Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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155 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "SC" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-amid-impeachment-drama-congress-also-moves-forward-bills-help-sc-post-and | ICYMI: Amid impeachment drama, Congress also moves forward with bills that help SC | Post and Courier | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Post and Courier: Amid impeachment drama, Congress also moves forward with bills that help SC December 19, 2019 Mere hours after the House of Representatives erupted in vicious partisan warfare over the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the very same lawmakers cheerfully united Thursday to overwhelmingly approve a sweeping new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. The long-awaited U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, now poised to replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement after a 385-41 vote, could offer a significant boost to South Carolina's economy, which provided more than $6.7 billion worth of exports to the country's two neighbors in 2018. Before both impeachment and the trade deal, the House approved a $1.3 trillion spending deal Tuesday that ensures the federal government won't experience a shutdown for the second consecutive year and includes funding for several key Palmetto State priorities. The dizzying series of events in a frantic final week before lawmakers head home for the holidays underscored a dynamic that rarely makes it onto cable news or in partisan shouting matches on the House floor: Even in these polarizing times, lawmakers are still able to come together to, at least occasionally, pass major legislation. U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, who supported all three of the major votes this week, said the busy few days encapsulated the dual role he hoped to play when he got to Congress earlier this year as Charleston's first Democratic congressman in decades. Our district has entrusted me to work with the president when we agree with him and also to be a check on him when we disagree with him, Cunningham said. Impeachment is the latter, and the former comes when we pass the USMCA. So I think this week is a great example of it. [] In a floor speech before the USMCA vote, Cunningham said it will benefit Lowcountry manufacturers and businesses like Bosch, JW Aluminum and Becton Dickinson by stabilizing the market and ending the trade uncertainty that has hung over the state's… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-applauds-house-passage-usmca | Cunningham Applauds House Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. In response to House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement: After months of working with the White House and members of both parties here in Congress, I am proud that the House voted today to pass USMCA. A strong trade relationships with our closest neighbors is absolutely necessary to maintaining good-paying jobs and a robust economy in the Lowcountry. This is an example of what Congress can do when we come together for the people we serve. I'll continue to work hard with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve results for the Lowcountry. Earlier today, Cunningham spoke on the House floor, calling attention to Lowcountry manufacturers and businesses like Bosch, JW Aluminum, and Becton Dickinson that would benefit from the trade certainty and market stability that finalizing USMCA will bring. Cunningham previously urged House leadership to ensure a vote on USMCA before the end of the year. Yesterday, he joined six other freshman members in calling for the Senate to pass USMCA before they leave Washington for the holidays. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-secures-funding-important-lowcountry-priorities-bipartisan | Cunningham Secures Funding for Important Lowcountry Priorities in Bipartisan Appropriations Bills | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Bipartisan legislation funds LWCF, the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, and important projects on Parris Island and Joint Base Charleston Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham voted today to pass H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, bipartisan appropriations bills that would fully fund the government for fiscal year 2020 and prevent a government shutdown. Cunningham secured more than $70 million for important Lowcountry military priorities, including $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island and $33.3 million towards constructing a new Medical Consolidated and Distribution Center on Joint Base Charleston. Cunningham led the charge in obtaining the highest level of funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) since 2004, though he continues to push for this program's funding to be made permanent and mandatory. Cunningham also played a key role in securing the $138 million needed to fully fund the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. The Port of Charleston is a critical driver of economic development in the Lowcountry and across South Carolina. This project will ensure the Port reaches its full potential. Rep. Cunningham also secured: $50 million in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which would improve community infrastructure surrounding military installations. A $53 million increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health to conduct research onAlzheimer's disease. $10 million in funding for cyber security institutions at senior military colleges, including the Citadel. An amendment that would prioritize USAID's efforts to combat illegal fishing abroad, which undercuts Lowcountry fishermen who work hard and play by the rules. Supporting our Lowcountry military installations through smart, strategic investments is one of my top priorities in Congress. I'm proud to stand behind a funding bill that recognizes the importance the Lowcountry plays in ensuring our national defense, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan funding package inv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-articles-impeachment | Cunningham Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham issued the following statement announcing his position in support of the Articles of Impeachment: We are a nation of laws and no single person is above the rule of law in America. Even the President needs to be held accountable if he violates the Constitution.I did not come to Congress to impeach the President.Butafter careful consideration of the evidence and testimony delivered to Congressby dedicated public servants, many of whom the President himself appointed, it is clear to mehecommitted an impeachable abuse of power. The President used the power of his office to coerce a foreign government into investigating his political rival for personal gain. By refusing to cooperate with Congress and lawfully-issued subpoenas, the President clearly obstructed Congress. For these reasons,I support the Articles of Impeachment. This process has not distracted me from delivering real results for the people of the Lowcountry. Just last week, we passed landmark legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs. We also voted to pass the NDAA, which secures $37.2 million in vital funding for Parris Island needed to maintain the flow of new marines. In the last twelve months, we've passed bipartisan legislation to permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, extend health benefits to Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and we just reached an agreement with the President on a trade deal with Mexico and Canada. I'm proud of my record as one of the most independent members of Congress and I will continue to work across the aisle to get things done for the Lowcountry. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-bipartisan-group-house-members-participate-white-house-child | Cunningham and Bipartisan Group of House Members Participate in White House Child Care and Paid Leave Summit | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. At the White House's invitation, Rep. Joe Cunningham and a group of bipartisan House members attended the White House Child Care and Paid Leave Summit. Cunningham participated in a panel on paid leave arranged by Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump with Reps. Colin Allred (D-TX), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). Cunningham discussed the need to provide flexibility for working families; his bipartisan legislation that would help alleviate the burden faced by new parents by allowing them to advance their $5000 tax credit; his personal experience as the parent to a young child; and why paid leave is a bipartisan issue. It's clear that making sure working families have the resources, flexibility, and support they need to care for their children isn't a Democratic or Republican value it's an American one. I'm proud to work across the aisle to find middle ground that moves this country forward, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. My son's birth was one of the most joyous moments of my life and every parent deserves to have that experience. Hardworking American families should not have that joy dampened by fears they won't be able to make ends meet if they take time off work. Earlier this month, Cunningham helped introduce bipartisan and bicameral legislation that provides resources to help new parents pay for leave and cover the cost of day care, baby supplies and other expenses associated with a new child, without raising taxes or creating new employer mandates. Yesterday, Cunningham voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report that includes guaranteed paid parental leave for federal workers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-lower-cost-prescription-drugs | Cunningham Votes to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham today voted to pass H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, transformative legislation that finally prevents Americans from having to pay more for their medicines than what is charged in other countries for the exact same drugs. H.R. 3 helps level the playing field, giving Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower the price of prescription drugs. It also makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. According to nonpartisan analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation could save the taxpayer nearly $500 billion, money that could be reinvested in researching new cures and treatments, combatting the addiction crisis, and expanding Medicare to cover things like dental, vision, and hearing. Cunningham successfully passed a bipartisan amendment that would make those lower prices available to veterans within the VA health system as well. Speaking on the House floor, Cunningham said, The hard-earned tax dollars Americans are willing to put towards caring for our veterans should be spent on veteransnot on lining the pockets of drug companies. The Lowcountry is home to over 80,000 veterans, and I want them to know that when they seek VA care, they are receiving the best care at the best price. In the First District, there are 97, 279 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 585, 599 people enrolled in private health insurance, all of whom would stand to benefit from the Lower Cost Drugs Now Act. 11.5% of South Carolinians live with diabetes. Under H.R. 3, South Carolinians could spend 3.5 times less on insulin. H.R. 3 could lower the average total cost of a common insulin, the NovoLOG Flexpen, by 76% -- from about $19,800 to $4,800 per year. In 2019, an estimated 4,470 women in South Carolina will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication, Ibrance, by 65% from $69,000 to $23,900 per year.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-praises-over-17-million-in-reconnect-investments-for-huger-and-orangeburg-broadband-expansion/ | Clyburn Praises Over $17 Million in ReConnect Investments for Huger and Orangeburg Broadband Expansion | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture investment of over $17 million to provide high-speed internet to nearly 8,000 homes in the Berkeley and Orangeburg counties. The two awards are part of the ReConnect program created and funded by Congress to provide grants and loans to rural communities to improve broadband access. “The ReConnect program is vital to my Rural Broadband Task Force’s initiative to eliminate digital deserts and ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet by 2025,” Congressman Clyburn said. “Projects like those in Berkeley and Orangeburg are bringing communities online little by little. The Task Force is currently developing comprehensive legislation that will greatly amplify this broadband expansion.” This year, the Congress provided $600 million to USDA for broadband deployment. Much more funding is needed however; conservative FCC estimates are that 21.3 million Americans lack access to broadband, while other experts suggest 162.8 million people don’t have internet access at broadband speeds. The Rural Broadband Task Force plans to roll out its comprehensive broadband deployment legislation in early 2020. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-to-host-student-loan-debt-relief-town-hall-meeting-with-special-guest-senator-elizabeth-warren/ | Congressman Clyburn to Host Student Loan Debt Relief Town Hall Meeting with Special Guest Senator Elizabeth Warren | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2019 (Columbia, S.C.) – U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) will host a town hall with special guest, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to discuss their legislation, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act. The town hall will take place on Tuesday, September 3 at the Dr. Barbara A. Vaughan Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 311 Buckley Street on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. The free event is open to students and the public. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m. Clyburn and Warren announced earlier this year that they are teaming up to introduce legislation that would eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for 42 million Americans—providing debt relief to 95% of student borrowers, including cancelling student debt entirely for 75% of borrowers. According to Clyburn and Warren, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act would end the student debt crisis, help millions of struggling families obtain financial stability, and would also take meaningful steps to begin to close the racial wealth gap. The student loan debt crisis is particularly burdensome to those in South Carolina because student loan debt has increased by 315 percent in the state over the last decade. Today, the average student loan debt in South Carolina is $36,552. “Crushing student debt has reached crisis levels in America requiring big, bold solutions,” Clyburn said. “Post-secondary education should be the springboard to enable students to achieve their dreams not the impediment that prevents the realization of those goals.” Outstanding student loans now total nearly $1.5 trillion in the U.S., more than triple the debt young people held thirty years ago. Almost 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and nearly 7.2 million are in default on those loans, as they face stagnant wages and rising costs of living. “My very first bill when I got to the Senate was legislation to tackle the growing student debt crisis because I was sick of Washington allowing the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-and-senator-warren-question-devos-over-resignation-of-top-student-loan-advisor/ | MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN AND SENATOR WARREN QUESTION DEVOS OVER RESIGNATION OF TOP STUDENT LOAN ADVISOR | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2019 Text of Letter (PDF) COLUMBIA, SC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) Chief Operating Officer Major General Mark Brown, U.S. Air Force, Retired, regarding the recent resignation of Dr. A. Wayne Johnson, the former Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and Chief Operating Officer of FSA at the U.S. Department of Education. The lawmakers seek information related to Dr. Johnson's recent public statements and assessment that "much of the debt will likely never be repaid" and that the federal student loan system is "fundamentally broken." In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the discrepancy between Dr. Johnson's new position on student loan debt and that of Secretary DeVos, noting that Secretary DeVos has been a vocal opponent of any proposals to cancel student debt and has described them as "crazy." "The public conclusions of Dr. Johnson, a top federal student loan official in the Trump administration until he resigned, represent a stunning departure from the policies of this administration," the lawmakers wrote. "This sudden shift in policy position raises serious questions for lawmakers, borrowers, and the public as to what informed this change, what other Department officials are aware of this information, and how this information informs ongoing work at the Department after Dr. Johnson's departure." To better inform their policymaking and the public, the lawmakers asked Secretary DeVos and General Brown to answer a series of questions regarding Dr. Johnson's change in policy position, and specifically, to provide any additional data or information that was available to Dr. Johnson that led him to conclude that over 40% of borrowers may never repay their debt. The lawmakers requested a response by November 26, 2019. In July, Whip Clyburn and Senator Warren introduced the Student Loan Debt Relief Act, legisl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-praises-over-17-million-reconnect-investments-huger-and-orangeburg-broadband | Clyburn Praises Over $17 Million in ReConnect Investments for Huger and Orangeburg Broadband Expansion | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | (COLUMBIA, S.C.) House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture investment of over $17 million to provide high-speed internet to nearly 8,000 homes in the Berkeley and Orangeburg counties.The two awards are part of the ReConnect program created and funded by Congress to provide grants and loans to rural communities to improve broadband access. The ReConnect program is vital to my Rural Broadband Task Force's initiative to eliminate digital deserts and ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet by 2025, Congressman Clyburn said. Projects like those in Berkeley and Orangeburg are bringing communities online little by little. The Task Force is currently developing comprehensive legislation that will greatly amplify this broadband expansion. This year, the Congress provided $600 million to USDA for broadband deployment. Much more funding is needed however; conservative FCC estimates are that 21.3 million Americans lack access to broadband, while other experts suggest 162.8 million people don't have internet access at broadband speeds. The Rural Broadband Task Force plans to roll out its comprehensive broadband deployment legislation in early 2020. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-host-student-loan-debt-relief-town-hall-meeting-special-guest | Congressman Clyburn to Host Student Loan Debt Relief Town Hall Meeting with Special Guest Senator Elizabeth Warren | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2019 (Columbia, S.C.) U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) will host a town hall with special guest, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to discuss their legislation, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act. The town hall will take place on Tuesday, September 3 at the Dr. Barbara A. Vaughan Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 311 Buckley Street on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. The free event is open to students and the public. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m. Clyburn and Warren announced earlier this year that they are teaming up to introduce legislation that would eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for42 million Americansproviding debt relief to 95% of student borrowers, including cancelling student debt entirely for 75% of borrowers. According to Clyburn and Warren, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act would end the student debt crisis, help millions of struggling families obtain financial stability, and would also take meaningful steps to begin to close the racial wealth gap. The student loan debt crisis is particularly burdensome to those in South Carolina because student loan debt has increased by 315 percent in the state over the last decade. Today, the average student loan debt in South Carolina is $36,552. Crushing student debt has reached crisis levels in America requiring big, bold solutions, Clyburn said. Post-secondary education should be the springboard to enable students to achieve their dreams not the impediment that prevents the realization of those goals. Outstanding student loans now totalnearly$1.5 trillion in the U.S., more thantriplethe debt young people held thirty years ago. Almost 45 million Americans havestudent loan debt, and nearly 7.2 million are in default on those loans, as they face stagnant wages and rising costs of living. My very first bill when I got to the Senate was legislation to tackle the growing student debt crisis because I was sick of Washington allowing the wealthy to pay less, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-and-senator-warren-question-devos-over-resignation-top-student | MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN AND SENATOR WARREN QUESTION DEVOS OVER RESIGNATION OF TOP STUDENT LOAN ADVISOR | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2019 Text of Letter (PDF) COLUMBIA, SC - House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) Chief Operating Officer Major General Mark Brown, U.S. Air Force, Retired, regarding the recent resignation of Dr. A. Wayne Johnson, the former Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and Chief Operating Officer of FSA at the U.S. Department of Education. The lawmakers seek information related to Dr. Johnson's recent public statements and assessment that "much of the debt will likely never be repaid" and that the federal student loan system is "fundamentally broken." In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the discrepancy between Dr. Johnson's new position on student loan debt and that of Secretary DeVos, noting that Secretary DeVos has been a vocal opponent of any proposals to cancel student debt and has described them as "crazy." "The public conclusions of Dr. Johnson, a top federal student loan official in the Trump administration until he resigned, represent a stunning departure from the policies of this administration," the lawmakers wrote. "This sudden shift in policy position raises serious questions for lawmakers, borrowers, and the public as to what informed this change, what other Department officials are aware of this information, and how this information informs ongoing work at the Department after Dr. Johnson's departure." To better inform their policymaking and the public, the lawmakers asked Secretary DeVos and General Brown to answer a series of questions regarding Dr. Johnson's change in policy position, and specifically, to provide any additional data or information that was available to Dr. Johnson that led him to conclude that over 40% of borrowers may never repay their debt. The lawmakers requested a response by November 26, 2019. In July, Whip Clyburn and Senator Warren introducedthe Student Loan Debt Relief Act, legislation t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/key-cunningham-priorities-included-national-defense-authorization-act | Key Cunningham Priorities Included in National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Legislation strengthens national security, raises military pay, and authorizes $37.2 million to modernize a live-fire training range on Parris Island Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted today for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, which sets policy and authorizes funding for the U.S. military. The package includes the largest military pay raise in a decade, gets rid of the Widow's Tax, provides federal workers with guaranteed paid parental leave, and fulfills several other important Lowcountry priorities. The Senate will now consider the conference report and, if approved, it will be sent to the President to be signed into law. I am proud to have voted to pass the NDAA today, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Lowcountry military installations like Parris Island, Joint Base Charleston, and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are essential to our country's national defense. It's our responsibility to make sure they have the tools and resources to keep us safe and we fulfilled that responsibility today. Lowcountry servicemembers and their families have sacrificed so much for us, and we must set them up for success on and off the battlefield. I will continue to work to get this package across the finish line and signed into law. Cunningham successfully fought for the NDAA to authorize $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island necessary to maintain the flow of new Marines and ensure military readiness. This funding was not included in the President's original budget request. Cunningham testified before the House Armed Services Committee in March on the need for Parris Island's range modernization project. Cunningham also authored and successfully passed several amendments to the NDAA that fulfill important Lowcountry priorities, including: Helping military installations address rising sea levels and flooding problems by giving them access to funds to construct, replace, and maintain roads that lead to military installati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-usmca-trade-deal-announcement | Cunningham Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement | 2019-12-10 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Cunningham released the following statement after the announcement of final text of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): After months of tireless work, I am proud to support the USMCA. I have long been an advocate of getting this agreement across the finish line so that Lowcountry businesses and workers can have the market stability and trade certainty they need. This trade agreement is a win for the Lowcountry economy and America as a whole. Mexico and Canada are some of our nation's most important trading partners, and South Carolina exported $6.7 billion worth of goods to Canada and Mexico in 2018. Modernizing our trade agreement with our two closest neighbors is critical to maintaining good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Lowcountry. I look forward to voting with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make this agreement official. Cunningham previously called on House leadership to ensure a vote on USMCA before the end of the year. International trade is critical to the economic health of the region and to the livelihoods of thousands of Lowcountry families. That's why reestablishing a fair and consistent trilateral free trade agreement with the nation's top two trading partners - Canada and Mexico is a top priority for Charleston area employers. We welcome news that at a deal has been reached between the Trump Administration and Congressional leaders to move forward with the USMCA and hope to see bipartisan passage of a final trade agreement as quickly as possible, said Ian Scott, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-releases-report-how-lower-drug-costs-now-act-will-deliver-relief | Cunningham Releases Report on How Lower Drug Costs Now Act Will Deliver Relief to South Carolinians Facing High Drug Costs | 2019-12-09 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released a report on how the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R. 3, would reduce the cost of drugs for individuals in the Lowcountry. Cunningham is a cosponsor of this landmark legislation, which will be on the House floor for a vote later this week. H.R. 3 helps level the playing field, giving Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies so that Americans no longer have to pay more than other countries for their medicines. It also makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. All across the Lowcountry, I've heard from families struggling with the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. In fact, during the past year nearly 3 in 10 South Carolinians report having stopped taking medication as prescribed because of cost, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This report clearly shows the significant impact the Lower Drug Cost Now Act would have on the Lowcountry. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together and get this bill signed into law. Nonpartisan analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the legislation would reduce drug prices by up to 55% and save taxpayers $345 billion over 10 years. In the First District, there are 97, 279 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 585, 599 people enrolled in private health insurance, all of whom would stand to benefit from the Lower Cost Drugs Now Act. Other key highlights from the report: 11.5% of South Carolinians live with diabetes. Under H.R. 3, South Carolinians could spend 3.5 times less on insulin. H.R. 3 could lower the average total cost of a common insulin, the NovoLOG Flexpen, by 76%--from about $19,800 to $4,800 per year. In 2019, an estimated 4,470 women in South Carolina will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication, Ibrance, by 65% from $69,000 to $23,900 per year. 26.3% of South Carolinians have arthritis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-disaster-assistance-equity-act | Cunningham Introduces the Disaster Assistance Equity Act | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham helped introduce bipartisan legislation that would make common interest communities eligible for the same FEMA assistance available to other homeowners. The Disaster Assistance Equity Act would ensure that homeowners, no matter the type of home they live in, are eligible for the FEMA assistance they need to restore their home to a livable condition after a disaster. The bill accomplishes this by making two key changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act: Makes essential common elements of a common interest community (such as a roof, exterior wall, heating and cooling equipment, elevator, stairwell, utility access, plumbing, and electricity) eligible under FEMA's Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program; Makes common interest communities eligible under FEMA's requirements for the removal of debris in the aftermath of a major disaster. Cunningham joined a bipartisan group of original cosponsors, including Reps. Jerry Nadler (NY-10), David Rouzer (NC-07), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Eliot Engel (NY-16), and Peter King (NY-02). Folks in the Lowcountry know firsthand that hurricanes don't discriminate between different types of communities,"said Rep. Joe Cunningham."When disaster strikes, South Carolinians in planned communities deserve the same access to federal disaster assistances as everyone else. I'm proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to right this wrong." "Seven years ago, thousands of New Yorkers and other Americans were shocked to learn that FEMA's eligibility rules left them with no way of restoring their homes in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy," said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. "Since that time, common interest communities across the country have faced similar hardships. This is simply unacceptable. A natural disaster doesn't care what type of home you live in, and FEMA should treat all homeowners equally.I am proud to join Representatives Rouzer, Cunningham, Zeldin, Engel, and King in re-introducing this critical bill, which… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-voting-rights-advancement-act | House Passes Bipartisan Voting Rights Advancement Act | 2019-12-06 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This critical legislation restores the full strength of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, after it was gutted by the 2013 Supreme Court decision, Shelby County v. Holder, which unleashed a flood of voter suppression laws across the country. The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, yet voting rights remain under attack in this country from discriminatory voter ID laws, purging of voting rolls, closing of majority-minority polling places, and other voter suppression tactics, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The Voting Rights Advancement Act restores the key provisions of the Voting Rights Act and empowers the Justice Department to stop voter suppression tactics before they take place. It is an honor to fight for fair access to the ballot box and help ensure every eligible voter in South Carolina and the nation can have their voices heard. The Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) responds to the recent wave of voter suppression tactics enacted by states and localities since the 2013 Supreme Court decision, requiring states with a recent history of voter discrimination to pre-clear election changes with the Department of Justice. The VRAA increases transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes. The bill also gives the Attorney General authority to request federal observers be present anywhere in the country where a serious threat to voter access and fair elections exists. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-helps-introduce-bipartisan-and-bicameral-legislation-support-parents | Cunningham Helps Introduce Bipartisan and Bicameral Legislation to Support Parents in the Critical First Year of a Birth or Adoption | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) joined a bipartisan and bicameral group of original cosponsors to introduce legislation that provides resources to help new parents pay for leave and cover the cost of day care, baby supplies and other expenses associated with a new child. The Advancing Support for Working Families Act would allow families the option to advance up to $5,000 of their recently-doubled child tax credit in the first year of a child's life or the first year a family adopts a child. Families can also choose to advance their child credit without having to miss work or sacrifice a state or employer's family/medical leave policy to pay for other expenses. The birth or adoption of a child should be one of the most joyous times in a parent's life. Instead, millions of Americans are forced to worry about how they'll afford to take time off or pay for child care when they go back to work, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. That's why I'm proud to support this important legislation that provides hardworking Lowcountry families with the flexibility and support they need during the critical first year of their child's birth or adoption. Most other paid leave proposals require parents to take off work to receive benefits, this bill allows teleworkers the option to access child care benefits and to continue working from home while they take care of their new child. Additionally, the bill does not raise taxes or take away from Social Security. Low income earners who do not qualify for the full refundable portion of the child tax credit can elect to receive a benefit adjusted to 100 percent wage replacement over 12 weeks of work. In the House, the original cosponsors of this bipartisan bill include Reps. Colin Allred (TX-32), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Jamie Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), and Bryan Steil (WI-01). In the Senate, the bipartisan bill is being introduced by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA), Steve Daines (MT), Shelley Capito (WV), and Joe Man… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-cunningham-hit-ground-running-when-it-came-tamping-down-drug-prices-well | ICYMI: Cunningham Hit Ground Running When It Came To Tamping Down on Drug Prices | The Well News | 2019-12-05 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Cunningham Hit Ground Running When It Came To Tamping Down on Drug Prices |The Well News December 4, 2019 https://www.thewellnews.com/cunningham-hit-ground-running-when-it-came-to-tamping-down-on-drug-prices/ In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Rep. Joe Cunningham's race for Congress quickly became the stuff of local legend. Here was a first-time candidate, a Democrat running in a staunchly Republican district, who defeated a well-financed GOP opponent, to become the first Democratic representative from South Carolina's 1st Congressional District since 1981. But the ever-energetic congressman didn't stop there. Almost as soon as he arrived in Washington, at a time when many newcomers were still losing their way in the Capitol's winding hallways, he was looking to fulfill some important campaign promises. The first was filing a bill to ban offshore oil and gas exploration off the South Carolina coast. Soon thereafter, he actively joined efforts in the House to lower the cost of prescription drugs. One of my earliest constituent meetings was with Lowcountry parents who struggle to afford life-saving insulin for their children, Cunningham recently said of the urgency he felt. In the last five years, the cost of one of the most common brands of insulin has increased from $2,907 a year to more than $4,700 a year. Meetings like these reaffirm to me how urgent this issue is, he said. In May, he voted in favor of H.R. 986, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen protections for people with pre-existing conditions, an effort to buttress the Affordable Care Act against administration efforts to weaken it. He followed up that vote, by introducing the CLAY Act, which would lower the cost of prescription drugs for beneficiaries who receive the low-income subsidy (LIS) in Medicare Part D. [] Cunningham told The Well News that when it comes to the issue of drug pricing, he expects meaningful results to be achieved, even against the headwinds of the ongoing impeachment proceedings and the impending 2020 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-joint-base-charleston-parris-island-projects-are-peril-if-congress-can-t | ICYMI: Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island projects are in peril if Congress can’t pass a budget [Post and Courier] | 2019-11-25 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Funding the government on time is one of Congress' most basic responsibilities, but when we can barely keep the lights on, we are clearly not doing the job we were sent to do, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Ending the practice of continuing resolutions is necessary to ensure a fiscally responsible federal budget and prevent our armed forces and Lowcountry military installations from being harmed by budget uncertainty. That's why I introduced the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act to prevent Congress from leaving before the job is done. --- Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island projects are in peril if Congress can't pass a budget | Post and Courier By Thomas Novelly November 23, 2019 Congress avoided a government shutdown by passing a resolution to keep spending the same through next month, but the move could slow two vital construction projects: at Joint Base Charleston and with the Marines at Parris Island. By not having a fully funded budget for 2020, the future of a $33.3 million medical supply distribution center in Charleston and a $37 million overhaul of a Marine Corps firing range is uncertain. As whispers about a potential six-month, or even a yearlong delay to fully fund the government circulate, the armed forces are publishing memos warning of the potential financial effects on military readiness. The continuing resolution that was passed Tuesday temporarily funds all government agencies through Dec. 20. While the measure maintains current levels of spending and provides a 3 percent pay raise for all members of the military, it provides little to no flexibility for Pentagon budgets and won't fund future projects. [] Branches are now playing a waiting game to see what they can do in fiscal year 2020. A yearlong funding delay could hinder 41 military contract projects for the Air Force alone, which includes Joint Base Charleston's medical supply distribution center. An initial funding request in March said the existing center had reached its maximum logistical capacity and that it's imped… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-funding-deadline-enforcement-act | Cunningham Introduces the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act | 2019-11-21 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) introduced the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act, commonsense legislation that would prevent government shutdowns and force Congress to do its job instead of relying on temporary budget extensions. If all appropriations bills are not passed by both chambers and signed by the President by October 1 each year, Members of Congress would be forbidden from using official Congressional funds to travel. Instead, Congress would be forced to remain in session until they reach a new, full-year funding agreement for the fiscal year in question. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse and endows Congress with the sole responsibility to raise revenue and appropriate money to fund the federal government. In recent years, Congress has abdicated that duty and relied on continuing resolutions [CRs] that freeze federal spending at the previous year's levels. Since Fiscal Year 1997, an average of at least five CRs have been signed into law each fiscal year before the appropriations process was completed for that year. Funding the government on time is one of the most basic responsibilities of Congress. Yet here we are, two months into fiscal year 2020 and nowhere near a full-year appropriations package for this fiscal year. We cannot continue hurtling towards shutdowns and abdicating our constitutional responsibility by passing continuing resolutions, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. When Congress can barely keep the lights on, we cannot prioritize the smart, responsible spending necessary to get our skyrocketing debt under control. Ending the practice of continuing resolutions is necessary to ensure a fiscally responsible federal budget and prevent our armed forces and veterans from being harmed by budget uncertainty. This commonsense legislation would prevent Congress from leaving before the job is done, and I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass it as soon as possible. Legislation highlights: Members of Congress would be prohibited from using official funds … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-continuing-resolution-keep-government-open | Cunningham Votes for Continuing Resolution to Keep the Government Open | 2019-11-19 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a continuing resolution extending government funding through December 20. This vote temporarily averts a government shutdown after current stopgap funding expires this week. With a government shutdown deadline just days away, today I voted for a continuing resolution to extend government funding through December 20th, said. Rep. Joe Cunningham. We must use this additional time to fully fund the government and pass full-year appropriations bills. It is unacceptable that Congress continues to kick the can down the road. The continuing resolution would provide a 3.1% pay raise for our servicemembers, extend government funding to key public health programs, and assure full funding of the 2020 Census. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-two-cunningham-bills-support-lowcountry-veterans | House Passes Two Cunningham Bills to Support Lowcountry Veterans | 2019-11-12 | 2019 | 2019-11 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Tonight, The U.S. House of Representatives passed nine bipartisan pieces of legislation to help veterans and veteran-owned small businesses, including two bills introduced by Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01). The VA Tele-hearing Modernization Act, which will allow veterans to teleconference with the Board of Veteran Appeals regarding their benefit claims, and the Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act, which directs the VA to conduct a study on access to care for women veterans and passed as a part of the Deborah Sampson Act, were introduced by Cunningham and passed with broad bipartisan support. Cunningham spoke on the House floor in support of the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, saying, The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act is exemplary of the sorts of advances we can make when both parties come together for the sake of our veterans I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in supporting this legislation for our veterans, who have sacrificed too much to be forced to jump through hoops for a fair hearing on their claims. Currently, the Board of Veterans Appeals only conducts tele-hearings from certain VA locations, meaning veterans have to travel to testify in support of their claims. In many cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive to Columbia or Savannah. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act would allow veterans to teleconference in to these hearings from the comfort of their own homes using their personal computers. Female veterans comprise the fastest-growing demographic in both the military and veteran population. The Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act would determine the barriers to care that female veterans face and provide the data needed to make sure every woman has access to the quality care she has earned. Click here to watch the full video of his remarks. I have the privilege of representing a district that is home to more veterans than any district in South Carolina. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, it's an honor to us… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-bost-introduce-va-help-act-reform-va-hiring-practices | Cunningham and Bost introduce the VA HELP Act to Reform VA Hiring Practices | 2019-10-31 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation that would reform hiring practices for Human Resources (HR) positions at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. The VA Hospitals Establishing Leadership Performance [HELP] Act instructs the VA to establish qualifications for each HR position within the VHA and establish standardized performance metrics similar to the private sector. HR departments at the VA currently have no such requirements. Human Resources management is a critical part of delivering the high-quality and timely care our veterans deserve, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The VA HELP Act ensures we are attracting and retaining the best possible employees to meet the needs of Lowcountry veterans. I'm proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Bost to ensure our veterans have access to the best and most reliable care. The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to care for those who shall have borne the battle,' said Rep. Bost. Unfortunately, as we have seen both in our own backyard and around the country, the VA cannot fulfill this mission if they cannot recruit and retain highly qualified staff. The VA HELP Act ensures that VA hospitals hire to the highest possible standard so that our veterans receive the best quality care that they deserve once they return home. The bill is supported by several VSOs, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) haspublished a reportidentifying serious human capital challenges and flaws within VA's Human Resources operations that hamper VA's ability to effectively serve veterans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-passage-house-rules-resolution | Cunningham Statement on the Passage of the House Rules Resolution | 2019-10-31 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released the following statement on House passage of H. Res. 660, a resolution to establish procedures for open hearings as part of the investigation into potential misconduct by President Trump: Today's vote was not a judgment or conclusion on whether or not President Trump should be impeached. Instead, this vote brings much needed transparency into the process and makes sure the American people can see and hear the facts. There were two choices in this decision - to keep this investigation behind closed doors or bring it out into the open for the American people to see. I chose the latter. I refuse to prejudge the outcome of this investigation and will withhold judgment on whether the President should be impeached until hearing all the evidence. This process is too important to be conducted behind closed doors, and today's vote helps bring these investigations into public view for the American people to see for themselves. As I have said from the beginning, I will not allow politics to play a role in my ultimate decision. I will follow the facts wherever they lead, keep an open mind, and do what is in the best interests of this country and the people of South Carolina. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-veterans-affairs-committee-passes-two-bills-led-cunningham | House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Two Bills Led by Cunningham | 2019-10-29 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee passed two pieces of legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01), the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act and the Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act would require the Board of Veterans' Appeals to allow veterans with pending appeals to appear before the Board remotely from their personal computers. Currently, the Board, located in Washington, D.C., only conducts tele-hearings from regional benefit offices, meaning veterans have to be present at the specified office for the hearing. In most cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive several hours to the nearest regional office in Columbia. Ranking Member Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), commended Cunningham for the legislation and expressed his full support, saying, Mr. Cunningham, thank you for helping the VBA [Veteran Board of Appeals] get out of a horse and buggy and finally get into the 21st century It makes sense, it's way past due. The Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act would direct the VA to conduct a study on access to care for women veterans. This legislation would provide data necessary to ensure female veterans receive the unique care they need and deserve. It was passed as a part of the Deborah Sampson Act. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I'm proud to use my seat at the table to make sure Lowcountry veterans get the benefits and services they are owed, without facing unnecessary barriers to that care, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. These are straightforward, common-sense pieces of legislation that allow veterans to conveniently appeal an adverse decision and ensure female veterans receive the care that meets their specific health needs. Passage out of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee was an important step, and I look forward to swiftly passing both bills on the House floor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-appointed-coast-guard-academy-board-visitors | Cunningham Appointed to Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors | 2019-10-24 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) announced his appointment by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives to the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The Board of Visitors oversees morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, and academic methods at the Academy and is comprised of nine Members of Congress and six members nominated by the President. The United States Coast Guard works tirelessly to ensure maritime safety, interdict drugs, provide emergency and disaster response, and keep coastal communities like those in the Lowcountry safe, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It is an honor to be appointed to the Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to nurture the cooperative relationship between the Coast Guard Academy and Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, CT, is an elite professional college ranked among the nation's most prestigious universities. Each year, approximately 200 graduates of the Academy earn their commissions as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard, charged with ensuring the safety and security of our nation's waters. Cunningham has made supporting the Coast Guard one of his top priorities in Congress. Earlier this year, he secured an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would expand eligibility to a DoD program which provides military spouses pursuing a degree or certification up to $4,000 of financial assistance to Coast Guard spouses. He also passed an amendment to establish a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officer training program in Mt. Pleasant. During the partial government shutdown earlier this year, Cunningham cosponsored the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019,' bipartisan legislation that would ensure active duty and reserve Coast Guard members were paid during the duration of the shutdown. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-helps-pass-shield-act-fight-foreign-interference-american-elections | Cunningham Helps Pass the SHIELD Act to Fight Foreign Interference in American Elections | 2019-10-23 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | House passes Cunningham's amendments protecting minority communities, military servicemembers, and veterans from foreign interference Washington, D.C Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted to pass H.R. 4617, the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act, legislation that would protect our elections from foreign interference and disinformation campaigns. The SHIELD Act protects our elections from foreign interference by: Creating a duty to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments and their agents. Improving transparency of online political advertisements. Closing loopholes that allow foreign nationals and foreign governments to spend in U.S. elections. Restricting the exchange of campaign information between candidates and foreign governments and their agents. Prohibiting deceptive practices about voting procedures. Protecting our elections from intervention by hostile foreign powers is not a partisan issue, it is essential to the function of our democracy, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Every single American should be confident that our political system is free from foreign interference. The SHIELD Act is a common-sense, straightforward means to delivering that peace of mind. Cunningham authored and successfully passed two amendments to the SHIELD Act that would protect our nation's veterans, servicemembers, and minority communities from foreign election interference. Reports from Clemson University, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Intelligence Committee, among other sources, have confirmed that foreign adversaries specifically targeted African American communities, military service members, veterans, and other communities. You can watch his floor speeches here and here. His amendments would require the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to investigate how illicit foreign money was used to carry out disinformation and propaganda campaigns among these communities, and the success or failure of these efforts during our recent elec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-sport-fish-restoration-and-recreational-boating-safety | Cunningham Introduces the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2019 | 2019-10-23 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and Garret Graves (R-LA) introduced the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation to extend the authorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund to 2024. Unless Congress acts, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is set to expire in 2021. The Trust Fund provides vital funding for fisheries conservation and management, water and boating infrastructure, and federal and state programs for recreational boating safety. Last year, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund helped fund projects at the Charleston City Marina, Charleston Waterfront, and Skull Creek Marina on Hilton Head Island that totaled over $2 million. Here in the Lowcountry, we know that access to the outdoors and our vibrant natural resources are essential to our unique way of life. That's why I am proud to champion the Sport Fish and Boating Trust Fund, which has enriched countless lives in the Lowcountry by funding wetland conservation, boating infrastructure, and boating safety education, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Nothing brings folks together quite like a love of the water, and I'm proud to work across the aisle to introduce this vitally important bill. From our North American Fishing headquarters in Ladson, S.C., Shimano is proud to continue our legacy of supporting fisheries conservation, including through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, said Dave Pfeiffer, President of Shimano North American Fishing. The excise tax on fishing equipment, which we and other manufacturers pay, helps support state fish and wildlife agencies like the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to manage and provide access to fishing. We are grateful to Rep. Cunningham for his leadership to ensure this vital fund continues to benefit not only the South Carolina Lowcountry but fishing destinations throughout the country. No one cares more about clean water and healthy fisheries than the recreational fishing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-va-tele-hearing-modernization-act | Cunningham Introduces the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act | 2019-10-21 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and John Katko (R-NY) introduced the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Board of Veterans' Appeals to allow veterans with pending appeals to appear before the Board remotely from their personal computers. The Board of Veterans' Appeals determines whether veterans are entitled to their claimed benefits and other services. Currently, the Board, located in Washington, D.C., only conducts tele-hearings from regional benefit offices, meaning veterans have to be present at the specified office for the hearing. In most cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive several hours to the nearest regional office in Columbia. Right now, Lowcountry veterans are forced to drive hours away to a regional VA office in order to appeal an adverse decision by the VA, placing a wholly unnecessary burden on veterans and their families, Said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act offers a common-sense solution to this problem, by allowing veterans to participate in these hearings inside the comfort of their own home from their personal computers. Veterans, who have already sacrificed so much for our country should not be forced to jump through hoops to appeal their claims. The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will hold a hearing on the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act on Tuesday, October 22nd. The bill is supported by the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-climate-ready-fisheries-act-2019 | Cunningham Introduces the Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019 | 2019-10-15 | 2019 | 2019-10 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced the Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation to help Lowcountry fisheries manage the current and anticipated impact of climate change. Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), and Jared Huffman (D-CA) are original cosponsors. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019 directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine what actions have already been taken by fishery managers, identify whether any knowledge or funding gaps are hindering action, and provide recommendations for how we can better adapt fishery management, and prepare fishing industries and communities for the impacts of climate change. It also directs the GAO to offer recommendations for how Congress can enhance our nation's science and management systems to better address climate change. Lowcountry fishermen are some of the hardest working people in South Carolina, and climate change has put their way of life under direct attack. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act gives our fishermen the tools they need to continue fishing sustainably for generations to come said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Ultimately, well-managed fisheries are resilient fisheries. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help us learn what is working, what is not, and how we can be the best possible stewards of our natural resources. Healthy waterways are critical to our environment and economysupporting the businesses in our communities that rely on fishing and tourism to thrive, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) said. This bill will go a long way to protect our local fisheries and promote healthier ecosystems for generations to come. Climate change is affecting our nation's fisheries and our adjacent oceans' ecosystems. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act is an important first step in assuring that we have the information we need so we are prepared to adapt our fisheries to mitigate these impacts, said Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL). The Climate Ready Fisheries Act of 2019 has support from Ocean Conservan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-defend-vital-south-carolina-military-project | Cunningham Votes to Defend Vital South Carolina Military Project | 2019-09-27 | 2019 | 2019-09 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in voting to terminate President Trump's reckless emergency declaration that would raid critical military funds for the construction of a border wall, including $11 million in funding for the Laurel Bay Fire Station Replacement in Beaufort. This follows an identical vote by the Republican-led Senate yesterday. A 2018 report sent to Congress by Deputy Assistant Navy Secretary James Balocki expressed the dangers military families will face without a new fire station. The outdated fire station has reached the end of its life expectancy' and poses a number of major health and safety risks to servicemembers and their families living in the community. Earlier this month, the Administration announced they will cancel $3.6 billion of military construction projects at home and abroad that range from intelligence, training and repair facilities to fire stations, roads, schools, dining facilities and health clinics for children and families living on base. Our representatives in government have a duty to ensure that our servicemembers and their families have the resources they need and the quality of life they deserve, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I will continue to work across the aisle to strengthen our borders and secure our ports of entry, but not in a way that betrays our commitment to our armed forces. Today, Democrats and Republicans in Congress once again sent a clear message to the White House that raiding funds from essential military construction projects is unacceptable and I urge the Administration to do the right thing. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-urges-defense-committees-retain-amendment-creating-jrotc-program-mt | Cunningham Urges Defense Committees to Retain Amendment Creating a JROTC Program at Mt. Pleasant’s Lucy Garrett Beckham High School | 2019-09-25 | 2019 | 2019-09 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham called on the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, Chairman James Inhofe, Ranking Member Jack Reed, Chairman Adam Smith, and Ranking Member Mac Thornberry, to retain Amendment 16 to H.R. 2500 in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The amendment authorizes the creation of a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at Mt. Pleasant's Lucy Beckham High. The Coast Guard can only establish new JROTC programs through authorization from Congress, and there are currently only two Coast Guard JROTC programs in the country. The Coast Guard JROTC program is designed to teach young people critical life skills like leadership, discipline, and integrity that help them become better, more engaged citizens. These skills will serve them well in whatever path they follow after graduation, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I urge leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to make sure my amendment is preserved and give Mount Pleasant high schoolers the opportunity to have this fulfilling experience. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-joe-cunningham-and-john-katko-introduce-preliminary-damage-assessment | Reps. Joe Cunningham and John Katko Introduce the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act | 2019-09-17 | 2019 | 2019-09 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Bipartisan disaster relief legislation would help expedite FEMA's process for conducting damage assessments Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and John Katko (R-NY) introduced the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would designate permanent disaster assessment teams within FEMA to work with state and local officials on determining the impact of disasters and submitting requests for major disaster declarations. Nationally, the average time it takes to conduct an assessment of a flooding event is 48.5 days. The establishment of full-time FEMA employees with experience and expertise in conducting assessments will lead to quicker and more consistently accurate assessments. South Carolina is no stranger to floods and other natural disasters, and in those circumstances, we know that time really is money, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Due to the impact of rising sea levels, harsher storm systems, and other effects of climate change, we know these natural disasters will only get worse. It's incredibly important we pass this bipartisan legislation to help FEMA react quickly and efficiently to these events. "In the aftermath of a flood, states and local governments need timely assistance so that they can begin to rebuild. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Congressmen Katko and Cunningham in putting forward a solution that will streamline and improve efforts to help American communities recover more quickly from a disaster, said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flooding Coalition. This bill provides South Carolinians the resources to access information rapidly after a natural disaster. The bill is a positive step in response to the complications that arise from flooding events, including access issues associated with communities overwhelmed by floodwater. Those in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and so many others are all too familiar with the devastation that these events cause, and access to damage assessment should n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-cunningham-led-legislation-ban-offshore-drilling | House Passes Cunningham-Led Legislation to Ban Offshore Drilling | 2019-09-11 | 2019 | 2019-09 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, will permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham's bipartisan legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts passed the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1941, The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, fulfills a major promise of Cunningham's to ensure there is never offshore drilling off South Carolina's coastline. Today the House took definitive action to ensure there are never any oil rigs off South Carolina's shores, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. South Carolinians on both sides of the aisle have sent the message loud and clear: we don't want offshore drilling and we don't need offshore drilling. Now I call on my colleagues in the Senate to heed the call of coastal communities across the country and pass this bill. Watch his speech on the house floor here. Speaking at a press conference earlier in the afternoon, Rep. Cunningham said, We've proven to folks that opposition to offshore drilling is not a partisan issue. In my state of South Carolina, I've worked with coastal mayors up and down our coast and Governor Henry McMaster to oppose offshore drilling. I've been inspired by the work of the South Carolina State House this year to ban the onshore infrastructure necessary for offshore drilling. In Washington, I've been thrilled to have Rep. Francis Rooney's support introducing this bill. Prior to passage, Cunningham urged his colleagues to put people over politics saying, We, as Members of this institution, have an obligation to not only respond to current events but also to anticipate future problems and work to prevent them. You don't wait for a bridge to break to fix its foundation. You don't wait for the hurricane to hit before boarding up your windows. And you don't wait for an oil spill to realize offshore drilling isn't worth jeopardizing a booming tourist economy. Congressman Rooney stated, The economic and environmen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-funds-meant-fix-unsafe-fire-station-sc-military-families-now-funding | ICYMI: Funds meant to fix ‘unsafe’ fire station for SC military families now funding border wall [The State] | 2019-09-09 | 2019 | 2019-09 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Replacement of the Laurel Bay Fire Station is absolutely vital to ensuring the health and safety of Lowcountry servicemembers and their families, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It is incredibly important we work together to secure our borders and ports of entry, but raiding funds from essential military construction projects isn't the right way to do it. The State: Funds meant to fix unsafe' fire station for SC military families now funding border wall By Emma Dumain September 6, 2019 President Donald Trump will have nearly $11 million in additional funds to help construct a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border to keep out undocumented immigrants. And, as a result, a South Carolina military community may have to wait longer to renovate a derelict fire station that no longer meets government safety and security requirements. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that hundreds of pre-approved military construction projects were being raided for dollars to build the border wall. Among the 127 projects on the list, totaling $3.6 billion, is a $10.8 million plan to build a new fire station at Laurel Bay a community for the families of the servicemembers stationed primarily at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The road to replacing the money could now be filled with obstacles. Pentagon officials said Congress could vote to replace that $3.6 billion diverted for the border wall in an upcoming government spending bill. [] However, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have not yet indicated they plan to backfill the money, even at the Trump administration's request. Also, even if there is widespread support for replacing lost funds, the politics surrounding the controversial border wall could make compromise elusive. In the meantime, the Laurel Bay community will have to wait for clarity on plans for its new fire station, whose construction was set to begin in April 2020. According to a report obtained by The State that Deputy Assistant Navy Secretary James Balocki sent to Congress in October 2018, the need is dire. An upda… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/us-congressman-james-e-clyburn-praises-passage-raise-wage-act | U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn Praises Passage of the Raise the Wage Act | 2019-07-25 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn hailed House passage of legislation to raise the minimum wage for the first time since 2009. The Raise the Wage Act would gradually increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 over six years. According to independent economic analysis, the bill would increase pay for up to 33 million American workers, including 118,800 workers in South Carolina's 6th Congressional District. All American workers deserve to earn a livable wage that will provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families, Congressman Clyburn said. In my district, this landmark legislation would increase the earnings of a full-time minimum wage worker by $3,900 annually lifting many households out of poverty. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. An additional provision in the bill would index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. It would also guarantee that tipped workers and workers with disabilities are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wages that allow these workers to be paid below $7.25 an hour. Scheduled Minimum Wage Increases Year Minimum Wage Tipped Wage 14(c) Current $7.25 $2.13 Subminimum Wage 2019 $8.40 $3.60 Subminimum Wage 2020 $9.50 $5.10 $4.25 2021 $10.60 $6.60 $6.40 2022 $11.70 $8.10 $8.55 2023 $12.80 $9.60 $10.70 2024 $13.90 $11.10 $12.85 2025 $15.00 $12.60 $15.00 2026 Index to Median Wages $14.10 Index to Median Wages 2027 Index to Median Wages Source: U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/u-s-congressman-james-e-clyburn-praises-passage-of-the-raise-the-wage-act/ | U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn Praises Passage of the Raise the Wage Act | 2019-07-25 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn hailed House passage of legislation to raise the minimum wage for the first time since 2009. The Raise the Wage Act would gradually increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 over six years. According to independent economic analysis, the bill would increase pay for up to 33 million American workers, including 118,800 workers in South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. “All American workers deserve to earn a livable wage that will provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families,” Congressman Clyburn said. “In my district, this landmark legislation would increase the earnings of a full-time minimum wage worker by $3,900 annually lifting many households out of poverty.” According to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. An additional provision in the bill would index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. It would also guarantee that tipped workers and workers with disabilities are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wages that allow these workers to be paid below $7.25 an hour. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:32:25Z |
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-helps-pass-bipartisan-coast-guard-authorization-act-2019 | Cunningham Helps Pass the Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019 | 2019-07-23 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted to pass the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that authorizes funds the United States Coast Guard and ensures members of the Coast Guard are treated fairly should the government shut down. The Coast Guard was the only branch of the U.S military not paid for their critical and continuing operations during the partial government shutdown at the beginning of this year. This bill will ensure that, if other armed services are paid during any lapse in appropriations, the Coast Guard will also be paid. The United States Coast Guard works tirelessly to ensure maritime safety, interdict drugs, provide emergency and disaster response, and keep coastal communities across the Lowcountry safe. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure they have the resources necessary to carry out their mission, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our coastlines should never bear the burden of political dysfunction and I'm proud we're making sure their livelihoods are never again taken hostage. Improving quality of life for members of the Coast Guard is one of Cunningham's top priorities in Congress. Earlier this month, he secured an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would expand eligibility to the DoD's My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, which provides military spouses pursuing a degree or certification up to $4,000 of financial assistance to spouses of servicemembers in the Coast Guard. During the partial government shutdown earlier this year, Cunningham cosponsored the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019', bipartisan legislation that would ensure active duty and reserve Coast Guard members were paid during the duration of the shutdown. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-calls-attention-possible-misuse-gi-bill-educational-institutions | Cunningham Calls Attention to Possible Misuse of the GI Bill by Educational Institutions that Cost Taxpayers | 2019-07-22 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) called on the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide more information regarding possible overcharges by educational institutions. In a letter sent to Undersecretary Paul Lawrence, Cunningham expressed concerns that the Department of Veterans' Affairs was not adequately enforcing current law, which authorizes the VA to take action against educational institutions found to be overcharging educational assistance beneficiaries. The statute is designed to prevent colleges and universities from creating tuition schemes designed to maximize charges to VA beneficiaries while offering lower, market-based rates to nonveterans, who are more likely to be conscious of the cost of tuition. We have a responsibility to be good fiscal stewards of taxpayers' dollars, and that's a job I take incredibly seriously, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The GI bill is a vital program that has opened the doors to education and opportunity to millions of American veterans and their families. We must insure that educational institutions are not ripping off taxpayers by taking advantage of the reliable income stream provided by veterans and GI bill recipients. A copy of Cunningham's letter appears below: Dear Undersecretary Lawrence: As a Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I write to respectfully request additional information with regard to the Department of Veterans Affairs'(VA) policy with respect to enforcement of 38 USC 3690, which authorizes the VA to take action against educational institutions found to be overcharging educational assistance beneficiaries. As you know, the legislative intent of 3690 is to prevent colleges and universities from creating tuition schemes designed to maximize charges to VA beneficiaries while offering lower, market-based rates to nonveterans, who are more likely to be conscious of the cost of tuition. To be an effective steward of taxpayer dollars, the federal government must ensure that veterans are being charged for tuition at a rate equal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-his-vote-against-raise-wage-act | Cunningham Statement on his Vote Against the Raise the Wage Act | 2019-07-18 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Following his vote against H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released the following statement: It is clear that the minimum wage is far too low in South Carolina. I believe we must raise the minimum wage to double digits. But a bill that would cause 3.7 million Americans to lose their jobs and eliminate the tipped wage harming tipped employees and small businesses that make up the backbone of the Lowcountry's service economy is not something I can support. I did not make this decision lightly. Over the last 6 months, I've spoken with tipped workers, restaurant managers, and small business owners who expressed real fear that this legislation would result in reduced employee hours, price hikes, job losses, and force businesses to close entirely. More than doubling the minimum wage and increasing the tipped wage sevenfold would place a burden on Lowcountry businesses that they could not sustain. Hardworking South Carolinians deserve a raise, plain and simple. But there is a way to raise the minimum wage without raising prices and putting jobs in jeopardy. We must go back to the drawing board and work together as Democrats and Republicans to find a compromise that involves buy-in from the business community. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-urges-department-defense-consider-harmful-impact-cuts-naval-hospital | Cunningham Urges the Department of Defense to Consider the Harmful Impact Cuts to Naval Hospital Beaufort Could Have on the Lowcountry | 2019-07-17 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) called on the Department of the Navy and Defense Health Agency to provide more information regarding their plans to downsize the civilian workforce aboard Naval Hospital Beaufort. In a letter to the Secretary of the Navy and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Cunningham expressed concerns that cuts in personnel could hinder Naval Hospital Beaufort's ability to provide essential medical services to the estimated 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families living in the Lowcountry. In 2017, Congress mandated that military service branches consolidate their medical activities under the Defense Health Agency. Due to these reforms, the Department of Defense already eliminated the Naval Hospital's urgent care services. Cunningham asked that Secretary Spencer and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary McCaffery take into consideration the vital services provided by Naval Hospital Beaufort and the impact any planned reduction in medical services may have on surrounding communities, especially in rural areas where alternative treatment options may be limited. Naval Hospital Beaufort provides essential medical services to the Lowcountry community, providing care to the 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families who have made their home in the area. I am deeply concerned about the effects of cuts to personnel on our military, civilian employees, and their families, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. As the Defense Health Agency continues to make reforms to the military heath system, we must make sure that Lowcountry families are not left behind as a result. Cunningham spoke on the House floor last month to call attention to the negative impacts recent military health system reforms are having on underserved communities across the country, including in Beaufort county. A copy of Cunningham's letter appears below: Dear Secretary Spencer and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary McCaffery: I write to respectfully request add… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-strengthen-national-security-and-raise-military-pay | Cunningham Votes to Strengthen National Security and Raise Military Pay | 2019-07-12 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted to pass H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The NDAA sets policy and authorizes funding for the U.S. military, includes the largest military pay raise in a decade, and gets rid of the Widow's Tax, as well as several other important Lowcountry priorities. Cunningham authored and successfully passed several amendments to the NDAA that fulfill important Lowcountry priorities, including: The complete text of his bill, the Defense Access Roads Enhancement Act, which will allow military installations to address rising sea levels and recurrent flooding by giving them access to funds to construct, replace, and maintain access roads; Authorizing the creation of a Coast Guard Junior ROTC program at Lucy Beckham High School in Mt. Pleasant; Expanding eligibility to the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, which provides military spouses pursuing a degree or certification up to $4,000 of financial assistance, to spouses of servicemembers in the Coast Guard and enlisted servicemembers of all grades; Allowing the Department of Defense to give preference to contractors that employ veterans, rewarding companies that hire veterans and incentivizing companies to do the same; Gathering the data necessary to ensure the proper maintenance of F-35s aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. I am proud to have voted to pass the NDAA today. Lowcountry military installations like Parris Island, Joint Base Charleston, and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are essential to our country's national defense. It's our responsibility to make sure they have the tools and resources to keep us safe, and we did that today, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Lowcountry servicemembers and their families have sacrificed so much for us, and we must set them up for success on and off the battlefield. This bipartisan bill delivers the largest military pay raise in over a decade. I'm also proud this bill includes five of my amendments, whic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-bill-give-congress-authority-review-tariffs | Cunningham Introduces Bill to Give Congress Authority to Review Tariffs | 2019-07-10 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced the Promoting Responsible and Free Trade Act of 2019, legislation that would give Congress a more proactive role in implementing trade policy and the authority to scrutinize unnecessary tariffs. The president currently possesses unilateral authority to impose any tariff under Sections 201, 301 and 232 of US trade law. Before a tariff is imposed, however, the Commerce Department, International Trade Commission (ITC) or U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must issue a report on the proposed tariff's justification and potential effects. However, Congress doesn't have an official say in the matter, and the President is able to impose a tariff without any congressional approval or oversight. This common-sense legislation would give Congress the authority to weigh in on tariffs before they are imposed by the President, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. No President, Democratic or Republican, should be able to unilaterally impose tariffs without Congressional approval. No one wins in a trade war, and this legislation will allow Congress to play a more proactive role in trade policy. Section 232 was not intended to be used as leverage in trade negotiations or in ways that harm U.S. auto workers and U.S. consumers. Here For America applauds Congressman Cunningham's introduction of the Promoting Responsible and Free Trade Act to provide greater Congressional oversight before such tariffs are imposed, said John Bozzella, President and CEO of Global Automakers and spokesperson for Here For America. This legislation would allow Congress to review and approve or deny any potential tariffs before they are imposed by the President. If approved, the president would still have final sign off; if denied, the president would no longer need to weigh in. Section 201: The ITC would be required to send its report to Congress for a maximum review period of 60 days. Congress would then be given the power to pass a joint resolution of disapproval within the 60-day window to stop the tariff's … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-dhec-decision-against-seismic-testing-permits-south | Cunningham Statement on DHEC Decision Against Seismic Testing Permits off of South Carolina’s Coast | 2019-07-08 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement in response to the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control's (DHEC) decision that proposed seismic testing permits from WesternGeco in federal waters off of South Carolina are not consistent with the policies of the S.C. Coastal Management Program. Cunningham previously sent a letter to DHEC expressing his strong opposition to WesternGeco's application. WesternGeco's proposed seismic airgun blasting activities would violate our coastal management program and policies, which are vital to protecting the Lowcountry's vibrant natural resources. DHEC's decision that WesternGeco's application for a seismic testing permit is inconsistent with the policies of these programs is a key decision in the fight against offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting. A diverse group of voices made their opposition to the issuance of seismic testing permits known including over 1700 individual public comments and it's obvious our state heard them loud and clear. I applaud DHEC for taking into account the views of South Carolinians and Lowcountry residents. The state of South Carolina has ruled on our side, but we also need federal action. I urge Congress to pass my bill, H.R. 1941, which would permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as soon as possible. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-president-trump-signing-bipartisan-humanitarian-funding | Cunningham Statement on President Trump Signing Bipartisan Humanitarian Funding Package into Law | 2019-07-02 | 2019 | 2019-07 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham today welcomed news that President Trump signed into law the bipartisan emergency supplemental funding package Cunningham helped pass to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. I am relieved to see President Trump signed our bipartisan, bicameral emergency funding bill to alleviate the humanitarian crisis at our border and provide urgent assistance to those suffering. This funding package contains the resources we need to address the crisis we face. It will provide legal assistance, food, water, sanitary items, shelter, and medical care to those at detention facilities, while strengthening our border security and allowing additional immigration judges to be hired. We can ensure border security while maintaining our American values, but our work must not stop here. Congress must take further action to address the roots of this crisis and strengthen the security of our borders and ports of entry, while treating migrant children with humanity and dignity. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-secures-over-70-million-funding-important-lowcountry-military | Cunningham Secures over $70 Million in Funding for Important Lowcountry Military Priorities in House-Passed Bill | 2019-06-25 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham supported House passage of legislation that includes more than $70 million in funding he requested for important Lowcountry military priorities, including $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island. The bill also included $33.3 million towards constructing a new Medical Consolidated and Distribution Center on Joint Base Charleston. As one of the two training depots in the country that makes enlisted Marines, and the only depot that makes enlisted female Marines, Parris Island is vital to our national security, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It's critical Parris Island has the resources it needs to continue to prepare our best and brightest, and I'm glad to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize that. Rep. Cunningham played a key role in securing this investment by formally asking the House Appropriations Committee to include both in the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill that passed the House today as a part of the appropriations minibus, H.R. 3055. Cunningham advocated for Parris Island's range modernization project in his March testimony before the House Committee on Armed Services. The Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill also included: An amendment introduced by Cunningham that protects Lowcountry military installations by prohibiting funding from being used for reckless base realignment and closure. An amendment introduced by Cunningham that would ensure future military construction projects meet climate-resiliency standards. Supporting our Lowcountry military installations through smart, strategic investments is one of my top priorities in Congress, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I'm proud to stand behind a funding bill that recognizes the importance Lowcountry military installations play in ensuring our national defense. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-cunningham-amendment-protecting-lowcountry-military-installations | House Passes Cunningham Amendment Protecting Lowcountry Military Installations from BRAC | 2019-06-21 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to pass Rep. Joe Cunningham's amendment to H.R. 3055, the Military Construction Appropriations Act, that prohibits funds from being used for a base realignment and closure (BRAC). Watch Cunningham's remarks on the House floor HERE. The Lowcountry is home to military installations like Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and Beaufort Naval Hospital. Combined, these important national security assets are estimated to account for nearly $13 billion in economic impact annually and support 78,000 jobs. Supporting our Lowcountry military installations and our national defense is one of my top priorities in Congress, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve our full support. This bipartisan amendment ensures they have the tools and resources to keep us safe. I'm proud my colleagues joined me in ensuring that military communities in the Lowcountry and across the nation are spared the effects of another reckless BRAC round. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-bill-creating-coast-guard-jrotc-program-lucy-beckham-high | Cunningham Introduces Bill Creating a Coast Guard JROTC Program at Lucy Beckham High School in Mt. Pleasant | 2019-06-20 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced legislation authorizing a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at Mt. Pleasant's Lucy Beckham High School, which will open next fall. Majority Whip Clyburn was an original cosponsor of the legislation. The Coast Guard can only establish new JROTC programs through authorization from Congress, and there are currently only two Coast Guard JROTC programs in the country. The Coast Guard JROTC program is designed to teach young people critical life skills like leadership, discipline, confidence, and integrity. These skills will serve them well in whatever path they follow after graduation, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I'm proud to help give Mount Pleasant high schoolers the opportunity to learn these skills for life and become better, more engaged citizens. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-bill-permanently-ban-offshore-drilling-atlantic-and-pacific-coasts | Cunningham Bill to Permanently Ban Offshore Drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts Passes Committee | 2019-06-19 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham's bipartisan legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts passed the House Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 1941, The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, fulfills a major promise of Cunningham's to ensure there is never offshore drilling off South Carolina's coastline. Republican Rep. Francis Rooney was an original cosponsor of his bill. Watch Cunningham's remarks from today's committee hearing HERE. South Carolinians have made it abundantly clear they want nothing to do with offshore drilling and the devastating threat it poses to our vibrant natural resources and coastal economies, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Folks on both sides of the aisle are united in opposition to offshore drilling, and it's critical we get this done for them. Our beaches, our economy, and our way of life are not for sale and today's passage through Committee is an important step towards ensuring that never changes. The economic and environmental risks to our coastal economies which offshore drilling creates far outweigh any potential benefits. Seismic testing and drilling threaten our fish and marine mammal populations. The industrial infrastructure needed to support offshore drilling, and ultimately offshore production of oil and gas, is wholly incompatible with the economies of our coastal communities. There is no place in our bays, full of recreational vessels, for tank farms, docks, mooring balls, and other equipment which is necessary to support the numerous offshore supply vessels and barges supplying the rigs and platforms. Finally, with the United States now having more conventional oil reserves than Russia or Saudi Arabia, we don't need to take these risks to be energy secure anymore, said Rep. Francis Rooney. This important bill is designed to protect the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, wildlife and communities from the risks of another BP-style disaster. It is in direct response from leaders and communities along these coa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-bipartisan-bill-aid-vets-medical-transportation | Cunningham Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Aid Vets’ Medical Transportation | 2019-06-19 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Cunningham and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse certain veterans for ambulance transportation required during their medical treatment. Currently, the law allows the VA to reimburse ambulance rides to non-VA hospitals, as well as emergency treatment at such hospitals, for a veteran until he or she is medically stable. However, if the veteran is stabilized and then requires continued care at a VA facility, the VA is not allowed to reimburse his or her transportation to that facility - which often must be accomplished using ambulance resources that can be too expensive for patients to cover out-of-pocket. Veterans should not be left holding the bill for expensive, surprise transportation to get the care they need, especially when dealing with an emergency situation, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. I am proud to work across the aisle to close this unnecessary gap in coverage for our veterans. In 1999, Congress created a safety net to ensure that the most vulnerable veterans weren't left holding the bill for emergency care that could leave them in financial ruin, said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. This bill repairs a hole in that safety net that has too often resulted in veterans and community health providers being liable for costly transfer to a VA hospital, a necessity for veterans unless they want to pay out-of-pocket for their medical costs. I'm proud to introduce this common-sense reform that will enhance the protection we provide to veterans who need it most. American Veterans (AMVETS) is one Veterans' Service Organization (VSO) among many who have voiced their support for this bill. It is easy to overlook the importance of the remedy that the VA Emergency Transportation Act offers. Unless you happen to be a veteran who needed emergency services and was forced to rely on ambulance transportation from a community ER to a VA medical facility for ongoing treatment, said Sherm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-secures-funding-important-lowcountry-priorities-house-passed-bill | Cunningham Secures Funding for Important Lowcountry Priorities in House-Passed Bill, Including the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project | 2019-06-19 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-01) announced House passage of H.R. 2740, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2020. H.R. 2740 includes $138 million to fully fund the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project and other important Lowcountry priorities. Cunningham played a key role in securing money for the project by formally asking the House Appropriations Committee to fully fund the amount requested for the project by the Army Corps of Engineers. The funding bill is for Fiscal Year 2020, which is October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The Port of Charleston is a driver of economic development across our entire state and region. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is of vital importance in making sure it remains a world-class port, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This funding will allow the Port of Charleston to reach its full potential and continue to facilitate economic growth across the Lowcountry. Rep. Cunningham also secured funding for: $30 million in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to improve community infrastructure surrounding military installations. $53 million increase in funding for NIH Alzheimer's disease research. $10 million in funding for cyber-security institutions at senior military colleges, including the Citadel. A 3.1 percent military pay raise for active duty servicemembers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-joe-cunningham-pete-visclosky-call-attention-negative-impacts-reforms | Reps. Joe Cunningham & Pete Visclosky Call Attention to Negative Impacts of Reforms to the Military Health Care System on House Floor | 2019-06-18 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham and Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Pete Visclosky, held a colloquy on the House floor to call attention to the negative impacts recent military health system reforms are having on underserved communities across the country, including in Beaufort county. Naval Hospital Beaufort provides care to 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families in the Lowcountry. In 2017, Congress mandated that military service branches consolidate their medical activities under the Defense Health Agency. Due to these reforms, the Department of Defense eliminated the Naval Hospital's urgent care services and further cuts are possible in the coming year. While these reforms were intended to eliminate redundancies and reduce costs, Rep. Cunningham raised his concern that Lowcountry families are being left behind as a result. Watch the full colloquy here. Highlights from Rep. Cunningham's comments are below: Rep. Cunningham called attention to the fact that, just last month, the Department eliminated the Naval Hospital's urgent care services. And given the Administration's plan to eliminate another 18,000 medical billets nation-wide, I am deeply concerned about the effect further cuts may have on our military and their families. [] As a result, military families in underserved communities face an uncertain future. In Beaufort County, my constituents already face unreasonable wait times to see their doctors. And given the high concentration of veterans in my district, any reduction in services on Naval Hospital Beaufort is certain to further reduce access to care and degrade unit readiness in the Lowcountry. Rep. Cunningham also expressed his apprehension with the Department of Defense's lack of transparency into how they are making these decisions and their failure to provide analysis on how these cuts may impact surrounding communities. Rep. Pete Visclosky, Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, shared Cunningham's concern, saying, The Committee h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-dems-yank-bill-raise-congressional-pay-after-backlash-politico | ICYMI: Dems to yank bill to raise congressional pay after backlash [POLITICO] | 2019-06-11 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | The people of the Lowcountry sent me to Congress to ban offshore drilling, help our veterans, and get things done for the First District. One thing they didn't send me up here to do is raise my own salary, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Congress needs to get serious about balancing the budget and tackling our skyrocketing debt. Removing this bill from the larger government funding package, which includes important defense programs, is the right thing to do. -- Politico: Dems to yank bill to raise congressional pay after backlash By Sarah Ferris and Heather Caygle June 10, 2019 House Democratic leaders are postponing consideration of a bill that would include a pay raise for members of Congress, after facing a major backlash from the party's most vulnerable members. Top Democrats agreed in a closed-door meeting Monday night to pull a key section of this week's massive funding bill to avoid escalating a clash within their caucus over whether to hike salaries for lawmakers and staff for the first time in a decade, multiple lawmakers confirmed. At least 15 Democrats mostly freshmen in competitive districts had pushed to freeze pay after some Democratic and Republican leaders quietly agreed to the slight pay increase earlier this month. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) confirmed to POLITICO after the meeting that he "thinks" they would pull the bill so that Democrats can resolve the issue of congressional pay raises. [.] Several Democrats in battleground seats have scrambled behind the scenes to convince Democratic leaders, including Hoyer, to backtrack on the decision. Several have personally approached Hoyer to protest the move after he and other party leaders agreed to the cost-of-living-increase. It would amount to an extra $4,500 for members, who currently make $174,000. Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) who sits in a district that Trump carried by more than six points warned Hoyer on the floor last week that the move would be bad politics and bad policy, according to a Democratic aide familiar with the discussion… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-amendment-restoring-funding-goose-creek-nuclear-power-training | Cunningham Amendment Restoring Funding for Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training School Passes House; Set to Become Law | 2019-06-03 | 2019 | 2019-06 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Amendment included in H.R. 2157, Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act Washington D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, which provides comprehensive disaster recovery funding for communities in the Midwest and across the country that have been ravaged by recent flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. This bipartisan legislation includes an amendment introduced by Rep. Joe Cunningham to restore funding for the Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training School. The disaster relief package was also approved by the Senate, and it will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Cunningham's amendment provides the Air Force with an additional $270 million in supplemental funding to repair Tyndall and Offutt Air Force Bases, which were damaged by recent hurricanes and flooding. If the Air Force does not receive this funding, they would need to divert funds from 61 projects in 18 states, including the expansion of the nuclear power training school at Joint Base Charleston. The Cunningham amendment would ensure the school has the resources they need to renovate and expand their training facilities. He spoke in favor of his amendment on the House floor last month, which you can watch here. The Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training Unit teaches students the highly-technical skills needed to operate and maintain our nuclear-powered, naval fleet, and will be responsible for training all of the nearly 3,000 new nuclear engineers the Navy requires, starting this year. Bottom line, the Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training School is absolutely fundamental to the operational success and readiness of the United States Navy, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I am proud that the House and the Senate passed my bipartisan amendment, and I will continue supporting our servicemembers and the Lowcountry military installations that keep our country safe. Rep. Cunningham has made ensuring Lowcountry military ins… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-administration-s-decision-sideline-plan-expand-oil-and-gas | Cunningham Statement on Administration’s Decision to Sideline Plan to Expand Oil and Gas Drilling | 2019-04-25 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. In response to reports that the Trump Administration's plans to expand offshore oil and gas drilling had been indefinitely postponed, Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement: I welcome this news from Interior Secretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration. This decision is the result of constant pressure from coastal communities, environmental groups, and elected officials who made it abundantly clear that offshore oil and gas drilling is dangerous, unwanted, and a threat to our economy and way of life. I'm glad to see the Administration listened. However, this fight is far from over. We need legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling and make sure that no Administration can put our communities at risk. Congress must pass my bipartisan legislation, HR 1941: The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, as soon as possible. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-releases-report-first-100-days-congress | Cunningham Releases Report on First 100+ Days in Congress | 2019-04-23 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Ahead of tonight's town hall, Congressman Joe Cunningham released a report on his first 100+ days in Congress serving the people of the Lowcountry. The report summarizes Cunningham's legislative work and accomplishments in the first 100+ days of his first term in Congress. Click here to read the full report. It has been a privilege to represent South Carolina's First Congressional District over these last 100 days and I'm proud of all the work we've accomplished to serve the people of the Lowcountry, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. In a time of unprecedented partisanship and gridlock, I've found ways to work across the aisle to get things done, including closing the Charleston loophole and introducing a bill to ban offshore drilling. There is still much to do. We need to work together to fix our ailing infrastructure, take care of our veterans, lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and finally get serious about tackling our spiraling debt. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-statement-release-redacted-mueller-report | Rep. Cunningham Statement on Release of Redacted Mueller Report | 2019-04-19 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement on the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's redacted report: One thing is abundantly clear, Russia carried out a coordinated campaign to manipulate the 2016 presidential election and undermine our democracy. It is evident that General Barr mischaracterized material conclusions reached by the special counsel in his summary released to the public on March 24th.As attorney general, his responsibility is to enforce the law and his obligation is to the American people, not the President. His actions in handling the rollout of the special counsel's report do not inspire confidence that he is acting in the best interests of the country. I am also deeply troubled by the multiple occasions detailed in the special counsel's report where the President and his associates attempted to undermine the special counsel's investigation. The American people deserve more from their public officials and Congress has a Constitutional duty to provide oversight and accountability. Going forward, Congress should hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller. Outside of protecting national security or ongoing criminal investigations, Congress and the American public must be given as much information as possible on this matter. The integrity of our democratic institutions is an issue that transcends partisan lines, and Congress should work together to restore faith in our democracy and ensure interference from a hostile state does not happen in future elections. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-statement-in-response-to-special-counsel-muellers-report/ | Majority Whip Clyburn Statement in Response to Special Counsel Mueller’s Report | 2019-04-18 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to Special Counsel Mueller’s report: “The report released today is a reminder that this is about an attack on our elections by a foreign government and that we need to prevent something like this from happening again. This is bigger than President Trump. Our paramount obligation is to protect our elections and democratic process. Additionally, it’s also clear that Attorney General William Barr has put his thumb on the scale and is acting more like the president’s general counsel than Attorney General of the United States. “Attorney General Barr may have come to the conclusion that ‘no American colluded,’ but the report is full of concerning possible examples to the contrary. For example, a striking piece of information to come out of the report is that in August of 2016, former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort met with his long-time business associate Konstantin Kilimnik, who the FBI believes has ties to Russian intelligence. In this meeting, they discussed the campaign’s strategy to win Midwestern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. According to the report ‘Months before that meeting, Manafort had caused internal polling data to be shared with Kilimnik, and the sharing continued for some period of time after their August meeting.’ “The report also raises more questions than answers on whether or not the President of the United States may have obstructed justice, which Congress needs to explore further. This is all the more reason why we ought to see the full report, with the underlying evidence, and hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller. Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight of this administration and we will continue to exercise our authority to do so.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:23:17Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-statement-response-special-counsel-muellers-report | Majority Whip Clyburn Statement in Response to Special Counsel Mueller's Report | 2019-04-18 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to Special Counsel Mueller's report: The report released today is a reminder that this is about an attack on our elections by a foreign government and that we need to prevent something like this from happening again. This is bigger than President Trump. Our paramount obligation is to protect our elections and democratic process. Additionally, it's also clear that Attorney General William Barr has put his thumb on the scale and is acting more like the president's general counsel than Attorney General of the United States. Attorney General Barr may have come to the conclusion that no American colluded,' but the report is full of concerning possible examples to the contrary. For example, a striking piece of information to come out of the report is that in August of 2016, former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort met with his long-time business associate Konstantin Kilimnik, who the FBI believes has ties to Russian intelligence. In this meeting, they discussed the campaign's strategy to win Midwestern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. According to the report Months before that meeting, Manafort had caused internal polling data to be shared with Kilimnik, and the sharing continued for some period of time after their August meeting.' The report also raises more questions than answers on whether or not the President of the United States may have obstructed justice, which Congress needs to explore further. This is all the more reason why we ought to see the full report, with the underlying evidence, and hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller. Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight of this administration and we will continue to exercise our authority to do so. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/tuesday-congressman-joe-cunningham-hold-town-hall-west-ashley | TUESDAY: Congressman Joe Cunningham to Hold Town Hall in West Ashley | 2019-04-18 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham announced today that he will be holding a town hall in West Ashley on Tuesday, April 23th from 6:30 7:30 P.M. Members of the public are invited to join to ask questions, share their priorities, and voice their concerns. Doors will open to the public at 6:00 P.M. West Ashley Town Hall Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30-7:30 PM West Ashley Advanced Studies Magnet 1776 William Kennerty Drive Charleston, South Carolina 29407 Town halls are open to the public. Media is requested to RSVP toRebecca.drago@mail.house.gov | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-senate-confirmation-david-bernhardt-interior-secretary | Cunningham Statement on Senate Confirmation of David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary | 2019-04-11 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | I am disappointed Senators who have expressed concerns about offshore drilling voted to nominate an Interior secretary who will almost certainly attempt to make those concerns a reality, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The American people deserve public servants that are accountable to them, not special interests. The fact that the Senate has allowed a former fossil fuel lobbyist to be the steward of our vital natural resources only makes the need for legislation banning offshore drilling all the more urgent. Background: In March, Congressman Joe Cunningham introduced H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would permanently remove the threat of offshore drilling from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by eliminating the ability to issue offshore oil and gas leases in those areas. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-helps-introduce-keeping-our-promises-act-bipartisan-legislation | Rep. Cunningham Helps Introduce the Keeping Our Promises Act, Bipartisan Legislation Benefitting Vietnam-Era Veterans | 2019-04-10 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham helped introduce the Keeping Our Promises Act, bipartisan legislation led by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) that would aid veterans suffering from long-term illness as a result of Agent Orange exposure. The bill would add to the VA's list of covered illnesses nine medical conditions, which are already recognized by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as having evidence of being linked to exposure to Agent Orange. U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Scott Tipton (R-Colo.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Ann Kuster (D-N.H.) also joined the bill as cosponsors. Lowcountry veterans who bravely served their country during Vietnam are now suffering debilitating and long-term illnesses because of their exposure to Agent Orange under the government's watch, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan legislation would make sure the men and women exposed to these harmful chemicals receive the care, services, and benefits they are owed. I am proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to advance this important legislation and ensure our veterans receive the treatment they deserve. I've heard from veterans across my district who are suffering from long-term illnesses as a result of Agent Orange exposure but can't receive VA benefits for their ailments. I believe we owe these men and women who served our country much-needed assistance for medical bills and other essentials. This legislation is a bipartisan solution to an imminent need, and I'm grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have put party differences aside to assist veterans, Westerman said. Congress's most solemn obligation is to ensure that our nation's veterans have the care and resources they need. American heroes affected by Agent Orange deserve the peace of mind knowing that the federal government recognizes the existing link between their exposure and illness. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to ensure that those who … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-mourns-the-passing-of-ernest-aeoefritzae%c2%9d-hollings/ | Clyburn Mourns the Passing of Ernest “Fritz†Hollings | 2019-04-06 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | “America has lost a one of a kind statesman. Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans. “I have been reflecting on the legacy of my friend Fritz Hollings in recent days as I studied the work he did on hunger and poverty. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his Hunger Tour, in which I was proud to play a small part. In January 1969, Sister Mary Anthony and I accompanied Fritz on a tour of an impoverished area of Charleston so he could see the plight of families who had been ignored by the government for too long. The conditions Fritz saw in Charleston and around the state impacted him so deeply that he challenged this country to change the distribution of food stamps and initiate the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. His actions provided hope and healing in communities in desperate need. “He was a man with courage and conviction, who began his career protecting the status quo but changed as he learned and grew. In requesting the removal of his name from the federal courthouse in Charleston so it could bear the name of Judge Waites Waring, Fritz demonstrated that his service was not about himself but about creating an America that strives to be a more perfect union. “Known for disarming his fiercest critics with his sharp wit and strong intellect, he was an effective leader who sought allies of either party who were willing to help to advance his agenda. His brand of legislating is truly missed in the halls of the Capitol today. “Emily and I send our deepest condolences to the Hollings family, but we are strengthened by knowing that Fritz and his beloved wife, Peatsy, are now reunited. It was a blessed experience to call him a friend and colleague.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:23:17Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-mourns-passing-ernest-%E2%80%9Cfritz%E2%80%9D-hollings | Clyburn Mourns the Passing of Ernest Fritz Hollings | 2019-04-06 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | America has lost a one of a kind statesman. Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans. I have been reflecting on the legacy of my friend Fritz Hollings in recent days as I studied the work he did on hunger and poverty. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his Hunger Tour, in which I was proud to play a small part. In January 1969, Sister Mary Anthony and I accompanied Fritz on a tour of an impoverished area of Charleston so he could see the plight of families who had been ignored by the government for too long. The conditions Fritz saw in Charleston and around the state impacted him so deeply that he challenged this country to change the distribution of food stamps and initiate the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. His actions provided hope and healing in communities in desperate need. He was a man with courage and conviction, who began his career protecting the status quo but changed as he learned and grew. In requesting the removal of his name from the federal courthouse in Charleston so it could bear the name of Judge Waites Waring, Fritz demonstrated that his service was not about himself but about creating an America that strives to be a more perfect union. Known for disarming his fiercest critics with his sharp wit and strong intellect, he was an effective leader who sought allies of either party who were willing to help to advance his agenda. His brand of legislating is truly missed in the halls of the Capitol today. Emily and I send our deepest condolences to the Hollings family, but we are strengthened by knowing that Fritz and his beloved wife, Peatsy, are now reunited. It was a blessed experience to call him a friend and colleague. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-votes-reauthorize-violence-against-women-act | Rep. Cunningham Votes to Reauthorize the Violence against Women Act | 2019-04-04 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham voted to pass H.R. 1585, a bipartisan, robust, long-term Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. Since its passage in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has equipped our law enforcement and government to aid and protect victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Since 1994, the rate of domestic violence has declined by over 50 percent. However, the extent of domestic violence remains way too high. Experts estimate that one in three women in the U.S. still experience domestic violence. Today's critical reauthorization will safeguard, strengthen, andbuild upon these life-saving protections for women across the Lowcountry and South Carolina. I am honored to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this vital reauthorization to protect the millions of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. Today, the House stood up for women across America and reaffirmed that every woman, everywhere, has the right to live free from abuse and fear. By passing the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, Congress is working in a bipartisan way to ensure all women in the Lowcountry and throughout the nation have the resources they need to seek justice, receive care, and rebuild their lives. This reauthorization fulfills Congress's responsibility to protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors, and advocates. This bipartisan bill: Improves the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking; Expands the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors; Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-and-booker-introduce-sweeping-anti-poverty-bill/ | Clyburn and Booker Introduce Sweeping Anti-Poverty BIll | 2019-04-03 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a sweeping anti-poverty bill to better target federal grant dollars to high-poverty urban, rural, and tribal communities. The bill, titled An Act Targeting Resources into Communities in Need, expands the successful 10-20-30 anti-poverty formula, including a significantly larger group of struggling communities and broader universe of federal accounts by targeting funding into high-poverty census tracts. “While genius is spread equally across zip codes, opportunity is not,” said Senator Booker. “This bill more strategically targets federal resources to where they are needed most, ensuring that families and communities long left behind are given a fair shot. In doing so, we can move to a smarter, more responsive government.” “For far too long, persistent poverty communities have suffered from neglect and indifference, leading to a lack of access to quality schools, affordable quality health care, and adequate job opportunities,” said Majority Whip Clyburn. “This legislation seeks to right this wrong by targeting much needed federal investments to areas that need them the most.” “The quality of life in our urban counterparts is directly linked to the health and vitality of rural America….the majority of our food, fiber and fuel are produced in these areas….this legislation continues to strengthen that link,” said Sam Wade, CEO of the National Rural Water Association. “We would also like to commend our partners at Rural Development, and we believe they are uniquely qualified and experienced to assist these communities, many of which, unfortunately, lack the human capacity and financial resources to move ahead without some assistance. We at NRWA stand ready and able to work with Congress and our partners at Rural Development to further the health and prosperity in these rural communities.” “In the United States, poverty is not equally distributed. It clusters in specific regions, states, towns, a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:23:17Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/cylburn-and-booker-introduce-sweeping-anti-poverty-bill | Clyburn and Booker Introduce Sweeping Anti-Poverty BIll | 2019-04-03 | 2019 | 2019-04 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a sweeping anti-poverty bill to better target federal grant dollars to high-poverty urban, rural, and tribal communities. The bill, titled An Act Targeting Resources into Communities in Need, expands the successful 10-20-30 anti-poverty formula, including a significantly larger group of struggling communities and broader universe of federal accounts by targeting funding into high-poverty census tracts. While genius is spread equally across zip codes, opportunity is not, said Senator Booker. This bill more strategically targets federal resources to where they are needed most, ensuring that families and communities long left behind are given a fair shot. In doing so, we can move to a smarter, more responsive government. For far too long, persistent poverty communities have suffered from neglect and indifference, leading to a lack of access to quality schools, affordable quality health care, and adequate job opportunities, said Majority Whip Clyburn. This legislation seeks to right this wrong by targeting much needed federal investments to areas that need them the most. The quality of life in our urban counterparts is directly linked to the health and vitality of rural America.the majority of our food, fiber and fuel are produced in these areas.this legislation continues to strengthen that link,said Sam Wade, CEO of the National Rural Water Association. We would also like to commend our partners at Rural Development, and we believe they are uniquely qualified and experienced to assist these communities, many of which, unfortunately, lack the human capacity and financial resources to move ahead without some assistance. We at NRWA stand ready and able to work with Congress and our partners at Rural Development to further the health and prosperity in these rural communities. In the United States, poverty is not equally distributed. It clusters in specific regions, states, towns, and even neighborhoods… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-and-sanders-introduce-bill-to-expand-community-health-centers/ | Clyburn and Sanders Introduce Bill to Expand Community Health Centers | 2019-03-28 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, March 28 – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced legislation Thursday to extend and expand funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. If Congress doesn’t act by September 30th, community health centers will lose the federal funding they need to keep their doors open. Community health centers provide high-quality primary medical, dental, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and low-cost prescription drugs to 28 million people in 11,000 communities in every state in the country. Clyburn and Sanders’ bill would allow 5.4 million more Americans to receive the primary care they need. The National Health Service Corps provides scholarships and loan-repayment to over 10,000 clinicians each year working in underserved communities, often in health centers. "In the richest country in the world, no American should have to go without basic health care. Community health centers are a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and we must build upon their success by expanding them to everyone who needs them," Sanders said. “I have often described the Affordable Care Act as the Civil Rights Act of the 21st Century because it banned many forms of discrimination in the healthcare system. The ACA was a critical piece of legislation that also dramatically expanded the federal funding for community health centers. This legislation builds on the steps taken by the ACA to further expand community health centers by ensuring the millions of Americans who get primary care from community health centers continue to receive care and expands access to more medically-underserved communities,” Clyburn said. Under this bill, community health centers and the National Health Service Corps will see a 10 percent increase in funding each year for five years. The legislation also includes $4.6 billion for capital projects, which will allow community health centers across the nation to modernize their facilities and expand the scope … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:20:25Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-and-sanders-introduce-bill-expand-community-health-centers | Clyburn and Sanders Introduce Bill to Expand Community Health Centers | 2019-03-28 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, March 28 House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced legislation Thursday to extend and expand funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. If Congress doesn't act by September 30th, community health centers will lose the federal funding they need to keep their doors open. Community health centers provide high-quality primary medical, dental, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and low-cost prescription drugs to 28 million people in 11,000 communities in every state in the country. Clyburn and Sanders' bill would allow 5.4 million more Americans to receive the primary care they need. The National Health Service Corps provides scholarships and loan-repayment to over 10,000 clinicians each year working in underserved communities, often in health centers. "In the richest country in the world, no American should have to go without basic health care. Community health centers are a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and we must build upon their success by expanding them to everyone who needs them," Sanders said. I have often described the Affordable Care Act as the Civil Rights Act of the 21st Century because it banned many forms of discrimination in the healthcare system. The ACA was a critical piece of legislation that also dramatically expanded the federal funding for community health centers. This legislation builds on the steps taken by the ACA to further expand community health centers by ensuring the millions of Americans who get primary care from community health centers continue to receive care and expands access to more medically-underserved communities, Clyburn said. Under this bill, community health centers and the National Health Service Corps will see a 10 percent increase in funding each year for five years. The legislation also includes $4.6 billion for capital projects, which will allow community health centers across the nation to modernize their facilities and expand the scope of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-introduces-bill-banning-offshore-drilling-atlantic-and-pacific | Rep. Cunningham Introduces Bill Banning Offshore Drilling on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts | 2019-03-28 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act would permanently ban oil and gas leasing off the coast of the Pacific and Atlantic Washington, D.C. Keeping his promise to make sure there is never offshore drilling on South Carolina's coastline, today Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would permanently ban oil and gas leasing off the coast of the Pacific and Atlantic. I've been clear from the very beginning that our beaches, businesses, and way of life should not be for sale. South Carolinians want nothing to do with offshore drilling and the devastating threat it poses to our vibrant natural resources, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. I am proud to have the support of a bipartisan group of lawmakers, advocates, and organizations up and down South Carolina and across both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. It's an honor to have the opportunity to lead this bipartisan bill across the finish line to ban offshore drilling off our coast once and for all. The Administration is trying to further oil and gas interests at an alarming rate, including major expansions of offshore drilling in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This is nothing more than a hand-out to the oil and gas industries and runs counter to health, safety, and environmental safeguards we know must be in place to protect our coastlines. These actions also run counter to the will of the citizens in these coastal communities. I am proud to join with my colleagues in making it perfectly clear to this Administration there will be no new drilling off our coasts, said Rep. Alan Lowenthal. The Trump administration's drill-everywhere plan has run into a wave of public opposition. Americans from coast to coast have made it very clear that they do not want to see more oil rigs in their oceans,said Rep. Jared Huffman.The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act will halt Trump's oil and gas drilling spree in its tracks, protecting coastal communities and fragile ecosystems from enviro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-helps-pass-hr-7-paycheck-fairness-act | Rep. Cunningham Helps Pass H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act | 2019-03-27 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Landmark legislation would help close the wage gap and support working families Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Cunningham today voted to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, landmark legislation that would strengthen and close loopholes in the 1963 Equal Pay Act, including providing effective remedies for women who are not being paid equal pay for equal work. The bill would help close the existing pay gap by empowering women to negotiate for equal pay, prevent employers from retaliating against employees who discuss their wages, and prohibit employers from relying on salary history to set wages. Additionally, the legislation would close loopholes that have allowed employers to pay women unfairly. The idea of equal pay for equal work should be common sense in 2019, not partisan politics, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The economic success of Lowcountry women, children, and families is dependent on the ability of women to receive the entirety of what they've earned. I am honored to help pass this long overdue legislation and support hardworking Lowcountry families by ensuring women aren't shortchanged on the basis of their gender. 56 years after the enactment of the Equal Pay Act, full-time working women in South Carolina still earn just 79 cents, on average, for every dollar a man earns. This discrepancy is even larger for women of color. Equal pay is an economic issue that impacts the financial security of the entire family, especially when women are the primary or sole breadwinner in the household. Bringing home less money each day means less money for everyday needs including groceries, housing, child care, and medical expenses. The Paycheck Fairness Act: Requires employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons and not based on gender alone. Bans retaliation against workers who discuss their wages and limits how employers can use salary history of prospective employees. Removes obstacles in the Equal Pay Act to allow workers to participate in class action lawsuits that challenge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-bluffton | Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in Bluffton | 2019-03-26 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in Bluffton Wednesday, March 27, 2019 from 12:00 1:00 PM. Staff will be at the Bluffton Community Library to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 12:00 1:00 PM Bluffton Community Library 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, SC 29910 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-introduces-legislation-prevent-carbon-monoxide-deaths | Rep. Cunningham Introduces Legislation to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Deaths | 2019-03-12 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham introduced legislation with Rep. Chuy Garca (D-IL) to help prevent carbon monoxide-related deaths. The Safe Housing for Families Act would require that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide carbon monoxide detectors in public housing units. In January, two men died in a public housing complex in Columbia, S.C. due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 400 residents lost their homes. Carbon monoxide poisoning has led to at least 11 deaths in HUD housing since 2003. This legislation would protect low-income residents from carbon monoxide poisoning and help prevent deaths in millions of homes across the country. Every parent deserves the peace of mind of knowing their children are safe when they tuck them in at night. This bill helps deliver that peace of mind among our most vulnerable by ensuring federally-assisted housing units have carbon monoxide detectors, said Rep. Cunningham. The two senseless deaths atAllenBenedict Court apartments in Columbia, S.C. could have been prevented and we have an urgent obligation to make sure such tragedies never happen again. Housing advocates and public health experts suggest that in spite of the clear dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, HUD has been slow to provide protections for these families. In some cases, the health and safety hazards are so severe that residents in affected areas are forced out of their homes. A majority of the 4.6 million families receiving public housing assistance from HUD are people with disabilities, the elderly, or families with young children, making them especially vulnerable to toxic environments. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-praises-house-passage-hr1-people-act | Rep. Cunningham Praises House Passage of H.R.1, the For the People Act | 2019-03-08 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | House passes once-in-a-generation government reform legislation Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Cunningham praised the House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. Cunningham was a co-sponsor of H.R. 1, once-in-a-generation anti-corruption legislation that protects and expands the right to vote, ends the dominance of big money in politics and partisan gerrymandering, and restores ethics and accountability in the federal government by ensuring public servants put public interest above special interest. I made a promise to the Lowcountry that I would fight for fair access to the voting booth in Congress. I am proud that the House just passed H.R. 1, historic legislation that combats the culture of corruption in D.C. and ensures Washington serves the people, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. These are not partisan issues. We all have a vested interest in ensuring clean and fair elections, ending partisan gerrymandering, reining in the influence of special interests in politics, and making sure public servants actually serve the public. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to heed the will of the American people and pass this monumental legislation to protect our democracy. H.R. 1Ensures clean and fair electionsand makes it easier for Americans to exercise their right to vote: Creates automatic voter registration. Expands early voting and targets policies that lead to disenfranchisement and limit voting hours. Restores voting rights to citizens who have served felony sentences. Provides financial support to improve election infrastructure and improves oversight by requiring a national strategy for protecting U.S. democratic institutions. Prohibits voter rolls purges, a tactic used in Texas and Ohio to kick eligible voters off the voting rolls. H.R. 1 Reforms our campaign finance system, ensuring complete transparency and putting in place reasonable limits: Expresses Congress' intent to curb the use of shell companies and other illicit activities that allow foreign money to enter and undermine our d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-in-support-of-anti-hate-resolution/ | Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement in Support of Anti-Hate Resolution | 2019-03-07 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Majority Whip James E. Clyburn delivered the following statement on the floor of the House in support of the resolution condemning anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim discrimination, and bigotry against minorities: Click image to watch the full floor statement “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of this resolution condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and bigotry against minorities. This resolution expresses our rejection of all attempts to weaponize words and sow discord and division. “Make no mistake, our Caucus is unified. But unity does not mean unanimity. We are the most diverse Caucus in the history of Congress. We are a true reflection of who and what America is. Each of us brings our own familial backgrounds and personal experiences to this august body. Those experiences help shape our values and our perspectives as we do the work of the American people. “We learn from one another, and we do so following President Lincoln’s declaration, "with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.” “The resolution condemns hateful expressions of intolerance, honors the heritages and experiences of all who serve in this august body and commits all of us to the continued search of a ‘more perfect Union.’” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:20:25Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-support-anti-hate-resolution | Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement in Support of Anti-Hate Resolution | 2019-03-07 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Majority Whip James E. Clyburn delivered the following statement on the floor of the House in support of the resolution condemning anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim discrimination, and bigotry against minorities: Click image to watch the full floor statement Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of this resolution condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and bigotry against minorities. This resolution expresses our rejection of all attempts to weaponize words and sow discord and division. Make no mistake, our Caucus is unified. But unity does not mean unanimity. We are the most diverse Caucus in the history of Congress. We are a true reflection of who and what America is. Each of us brings our own familial backgrounds and personal experiences to this august body. Those experiences help shape our values and our perspectives as we do the work of the American people. We learn from one another, and we do so following President Lincoln's declaration, "with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in. The resolution condemns hateful expressions of intolerance, honors the heritages and experiences of all who serve in this august body and commits all of us to the continued search of a more perfect Union.' | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-presses-trump-administration-official-disruption-caused-seismic | Cunningham Presses Trump Administration Official on the Disruption Caused by Seismic Airgun Blasting | 2019-03-07 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining the threats on the North Atlantic Right Whale, Rep. Joe Cunningham pressed Trump Administration official Chris Oliver on the disruption to marine life caused by seismic airgun blasting. Cunningham used an airhorn to demonstrate how loud seismic airgun blasting is, noting that the sound from a seismic airgun blast is 16,000 times louder, repeated every 10 seconds over a period of months. After the demonstration, Mr. Oliver agreed that it was impactful on marine species. You can watch the exchange here. I'm a former ocean engineer, but it doesn't take an expert to know that seismic airgun blasting is an incredibly disruptive process for marine life that depend on sound to communicate and navigate, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Let me be perfectly clear, South Carolinians do not want offshore drilling off our coast, and we do not want its disruptive precursor, seismic airgun blasting. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-goose-creek | Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in Goose Creek | 2019-03-06 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in Goose Creek Friday, March 8, 2019 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Staff will be at the Goose Creek Library to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Friday, March 8, 2019 1:30 - 2:30 PM Goose Creek Library 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-goose-creek-0 | Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in Goose Creek | 2019-03-06 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in Goose Creek Friday, March 8, 2019 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Staff will be at the Goose Creek Library to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Friday, March 8, 2019 1:30 - 2:30 PM Goose Creek Library 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-helps-pass-burn-pit-bill-after-speaking-house-floor | Rep. Cunningham Helps Pass Burn Pit Bill after Speaking on the House Floor | 2019-03-05 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham helped pass H.R. 1381, the Burn Pits Registry Enhancement Act, after urging his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the bill in a speech on the House floor. This important bipartisan legislation improves the burn pits registry by allowing entries to be updated with the cause of death after a registered veteran passes away, improving and expanding the data available for studies related to burn pits. For years, servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan tossed every variety of waste into massive pits to be set on fire, without knowing the harmful chemicals they were likely breathing in as a result, said Rep Joe Cunningham. Now, our veterans are developing debilitating and often fatal illnesses that are likely linked to their exposure to toxic burn pits. Improving and expanding the burn pits registry will help us gather important information to ensure veterans receive the answers they are owed and the treatment they deserve. I am proud that we came together to pass this important legislation and I urge my colleagues to do the same in the Senate. You can watch the floor speech here. Rep. Cunningham serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. The Lowcountry has the highest amount of veterans in the state of South Carolina. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-editorial-expanded-background-checks-important-step-post-and-courier | ICYMI: Editorial: Expanded background checks an important step [Post and Courier] | 2019-03-01 | 2019 | 2019-03 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Editorial: Expanded background checks an important step | Post and Courier By the Editorial Board March 1, 2019 The U.S. House vote to expand background checks for gun purchases was a victory for supporters of common-sense gun reform. While the measure faces a steep climb in the Senate and a promised veto from President Donald Trump, Americans should be heartened that more lawmakers are heeding their call for action on the scourge of gun violence. The bill approved Thursday would wisely lengthen the maximum time allowed for FBI background checks for all gun purchases from three days to 10. That longer time period almost certainly would have prevented Dylann Roof, with his criminal record, from buying the gun he used to kill nine parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in 2015. The racially motivated shooting led to the three-day time limit being dubbed the Charleston loophole. The numbers bear out the need for better background checks. From 2010 to 2014, there were an astounding 15,729 gun sales that should have been denied but went forward by default because the three-day window on background checks had closed, according to the Giffords Center. In 2016, over 4,000 guns were sold to people who should not have been able to buy one because of a criminal record, mental illness or other disqualifying issue, according to U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C. Mr. Cunningham introduced the bill along with fellow South Carolina Democrat Jim Clyburn and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. Today, members of the House of Representatives addressed those who have lost loved ones due to gun violence not just with thoughts and prayers but with action, Rep. Cunningham said. It is long past time we closed the Charleston loophole and gave law enforcement the time necessary to make sure dangerous people don't end up with deadly weapons they are prohibited from obtaining. I am incredibly proud we passed this common-sense, bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same. Nine out of 10 background checks g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-on-passage-of-the-aeoecharleston-loopholeae%c2%9d/ | Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement on Passage of the “Charleston Loophole†| 2019-02-28 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1112 The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 today by a vote of 228-198. The bipartisan legislation will fix the so-called “Charleston Loophole” that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Had the FBI background check been completed, the perpetrator of the Emanuel massacre would have been barred from purchasing a firearm. H.R. 1112 extends the initial background check review period from 3 business days to 10 business days. If after 10 business days the background check system has not returned an answer to the gun dealer, the purchaser may request an escalated review. If the additional 10 business days elapse without a response from the background check system, then the licensed gun dealer may sell or transfer the gun to the purchaser. Before the vote this morning, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn gave the following floor statement: Click image to watch the full floor statement “I have a prepared text here that I would like to enter into the record. But let me begin my remarks, first of all, by welcoming to our Capitol today Ms. Jennifer Pinckney and her two daughters. They are wife and children of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who along with eight of his Bible study parishioners, lost his life to a demented white supremacist who said that he was interested in starting a race war. He entered their church, participated in the Bible study, which they welcomed him into, and as they closed their study that evening and prayed for what they had experienced and for their next meeting, this gentleman, while their eyes were closed, opened his and slaughtered them. “I find it interesting my colleague has talked about… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:17:04Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-passage-%E2%80%9Ccharleston-loophole%E2%80%9D | Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement on Passage of the Charleston Loophole | 2019-02-28 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1112 The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 today by a vote of 228-198. The bipartisan legislation will fix the so-called Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Had the FBI background check been completed, the perpetrator of the Emanuel massacre would have been barred from purchasing a firearm. H.R. 1112 extends the initial background check review period from 3 business days to 10 business days. If after 10 business days the background check system has not returned an answer to the gun dealer, the purchaser may request an escalated review. If the additional 10 business days elapse without a response from the background check system, then the licensed gun dealer may sell or transfer the gun to the purchaser. Before the vote this morning, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn gave the following floor statement: Click image to watch the full floor statement I have a prepared text here that I would like to enter into the record. But let me begin my remarks, first of all, by welcoming to our Capitol today Ms. Jennifer Pinckney and her two daughters. They are wife and children of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who along with eight of his Bible study parishioners, lost his life to a demented white supremacist who said that he was interested in starting a race war. He entered their church, participated in the Bible study, which they welcomed him into, and as they closed their study that evening and prayed for what they had experienced and for their next meeting, this gentleman, while their eyes were closed, opened his and slaughtered them. I find it interesting my colleague has talked about the inco… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-cunningham-praises-passage-hr-1112-enhanced-background-checks | Representative Cunningham Praises Passage of H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 | 2019-02-28 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham praised the House passage of H.R. 1112, the legislation he introduced with Majority Whip Clyburn and Republican Rep. Peter King. This bipartisan legislation closes the Charleston Loophole' that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed by default if a background check is not completed within three days. The bill, which passed out of the U.S. House today on a bipartisan vote, extends the initial background check review period from three to 10 days. In 2016 alone, more than 4,000 firearms were sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses, or other circumstances that disqualify them from purchasing a firearm under federal law. H.R. 1112 and H.R. 8, which was passed by the House yesterday, are the first pieces of gun safety legislation to pass the House of Representatives in over two decades. Today, members of the House of Representatives addressed those who have lost loved ones due to gun violence not just with thoughts and prayers, but with action, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It is long past time we closed the Charleston loophole and gave law enforcement the time necessary to make sure dangerous people don't end up with deadly weapons they are prohibited from obtaining. I am incredibly proud we passed this common sense, bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cunningham-praises-reauthorization-lwcf | Congressman Cunningham Praises the Reauthorization of LWCF | 2019-02-26 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Lands Package includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Joe Cunningham praised the House's passage of the Lands Package, which will now be sent to the President's desk for his signature. The historic Lands Package includes the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF provides access to recreational areas and trails, national parks and wildlife refuges, and historic battlefields and cultural sites across the country, at no cost to taxpayers. I'm proud to champion the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which enriches countless lives in the Lowcountry by investing in local parks, trails, public lands and outdoors spaces, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. LWCF is the gold standard of conservation programs and has invested more than $294 million in South Carolina to protect its recreation areas and open spaces since 1965. While I believe this important, bipartisan program should never have been allowed to expire, I'm proud we could come together now to ensure future generations enjoy unfettered access to our great outdoors. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-mcclellanville | Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in McClellanville | 2019-02-26 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in McClellanville on Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Staff will be at the McClellanville Town Hall to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Thursday, February 28, 2019 12:00 - 1:00 PM McClellanville Town Hall 405 Pinckney st McClellanville, SC 29458 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-joe-cunningham-congress-should-approve-bill-close-charleston-loophole | ICYMI: Joe Cunningham: Congress should approve bill to close the ‘Charleston loophole’ [Post and Courier] | 2019-02-26 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Joe Cunningham: Congress should approve bill to close the Charleston loophole' |Post and Courier February 25, 2019 Eyes were closed and heads were bowed in prayer when Dylann Roof opened fire at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. He had been welcomed with open arms into a Bible study class on the evening of June 17, 2015. He left after murdering nine of our neighbors with a .45-caliber handgun he acquired through a fault in our background-check system that would later become known as the Charleston loophole. Today, a firearm can be purchased after three business days even when a background check has not yet been completed. The vast majority of background checks are processed within that three-day time period, usually within minutes. But in 2016, more than 4,000 firearms were sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses, or other circumstances that disqualify them from purchasing a firearm under federal law. In 2017, the numbers were even higher. While a past drug arrest should have prevented Roof from purchasing his gun, the sale proceeded by default because his background check extended past three business days. Hence, the Charleston loophole. But its consequences aren't just limited to Charleston. You may recall the mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, by a man armed with an AR-15. He had a domestic-violence conviction, which should have prevented him from purchasing the weapon. Most recently, five people were murdered at a manufacturing plant in Illinois by a man who falsified his background application to cover up a criminal conviction. There are myriad reasons why a background check may not be completed within three days. Combing through criminal and mental health records kept by 50 states and our military is arduous, further complicated by the fact some convictions have been expunged. In other instances, incorrect information is collected by the seller or provided by the purchaser intentionally or not. Considering all of this, the fact that 96 percent of ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/majority-whip-clyburn-and-congressman-cunningham-praise-passage-lands-package | Majority Whip Clyburn and Congressman Cunningham Praise Passage of Lands Package | 2019-02-26 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Package Includes HBCU Historic Preservation Reauthorization and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act WASHIGTON, DC U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) and Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-01) praised the passage of the Lands Package the House passed today which will be sent to the President's desk for his signature. This package includes funding for two bills that Majority Whip Clyburn authored and passed the House in previous Congresses the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Reauthorization and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act. Majority Whip Clyburn has championed preservation of historic sites and structures on HBCU campuses his entire career in Congress. In 1998, at the request of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Government Accountability Office conducted a survey of preservation needs at HBCUs that found 712 structures on 103 HBCU campuses in need of historic preservation. The projected cost to preserve and restore those buildings was $755 million. To date, more than 60 buildings on HBCU campuses in 20 states have been renovated through the HBCU Historic Preservation program managed by the National Park Service. The legislation would reauthorize the program at $10 million annually for seven years. Many buildings at HBCUs in South Carolina have been restored by this program, including Chappelle Auditorium and Arnett Hall at Allen University, Ministers and Tingley Halls at Claflin University, and Massachusetts Hall at Voorhees College. The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act re-designates and expands the Reconstruction Era National Monument in Beaufort County, South Carolina, which was established in January 2017 by President Obama through the Antiquities Act. This bill includes authority for boundary expansions within the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District, on St. Helena Island, and at the Camp Saxton Site in Port Royal.This bill also creates the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, a progra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/congressmen-clyburn-and-cunningham-join-community-leaders-to-call-for-closing-the-charleston-loophole/ | Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham Join Community Leaders To Call For Closing The Charleston Loophole | 2019-02-21 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | Charleston, S.C. – Next week the U.S. House of Representatives will take the first step to close the so-called “Charleston Loophole” that allowed the perpetrator of the Mother Emanuel massacre to obtain his gun. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and Congressman Joe Cunningham were joined at a press conference today by political, religious and community leaders in support of the passage of the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. The legislation introduced by South Carolina Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham along with their Republican colleague, Rep. Peter King (NY) will extend the initial background check review period from three to 10 days. Next, after that initial 10 business day period, if a background check is not completed, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. If the background check is not resolved after the additional 10 business day escalated review, the purchase may proceed. Under current law, the sale of a firearm can proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. The Enhanced Background Checks Act is designed to ensure that background checks for potential firearms purchases are completed before sales proceed while also protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers to purchase weapons in a timely manner. “It is important for us to do what we can to prevent people who should not purchase a gun from purchasing one,” said Congressman Clyburn. “As the years go by it’s become evident that if we change nothing, nothing will change. This is our step to make a change,” Congressman Cunningham said. “This is a common sense and pragmatic solution to allow law enforcement the time they need to do their job.” Many speakers explained personal connections to gun violence when pledging to support the legislation. “We know that background checks work. And we also know that sometimes they take longer than three days,” said Rabbi Stephanie Alexander from Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. “The vast majority of Americans want to see this loop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:17:04Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/postmaster-frazier-b-baker-post-office-dedication-announced-new-lake-city-post-office-name-honors-first-african-american-postmaster/ | Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office Dedication Announced New Lake City Post Office Name Honors First African-American Postmaster | 2019-02-21 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | James E. Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | clyburn | https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/ | scraper | Columbia, S.C. – On Friday, February 22, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn join other elected officials and Baker family representatives at the renaming of the Lake City Post Office in Lake City, South Carolina in honor of Frazier B. Baker. The new name pays tribute to the memory and courage of Frazier Baker, the first African American appointed to serve as postmaster at the Lake City Post Office in 1897, who was lynched for refusing to give up his post. This dedication ceremony takes place exactly 121 years after Baker and his infant daughter were murdered. Congressman Clyburn sponsored legislation, H.R. 7230, designating the post office name change to right a past wrong and acknowledge the sacrifices of Frazier Baker and so many others who stood up against injustice and intolerance. WHO: Congressman James E. Clyburn S.C. Representative Roger K. Kirby S.C. Senator Ronnie A. Saab Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson, Jr. Dr. Fostenia Baker, grand-niece of Frazier Baker WHAT: Dedication of the Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office WHERE: Lake City United Methodist Church 229 West Main Street, Lake City, South Carolina WHEN: Friday, February 22, 2019 11:00 a.m. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:17:04Z |
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-clyburn-and-cunningham-join-community-leaders-call-closing-charleston | Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham Join Community Leaders To Call For Closing The Charleston Loophole | 2019-02-21 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | Charleston, S.C. Next week the U.S. House of Representatives will take the first step to close the so-called Charleston Loophole that allowed the perpetrator of the Mother Emanuel massacre to obtain his gun. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and Congressman Joe Cunningham were joined at a press conference today by political, religious and community leaders in support of the passage of the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. The legislation introduced by South Carolina Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham along with their Republican colleague, Rep. Peter King (NY) will extend the initial background check review period from three to 10 days.Next, after that initial 10 business day period, if a background check is not completed, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. If the background check is not resolved after the additional 10 business day escalated review, the purchase may proceed. Under current law, the sale of a firearm can proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. The Enhanced Background Checks Act is designed to ensure that background checks for potential firearms purchases are completed before sales proceed while also protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers to purchase weapons in a timely manner. It is important for us to do what we can to prevent people who should not purchase a gun from purchasing one, said Congressman Clyburn. As the years go by it's become evident that if we change nothing, nothing will change. This is our step to make a change, Congressman Cunningham said. This is a common sense and pragmatic solution to allow law enforcement the time they need to do their job. Many speakers explained personal connections to gun violence when pledging to support the legislation. We know that background checks work. And we also know that sometimes they take longer than three days, said Rabbi Stephanie Alexander from Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. The vast majority of Americans want to see this loophole closed. Let's… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/postmaster-frazier-b-baker-post-office-dedication-announced-new-lake-city-post-office | Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office Dedication Announced New Lake City Post Office Name Honors First African-American Postmaster | 2019-02-21 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | James Clyburn | C000537 | clyburn.house.gov | legacy | Columbia, S.C. On Friday, February 22, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn join other elected officials and Baker family representatives at the renaming of the Lake City Post Office in Lake City, South Carolina in honor of Frazier B. Baker. The new name pays tribute to the memory and courage of Frazier Baker, the first African American appointed to serve as postmaster at the Lake City Post Office in 1897, who was lynched for refusing to give up his post. This dedication ceremony takes place exactly 121 years after Baker and his infant daughter were murdered. Congressman Clyburn sponsored legislation, H.R. 7230, designating the post office name change to right a past wrong and acknowledge the sacrifices of Frazier Baker and so many others who stood up against injustice and intolerance. WHO: Congressman James E. Clyburn S.C. Representative Roger K. Kirby S.C. Senator Ronnie A. Saab Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson, Jr. Dr. Fostenia Baker, grand-niece of Frazier Baker WHAT: Dedication of the Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office WHERE: Lake City United Methodist Church 229 West Main Street, Lake City, South Carolina WHEN: Friday, February 22, 2019 11:00 a.m. To RSVP and receive additional information related to the event, please email Rachel Stein at rachel.stein@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-s-statement-declaration-national-state-emergency | Rep. Cunningham’s Statement on the Declaration of a National State of Emergency | 2019-02-15 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Last Night, Rep. Joe Cunningham voted on a bipartisan government funding bill that prevented another government shutdown and included over $1 billion in border security funding. Following President Trump's declaration of a national state of emergency this morning, Cunningham released the following statement: I join members of both parties in opposing President Trump's decision to declare a state of national emergency to secure border funding. This move by the executive branch represents a gross overreach in presidential authority and circumvents the checks and balances given to Congress by the Constitution. The Framers intended for Congress to have the exclusive power of the purse and I am incredibly concerned by the dangerous precedent this sets. Diverting money from the Department of Defense and critical military construction projects could pose serious consequences for our troops and military infrastructure, potentially making our military and our country less safe. Almost $45 million in military construction initiatives in Beaufort and Parris Island could be at risk. We must continue to work to secure our borders and ports of entry, but the executive branch must go through the proper channels and work with Congress to address these serious concerns. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-statement-1st-anniversary-parkland-shooting | Rep. Cunningham Statement on the 1st Anniversary of the Parkland Shooting | 2019-02-14 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | To mark the one-year anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Congressman Joe Cunningham released the following statement: We mourn the 17 lives that were lost to violence one year ago today. The senseless death of students and staff at MSD was tragic and painful for the community of Parkland, Florida and the rest of the nation. We admire the unity and strength of the citizens and survivors who have worked courageously to keep the memory of those 17 alive, and their fight for future episodes of gun violence to be prevented. Alyssa, Martin, Nicholas, Jaime, Luke, Cara, Gina, Joaquin, Alaina, Meadow Helena, Alex, Carmen, Peter, Scott, Aaron, and Chris will never be forgotten. Today, we honor their lives with action and commit ourselves to common sense solutions that will make our schools, our theatres, and our places of worship safer. Background This week, Congressman Joe Cunningham introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 with Majority Whip James Clyburn and Republican Rep. Peter King. The bipartisan legislation will close the so-called Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days.This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-statement-bipartisan-government-funding-deal | Rep. Cunningham Statement on the Bipartisan Government Funding Deal | 2019-02-14 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham issued the following statement in support of the bipartisan and bicameral government funding deal: Let me be completely clear, another government shutdown is absolutely unacceptable. I have said from the very beginning that both sides would need to come together and compromise and I applaud the bipartisan group for doing just that. While this deal is not perfect, it ensures our borders are secure, the federal government remains open and members of the U.S. Coast Guard are paid. I will vote in support of today's package and am hopeful that we can now swiftly move past this crisis. We must continue to work together to tackle the tough problems facing our country and acknowledge that real governing must mean compromise. I am incredibly concerned by reports that the President will declare a national state of emergency in order to increase border funding, which I believe would set a dangerous precedent. This grave overreach of executive power circumvents the U.S. Constitution and could result in raiding critical funds meant for disaster recovery. I would strongly object to the misappropriation of disaster relief funds designated for the Lowcountry to be used in such a regard. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/staff-congressman-cunningham-s-office-will-be-holding-office-hours-goose-creek | Staff from Congressman Cunningham’s office will be holding office hours at the Goose Creek Library | 2019-02-13 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | On February 14, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, staff will be at the Goose Creek Library to answer questions and address concerns from constituents of the 1stCongressional District. The Congressman's staff can serve as a resource for issues including Social Security, Medicare, passports, and VA benefits. Details: February 14, 2019 3:00-4:00 PM Goose Creek Library 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd, Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/staff-congressman-cunningham-s-office-will-be-holding-office-hours-beaufort | Staff from Congressman Cunninghams office will be holding office hours at the Beaufort Branch Library | 2019-02-12 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | On February 13, 2019 from 10 AM to 11:00 AM, staff will be at the Beaufort Branch Library to answer questions and address concerns from constituents of the 1stCongressional District. The Congressman's staff can serve as a resource for issues including Social Security, Medicare, passports, and VA benefits. Details: February 13, 2019 10:00 AM-11:00 AM 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/staff-congressman-cunningham-s-office-will-be-holding-office-hours-st-helena | Staff from Congressman Cunninghams office will be holding office hours on St Helena Island | 2019-02-12 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | On February 13, 2019 from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM, staff will be at the St Helena Branch Library to answer questions and address concerns from constituents of the 1stCongressional District. The Congressman's staff can serve as a resource for issues including Social Security, Medicare, passports, and VA benefits. Details: February 13, 2019 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Rd., St. Helena, SC 29920 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/clyburn-king-and-cunningham-introduce-legislation-close-charleston-loophole | Clyburn, King, and Cunningham Introduce Legislation to Close the Charleston Loophole | 2019-02-11 | 2019 | 2019-02 | Democrat | House | SC | Joe Cunningham | C001122 | cunningham.house.gov | legacy | Bi-Partisan Bill Creates Process for FBI to Complete Background Checks WASHINGTON, DC U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-6), Congressman Peter King (NY-2) and Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-1) introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 in the 116th Congress.The bipartisan legislation will close the so-called Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Had the FBI background check been completed, the perpetrator of the Emanuel massacre would have been barred from purchasing a firearm.In 2016, more than 4,000 guns were sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses and other circumstances which disqualify them from purchasing a firearm due to the inability to complete background checks within three days. Since 1998, the Charleston Loophole has put 60,000 guns into the hands of prohibited gun owners. This legislation extends the initial background check review period from three to 10 days.Next, after that initial 10 business day period, if a background check is not completed, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. The bill includes an important protection for law-abiding gun purchasers, that if the escalated review is not completed within the required 10 days, the sale may proceed. This compromise will ensure that background checks for potential firearms purchasers are completed before sales proceed while also protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers to purchase weapons in a timely manner. Click for the full bill text of H.R. 1112 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. Majority Whip James Clyburn The real tragedy of the Emanuel Massacre is that it could have been prevented. We… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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