 and 2022, over half of U.S. states saw a decline in licensed foster homes, including a 61% decline in South Carolina\u2014the largest of any state. Additionally, research shows the federal government saves approximately $65,000- $127,000 every time a family adopts from foster care and bring a child into a permanent home.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=897C995F-B09A-4FEC-BC6F-9991ACFC9DBB", "Graham to Schumer: Maintain Senate Dress Code", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has signed onto a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) expressing \u201csupreme disappointment and resolute disapproval\u201d about the decision to rescind the long-standing Senate dress code.\n\n\u201cThe Senate is a place of honor and tradition, and the Senate floor is where we conduct the business of the American people,\u201d wrote Graham. \u201cIt is where we debate the policies which impact every American family and, when necessary, it is where we must make the gravest decision imaginable \u2013 whether to send our fellow Americans into battle to defend the freedoms we all hold dear. The world watches us on that floor and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs.\n\n\u201cAllowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent,\u201d continued Graham. \u201cWe the undersigned members of the United States Senate write to express our supreme disappointment and resolute disapproval of your recent decision to abandon the Senate\u2019s longstanding dress code for members, and urge you to immediately reverse this misguided action.\u201d\n\nThe letter was circulated by Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida). The full text of this letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-senator-scott-receives-distinguished-christian-statesman-award/", "ICYMI: Senator Scott Receives Distinguished Christian Statesman Award", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was presented with the 27th Annual Distinguished Christian Statesman Award. Given annually by the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship since 1996, this award seeks to honor individuals who combine excellence in public service with character and faith in God.\n\n\u201cWe should stop and thank the Lord that we live in an America, where any kid from any zip code can rise beyond their circumstances and achieve their version of the American Dream. That\u2019s possible because our founding fathers crafted a country based on a rock, the Lord God,\u201dsaid Senator Scott during his acceptance speech. \u201cWe have troubles. We have challenges. We have things that make us fearful in this nation, but remember \u2013 greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DB94866B-BDB0-4FD6-B313-B98D96EAAE91", "Graham: Protecting The Unborn Is About Human Rights", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on protecting the unborn.\n\n\u201cAfter Dobbs, protection of the unborn has returned to elected officials at the state and federal level. As Justice Kavanaugh wrote in a concurring opinion to Dobbs, the legislative bodies are best able to decide such matters.\n\n\u201cWhen states like South Carolina, Florida, and Iowa agree on a certain level of protection for the unborn, through the legislative process, then I believe the process has worked as Dobbs intended. I support what my home state of South Carolina has done to protect the unborn. I applaud Governor McMaster and our state legislature for their hard work on this issue.\n\n\u201cStates have the right to deal with the abortion issue up to a point, however the rights of the states to deal with this issue are not absolute. There comes a time when the issue moves from being a states\u2019 rights issue to a human rights issue.\n\n\u201cDemocratic Senators have used the legislative process and tried to pass federal legislation that creates a national standard virtually allowing abortion on demand up to the moment of birth. It is time for those who support the rights of the unborn to speak up in Washington. I have done so by offering legislation to protect unborn children who can feel pain at 15 weeks, with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.\n\n\u201cAt a minimum, when a child is so well-developed that they can feel pain and suck their thumb, we should protect them at the national level. At 15 weeks gestation, an unborn child can suck their thumb and also feel pain. That is why 47 of 50 European nations limit abortion between 12 and 15 weeks.\n\n\u201cToday, states like Oregon, New Jersey, Vermont, and Colorado place virtually no limits on abortion at any stage. These state laws mirror renegade nations like China and North Korea which allow abortion on demand up to the moment of birth. With their extreme position in support of late-term abortions, these states demonstrate why we need a national minimum standard to protect the unborn.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-senate-colleagues-fight-to-secure-the-border/", "Senator Scott, Senate Colleagues Fight to Secure the Border", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and his Senate colleagues in introducing the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which stands as the most comprehensive border security legislation in decades. The Secure the Border Act addresses the Biden administration\u2019s open border crisis by increasing the number of Border Patrol Agents, resuming construction on the border wall, tightening asylum standards, criminalizing visa overstays and prohibiting the Department of Homeland Security from using its app to assist illegal immigrants.\n\n\u201cThe numbers don\u2019t lie: the border crisis is not going away,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cFrom fentanyl trafficking to human trafficking to known terrorists infiltrating our country, the Biden administration\u2019s open border policy is anything but humane. It\u2019s time we recognize that border security is national security and secure our country.\u201d\n\nCompanion legislation, introduced by U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\nThe Republican National Committee\u2019s data shows 7 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border under the Biden administration. This number includes 85,000 unaccompanied children whom the Biden administration is unable to account for \u2013 60% of whom are likely to be exploited through child pornography and drug trafficking. Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized 379 million deadly doses of fentanyl during FY 2022, fueled by Chinese suppliers and Mexican cartels targeting the open border and making fentanyl overdose the leading cause of death for young Americans. In addition to the humanitarian crisis and fentanyl crisis, the Biden administration\u2019s open border policy has escalated a national security crisis, with record numbers of terrorists apprehended at the border.\n\nJoining Senators Scott and Cruz are Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R- Ky.), and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).\n\nSummary of the Secure the Border Act:\n\nRequires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume border wall construction.\n\nIncreases the number of Border Patrol Agents.\n\nTightens asylum standards by restricting asylum to only aliens who present at ports of entry and by requiring aliens to prove they are \u201cmore likely than not\u201d to qualify for their asylum claim.\n\nNarrows DHS\u2019s power to unilaterally grant parole to illegal aliens.\n\nCriminalizes visa overstays by making the first offense a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and the second offense a felony punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and up to two years imprisonment.\n\nStops NGOs from using tax dollars to transport or lodge illegal aliens andprovide illegal aliens with lawyers.\n\nRestricts DHS from using its CBP One app to welcome illegal aliens into the country.\n\nRequires employers to use E-Verify.\n\nEnsures CBP has access to the criminal history databases of all countries of origin and transit so that CBP is aware of the criminal history of illegal aliens encountered at the southern border.\n\nFull text of the Secure the Border Act can be found here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s work to address the border and fentanyl crisis include:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=742ADA8C-A396-4868-BB87-7FB32443A9B9", "Graham Backs Senate Companion To House-Passed Secure The Border Act", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, cosponsored the Secure the Border Act of 2023. This legislation would resume construction on the wall, tighten asylum standards, criminalize visa overstays, increase the number of Border Patrol Agents, defund NGOs receiving tax dollars to help traffic illegal aliens throughout the heartland, prohibit DHS from using its app to assist illegal aliens, and more.\n\nCompanion legislation (H.R. 2) passed the House of Representatives in May.\n\nGraham introduced the legislation along with Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Thune (R-South Dakota), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).\n\n\u201cTo say our southern border is broken is an understatement,\u201d said Graham. \u201cThe open border crisis created by the Biden Administration hurts our national security, our economy and makes America less safe. A broken border allows fentanyl to flow and terrorists to enter our country. I am pleased to support this bill that aims to better protect our border and those agents who defend it. This aggressive border security proposal supported by the House Republicans is the necessary medicine to fix a huge problem.\u201d\n\nSen. Cruz said, \u201cUnder Joe Biden, we have a wide-open southern border. The Biden Border Crisis has created the largest illegal immigration crisis in our nation\u2019s history. Biden\u2019s open borders are an invitation for the cartels to brutalize children, to assault women, to overrun our communities with illegal aliens, and to flood this country with narcotics and fentanyl that kill over 100,000 people per year. This bill would stop the Biden Border Crisis dead in its tracks by building the wall, ratcheting up asylum standards, increasing the number of Border Patrol Agents, and implementing effective border security policies.\u201d\n\nThe Secure the Border Act enacts effective border security solutions, including:\n\nRequiring the Department of Homeland Security to resume border wall construction.\n\nIncreasing the number of Border Patrol Agents.\n\nTightening asylum standards by restricting asylum to only aliens who present at ports of entry and by requiring aliens to prove they are \u201cmore likely than not\u201d to qualify for their asylum claim.\n\nNarrowing DHS\u2019s power to unilaterally grant parole to illegal aliens.\n\nCriminalizing visa overstays by making the first offense a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and the second offense a felony punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and up to two years imprisonment.\n\nStopping NGOs from using tax dollars to transport or lodge illegal aliens and provide illegal aliens with lawyers.\n\nRestricting DHS from using its CBP One app to welcome illegal aliens into the country.\n\nRequiring employers to use E-Verify.\n\nEnsuring CBP has access to the criminal history databases of all countries of origin and transit so that CBP is aware of the criminal history of illegal aliens encountered at the southern border.\n\nThe full text of the Secure the Border Act is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/media-advisory-sen-tim-scott-to-receive-distinguished-christian-statesman-award/", "Media Advisory: Sen. Tim Scott to Receive Distinguished Christian Statesman Award", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) will be presented with the Distinguished Christian Statesman Award. Given annually by the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship since 1996, this award seeks to honor individuals who combine excellence in public service with character and faith in God.\n\nWHO: Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.)\n\nWHAT: 27th Annual Distinguished Christian Statesman Award\n\nWHERE: JW Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.\n\nWHEN: September 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-fights-for-abortion-survivors-newborn-protections/", "Senator Scott Fights for Abortion Survivors, Newborn Protections", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined James Lankford (R-Okla.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) in championing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which protects infants who survive an attempted abortion to ensure they receive the same care as any other newborn. While only some states have protections for infant survivors, this legislation would set a federal standard for protecting vulnerable life.\n\n\u201cThe right to life is enshrined in our Declaration of Independence,\u201d said Senator Scott. \u201cCongress must pass this legislation so we can stay true to our American values, create a culture of life in our country, and protect our most fundamental right, the right to life itself.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is supported by Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America, Americans United for Life, the National Right to Life Committee, March for Life, the Family Research Council, Heritage Action, the Family Policy Alliance, Catholic Vote, Students for Life Action, Focus on the Family, Lifeline Children\u2019s Services, the Abortion Survivors Network, the Faith and Freedom Coalition, Concerned Women for American Legislative Action Committee, the Christ Medicus Foundation, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Pro-Life Activities, and the Christian Medical and Dental Associations.\n\nFull text of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act can be found here.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s work to create a culture of life includes:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E204DCDB-01BB-4A7C-92D2-C45FE43BAF32", "Graham Secures $8 Million In Funding For Rock Hill Water Treatment Plant", "2023-09-14", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, today said he was pleased the city of Rock Hill is set to receive $8 million in funding to assist the Rock Hill Water Treatment Plant (WTP). When completed, the project will free up to 295,000 gallons of capacity at the WTP. The city already has match funds available for the cost of the project.\n\nUnder the terms of the proposal, filter backwash water and discharge from the sedimentation basins at the Rock Hill WTP are directed to an existing settled solids (sludge) clarifier. They are then pumped to the City\u2019s Manchester Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant for dewatering and disposal. To eliminate the discharge of sludge, the city is planning to construct alum sludge dewatering facilities at WTP to be used in conjunction with the new thickener and sludge pump station current under construction.\n\n\u201cRock Hill is a vibrant, growing community,\u201d said Graham. \u201cWe must ensure the local water system is ready to meet both the current and future needs. I believe this project had merit and will pay dividends for Rock Hill in the years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cI believe it is important that elected officials have a say in how taxpayer money is spent and not rely on bureaucrats in Washington to protect South Carolina\u2019s interests,\u201d said Graham. \u201cThe funding requests for member-directed spending items, like this project, are public record. Every person can judge for themselves if it was a worthwhile request.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4B1B8C08-E73F-45B1-80D8-37FE070A210D", "Graham Statement Following Briefing By House Oversight And Judiciary Chairmen Comer And Jordan", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following a briefing from House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).\n\n\u201cToday Senate Republicans received a detailed briefing from House Oversight Chairman Comer and House Judiciary Chairman Jordan regarding their Biden corruption investigation. Their presentation on Hunter Biden\u2019s business activities with foreign governments was compelling.\n\n\u201cIt appears multiple banks issued suspicious activity reports around wire transfers into Biden family accounts from foreign entities. Information on the laptop, which has since been verified, suggests Hunter Biden may have paid many of then-Vice President Biden\u2019s personal bills. Their briefing was thorough, professional and highlights how much suspicious activity by Hunter Biden and his network has gone uninvestigated and unreported.\n\n\u201cHouse investigators must continue to follow the facts and evidence. Time will tell if the impeachment inquiry should result in formal action by the House.\n\n\u201cUltimately, this is a matter for the House, but I completely support the appropriate committees as they continue to ask questions, gather evidence and follow the facts.\n\n\u201cHow this turns out, I don\u2019t know. But it needs to be investigated.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C2AFFB81-C32C-43B2-8A63-0518D1432B29", "Graham Seeks Information On CIA Whistleblower Allegations Concerning COVID-19 Origins", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has sent a letter to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William J. Burns, requesting information on the recent whistleblower allegations related to the CIA\u2019s investigation into the origins of COVID-19.\n\nThe letter was sent by Graham along with Senators Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), and Rick Scott (R-Florida).\n\nAccording to a letter from the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic (Select Subcommittee) and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), recent whistleblower testimony made by a senior-level CIA Officer contends that the Agency paid off six analysts that determined COVID-19 likely originated from a lab leak.\n\nThe letter states that the CIA assigned seven officers with significant scientific expertise to a COVID Discovery Team. After their review, six of the seven members believed the intelligence and science available were sufficient to make a low confidence assessment that COVID-19 originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. The letter asserts that the six members were given a significant monetary incentive to change their position, leading to the CIA\u2019s public determination of uncertainty on COVID-19 origins.\n\n\u201cThese allegations are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about the Agency\u2019s investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d the Senators wrote. \u201cFor this reason, we request you provide our offices with the following information no later than September 25, 2023.\u201d\n\nThe Senators requested the following information in response to their letter:\n\nAll documents and communications regarding the establishment of all iterations of the COVID Discovery Team(s);\n\nAll documents and communications between or among the members of all iterations of the COVID Discovery Team(s) regarding the origins of COVID-19;\n\nAll documents and communications between or among members of all iterations of the COVID Discovery Team(s) and other employees or contractors of the Agency regarding the origins of COVID-19;\n\nAll documents and communications between or among members of all iterations of the COVID Discovery Team(s) and employees or contractors of other federal government agencies, including but not limited to the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (to include the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), and the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the origins of COVID-19; and\n\nAll documents and communications regarding the pay history, to include the awarding of any type of financial or performance-based incentive/financial bonus to members of all iterations of the COVID Discovery Team(s).\n\nThe full text of this letter is available HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B63B7217-2B27-48B4-9655-CF2605A13F58", "Statement From U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham", "2023-09-08", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement and held a media availability today in Westminster, South Carolina.\n\n\u201cAs the then-Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I had to decide whether to hold a hearing regarding the allegations of election misconduct in Georgia and other locations, as well as whether to certify the election results.\n\n\u201cI had questions, as did many others, about how the mail ballot process worked in Georgia and other locations. I did my due diligence. At the end of the day, I voted to certify the election results from every state including Georgia.\n\n\u201cIt should never be a crime for a federal elected official, particularly the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who will have to vote to certify a presidential election, to question and ensure the integrity of that election.\u201d\n\n#####\n\nTranscript of Senator Graham's media availability today in Westminster, South Carolina\n\nReporter: What do you think of the report being released today, its contents and what the recommendation was from the Special Grand Jury?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nI\u2019m very worried about the country right now. I was the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This election was contested in courts and multiple states. I had to explain to the people of South Carolina my vote. I had to decide whether or not to have a hearing about the allegations in Georgia and other places. I called around different states, including Georgia.\n\nAs a sitting United States Senator and then-Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I eventually certified the election in all states including Georgia. I didn't find any evidence of mass voter fraud, but I did have concerns about the mail-in ballots systems in Georgia and other places. This is troubling for the country.\n\nWe can't criminalize senators doing their job when they have a constitutional requirement to fulfill.\n\nIt would be irresponsible for me, in my opinion, as Chairman of the committee not to try to find out what happened.\n\nIt would be irresponsible for me to tell the voters of South Carolina what I did without actually trying to find out what the right answer was.\n\nWe're opening up Pandora's Box here.\n\nFulton County is one of the most liberal jurisdictions in the country. I fear this will spread. That in the next election - Democrats may be on the other side of this.\n\nSo at the end of the day, nothing happened.\n\nWhat I did was consistent with my job as being a United States Senator, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. But it was just not me - three United States Senators [were recommended for charges].\n\nWe're opening up Pandora's box.\n\nI think the system in this country is getting off the rails and we have to be careful not to use the legal system as a political tool.\n\nReporter: How would you describe your conversation with Raffensperger? Were you surprised when he reportedly said it made him feel uncomfortable? What do you call that conversation?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nI called him from my office with my staff on the phone. Yeah, I was surprised.\n\nI asked him hard questions and I got very, sometimes not reassuring, answers.\n\nBut two sitting United States Senators from Georgia called for him to resign.\n\nSo I've tried to figure it out, well, that's a pretty stunning statement\u2026.I asked him questions about the mail-in voting process. I never asked him to set aside ballots or anything else.\n\nAfter the conversation, I decided it was best for me to vote to certify the election because I didn't have enough confidence in my own mind to overturn it, but I can't speak for him.\n\nBut the phone call I had with him was made from my office in Washington with my staff on it.\n\nReporter: How would you describe your testimony in front of the special grand jury? And how did you feel about that? And how long was it?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nIt was a couple hours. I told people the truth as I knew it to be. And all I can say is that what I did in Georgia was explained to the grand jury, the process that I followed to make a decision as United States Senator, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. I voted to certify the election.\n\nTo suggest I'm part of some grand scheme to overturn the election makes no sense, given my actions. It speaks to where we're at more than anything else.\n\nIt\u2019s me today. It could be somebody else tomorrow.\n\nSo I would urge the country to understand that political differences are real. Let's calm down a bit here. And all I can say is that as a United States Senator, you owe it to your constituents, to be able to explain yourself in one of the most high profile elections made in US history.\n\nSo I feel comfortable with my vote to certify the election. I feel comfortable with the questions I asked. At the end of the day, I did my job.\n\nAnd the day that that becomes criminalized is very bad for the country.\n\nReporter: Senator, some might say that you know, you hitched your wagon to Donald Trump and his party. And you\u2019ve been pulled into this because you follow him. Are you still hitching your wagon to him, to Donald Trump\u2026?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nYou know, I think a lot of this efforts is to try to marginalize Donald Trump as a political figure.\n\nBut what I am trying to tell people, that the election was contested by President Trump and others, and I had to vote. I did my job to figure out what's best for me, as a Senator, how to vote: Whether or not I should have the hearing?\n\nThere are many people in this country who believe the law has become a political weapon. We'll see what happens in these cases. At the end of the day, it's over for me.\n\nBut what I do worry about is if this becomes the norm, then it's going to be very difficult for this country to move forward. Where you have county prosecutors that can potentially bring charges against federal officials who are clearly doing their job.\n\nReporter: So how do you move forward and make it not politicized and make sure that the country gets back?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nWell, the way I can move forward is trying to solve problems, not get distracted, and not play the gotcha game. Try to tell people honestly as I can, where I stand on issues that matter.\n\nI just got back from the Mideast trying to find a way to end the Arab-Israeli conflict by helping President Biden work with Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel. There are a lot of issues out there.\n\nBut one thing I want people to know, I am standing with President Trump. I am proudly supporting him. He can be a handful of times, but I thought he was a good president.\n\nI'm not going to be deterred campaigning for him and working with him.\n\nThe legal process will move forward, and we'll see what happens in the Courts. But we'll also see what's going to happen at the ballot box.\n\nSo I will continue to lend my support to President Trump. I think all the things that matter to me, he was a good president on national security, securing our border. I think those are the issues that will decide this election, not grand juries and counties, but the records of the sitting administration, and the challenger, who I think will be President Trump.\n\nI think in the Republican world, these multiple indictments in more liberal areas - that just made him [former President Trump] stronger.\n\nWe have a lot of good candidates. You know, Nikki Haley, and Tim Scott, from South Carolina, I'm proud of. But I think at the end of the day, it will be President Trump on the ballot.\n\nWe will have a contest in 2024, and I will be supporting President Trump.\n\nI will always do my job as I see fit. I will not be deterred from asking questions.\n\nReporter: We're surprised by the reaction you received at that Trump rally in Pickens?\n\nSenator Graham: Well, you know, kind of cuts both ways.\n\nThere are some people, and I understand, believe the election was stolen. I've got questions about the election. But I don't say that.\n\nSome people believe that Mike Pence should have not certified the election. I disagree. He had a constitutional duty and he fulfilled that duty.\n\nSome people think that January 6 was a patriotic event. The attack on the Capitol, I do not believe falls in that category.\n\nSo there are some on each side that I think we have to deal with here, but I am comfortable with my vote to certify the election. I am comfortable with the questions I ask. And as long as I'm a Senator, I'm not going to be deterred from doing my job.\n\nIt's not my job to give support to every idea out there. It\u2019s my job to find the truth as I believe it to be. And the truth is, I voted to certify the 2020 election that had a lot of issues. But I thought it was best for the country to end it and move forward.\n\nI was there on January 6, the people who defiled the Capitol should be prosecuted. I think Mike Pence did his job. And I think there's an effort in this country to weaponize the law.\n\nWe should all be worried because you're opening Pandora's box here.\n\nReporter: Did you read the report today and any confidence\u2026?\n\nSenator Graham: No, I just I saw what was on television.\n\nI know that it's over for me. You know, you had three United States Senators caught up in this special grand jury. And again, you got to be careful where we go as a nation here.\n\nReporter: Were you surprised that these charges were recommended against you?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nYeah, I was totally surprised.\n\nYeah, because I thought I made it pretty clear that my phone call was to find out what I should be doing as a senator.\n\nI never suggested anybody set aside the election. I never said go find votes. I never said anything other than trying to find out how the mail-in balloting system worked. I was really confused, and I still am quite frankly.\n\nI'm not so sure on the mail-in side everything was done the best it could in Georgia. But at the end of the day, I didn't have enough to overturn anything.\n\nBut yeah, me, Senator Purdue and Loeffler. I talked to them, they were concerned about it.\n\nReporter: Have you had any interaction with DA Willis\u2019 office?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nNo, I haven't heard from them since. Again, I was you know, but they were very respectful to our conversation. And I told them what I did and why and you know, here we are.\n\nThe case will move forward without me. And the country is going to have to make some soul searching here. Where do we want to go? If it ever becomes impossible or politically dangerous or legally dangerous for a United States Senator, to call up people to find out how the election was run, God help us all.\n\nThe next election, if I have questions, I'll do the same thing.\n\nReporter: What kind of questions would you asked on the Special Grand Jury in Georgia?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nJust basically, who did you call? Did I think the election was stolen? It was a two hour conversation. I answered the questions as honestly as I could.\n\nI made the phone call from my office with my staff on it, trying to figure out what I should do as Senator Graham.\n\nReporter: At that point in time, when you were making the call, did you think the election had been stolen?\n\nSenator Graham:\n\nI didn't know. I had all these allegations. I didn't know the state of play of the fraud allegations. And I actually asked about, did dead people vote? Did people underage vote? I was convinced there was no widespread situation like that.\n\nIn terms of how the mail-in voting process worked, I'm still confused about what happened in Georgia. But I think they've changed their laws.\n\nSo you know, I did my job. I wouldn't change anything I did. Because I owe it to the people in this state, and really the country at large, to figure out -- accusations are being made, they're flying. Just to sit by and do nothing, which a lot of people on the left would like us all to do. Just shut up and be quiet, not ask questions?\n\nI think I made a responsible decision. I think I made a responsible decision to call around and ask what happened. I talked to people in Arizona, talked to Governor Ducey in Arizona.\n\nI felt comfortable with my vote to certify the election. It's not saying there weren't issues. There were.\n\nI felt comfortable that I was doing what I needed to do. I decided not to have a hearing because I didn't think the upside would be greater than the downside for the country.\n\nSo thank you very much.\n\n####", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7345A912-966C-4D32-BC57-B5527891ECB6", "Graham Statement On Status Of Appropriations Process", "2023-09-06", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the status of the appropriations process.\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to see the Senate will be taking up so-called \u2018minibus\u2019 appropriations bills next week. The Appropriations Committee, under the leadership of Senators Murray and Collins, has already moved all appropriations bills through the committee.\n\n\u201cWhile the spending levels and policy differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate are large, I hope regular order will prevail and we work to pass appropriations bills through both bodies. It is obvious to me this will be a challenge.\n\n\u201cThe omnibus approach, where you put the vast majority of federal spending in a single bill - massive in size and scope - needs to stop. Under no circumstance will I support an omnibus bill and I want to encourage my colleagues to make that crystal clear as well.\n\n\u201cI do not want a government shutdown and realize we need emergency spending for our own military, natural disasters and conflicts. We have a lot of work ahead, but we need to follow regular order and work together to get the spending process completed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-condemns-biden-administrations-decision-to-auction-off-border-wall-materials/", "Senator Scott Condemns Biden Administration\u2019s Decision to Auction Off Border Wall Materials", "2023-08-31", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement as the Biden administration\u2019s Department of Defense auctions off approximately $260 million worth of border wall construction materials. The White House has spent an additional nearly $47 million dollars storing the unused border wall materials due to its refusal to finish border security measures. 5.8 million people have entered the United States illegally since President Biden took office and his decision to halt border wall production comes amid surging illegal border crossings in July.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s actions to auction off millions of dollars in critical border security materials for a fraction of their value wastes taxpayer dollars, bypasses Congress\u2019s efforts to secure the border, and leaves our southern border wide open and unsafe. This is a blatant dereliction of duty that abandons common sense and throws our national security to the wind, even as illegal border crossings are at record highs. The American people deserve real solutions such as my Securing our Border Act, that will enforce our laws, and protect our families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E69D86CC-04DB-47E5-89F4-E3D88AD5992B", "Congressional Delegation Meets With Egyptian President El-Sisi", "2023-08-30", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement after visiting Egypt. The bipartisan, bicameral delegation met with the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.\n\n\u201cToday, I joined members of a congressional delegation for a productive meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt.\n\n\u201cWe had a lengthy and candid exchange with the President of Egypt about the opportunities and challenges facing our nations. We also acknowledged that the strategic relationship between our countries has helped support stability in the region and has proven to be important to American national security.\n\n\u201cEgypt has long been a strategic partner to the United States and has benefitted from its peace treaty with the State of Israel. Looking forward, I was pleased to hear that President El-Sisi is closely following the ongoing efforts to normalize relationships between Israel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.\n\n\u201cPresident El-Sisi agreed with our delegation that we have the opportunity to bring even more stability to the region by normalizing relations between these two important allies.\n\n\u201cI believe President El-Sisi\u2019s leadership in helping find opportunities to address Palestinian concerns as part of a possible peace agreement could prove to be very important. He has long been a strong advocate for the Palestinians\u2019 cause, while enjoying a good relationship with Israel. President El-Sisi could be an important and crucial bridge between the parties.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-colleagues-demand-biden-administration-investigate-chinese-communist-party-influence-in-american-k-12-schools/", "Sen. Scott, Colleagues Demand Biden Administration Investigate Chinese Communist Party Influence in American K-12 Schools", "2023-08-29", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Tim Scott", "S001184", "www.scott.senate.gov", "timscott", "https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) led his Senate colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressing concerns over new reports showing millions of dollars from Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked entities have flowed into America\u2019s K-12 classrooms. The Senate letter also requests the U.S. Department of Education conduct a nationwide audit to determine the extent of funding from hostile foreign adversaries in schools. The call for an investigation comes amid revelations that, for nearly two decades, the CCP has threatened our national security by using tools such as grants, sister school partnerships, \u201cConfucius Classrooms,\u201d and other state-sponsored programming to compromise the integrity of America\u2019s K-12 educational system.\n\nJoining Senator Scott are HELP Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio).\n\n\u201cPrograms vetted and managed by the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) have infiltrated 34 states nationwide, impacting more than 170,000 students across 143 school districts,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cWe urge you to conduct a thorough, nationwide audit to determine how much funding from hostile foreign governments has flowed to America\u2019s K-12 schools. We also urge you to analyze the extent to which other hostile foreign governments, in addition to the PRC, may have already gained access to our K-12 schools.\u201d\n\nRead the letter to Secretary Cardona here.\n\nThis letter builds on Senator Scott\u2019s recent efforts as Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. As the Committee\u2019s top Republican, Senator Scott introduced an amendment to this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act that requires the Secretary of the Treasury to report gifts and grants given to U.S. universities from the Chinese military-industrial complex. The amendment is a commonsense step to protect American education and sensitive research from the CCP\u2019s actions to influence academic research and engage in intellectual property theft \u2013 an issue the U.S. Department of State has warned about since 2020. The Senate voted to include the amendment in the annual defense bill without opposition.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s work to fight China\u2019s growing aggression includes:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"], ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=40439CA7-C09E-43CA-B119-502807BA9065", "Graham On Ukraine President Supporting Democratic Elections In 2024", "2023-08-28", "2023", "2023-08", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on news that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for holding elections in 2024.\n\nGraham discussed the proposal with President Zelensky last week during a visit to Kyiv.\n\n\u201cI am very pleased to hear that President Zelensky has opened the door to elections in Ukraine in 2024. I cannot think of a better symbol for Ukraine than to hold free and fair elections during the course of a war. Elections would not only be seen as an act of defiance against the Russian invasion, but an embrace of democracy and freedom.\n\n\u201cI realize the Ukrainian Parliament must approve this and the security environment to conduct an election would be challenging. However, I cannot think of a better investment for the stability of Europe than helping Ukraine survive as an independent, self-governing, Rule of Law-based democracy. I would encourage all of Ukraine\u2019s allies to help provide the financial and technical assistance to support this effort.\n\n\u201cHolding democratic elections during wartime would be seen as a bold and consequential decision by President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine. It speaks to their vision of a free and democratic Ukraine both today and in the years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:31:44Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 323, "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": "Senate", "p1": "SC", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 323, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=SC&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 323, "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=Senate&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "SC", "label": "SC", "count": 323, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=SC&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 323, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=SC", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-08-28,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Elgraham~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FID~3D40439CA7-C09E-43CA-B119-502807BA9065", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=SC&year=2023&_next=2023-08-28%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Elgraham~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FID~3D40439CA7-C09E-43CA-B119-502807BA9065&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 167.0178840868175, "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"}