url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/list-gop-lawmakers-object-during-electoral-college-certification-process-grows,List Of GOP Lawmakers To Object During Electoral College Certification Process Grows,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-joe-wilson-to-object-to-electoral-college-certification,CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON TO OBJECT TO ELECTORAL COLLEGE CERTIFICATION,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 31, Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement:

""As a former Lexington County Election Commissioner, not just as a Member of Congress, I am disgusted at the irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. The failure to validate signatures, the omission of witnesses, the interruption of counting before completion, the denial of poll watchers for access to fully observe, the extension of ballots received beyond Election Day, and the registration of illegal aliens, allowing non-citizens to vote, are all an open invitation for fraud. I had counted on courts to fully consider lawsuits by 18 states and 126 members of Congress, but the Courts have declined to act and it is my duty to object to the Electoral count because irregularities were never addressed.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=732,Statement on Electoral College Certification,2020-12-31,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Statement on Electoral College Certification 
  
     

  

  
  
  

  
    
      U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman issued the following statement on Thursday, December 31, 2020:
On January 6th, the U.S. House and U.S. Senate will meet in joint session to accept the results of the Electoral College. My office has received a lot of calls asking about my position on this. My position is clear:  



  
Because we don't have a thorough accounting of all the various reports of voting irregularities, as well as transparent evidence that the election in several key states was fair overall  and remedied where it wasn't fair  I will be joining other colleagues from the House of Representatives to formally challenge the Electoral College results from those states.


  
At the end of the day, I believe Congress has a responsibility to ensure that our federal elections are fair and transparent.


  
Individual states, which are empowered by our Constitution to run their own elections, need to ensure that state and federal laws were followed when making their election policies, that every lawful vote is counted, unlawful votes are discarded, and legitimate reports of irregularities are thoroughly investigated and resolved.


  
Because there remain valid questions as to whether several states have actually met this threshold for certification, Congress has a right and (I would argue) a responsibility to examine and debate the results.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-hails-house-passage-of-spending-package-that-delivers-for-south-carolina/,CLYBURN HAILS HOUSE PASSAGE OF SPENDING PACKAGE THAT DELIVERS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"COLUMBIA, SC – Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) applauded House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Package, 2021, which includes critical support for South Carolina communities.

""I am pleased that this legislation contains significant investments in South Carolina communities,” said Congressman Clyburn. “It is especially essential during this pandemic that every American have affordable access to health care, education, housing, internet, and economic opportunity. The investments in this bill will make progress in all of these areas throughout South Carolina and the Sixth Congressional District.”

Congressman Clyburn’s statement on the national impact of the coronavirus relief provisions of the legislation is available here. Summaries of the bill are available here, arranged by subject matter:

Summary of COVID-19 Relief Provisions

Summary of Appropriations Provisions

Summary of Other Legislative Provisions

Below are Congressman Clyburn’s priorities for South Carolina that are included in the package:

Persistent Poverty

This legislation applies Congressman Clyburn’s 10-20-30 framework—designed to ensure that at least 10 percent of funds are spent in counties with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent over the last 30 years, and that all impoverished communities receive their fair share of federal investment—to 18 spending programs, an all-time high. These targeted investments will help expand opportunity in these communities and empower them to emerge from persistent poverty.

Broadband Internet

The bill appropriates more than $730 million for rural broadband investment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including $635 million for the ReConnect program, $80 million more than Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. These appropriated funds are in addition to the $7 billion for broadband internet in the COVID-19 portion of the package: $3.2 billion to help low-income families afford service (a version of which is also included in Congressman Clyburn’s Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act), $1.9 billion for small providers to replace Huawei/ZTE equipment with equipment that is secure, $1 billion to support connectivity on tribal lands, $300 million to fund broadband in rural areas, $285 million to connect minority communities, $250 million for telehealth, and $65 million to complete up-to-date broadband coverage maps. The package also establishes a new Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This Office will be tasked with expanding access and adoption of high-speed broadband service, as well as coordinating federal funds for broadband infrastructure spending. This authorization was also included in the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act.

Eviction Prevention/Affordable Housing

According to a recent analysis, 52% of South Carolina renter households are at risk of eviction. This legislation includes $20 million in grants for organizations to provide legal assistance to at-risk, low-income tenants, consistent with the Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions Act of 2020, a bill Congressman Clyburn introduced earlier this year. In addition, the COVID-19 relief portion of the package includes $25 billion in rental assistance distributed by states and localities and extends the current eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021. Finally, the bill strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to spur construction of more affordable housing; Congressman Clyburn introduced a bill to boost the credit in 2018.

Lake Marion Regional Water System

This legislation sustains the FY20 increased allocation of $100 million for the Environmental Infrastructure account within Army Corps of Engineers Construction. The explanatory statement accompanying the bill includes language stating, “The Corps is reminded that the Lakes Marion and Moultrie regional water supply project is eligible to compete for additional funding provided” under the Continuing Authorities Program. This funding will allow the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency to address unmet funding needed to bring clean drinking water access and economic development to Berkeley, Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties.

Water Resources Development Act

The omnibus package includes the final version of the Water Resources Development Act, which includes:

Lake Marion Regional Water System – increases the project’s authorization from $89,550,000 to $110,000,000.

Eagle and Chandler Creeks – authorizes a flood control study through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Continuing Authorities Program for Eagle and Chandler Creeks in Dorchester County.

Charleston Inland Flooding – authorizes a new Corps of Engineers feasibility study for inland and tidal flooding in the Charleston.

Charleston Harbor

The legislation requires the Army Corps of Engineers to spend at least $35 million to reimburse non-federal sponsors of projects like the Charleston Harbor deepening, and more than $20 million in funding for Charleston Harbor maintenance.

Rural Energy Savings Program

The legislation includes $11 million for the Rural Energy Savings Program, an initiative originally introduced by Congressman Clyburn in 2010 that provides low-interest micro-loans to residents and small businesses in rural areas to fund energy efficiency improvements that bring down electric bills.

Savannah River Site

The bill passed today includes $1.532 billion for the Savannah River Site. This includes $25 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility on the campus of USC – Aiken and $11.549 million for Community and Regulatory Support, which funds Payment in Lieu of Taxes that funds schools, emergency services, and county operations in Allendale, Aiken, and Barnwell counties.

Telehealth/MUSC

The bill includes $34 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Telehealth program—a $5 million increase above FY20—including $6.5 million for Telehealth Centers of Excellence—a $500,000 increase above FY20. The Medical University of South Carolina is one of those Centers, and it provides over 100 telehealth services to nearly 350 sites in 44 counties, including 40 hospitals, over 80 schools, and nearly 200 community clinics and other facilities.

Community Health Centers

This legislation appropriates $1.7 billion in discretionary funds for Community Health Centers for FY 21, an increase of $57 million, and provides $4 billion per year in mandatory funding for Community Health Centers through FY 23. Community Health Centers are also eligible to receive funds through the Provider Relief Fund established by the CARES Act, which receives an additional $3 billion in this bill.

Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

The legislation provides $1 million for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, a significant funding increase that will enable the commission to ramp up efforts to promote economic development in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

National Park Service National Networks

This legislation includes $1.5 million for the national networks of the National Park Service. One of these national networks is the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, which includes four sites in South Carolina and is managed by the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort County.

Historic Preservation

The bill includes over $21.125 million in funding for historic preservation grants of sites from the Civil Rights Movement.

It also includes $10 million for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation Program, the funding level authorized by Congressman Clyburn’s bill that was enacted into law last year.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will benefit from several items in this legislation in addition to the HBCU Historic Preservation Program. Of the $22.7 billion provided for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund within the COVID-19 relief portion of the package, $1.7 billion is for HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and certain other institutions. HBCUs are eligible for the $285 million provided to connect minority communities to broadband internet.

Within FY21 appropriations:

$81.3 million is provided for the HBCU/Minority Institution program within the Department of Defense, an increase of more than $40 million over FY20.

$48.4 million is provided for the HBCU Capital Financing Program, a $2 million increase over FY20.

Within Department of Education Aid for Institutional Development programs, the bill provides:

$337.6 million for Strengthening HBCUs (increase of nearly $13 million);

$87.3 million for Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions ($3.3 million increase);

nearly $11 million for Strengthening HBCU Masters programs ($1 million increase).

The following funding amounts are provided to 1890 institutions through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture:

$73 million for research through the Evans-Allen Program;

$26 million for education grants;

$10 million for scholarships;

$62 million for extension services;

$21.5 million for facility improvements.

$6 million is provided for HBCUs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development Policy Development and Research.

$36.5 million is provided for the National Science Foundation HBCU Undergraduate Program.

University of South Carolina

This legislative package provides funding for several activities which the University of South Carolina has indicated they plan to pursue, including power and energy systems in navy technology, unmanned logistics solutions, and research in the use of biopolymers to support water distribution and regulation and energy systems.

The Citadel

The bill includes $10 million for cyber institutes, which are located at The Citadel and the other five Senior Military Colleges. These funds facilitate further development of cyber curriculum offerings, cyber experiential events for K-12 student and teachers, support for underserved and minority cyber students, cyber internship and co-op opportunities, and mentorship of other universities seeking to establish DOD cyber pipelines.

Clemson University

This legislative package funds activities which Clemson University has indicated they plan to pursue, including prototyping energy smart autonomous ground systems for combat vehicles and industry grade optical fiber fabrication for energy laser research. The explanatory statement accompanying the bill passed today also makes clear that previous House report language supporting exploration of the potential use of high and ultra-high temperature ceramic-matrix composites in hypersonic flight carries the same weight as language in today’s explanatory statement itself.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A1A22642-A1C0-4F7B-A0B4-8E40F10E95E8,Rice Supports Covid Relief Package,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC-Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) released the following statement regarding the passage of a new Coronavirus relief package.  

Workers, small businesses, healthcare professionals, and families will finally be receiving the relief they need. This year's spending package included an additional $900 billion for coronavirus relief. It provides direct cash payments, an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program, and a plan to distribute the vaccine,""said Congressman Tom Rice. ""It puts money in the hands of Americans and provides relief to small businesses, restaurants, and hotels to revitalize our economy during these unprecedented times. While this is long overdue and not nearly perfect, it is a big step to fully reopening our economy.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=730,Rep. Norman Applauds Inclusion of Clean Energy Provisions in Omnibus Spending Bill,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Solar Caucus, applaud the inclusion of clean energy and solar provisions in the end of the year omnibus spending bill.These critical provisions will support a switch towards reducing emissions as well as support the 3.3 million Americans employed in the clean energy sector. The clean energy provisions included in the omnibus spending bill include:  Reauthorization of the Department of Energy's solar energy research and development activities,  Research on photovoltaic, heating and cooling, concentrating solar energy systems, grid integration, and photovoltaic recycling;  Establishing a solar energy technology materials database and an advanced solar manufacturing initiative to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities;  Improvements in interagency cooperation for issuing permits in order to keep costs competitive for solar, wind, and geothermal projects on federal land. Additional, the package incorporates Rep. Norman's bill H.R. 617, the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, which authorizes a research partnership partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Energy to help extract meaningful insights from the VA's healthcare data, and ultimately provide better care for our nation's veterans. Growing our economy and reducing our emissions are not competing interests. These bipartisan provisions including in the omnibus spending bill will provide essential measures needed to improve clean energy technologies, and ultimately expand access and affordability for all Americans. Congressmen Norman and Krishnamoorthi issued the following joint statement on Wednesday: Solar energy has been the bellwether for the clean energy industry, and it's critical that we continue to work towards growing the middle class, securing energy independence and lowering our carbon emissions."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-statement-omnibus-government-spending-bill-and-additional-covid-19,Timmons Statement on Omnibus Government Spending Bill and Additional COVID-19 Relief,2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement on the Omnibus government spending package which included additional COVID-19 relief:
For months, I have called for an additional bipartisan COVID-19 relief package. There are families still suffering and businesses still struggling due to the global pandemic and the restrictions placed on them by federal, state, and local governments. They have long needed additional federal support, and there is no reason for us to have wasted so much time. But politics were at play, and conveniently, Speaker Pelosi is now willing to cut a deal with an election out of the way.
Unfortunately, Congress chose to combine this much-needed relief bill with a massive government spending bill that quickly became over 5,500 pages long. We received the text of this behemoth legislation just six hours before we were expected to vote. It is the second-largest spending bill in United States history.
I want to be clear: I support the bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 relief bill. It provides additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program to help keep workers paid, provides funding for building out rural broadband and telehealth services, and includes money to safely reopen our schools. This bill will help unemployed Americans and working families and contains a host of other provisions to help support the American people and rebuild our economy. I have been waiting for months to cast this vote, and I would have voted in favor of this relief package today had it not been wrongfully attached to a bloated government funding bill.
But I do not support the reckless, multi-trillion-dollar government spending bill that is chock full of unnecessary spending. I have opposed wasteful government spending since I came to Congress, and with our national debt quickly approaching $30 trillion, I could not support this colossal package.
It did not have to be this way, but this broken process is par for the course in Washington. Dysfunction is the rule and regular order is the exception. We are the greatest nation in the history of the world. Our government should act like it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-statement-on-south-carolina-projects-included-in-house-passed-water-resources-development-act/,Congressman Clyburn Statement on South Carolina Projects Included In House Passed Water Resources Development Act,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement today on the House-passed S. 1811, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020:

“I am pleased the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020 includes three of my priority projects that will help address important water infrastructure needs in South Carolina.

“I have worked since coming to Congress to create and expand the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency, which serves Berkeley, Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties. This legislation includes an increased authorization in project funding for the Agency from the current level of $89,550,000 to $110,000,000. This funding is vital to expand the Agency’s reach to bring more potable water and economic opportunity to this region of South Carolina.

“This legislation also authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study to address flooding on the Charleston Peninsula. This study will assess tidal and inland flood mitigation and drainage to help protect against coastal storm surges, reduce risks to human health and safety, and lessen the financial burden on the City of Charleston and its residents for damage caused by repeated flooding and saltwater intrusion. In 2019, Charleston experienced inland flooding one out of almost every five days and rising sea levels are expected to bring more frequent flooding tides in the future.

“Additionally, this bill provides for a flood control study through the Army Corps of Engineers’ Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) for Dorchester County. Since 2015, significant flooding has occurred along the Eagle and Chandler Creeks during storm events including Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. This study will help develop a plan to implement flood control measures.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-statement-on-the-passing-of-don-fowler/,CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF DON FOWLER,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"“The heart of the South Carolina Democratic Party for a long time has stopped beating. Politics coursed through my dear friend Don Fowler’s veins. Although he has passed on, his legacy remains strong in the beloved Democratic Party he helped build and sustain. “Don and I met as young Democrats back in 1969, and we became friends. It was in Don’s home that Emily and I first met a young Joe Biden soon after his first reelection to the United States Senate. Don was always the connector, the one bringing political friends and, sometimes, enemies together. His Southern charm and gentle spirit belied his fierce competitiveness and strength of character. I was often a guest lecturer in his master class on politics at the University of South Carolina and an attentive listener to his lectures on politics outside of the classroom. “My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and their children and grandchildren. It is my sincere hope that they draw comfort from knowing that so many are joining them in celebrating Don’s life and are already missing his presence among us.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2729,Rep. Van Taylor Announces Winner of 2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-12-17,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"PLANO - Today, Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), as well as several honorable mentions. While discussing this year's submissions, Representative Taylor stated, ""I would like to thank the students who participated in this year's Congressional App Challenge. My office received over 30 app submissions this year, and I'm extremely impressed with the level of talent and innovation exhibited by these young leaders. The STEM field is so important to the future of our nation's workforce, and it's exciting to see so many middle and high school students from across Texas' Third Congressional District taking interest in STEM skills and computer science."" On Thursday, Representative Taylor announced Srujan Mupparapu as the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge. Mr. Mupparapu, a 12th grader from Frisco's Liberty High school, created the UpGrade App to help students, teachers, and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. UpGrade, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, includes features such as an academic planner, GPA calculator, grade tracking system, and even includes a way for students to communicate with their teachers making learning from home easier.  The app also allows parents to monitor their child's learning activities. Additionally, UpGrade has partnered with a local non-profit allowing users of the app to utilize their services including free tutoring. Over 3,000 active users across all ten Frisco ISD High schools are currently using UpGrade, with plans to expand to other area schools in the near future. This Spring, Srujan will be honored along with other winners from across the country during the House of Code Event hosted by the Internet Education Foundation. Honorable Mentions Include: 


    
        
            Participants
            App
            School
        
        
            Dhroov Bharatia
            IntelliGuard
            Wilson Middle School
        
        
            Akhil Kasamsetty, Vedanth Venkatesh, Shyam Bhagavatula
            FooDono
            Jasper High School
        
        
            Sarvesh Sathish, Abhinav Bichal, & Rohan Chimalapti
            OrangeAI
            Texas Academy of Math and Science/Lebanon Trail High School
        
    



A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-from-congressman-joe-wilson,STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON,2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 16, Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement after testing positive for COVID-19:

""Earlier this evening I learned that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I will be taking all necessary precautions, as directed by the House Physician, including quarantining through the Christmas holiday. Thankfully I feel fine and do not have any symptoms. It is so important that we all do our part to help prevent the spread of this virus.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/on-3rd-anniversary-of-opportunity-zones-scott-tour-highlights-wins-in-erie-pa_-,"On 3rd Anniversary of Opportunity Zones, Scott Tour Highlights Wins in Erie, PA",2020-12-16,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday | December 16, 2020
			 On 3rd Anniversary of Opportunity Zones, Scott Tour Highlights Wins in Erie, PA    
			
			WASHINGTONSenator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement ahead of the 3rdanniversary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Actwhich included the Opportunity Zones provisionand the release of his second Virtual Opportunity Zone Tour stop in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Virtual Opportunity Zone Tour is highlighting the good news seen in cities and towns across America as their citizens work together to create new jobs and breathe new life into their communities.
The Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC) is the textbook definition of citizens harnessing the limitless potential of Opportunity Zones and coming together to revitalize their neighborhoods, said Senator Tim Scott. To put it into greater context, the City of Erie is home to the zip code with the lowest per-capita income in the country, but because of the vital work the EDDC is doing with Opportunity Zones, we've seen millions of dollars in private capital surge into the city. I cannot wait to come back one dayin person, and not virtuallyto see the incredible strides Erie's made to uplift their community.

Click video above to watch.
Read more onErie Times-NewsandForbes.
Senator Scott's first stop on the tour was inHampton Countyin his home state of South Carolina.
Created by a provision included by Senator Scott in the 2017 tax reform package, Opportunity Zones are the first major new effort to help our nation's most distressed communities in decades. More than $75 billion in private sector investment has been committed to Opportunity Zones around the country. For more information on Opportunity Zones,click here.

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https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2723,Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses House Rules Reforms Proposed by Rep. Van Taylor,2020-12-15,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, the Problem Solvers Caucus officially endorsed two proposed changes to the rules of the U.S. House spearheaded by Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) to make the House of Representatives a more effective and Member-driven legislative body.
          share:
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      WASHINGTON - Last week, the Problem Solvers Caucus officially endorsed two proposed changes to the rules of the U.S. House spearheaded by Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) to make the House of Representatives a more effective and Member-driven legislative body.  

    
        
            
            Upon endorsement from the Problem Solvers Caucus, Congressman Van Taylor stated, For decades, the ability of leaders in Washington to work together in a productive manner has diminished. Inspired by the success of state legislatures across the country, these two rule reform proposals will create a culture shift in Congress, empowering individual Members to advance consensus legislation forward while increasing cooperation between Members from both Chambers and across the aisle.
            
            Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed (R-NY-23) said, Since we first formed the Problem Solvers, we've focused on breaking the gridlock and making Washington a place that prioritizes the needs of the American people. These common-sense reforms would build on our progress by incentivizing bipartisanship, improving how Congress functions, and restoring member's ability to push real solutions to the House Floor. Speaker Pelosi should include all of these critical changes in the 117th congressional rules package. ""These changes to the House rules will help move broadly-supported, bipartisan legislation to the House floor for a debate and vote. It's time to make getting things done easier, and to stand up to the same old obstructionism. To solve problems, we have to work together to actually govern and to deliver legislation that can get signed into law  from lowering heath care costs, to fixing our infrastructure, to helping our nation through the COVID-19 pandemic,"" said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5).  
            
        
    

To increase collaboration between the House and Senate Chamber, Taylor's 290 Consensus Calendar for Senate Bills' rule would enable House members to formally support Senate measures with a cosponsorship tracked by the House Clerk and posted on Congress.gov. In doing so, this reform would enable Senate-passed measures to be expedited in the House by being placed on the House Consensus Calendar upon reaching 290 House cosponsors. The text of the 290 Consensus Calendar for Senate Bills' rule can be found here. Focused on empowering individual Members of Congress to advance their legislation, Congressman Taylor's Four-Fifths Committee, Two-Thirds Floor' proposal would require Committee Chairs to schedule a markup within 40 legislative days of a measure in their jurisdiction achieving the cosponsorship of 4/5 of the members on their committee. Under this proposal, Committee Chairs of committees of non-primary referral could discharge such measure in lieu of a markup. Furthermore, upon favorable markup or discharge in all committees of referral, the bill would be expedited to the House floor within 60 days for consideration under suspension of the rules, requiring a 2/3 vote. The text of the Four-Fifths Committee, Two-Thirds Floor' rule can be found here. A summary of both reform proposals can be found here.  Since the 1980's, disfunction in Congress has steadily worsened. During the 100th Congress (1987-1988), nearly 8% of all bills and joint resolutions introduced in either chamber were ultimately signed into law. When compared to a success rate of just 1.4% during the 116th Congress (2019-2020), the increased disfunction is evident and demands action from Congress to correct course.   

A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=725,Rep. Ralph Norman Introduces Legislation to Reinforce the Pillars of Our Federal Elections,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday,Rep. Ralph Norman(SC-5) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to help improve the integrity of our federal elections moving forward.





1. Proof of Citizenship Requirement to Register.This legislation will require proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g. birth certificate, valid passport, naturalization certificate, etc.) in order to register to vote in federal elections;

2. Photo ID Requirements.This bill will require voters to present a valid, state-issued photo ID in order to vote in-person in federal elections. A copy of the voter's photo ID will be required when voting by other means, including absentee by mail. (Important note:this legislation carves out exceptions for citizens who have reasonable impediments to obtaining a photo ID. Additionally, most states,including South Carolina, offerfreeidentification cards to U.S. citizens living in their state);

3. Reducing overlapping voter registrations.When any voter moves to a new state and applies for a driver's license or photo ID, the DMV in the new state will be required to ascertain if that individual intends to register to vote in federal elections in his/her new state. If so, the old state's DMV and state election's official shall be notified.

4. Improving integrity of voter rolls.Before each federal election, this legislation will require states to check ""change of address"" data from the United States Postal Service to help identify voters who have moved out of state. It will also require states to work with the Social Security Administration to identify voters who have died since the last federal election.

5. Strengthening requirements for voting by mail.With the exception of military personnel as well as individuals who have reasonable impediments, this legislation would require a voter to attest that he/she will be unable to vote in-person in order to receive and return a ballot by mail in a federal election.

6. Improving voter verification for mail-in ballots.For all ballots returned by mail in a federal election, this legislation will require either (1) verification of the voter's signature by elections officials, (2) a witness signature, or (3) a notarized ballot.

7. Additionally,this bill will increase criminal penalties for mail-in balloting fraud, create a federal hotline to report fraud in federal elections, and establish a federal research program on best practices, security, and procedures for federal elections.

Rep. Normanissued the following statement on the bill:

""This is not a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans alike should demand integrity in our federal election systems. It's critical that we safeguard lawful votes and take every reasonable step to prevent unlawful votes and provide full election transparency to the American people. This election has shown me the need to address our federal voting laws, and I want to thank the other Republicans from the South Carolina delegation to the House of Representatives for co-sponsoring this as well as their leadership on this important issue.""



""Election integrity is an American right and this bill will target potential harmful irregularities in our federal election system. I am grateful to cosponsor this important legislation with Congressman Ralph Norman and my fellow South Carolina Republican members to ensure that all legal votes are counted and all fraudulent votes are not. I especially appreciate this effort as a former election commissioner myself.

Rep. Jeff Duncansaid:

The American people depend on secure elections where every legal vote is counted and every illegal vote is thrown out. We need the necessary safeguards in the SAVE America Act to ensure ballot integrity, eliminate fraud and abuse, and respect the rule of law. Now more than ever, the American people deserve confidence and faith in the electoral process, which is why this legislation is crucial moving forward.

Rep. Tom Ricesaid:

I am proud to co-sponsor the SAVE America Act. The recent federal election has demonstrated the need to ensure the integrity of our democracy. With new threats facing our electoral systems, we must continue to update our election laws and improve security by passing this urgently needed legislation. Americans should be confident in the integrity of their right to vote.



Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy. One of the most important things we can do to protect the integrity of our elections is to ensure that only legal ballots are cast by actual eligible voters. TheSAVE America Actcontains common-sense provisions to ensure voters' identities and help protect our electoral system from fraud and abuse. Now more than ever, Congress must take action to assure the American people they can have faith in our elections.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E68C03D8-0B7D-4222-A77E-7E5E82F843C7,Rep. Rice Cosponsors Legislation to Improve Election Security,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) along with Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Joe Wilson(R-SC),Rep.JeffDuncan(R-SC), andRep. William Timmons(R-SC) introduced theSecuring And Verifying Elections (SAVE) in America Act.I am proud to co-sponsor the SAVE America Act. The recent federal election has demonstrated the need to ensure the integrity of our democracy. With new threats facing our electoral systems, we must continue to update our election laws and improve security by passing this urgently needed legislation. Americans should be confident in the integrity of their right to vote,""said Congressman Tom Rice.
Read the full texthere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-congratulates-lockheed-martin-greenville-f-16-depot-contract,Timmons Congratulates Lockheed Martin Greenville on F-16 Depot Contract,2020-12-14,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Greenville, SC Today, the U.S. Air Force's F-16 System Program Office within the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate announced a $900 million F-16 Continental United States (CONUS) Depot contract to Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Under this contract, the Lockheed Martin Greenville Operations facility located in Greenville, S.C. will become the first-ever F-16 industry depot in the United States. Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement.
We are thrilled the Air Force has chosen Lockheed Martin Greenville for their F-16 Depot Overflow program, said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04). Lockheed Martin's Greenville site will now both produce and maintain F-16s. This 10-year contract is expected to place 15 F-16s at the site each year for substantial maintenance work, adding 50-80 new jobs in support of this program. I was proud to support Lockheed Martin's efforts in securing this contract along with the rest of the South Carolina congressional delegation. We are grateful to the Air Force for awarding this contract today, and we look forward to Greenville becoming the Center of Excellence for the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
We are honored to have been selected for the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Depot Overflow program, said Mike Fox, Lockheed Martin Greenville site director. This is a great win for our team, community, and state and positions our Greenville site as the Center of Excellence for F-16, now supporting both F-16 production and F-16 sustainment.
Background:
In November, Congressman William Timmons sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett in support of Lockheed Martin Greenville as the Air Force's F-16 Depot site. Congressman Timmons was joined by the entire South Carolina delegation. Text of the letter can be found here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-introduces-stop-the-killing-in-syria-act,WILSON INTRODUCES STOP THE KILLING IN SYRIA ACT,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 10, Congressman Joe Wilson introduced H.R. 8931, the Stop the Killing in Syria Act which would enact the toughest sanctions ever proposed on the Assad regime in Syria, make it U.S. policy to support a free and democratic Syria, require a strategy to support a democratic Syria and prohibit any future President from recognizing the Assad regime or recognizing Assad as the President of Syria. The policies in the bill were mostly first recommended as part of the Republican Study Committee National Security Strategy led by Chairman Joe Wilson which was released in June. The bill is part of a larger push by the Republican Study Committee to introduce conservative foreign policy legislation standing for American leadership around the world.

""I appreciate President Donald Trump's leadership in holding Bashar Al-Assad accountable for his crimes. From the coalition-led missile strikes on Assad after his use of chemical weapons, his enforcement of the Caesar Act, and his maximum pressure campaign on Iran, which has led to a significant withdrawal of Iranian forces,"" said Congressman Wilson. ""Yet Congress must do more to stop Assad's killing of Syrian people and the entities which fund it. As Chairman of the Republican Study Committee National Security Taskforce, I am grateful to introduce the Stop the Killing in Syria Act on behalf of the House Republican Study Committee, which implements important recommendations of intensified sanctions from our June National Security Strategy Report and addresses human rights atrocities committed by the Assad regime.""

A short summary of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/12/11/2020/scott-applauds-passage-of-fy21-ndaa,Scott Applauds Passage of FY21 NDAA,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday | December 11, 2020
			 Scott Applauds Passage of FY21 NDAA 
			
			WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement upon the Senate passage of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act: ""South Carolina serves as a training ground for our servicemembers, but most importantly it serves as a home for the brave men and women who serve this nation,said Senator Tim Scott. I am proud that we were able to increase funding for America's military institutions  with some of the most important ones located in South Carolina  for the Department of Defense's HBCU Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation program, and for pay raises for our military families. South Carolinians are all too familiar with the sacrifices of our military members, and I am glad that Congress is responding to those sacrifices by providing much-needed resources. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our Armed Services to ensure that America remains the greatest and most powerful nation on earth.""
The FY21NDAAauthorizes $740.5 billion to support our servicemembers. The funding includes a three percent pay raise for all members of the armed forcesfor the second year in a row,includes oversight measures to ensure previous reforms to military housing are implemented as intended,continues investmentsin 5G technology, andprioritizes support for family readiness, spouse employment, and child care. Below is a list of provisions championed by Sen. Scott:
 
An increase of $27 millionover the President's budgetfor the Department of Defense's HBCU Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation programfor a total of $57 million
$9.1 billion to procure 95 joint strike fighter aircraft, a number of which will be based in South Carolina
 
South Carolina specific provisions are listed below:
 
$15 million for Joint Base Charleston
$7 million for Fort Jackson
$1.53 billion for the Savannah River Site (SRS)
$25 million for Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative Facility (AMC)
 

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https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/12/11/2020/scott-bill-to-strengthen-partnerships-between-hbcus-and-federal-agencies-headed-to-white-house,Scott Bill To Strengthen Partnerships Between HBCUs and Federal Agencies Headed To White House,2020-12-11,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday | December 11, 2020
			 Scott Bill To Strengthen Partnerships Between HBCUs and Federal Agencies Headed To White House 
			
			WASHINGTON Today, the United States Senate passed the HBCU Propelling Agency Relationships Towards a New Era of Results for Students (PARTNERS) Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).The bill, previously passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, is now headed to the president's desk for a signature.If signed into law, this legislation will strengthen partnerships between federal agencies and the country's more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The HBCU PARTNERS Act builds on the President's 2017 executive order on HBCUs. It will require federal agencies with relevant grants and programs to undertake annual planning and coordinate their efforts to support and expand HBCU participation those programs. The bill strengthens the rigor and transparency requirements of existing law by requiring that agencies track their progress toward past goals and share their plans with Congress. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for the institutions' priorities and policy concerns to be raised.
OurHBCUs have unlocked opportunities for generations of students, especially in underserved communities, and I am excited that this bipartisan bill is making its way to thePresident's desk,said Senator Tim Scott. TheHBCU PARTNERSAct is a great step forward for these schools and their students.Ilook forward tothis criticallegislation being signed into law to help these institutions continue their legacies.
HBCUs like Delaware State University play a critical role in helping to ensure that every American has access to higher education, and I'm so proud that our bipartisan bill to support the missions of HBCUs is one step closer to becoming law, said Senator Coons. We have much more work ahead to make college accessible and affordable for all Americans, and HBCUs are an important part of that work,said Senator Chris Coons.
The HBCU PARTNERS Act was co-sponsored by U.S. Senators David Perdue (R-GA), Doug Jones (D-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). A companion bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Representatives Mark Walker (NC-06) and Alma Adams (NC-12).
Creating a comprehensive federal partnership with America's HBCUs is essential for Congress' shared goal of directing unprecedented support for North Carolina's HBCUs like North Carolina A&T, Winston-Salem State, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central, Bennett, Johnson, C. Smith, and Shaw  proud and historic institutions which I am privileged to support,Walker said.With this bipartisan legislation passed through Congress and on its way to the president's desk, the HBCU PARTNERS Act further cements our nation's commitment to these vital educational institutions.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are agents of access and equity in this country, said Congresswoman Adams. TheHBCU PARTNERS Actrecognizes these contributions in the most important way possible: by affording these institutions the ongoing support and investment needed to deepen their transformational work. This legislation will require every administration and the federal agencies it manages to plan and coordinate, on an annual basis, their efforts to strategically engage with and invest in HBCUs. In addition, it codifies the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, ensuring an ongoing avenue for HBCU priorities and policy concerns to be raised and addressed.Advancing the mission of HBCUs and the success of the communities they serve must be on the minds of our country's leaders, and more importantly, it must be part of their agendas.
Thank you to my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus and the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus for their support, as well as all of the organizations that are tireless advocates for HBCUs, in getting this bill passed,Adams concluded.
Full text of the bill is availableHERE.

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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-stands-for-election-integrity,WILSON STANDS FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 10, Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on joining over 100 House Republicans in filing an amicus brief in support of the case brought by the State of Texas to address election irregularities:

""People across the United States are concerned about the mishandling of their votes and irregularities in the 2020 federal election. I share this concern which is why I joined my colleagues, led by Congressman Mike Johnson, in filing an amicus brief that expresses concern and the belief that these issues should be addressed by the Court.

""I am grateful that South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has also joined the 16 other state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the State of Texas as they pursue their right to truth. The constitutional provisions that election laws are the sole jurisdiction of state legislators must be maintained and not be changed by judicial action.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=47058F14-BC20-4851-9BCB-57D89A523530,House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Honor Joseph Rainey,2020-12-10,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC-Today the House of Representatives passed H.Res.1253 honoring former Congressman Joseph H. Rainey.Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) co-sponsored H. Res.1253 with Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, and Majority Whip Clyburn. This legislation will name room H-150 in the US Capitol after JosephRainey,the first African American Congressman and Georgetown native, to honor the 150th Anniversary of his swearing in.
""It is a privilege to co-sponsor this bill that honors a true American patriot like Mr. Rainey. All South Carolinians can look up to Joseph Rainey as a trailblazer who fought for opportunity for all, and his legacy should be honored,""said Congressman Tom Rice. Background:
Joseph Rainey was born into slavery in Georgetown, South Carolina in 1832. His father was a barber and used his earnings to buy freedom for himself and his family, including Joseph. Later, during the Civil War, Joseph was drafted by the Confederacy, but he escaped to Bermuda with his wife and started a business. In 1866 he returned to Georgetown, South Carolina where he became the county's Republican Party Chairman. Just a few years later in 1870, he was elected to Congress where he served until 1879 making him the longest serving African American Member of Congress in the nineteenth century. Read the full Resolutionhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-perlmutter-secure-permanent-authorization-of-ombudsman-for-energy,"WILSON, PERLMUTTER SECURE PERMANENT AUTHORIZATION OF OMBUDSMAN FOR ENERGY EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS COMPENSATION PROGRAM",2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 8, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with permanent authorization of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP). Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) worked through the entire bill process to ensure this critical legislation made it to the President's desk.

""I am grateful that this year's NDAA included permanent authorization of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. Passage of this provision will now allow thousands of nuclear workers, including those who have served at the Savannah River Site, to navigate the difficult process of receiving these benefits,"" said Congressman Wilson. ""This has been a bipartisan effort with me and Congressman Ed Perlmutter. By passing this bill, Congress has shown appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to our national security.""

""The Office of the Ombudsman serves as a critical resource and advocate for those who risked their lives to protect our nation,"" said Congressman Perlmutter. ""By making this office permanent we can better ensure these patriots receive the compensation and care they need and deserve as they deal with the health consequences and other side effects related to their service to our country.""

BACKGROUND

During the Cold War, approximately 600,000 workers were employed at U.S. weapons program facilities throughout the country. As a result of their work for the U.S. government, some atomic weapons workers developed cancers and other diseases. In 2000, Congress acted to provide healthcare and benefits for former nuclear weapons workers by passing the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). The Department of Labor's Office of the Ombudsman helps former nuclear weapons workers navigate the complex claims process under the EEOICPA. Under previous law, the Ombudsman's office sunset in October 2020.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3B76AD50-906A-4510-9876-6B5305CC5FDB,Rep Rice Introduces Bipartisan E-QUIP Act,2020-12-09,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC -Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) and Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) introduced theEnergy Efficient Qualified Improvement Property (E-QUIP) Acttoday.  The E-QUIP Act is an important step to further simplifying the tax code for real estate owners and incentivizing investment in more efficient energy technology. E-QUIP installations will lead to lower energy costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions while also spurring construction, design, and maintenance jobs.
This will help our country compete, drive down energy prices, and remove barriers so that our country can reach its full energy potential. Most importantly, it will be a positive change that will benefit thousands of South Carolinians. I am grateful to Congressman Brad Schneider for working with me on this important, bipartisan legislation,""saidCongressman Tom Rice. Background: The E-QUIP Act creates a new tax code category applying to improvements in commercial buildings and multifamily buildings. It would streamline the existing cost recovery patchwork by offering a uniform, straight-line 10-year cost recovery period for ""high performance"" building systems and equipment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-house-passage-of-ndaa,WILSON STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF NDAA,2020-12-08,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 8, Congressman Joe Wilson, Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the House passage of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report:

""This year's NDAA is a promise that we stand with our nation's military. As an NDAA Committee Conferee, it has been rewarding to see the hard work of Congress finalized in this legislation that advances peace through strength. Enactment of this bill would be the 60th consecutive fiscal year that the NDAA has passed, exhibiting the truly bipartisan nature of the process.

""Our military families are the strong foundation of our nation's military, which is why I am focused on ensuring servicemembers and their families continue to receive benefits they deserve. This NDAA contains several policy and funding initiatives that reaffirm our commitment to America's troops and their families. I am thankful this NDAA provides our servicemembers childcare along with a three percent pay increase, which represents the first time in a decade that U.S. troops will consecutively receive salary boosts of at least three percent.

""In response to the pandemic, this year's NDAA focuses on the health and safety of our servicemembers by ensuring the Defense Department has the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and personal protective equipment needed to keep our men and women in uniform healthy and safe.

""I am grateful this year's NDAA included five bills that I have introduced or led this Congress: the Nuclear Workers Ombudsman Extension Act, the United States-Israel Military Capability Act, the Body Armor for Females Modernization Act, the Small Manufacturer Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, and the DOD Portfolio Management Accountability Act.

""This bill also provides full funding authorization for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at USC-Aiken, pit production, and Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) at the Savannah River Site, all of which I have worked to include through the committee and conference process.

""As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our military and am committed to continuing to work for our servicemembers and their families. I am thankful to have worked with my colleagues to advance this important, bipartisan legislation.""

HIGHLIGHTS OF FY21 NDAA

Savannah River Site (SRS)

Full funding authorization for PILT for counties in which SRS is located

Full funding authorization for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) located at the University of South Carolina - Aiken

Full funding authorization for pit production at SRS to modernize our nuclear triad

Includes the Nuclear Workers Ombudsman Extension Act

Congressman Joe Wilson is the co-lead with Congressman Ed Perlmutter

Extends indefinitely the Office of the Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act (EEOICPA) program in order to ensure covered individuals are able to receive compensation and navigate the process

Support for Military Families

Authorizes a 3.0% increase in basic pay for service members

The first time in a decade that troops will consecutively receive salary boosts of at least three percent

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide childcare to each child of a member of the Armed Forces or civilian employee of the Department of Defense (DoD) while that member or employee works on rotating shifts at a military installation

Military Aircraft in South Carolina

Supports the budget request for the AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters

McEntire Joint National Guard Base supports flight for Apache and Blackhawk helicopters

Provides additional funding for 5 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters

McEntire Joint National Guard Base supports flight for Chinook helicopters

Supports the budget request and service's Unfunded Priorities Lists by authorizing 93 F35 aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps

Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort supports flight for F-35 aircraft

Solidarity with Israeli Alliance

Includes the United States-Israel Military Capability Act

Sponsored by Congressman Joe Wilson

Allows the creation of a Defense Department U.S.-Israel working group on operations and technology issues to facilitate greater cooperation between the United States and Israeli companies on defense acquisition and innovation

Military Readiness

Includes the Body Armor for Females Modernization Act

Sponsored by Congressman Joe Wilson

Expedites the procurement and fielding of new generation equipment that better protects our servicewomen

Fort Jackson trains more than 60% of all women entering the Army each year

Increases Hazardous Duty Pay owed to troops from $250 to $275 per month

Includes the Guard and Reserve Hazard Duty Pay Equity Act

Congressman Joe Wilson co-led a letter to conferees urging its inclusion with sponsor Congressman Andy Kim

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to standardize payment of hazardous duty incentive pay for members of the Guard and Reserve Components of the Armed Forces

Military Housing Reforms

Builds on the progress from last year to include sweeping reforms in response to concerns about the management, oversight, and condition of military family housing

Ensures the Department and private housing partners are responsive to resident concerns

Authorizes an additional $60 million for oversight and improvement of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) program and to continue addressing environmental and maintenance issues in government-owned family housing

Overdue improvements include improved identification and remediation of severe environmental hazards, support for families displaced for mold and other hazards, and liaisons for families with special needs children

Cybersecurity Protections

Establishes a National Cyber Director within the Executive Office of the President to serve as the President's chief advisor on cyber matters and lead coordinator for Executive Branch departments and agencies' cyber issues

Adopts 17 Cyber Solarium Commission recommendations that strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and empowers the government to better protect against cyber-attack

Includes the Small Manufacturer Cybersecurity Enhancement Act

Congressman Joe Wilson is the co-lead with Congressman Jimmy Panetta

Provides much-needed assistance to small defense manufacturers with cyber compliance and enhances cybersecurity throughout our defense supply chain by expanding DoD's cyber initiatives with MEP Centers

DoD Accountability and Oversight

Includes the DoD Portfolio Management Accountability Act

Congressman Joe Wilson is the co-lead with Congressman Dusty Johnson and Congressman Filemon Vela

Requires the Department of Defense to use portfolio management best practices to improve weapon system investments

This approach would reduce government waste and inefficiency by significantly reducing duplicative efforts within DoD, saving our taxpayer dollars, and funding other crucial objectives to support our national security",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-calls-to-designate-iranian-backed-militia-as-terrorist,WILSON CALLS TO DESIGNATE IRANIAN-BACKED MILITIA AS TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 3, Congressman Joe Wilson, Ranking Member of the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee of the Hosue Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force introduced the Badr Organization Designation Act of 2020 to designate the Badr Organization in Iraq, an Iranian-backed militia, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

""Badr is Iran's oldest proxy in Iraq and has the blood of Americans, Iraqis, Syrians, and Lebanese on its hands. Not only was it commanded and funded by Qassem Soleimani, the terrorist leader of Iran's revolutionary guard who President Trump heroically eliminated from the battlefield earlier this year, it also spearheaded and led the terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad almost one full year ago,"" said Congressman Wilson. ""Badr works directly with Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah, AAH, and many other designated terrorist organizations to push forward its campaign of terror. Unfortunately, Badr has still not been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It is absolutely necessary if we are to truly have maximum pressure on Iran that Badr is designated as a terrorist organization. This legislation would do just that and I urge the State Department to designate Badr before the one-year anniversary of the attack.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=16F91433-D529-4E42-B41A-5199E3EAC34A,"Reps Rice, DeGette, Reed, and Butterfield Introduce the PREVENT DIABETES Act",2020-12-03,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today Representatives Tom Rice (R-SC), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Tom Reed (R-NY), and G.K. Butterfield (D-CA) introduced The Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-Based Strategies (PREVENT DIABETES) Act.
Today I introduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act. Approximately 500,000 South Carolinians have diabetes. This legislation will expand virtual suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) to those in rural, minority, or medically underserved communities to help address disparities and improve lives. My goal is to create policies that give South Carolinians and all Americans access to high quality, efficient health care services under Medicare. MDPP expansion will help empower residents and families to make healthier choices, so we can prosper as a community,saidCongressman Tom Rice.
Nearly one-third of all adults in this country have either diabetes or prediabetes,saidCongressman DeGette, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. Finding ways to prevent more Americans from developing this deadly disease must remain one of our top priorities. This legislation will help us expand access to important resources and make them more available to more Americans  including our seniors, and those living in more rural areas, who may otherwise be unable to utilize them.
By dramatically expanding virtual access to the Diabetes Prevention Program, a critical Medicare service, we will ensure more Americans can utilize the informational resources they need to make healthy decisions. As Co-Chair of the Diabetes Caucus, we know how important it is to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the United States and support those Americans battling the disease,saidCongressman Tom Reed, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus.
Over 3.5 million North Carolinians have prediabetes and this number continues to grow. We know that diabetes disproportionately affects minority communities, especially those living in rural and underserved areas. It is critical to support these vulnerable communities by leveraging every tool at our disposal and providing education and information on healthy choices that will help prevent the development of diabetes. Increasing virtual access to the Diabetes Prevention Program will make it easier for people to access the vital information and care they need, saidCongressman G.K. Butterfield.
Background:
According to the CDC, 13% of American adults have diabetes, including 26.8% of those aged 65 or older. Diabetes prevalence varies substantially by race/ethnicity, affecting 16.4% of Black adults, 14.9% of Asian adults, and 14.7% of Hispanic adults, versus 11.9% of White adults. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in South Carolina. Inclusion of virtual suppliers in MDPP could help to address these disparities and improve outcomes for older Americans across the board.
The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model is a structured intervention with the goal of preventing type 2 diabetes in individuals with an indication of pre-diabetes.The primary goal of the expanded model is at least 5 percent weight loss by participants. The study found that lifestyle changes resulting in modest weight loss sharply reduced the development of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk for the disease.
This legislation is supported by American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Medical Association (AMA), Association of Diabetes Care+ Education Specialists (ADCES), Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI), Connected Health Initiative, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, Noom, Novo Nordisk, Omada Health, Teladoc Health, and YMCA of USA.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6FCC2216-18A5-454B-86AE-9E2F60E92DA2,Rep Rice Hosts Telephone Town Hall,2020-12-02,2020,2020-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC-Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) is hosting a telephone town hall on Monday, December 7th to give a legislative update and answer questions. We will also discuss and answer Covid-19 questions. Dr. Danielle Scheurer, the Chief Quality Officer and Professor of Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston and member of the SC Vaccine Committee, will be joining us on the call. I hope you can join us! You can register online or dial in on Monday! To register online, visit:https://rice.house.gov/townhall
December 7, 2020
5:30 PM
Dial: 866-295-1745",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-on-court-decision-to-block-removal-of-savannah-bluff-lock-and-dam,WILSON ON COURT DECISION TO BLOCK REMOVAL OF SAVANNAH BLUFF LOCK AND DAM,2020-11-24,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On November 23, the United States District Court for South Carolina ordered in favor of the State of South Carolina in the case against the Savannah District Army Corps of Engineers regarding their proposed plan to tear down the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam and replace it with a fixed rock weir. This selected plan, Alternative 2-6d, would have been detrimental to the North Augusta Community, irreversibly lowering the water levels in a manner that would negatively impact recreation, economic development, and industries up and down the river.

""It is great to see that the Army Corps is now permanently enjoined from entering into any plan that would not ‘maintain the pool' that was in existence on the date of enactment of the 2016 'Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.' I and my colleagues in Congress have continued to fight against the Corps' actions, maintaining that the Corps has acted against the clear intent of the language of the WIIN Act, requiring that the pool be maintained at 114.5 feet,"" said Congressman Wilson. ""I appreciate the tireless work of Governor Henry McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Senators Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, David Perdue, and Kelly Loeffler, Congressman Rick Allen, North Augusta Mayor Bob Pettit, S.C. Representative Bill Hixon, Senator Tom Young, and many other state and local officials who have been working together diligently on this issue for many years.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2708,"Reps. Van Taylor, Jimmy Panetta Urge NPRC to Resume Processing Military Personnel Records",2020-11-23,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, 233 Members of Congress, led by Congressman Van Taylor, sent a letter urging the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to implement new policies so that they may resume processing military personnel, health, and medical records requests and address the growing backlog of requests due to the closure of the facility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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      WASHINGTON - Today, 233 Members of Congress sent a letter urging the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to implement new policies so that they may resume processing military personnel, health, and medical records requests and address the growing backlog of requests due to the closure of the facility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter also underscores all Agency policy changes should continue to consider the health and safety of NPRC's workforce. Led by Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03) after hearing from veterans in his district, and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), the letter asks NPRC Director Scott Levins to implement new policies and procedures that can both protect the NPRC's workforce and ensure our nation's veterans are getting the records they need and deserve in a timely fashion. The letter is signed by 233 Members of Congress including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs David Roe.  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, NPRC reduced on site operations on March 23, 2020, only processing emergency requests and remains in the current status with no definitive timeline for addressing the backlog or improving processing times. Personnel records are needed for veterans, military, civil service retirees, and their dependents to qualify for a range of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.
    
        
            
            Author of the letter, Congressman Van Taylor said, ""The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for every facet of life, however, just as families and businesses across the country have worked to overcome these challenges, our federal agencies must adapt to continue serving the American people. He continued, The failure of NPRC to process military personal records has impacted our veterans and their families, who require these records to qualify for a range of benefits. Our Veterans have made countless sacrifices and we owe it to them to process these important requests in a timely manner. In dealing with this pandemic, we've learned that we must adapt, adjust, and continue to go forward. The NPRC must do the same to ensure that our servicemembers receive the proper support they deserve when it comes to obtaining their personnel records, said Congressman Panetta. Now more than ever, our federal government needs to work for the people of this nation. We'll continue to work with the NPRC so that it too continues to serve those who serve our nation.As a veteran, Congressman Van Taylor knows how critical timely access to NPRC records is to the veterans in Texas's 3rd Congressional District and across the country; he has been a central leader on this issue. I thank Van for highlighting this important problem, and look forward to working with our colleagues in Congress to ensure that the NPRC has the funding and resources needed to modernize their records system and adequately address the backlog while prioritizing staff safety,"" said Leader McCarthy. 
            
            Thousands of veterans and their families have faced hardships over the last nine months, but getting the benefits they have earned should not be one of them said Ranking Member Roe. It is imperative that the National Personnel Records Center continues to carry out their important work on behalf of the men and women they serve to ensure our heroes receive their records in a timely fashion. I am proud to join my friends and colleagues in advocating for a safe return to normal operations and a plan to address the backlog in requests as soon as possible.
            
            
        
    

The complete text of the letter can be viewed here. Led by Republican Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) and Democrat Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), the letter was signed by 233 Members of Congress,  122 Democrats and 111 Republicans, including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23),House Committee on Veterans Affairs Ranking Member David P. Roe (TN-01), Gwen Moore (WI-03), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Barbara Lee (CA-09), Andy Kim (NJ-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Ted Budd (NC-13), Ben McAdams (UT-04), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-03), Roger Williams (TX-25), Max Rose (NY-11), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Filemon Vela (TX-34), Susan Wild (PA-07), Darren Soto (FL-09), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Greg Gianforte (MT-AL), Robert E. Latta (OH-05), Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark E. Green, M.D. (TN-07), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Elise M. Stefanik (NY-21), TJ Cox (CA-21), Denver Riggleman (VA-05), Brian Mast (FL-18), Joe Courtney (CT-02), John Garamendi (CA-03), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Randy K. Weber (TX-14), W. Gregory Steube (FL-17), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Virginia Foxx (NC-05), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Thomas P. Tiffany (WI-07), Chip Roy (TX-21), Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-15), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01),Richard E. Neal (MA-01), Steve Womack (AR-03), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Mark Walker (NC-06), Jefferson Van Drew (NJ-02), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Steven M. Palazzo (MS-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Salud O. Carbajal (CA-24), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Ed Case (HI-01), Cindy Axne (IA-03), Al Lawson (FL-05), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01), Michael Waltz (FL-06), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Jim Banks (IN-03), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Steve Chabot (OH-01), Collin C. Peterson (MN-07), David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01), David P. Joyce (OH-14), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04),Darin LaHood (IL-09), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04), Brian Higgins (NY-26), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), David Rouzer (NC-07), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Tom Cole (OK-04), Michael T. McCaul (TX-10), Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (PR-AL), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), John Katko (NY-24), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL),Bill Posey (FL-08), Dina Titus (NV-01), Paul Cook (CA-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Linda T. Snchez (CA-38), Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Jody Hice (GA-10), Peter A. DeFazio (OR-04), Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Henry Cuellar (TX-28), Sharice L. Davids (KS-03), Pete Stauber (MN-08),Bob Gibbs (OH-07), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Scott H. Peters (CA-52), Andr Carson (IN-07), French Hill (AR-02), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Bill Johnson (OH-06), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), David C. Cicilline (RI-01), Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), Donald J. Bacon (NE-02), H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09), Michael Cloud (TX-27), Bill Flores (TX-17), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), James Comer (KY-01), Mike Johnson (LA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Tom McClintock (CA-04), Adam Kinzinger (IL-), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Will Hurd (TX-23), Rick W. Allen (GA-12), Dean Phillips (MN-03), Val Demings (FL-10), Kathleen M. Rice (NY-04), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), A. Donald McEachin (VA-04), Ben Cline (VA-22), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Chris Stewart (UT-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Scott Perry (PA-10), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), John Curtis (UT-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Colin Allred (TX-32), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Vickie Hartzler (MO-04), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Daniel T. Kildee (MI-05), Mike Levin (CA-49), Garrett Graves (LA-06), Tom Rice (SC-07), Michael Guest (MS-03), Abigail D. Spanberger (VA-07), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Jason Crow (CO-06), Conor Lamb (PA-17), Jim Baird (IN-04), Alex X. Mooney (WV-02), Peter Welch (VT-AL), Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Ral M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), Tony Crdenas (CA-29), Mike Bost (IL-12), John Rose (TN-06), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Pete Olson (TX-22), David Trone (MD-06), Ken Buck (CO-04), Neal P. Dunn, M.D. (FL-02), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), John R. Moolenaar (MI-04), Fred Keller (PA-12), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Susie Lee (NV-03), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), Michael F. Q. San Nicolas (GU-AL), Bill Foster (IL-11), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Elissa Slotkin (MI-08),Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Jared Golden (ME-02), Nanette Barragn (CA-44), Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01), Josh Harder (CA-10), Dan Bishop (NC-09), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Deb Haaland (NM-01), John B. Larson (CT-01), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Chris Jacobs (NY-27), Jason Smith (MO-08), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Lois Frankel (FL-21), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (MP-AL), Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), 

  
A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-bill-to-expand-rewards-for-justice-at-stae-department-passess,WILSON BILL TO EXPAND REWARDS FOR JUSTICE AT STATE DEPARTMENT PASSESS HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY,2020-11-19,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On November 18, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 4802 introduced by Congressman Joe Wilson and Congressman Ted Deutch. This bill will incentivize informants to come forward with actionable information regarding evasion of U.S. or UN sanctions by expanding the Rewards for Justice program at the State Department.

""Passing a sanctions bill is one thing, enforcement is another,"" said Congressman Joe Wilson upon the bill's passage. ""The crucial legislation will provide the U.S. government with better information which will in turn yield stronger enforcement of sanctions on some of the world's most nefarious regimes, like Iran, China, and Russia. Enactment of this bill will further strengthen the integrity of U.S. and UN sanctions and make it that much harder for rogue regimes to skirt sanctions laws. I urge my Senate colleagues to take up this bill as soon as possible.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-passes-bipartisan-wilson-bill-holding-russia,HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BIPARTISAN WILSON BILL HOLDING RUSSIA ACCOUNTABLE FOR VIOLATIONS OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN UKRAINE,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On November 18, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 5408 Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act introduced by Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) which holds Russia accountable for violations of religious liberty in Ukraine.

For nearly seven years, Russia has illegally occupied Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of as many ten thousand soldiers and well over three thousand civilians. During this time, Russia has also presided over an unprecedented assault of religious freedom in Ukraine, regularly persecuting and intimidating Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups, with such actions as kidnappings, torture, and forced psychiatric examinations and imprisonment. Minority religious groups in the areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by pro-Russian proxies have also been forced to flee in order to escape the oppressive conditions.

The Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act will hold Russia accountable for these egregious violations of religious liberty in the areas of Ukraine it currently controls. The bill will require the State Department to take violations of religious liberty in areas of Ukraine controlled by Russia into consideration during its annual review of religious freedom in Russia pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

""I appreciate that the House of Representatives passed this legislation today, sending a strong and clear message to Putin that the United States is watching and will not cease protecting religious freedom in the independent nation of Ukraine. Russian authorities are committing religious persecution in Ukraine, this is unacceptable and must be stopped,"" said Congressman Wilson upon passage of H.R. 5408. ""This bill follows the strong U.S. tradition of protecting religious freedoms around the world by bringing international attention to the grave violations of religious freedom in the territory of Ukraine that Russia illegally occupies while ensuring that Vladimir Putin and his cronies are held accountable.""

""The freedom to practice a religious tradition without fear of persecution is a human right—the likes of which the United States will always rise to defend,"" said Congressman Cleaver. ""I'm proud to stand with our Ukrainian allies and the U.S. Congress as we send a message that we will not tolerate the oppression of religious minorities, and that any efforts to do so will be met with serious repercussions.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-appointed-to-ndaa-conference-committee-1,WILSON APPOINTED TO NDAA CONFERENCE COMMITTEE,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On November 18, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was appointed to the conference committee for this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

""I am thankful to serve another year on the NDAA Conference Committee for fiscal year 2021. As a veteran, the father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, and Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am wholly committed to supporting our servicemembers, veterans, and military families,"" said Congressman Joe Wilson. ""Last year's committee efforts were successful, and I will continue to promote peace through strength and work to champion legislation that benefits South Carolina. I look forward to working with the entire conference committee to advance this bipartisan legislation.""

""Joe is a proud patriot who loves this country and understands the sacrifices of our troops and their families. He is not only a longtime member of the Armed Services Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee, he is a veteran and the father of veterans,"" said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. ""That is why he has always been a passionate advocate of a robust national defense based on the timeless principle of peace through strength. With his previous NDAA experience, I am confident Joe will bring a keen eye for detail, deep institutional knowledge, and a determined desire to ensure the priorities of our men and women in uniform are passed by the conference committee.""

Members of the NDAA Conference Committee, appointed by the Speaker of the House and approved by the full House, work together to resolve differences between House and Senate-passed versions of the bill that funds the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces of the United States. Congressman Wilson is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and serves on the Strategic Forces and Readiness subcommittees.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=FD4B8792-AD97-4E6E-B6C3-563A0C1BFAC0,Rep. Rice Releases Statement on Broadband Expansion,2020-11-18,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) released the following statement regarding the announcement of broadband expansion in Marion County that was made possible by CARES Act funds.
Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC) expanding in Marion County was made possible by a 1.5 million dollar grant from South Carolina Broadband Infrastructure Program created in the CARES Act and a matching investment from HTC.
This expansion will help Marion stay connected and compete in the 21st century economy, provide students with increased learning opportunities, and support underserved residents impacted by the pandemic, said Congressman Tom Rice. Broadband infrastructure is an invaluable resource that will greatly benefit the Seventh District.
We are excited to extend this network and be able to serve greater portions of Marion County, said HTC CEO Mike Hagg. This will open up tremendous opportunities for students, businesses, and families to harness the power of the internet.

                                              ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3CFD0395-F3F4-426F-8CFF-735861C778A1,Rep. Rice Releases Statement on Passage of Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act of 2020,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) cosponsored the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act of 2020 (PDAIA). Rep Rice released the following statement regarding the passage of PDAIA today.
The Seventh District of South Carolina is no stranger to the damage that can be caused by natural disasters. The Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act will establish damage assessment teams in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that damage is reported and critical funding is disbursed accurately and efficiently.
This crucial legislation will help communities recover from damage by improving consistency and swiftness in the preliminary damage assessment process. I am proud to co-sponsor the PDAIA to ensure there is dependability in FEMA reports.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E7C8484B-EF0E-4F0D-A12D-57FE421D39B5,Rep. Rice Announces HIRE Vets Award Recipients,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC-Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) released the following statement regarding the HIRE Vets Medallion Program Awards.
I am honored to announce that two businesses in the Seventh District, AHSC Inc. and Rhino Demolition and Environmental Services Corp., have been awarded the HIRE Vets Small Gold Medallion.
Veterans who serve this country shouldn't struggle to find jobs at home, and these employers have made great strides in making veterans a priority in their businesses.
Background:
HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the onlyfederalprogram that recognizes and honors job creators for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining our Nation's veterans.
In order to be awarded the 2020 HIRE Vets Small Gold Medallion, businesses must have:
 
Not less than 7% of employees hired, or
Not less than 75% of Vets hired retained for 12 months, and
At least 7% of employees are Vets",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=2CD1FF3E-A758-410A-A9B4-1B6FDAE19237,Rep Rice Releases Statement on Judge Barrett Confirmation,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Judge Barrett is exceptionally qualified, andI am confident she will interpret the Constitution as it is written, protect our individual freedoms, and uphold the rule of law on which our nation was founded.
She belongs on the Supreme Court, and we are fortunate to have her. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-meets-lowcountry-small-business-owners-continued-impacts-covid-19,Cunningham Meets with Lowcountry Small Business Owners on Continued Impacts of COVID-19,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mount Pleasant, S.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today met with Lowcountry small businesses to discuss the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 at a roundtable event organized by Lowcountry Local First. They discussed the dire need for further federal COVID-19 relief, the need for more flexibility with small business resources like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and other problems facing Lowcountry small businesses as they manage the continuing challenges caused by COVID-19.
Small businesses are the backbone of the Lowcountry's economy, and it is abundantly clear that they are still hurting, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I am thankful for the opportunity to hear directly from small business owners about the sort of challenges they are facing, including the need for technical changes to federal aid resources like the PPP to make them work better for our smaller businesses. It is crucial that Congressional leaders work with the Administration to pass another round of COVID-19 relief as soon as possible and take into consideration these concerns.
""The needs of small businesses are as diverse as the types of businesses that were represented in our listening session with Congressman Cunningham today. As we heard today, a one-size-fits-all approach to economic recovery typically helps larger, more-established businesses and leaves our small businesses behind. As advocates for the local-independent business community, we appreciate the Congressman taking the time to hear from a variety of businesses from different backgrounds that included retail, restaurant, publishing and light industrial, said Jamee Haley, Executive Director of Lowcountry Local First.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=689,Rep. Norman Introduces Bill to Help Parents Who Educate Their Children At Home,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Norman Introduces Bill to Help Parents Who Educate Their Children At Home 
    
     

  
  
    
      Washington, D.C.,
      October 16, 2020
    
     | 
    Austin Livingston
    (803-833-0030)
  
  

  

  
  
  

  
    
      

For background information, the IRS allows an ""eligible educator"" to deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed education expenses, which could include books, supplies, computer equipment, software, and other items used in the classroom. Furthermore, the IRS definition of eligible educator is a K-12 teacher who provides instruction in a traditional school environment.

Rep. Norman's new bill would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to clarify IRS regulations such that ""individuals who provide home-school education are 'eligible educators'"" for the purpose of this tax deduction.

Rep. Norman issued the following statement after filing this bill:

""Parents who educate their children at home are, in fact, teachers. As such, home educators should be eligible for the same tax deductions that K-12 teachers in a traditional school are entitled to. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more and more families have chosen home schooling to help meet the educational goals they have for their children.""

Organizations endorsing this bill include:
 
    FreedomWorks
    Family Research Council
    American Federation for Children
    National Taxpayers Union
 
National Taxpayers Union issued the following statement about Rep. Norman's bill:  


""With millions of children learning from home this year and next, parents may face a number of unanticipated schooling expenses. Congressman Norman's Home Educators are Teachers Act would ensure that parents homeschooling their kids can access a $250 deduction for education expenses, providing some commonsense relief for families across the country. National Taxpayers Union applauds Congressman Norman for introducing this bill.""\",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-cosponsors-local-journalism-sustainability-act,Cunningham Cosponsors the Local Journalism Sustainability Act,2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Charleston, S.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today cosponsored the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, bipartisan legislation that proposes a series of tax credits aimed at bolstering local newspapers and media in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local news publications were already facing financial difficulties prior to the onset of COVID-19. Now, in the wake of the severe economic challenges caused by the pandemic, the industry is facing increased challenges to remaining sustainable.
I recognize the vital importance of our local news outlets in the Lowcountry, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. During COVID-19, our local papers, TV, and radio stations have done a phenomenal job delivering timely and critical information to our community. I am proud to support bipartisan legislation that provides tax credits for readers, journalists, and advertisers to keep Lowcountry news outlets afloat and protect the essential service they provide.
The Local Journalism Sustainability Act offers a series of three tax-credits aimed at sustaining and providing a pathway to viability for the local journalism industry in the years to come. The first credit works to incentivize annual subscriptions to local papers that primarily produce content related to local news and current events. The second credit is a five-year refundable credit for local newspapers to employ and adequately compensate journalists. The last of the three credits is a five-year non-refundable tax credit that incentivizes small-to-medium sized businesses to advertise with local newspapers, as well as local radio and television stations.
The proposed credits in the Local Journalism Sustainability Act will encourage Americans to subscribe to local publications, help those publications retain and compensate journalists, and provide businesses and publications alike with much-needed advertising dollars.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-joins-south-carolina-delegation-introduce-bipartisan-legislation,Cunningham Joins South Carolina Delegation to Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Parris Island,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01), who represents Parris Island, today joined Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02), Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05), to introduce the Parris Island Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would protect Parris Island from closure by prohibiting the use of federal funds to close or plan the closure of the Marine Corps Training Depotat Parris Island,and recognizes the important contributions female recruits have played there since 1949. The action comes in response toreportsthat the U.S. Marine Corps was considering plans to shutter Parris Island and move all new recruits to a new centralized base.
I am humbled by the opportunity to represent Parris Island and take seriously my responsibility to safeguarditscritical role in ensuring our national defense,said Rep. Joe Cunningham.For over 100 years, tens of thousands of Marines have begun their outstanding service to our nation in our backyard and I will not let that change on my watch. I am proud to stand with my colleagues across the aisle and protect Parris Island by prohibiting federal funds from being used to close or realign the base.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) intends to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
Last year, Cunningham successfully passed anamendmentin the House that would protect Lowcountry installations from closing by prohibiting funds from being used for a base realignment and closure (BRAC).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-introduces-parris-island-protection-act,WILSON INTRODUCES PARRIS ISLAND PROTECTION ACT,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On October 9, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) introduced the Parris Island Protection Act, which prohibits the use of federal funds to close or plan the closure of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) intends to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. This legislation is in direct response to recent news that the U.S. Marine Corps is considering shutting its recruit training base at Parris Island, SC.

""The recent report that the Marine Corps is considering closing Parris Island is shocking and disappointing. The unique value of the base and its facilities cannot be replicated, which is why I am grateful to introduce this legislation, along with my friend, Congressman Ralph Norman, and several members of the South Carolina delegation. This legislation is simple: it ensures that Parris Island will not be closed by barring the use of federal funds to close or realign the base,"" said Congressman Joe Wilson. ""South Carolina has welcomed recruits from around the country for over a century, and to close Parris Island would not only be detrimental to South Carolina, but also to the Marine Corps. As a military veteran of 32 years and the former representative for Parris Island, I am especially grateful to the men and women who serve in the Marine Corps, and I look forward to working with the Marines and my colleagues in Congress to ensure that Parris Island is not closed.""

""For over a century, brave men and women with spirit and determination have been molded into Marines at Parris Island. With its rich history, this base is of significant importance to South Carolina, our nation, and our military,"" said Congressman Norman. ""As long as I serve in Congress, I will fight to preserve Parris Island and make sure it remains the preeminent training facility for the U.S. Marine Corps.""

""I do not support and will never support closing Parris Island,"" said Senator Graham. ""We can change the basic training rules to have men and women train in the same platoon like other services. I believe that over time this change will be good for the Marine Corps. However closing Parris Island is a horrible idea. It should not happen today or in the future.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=683,Reps. Norman and Wilson Introduce Bill to Save Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot,2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S.Rep. Ralph Norman(R-SC-5) andRep. Joe Wilson(R-SC-2) introduced theParris Island Protection Act, which will prohibit the use of federal funds to close or realign the Marine Corps recruit training base located at Parris Island, SC. This bill will also prohibit ""any planning or other activity related to such closure or realignment.""



This legislation is in direct response torecentnewsthat the U.S. Marine Corps is considering shutting its recruit training base at Parris Island, SC.

Congressman Normanissued the following statement after the introduction of this legislation:""For over a century, brave men and women with spirit and determination have been molded into Marines at Parris Island. With its rich history, this base is of significant importance to South Carolina, our nation, and our military. As long as I serve in Congress, I will fight to preserve Parris Island and make sure it remains the preeminent training facility for the U.S. Marine Corps.

Congressman Wilsonissued a statement saying,The recent report that the Marine Corps is considering closing Parris Island is shocking and disappointing. The unique value of the base and its facilities cannot be replicated, which is why I am grateful to introduce this legislation, along with my friend, Congressman Ralph Norman, and several members of the South Carolina delegation. This legislation is simple: it ensures that Parris Island will not be closed by barring the use of federal funds to close or realign the base. South Carolina has welcomed recruits from around the country for over a century, and to close Parris Island would not only be detrimental to South Carolina, but also to the Marine Corps. As a military veteran of 32 years and the former representative for Parris Island, I am especially grateful to the men and women who serve in the Marine Corps, and I look forward to working with the Marines and my colleagues in Congress to ensure that Parris Island is not closed.

Senator Grahamadded,I do not support and will never support closing Parris Island. We can change the basic training rules to have men and women train in the same platoon like other services. I believe that over time this change will be good for the Marine Corps. However closing Parris Island is a horrible idea. It should not happen today or in the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=680,Statement on H.R. 1154,2020-10-02,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, Rep. Ralph Norman issued the following statement after voting againstH. Res. 1154: ""This resolution was yet another worthless messaging bill that does absolutely nothing to address the violence taking place in cities throughout our nation. For Congress to pass a resolution condemning QAnon by name, but make no such mention of other violent organizations, is shameful.
""I condemn in the strongest terms QAnon, Antifa, KKK and every other group  on both the far-left and far-right  that has brought unrest and violence to countless communities throughout our nation. Every individual associated with these organizations should face the full weight of the American justice system.

""My record and stance denouncing the violence these groups cause have been crystal clear. In fact, few in Congress have been more supportive of efforts to stop this violence while supporting our law enforcement officers than have I.

""This resolution fell far short of the mark and was a tremendous missed opportunity. Many leaders who are critical of my vote in opposition to this distraction are, to nobody's surprise, the same ones who were completely silent for months while far-left activists tore through our nation's cities.

""For those leaders on the left who have stood by and said nothing about this violence over the spring and summer, my vote will not be used to help you recover politically from months of inaction, when your voices needed to be heard the most. Particularly on a resolution that conveniently failed to list some of the most well-known organizations that have terrorized of our nation's cities.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-levin-introduce-student-veteran-covid-19-response-package,Cunningham and Levin Introduce Student Veteran COVID-19 Response Package,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Reps. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) and Mike Levin (CA-49) today introduced a package of bills to address the impacts of COVID-19 and resulting changes to higher education on student veterans. The Pandemic Assistance for Student Veterans Act makes updates to H.R. 6322 and S. 3503, two previous GI bill legislative fixes that have been passed by Congress in response to COVID-19. The legislation ensures all student veterans negatively impacted are covered, and addresses disparities in coverage for student veterans in apprenticeships or receiving on-the-job training who have become unemployed or furloughed.
Among many other benefits, the legislation would:
 Provide resources to student veterans who have fallen through the cracks of previous student veteran COVID-19 relief packages through no fault of their own;
	Makes certain that veterans continue to receive their housing allowance payments if their institution closes due to COVID-19; and
	Extend coverage to vocational training, apprenticeship programs, and other educational programs included in the GI bill beyond traditional colleges.
 The challenges presented by COVID-19 are difficult enough without student veterans having to worry about losing their benefits or housing allowances or being hit with unexpected bills if their higher education institution or work-study program closes, said Rep Joe Cunningham. Throughout this pandemic, Congress has worked together to pass meaningful bipartisan legislation to help our student veterans manage the negative consequences of COVID-19. But conversations with student veterans, the VA, and Veteran Service Organizations have made it clear that more needs to be done. I'm proud to introduce this comprehensive package to ensure our student veterans have the resources and safeguards they need to get through this crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend students' lives, and that includes veterans who are at risk of losing VA benefits they depend on to cover tuition, housing, and other costs, said Rep. Levin. I was proud to help pass the Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act earlier this year to protect veterans' GI Bill benefits, but some students still fell through the cracks. Our bill will fill those gaps and ensure that veterans continue to receive the GI Bill benefits they deserve. Every student veteran deserves that peace of mind, and I'm grateful for Congressman Cunningham's partnership on this legislation.
""Since we passed my Student Veteran Coronavirus Response Act this April, we've continued to hear from students, VSOs, schools, apprenticeship programs, and other stakeholders about what we still need to do to fully support student veterans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. That's why I strongly support Rep. Cunningham's new bipartisan efforts to further safeguard student veterans' benefits and provide certainty that however they're learning throughout the pandemicat home, at school, or some combinationtheir VA benefits will continue, said Chairman Mark Takano.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-against-partisan-response-package,Cunningham Votes Against Partisan Response Package,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Following his vote against the HEROES 2.0 package, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released the following statement:
""While imperfect, the CARES Act was a vital lifeline to many Lowcountry small businesses and families, and to those facing unemployment through no fault of their own.As several of its most critical provisions and funds have expired in recent weeks, I've made it clear toCongressional leadership the pressing need to pass additionalCOVIDrelief --specifically the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus 'March to Common Ground' framework I helped introduce -- which has received interest from the White House and representatives on both sides of the aisle.Acrisis this urgentdemandsa bipartisan,bicameral, and fiscally prudentresponse, not another partisan messaging package. Whilethe so-called' HEROES Act 2.0containsseveral importantprovisionsfor whichI've been fightingover the past few months, I ultimately cannot vote for a one-sided bill whose primary purpose ismore a messaging exercise than a real solution to a generational public health and economic crisis. ""I remain optimistic about the status of recent negotiations between Speaker Pelosi and the White House,and hope they will strongly considerthe 'March to Common Ground' framework I introduced with the Problem Solvers Caucus. Both parties must remain at the negotiating table and hammer out a deal that can provide urgent relief for workers, families, small businesses, and local governments.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-introduces-the-hezbollah-money-laundering-prevention-act,WILSON INTRODUCES THE HEZBOLLAH MONEY LAUNDERING PREVENTION ACT,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On September 30, Congressman Joe Wilson, Ranking Member of the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force, introduced H.R. 8445 The Hezbollah Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2020. This far-reaching legislation, based upon recommendations made by the RSC's ""National Security Strategy,"" would stop the Iranian backed terrorist organization Hezbollah's money laundering activities across the world, especially in Lebanon and Latin America, by requiring the President to make a determination that areas under the terrorist organization's control — in south Lebanon and in the tri-border region in South America — are ""primary money laundering concerns"" under Section 311 of the PATRIOT Act.

""This bill represents the toughest sanctions on Hezbollah ever proposed by Congress. By cutting off banks in areas under the terror group's control from the international financial system, this bill will go a long way towards drying up the Iranian terror proxy's resources to conduct murderous attacks against the U.S. and our allies. This bill will make it much harder for Hezbollah to do Iran's bidding in propping up the criminal Assad regime, the Houthis in Yemen, and continue to destabilize the Middle East,"" said Congressman Wilson. ""I am grateful that twelve of my colleagues on the Republican Study Committee joined me on this bill as original co-sponsors and I hope that it will send a strong message to the White House that Republicans in Congress continue to support a hard line on Iran.""

NOTE: Original cosponsors of H.R. 8445 are Representatives Ann Wagner (MO-02), Scott Perry (PA-10), Ted Yoho (FL-03), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Mark Walker (NC-06), Greg Steube (FL-17), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), and Tom McClintock (CA-04).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:34:36Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=674,Rep. Norman Leads Charge to Secure U.S. Colleges and Universities from Foreign Threats,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"While this endeavor is working its way through the appropriations process in the House and Senate, DHS Acting Secretary Wolf announced in August the creation of a new Academic Institutions Subcommittee, which will fall under the under the umbrella of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). This subcommittee will be charged, in part, with:

A. Warning U.S. academic institutions about the dangers of foreign adversaries and their endeavors to compromise our intellectual property and national secrets;

B. Help secure research to help protect hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded projects that are targets for theft by foreign adversaries; and

C. Monitoring foreign students who violate and overstay their visas.
  
Much of the world's groundbreaking research and scientific discovery takes place at U.S. colleges and universities. As such, our academic institutions are presumed to be high-value targets for malicious activities by foreign adversaries. At the top of that list is China.

According to FBI Director Christopher Wray, We have now reached the point where the FBI is opening a new China-related counterintelligence case about every 10 hours. Many of these cases are found in academia, where China uses overt tools to steal and compromise research through bribery, blackmail, and hacking. Other efforts appear more benign, like the Confucius Institutes or talent recruitment programs like Thousand Talents Program which seeks to siphon American innovation to China  including expensive, taxpayer-funded research.

The DHS Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council played an important role in helping to expose hostile foreign intelligence operations within our academic institutions. Unfortunately, the HSAAC has been dormant in recent years, leaving DHS without reliable information on matters within our academic institutions that could affect national security.

Congressman Norman applauds President Trump the DHS Acting Secretary Wolf for establishing this new Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Academic Subcommittee, which will ultimately resume many of the critical efforts of the original Council. The following statement was issued by Rep. Norman:

Openness, transparency, and collaboration are the hallmarks of the American academic tradition. It is these very strengths that are being exploited by economic and military competitors, most notably China. While more needs be done to include key stakeholders in policy deliberations at the DHS, I am encouraged by recent progress.

Protecting academia means protecting our homeland.That is why we need collaboration between the DHS and higher education.I want to thank Rep. Krishnamoorthi for his leadership and assistance with this important, bi-partisan effort.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=27C1093F-B8F1-4FB4-8E27-F5E949CE494A,Rep Rice Introduces American Dines Out Act,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) released the following statement after recently introducing the America Dines Out Act.
Recently I introduced the America Dines Out Act. This legislation, modeled after a popular measure in England, will create a mechanism in the Treasury that will reimburse restaurants for 50% of diners' meals.
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting every American. As we continue to safely reopen, we have to help businesses rebuild, said Rep Tom Rice. The America Dines Out Act will help move us toward a quick economic recovery.
My district contains the Grand Strand and the Pee Dee which is home to over 1,800 restaurants. These business owners were forced to close their doors, and the America Dines Out Act will help them reopen.
The America Dines Out Act will support businesses through their reopening. Here's how:
Within two weeks of enactment, the bill directs the Treasury to create a mechanism to reimburse restaurants for 50% of a diners' meals. The limitations on the program are:
 
The 50% discount is provided up to $12 per diner per day.
The discount only applies to food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The discount only applies if the customer dines in the restaurant.
The discount only applies on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
 
Restaurants would submit for reimbursement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2702,"Reps. Taylor, Shalala Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Collection and Reporting of Public Health Data",2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03), was joined by Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FL-27) to introduce bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to harmonize the collection and reporting of public health data across all levels of government. 
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      WASHINGTON  Today, United States Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX-03), was joined by Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FL-27) to introduce bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives to harmonize the collection and reporting of public health data across all levels of government.  While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently provides some reporting guidance through the National Vital Statistics System, methods used by state and local governments vary widely, making it difficult to accurately track, measure, and share information. Lack of consistent data and reporting requirements can prevent public health officials from making well-informed decisions.  H.R. 8444, the Vital STATS Act, aims to eliminate inconsistencies in the collection and reporting of public health data amongst federal, state, and local jurisdictions and, as a result, improve our nation's health system.  


    
        
            
            Author of the legislation, Congressman Van Taylor, said, The Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted long-standing inconsistencies in the collection and reporting of public health data amongst federal, state, and local jurisdictions. He continued, By improving the ability to accurately track, measure, and share vital statistics, our bill, the Vital STATS Act can help ensure public health officials have access to the best information and data available when making important decisions that ultimately impact the health and wellbeing of Americans. The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest challenge to American public health in recent memory, and the solutions public health experts and law makers present for overcoming this crisis will require reliable, consistent information for each corner of the country, said Rep. Shalala. ""This bill will help us fight any future pandemics by studying how we can make vital statistics reporting more effective and uniform, across state, local and federal agencies.
            
        
    

Specifically, H.R. 8444 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to work with the National Academy of Medicine to conduct a yearlong study assessing the effectiveness of current vital statistics reporting and data sharing between public health entities. Following completion of the study, the Vital STATS Act requires the National Academies to submit a report to Congress with policy recommendations addressing the coordination and standardization of state, local, and federal reporting measures to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of such reporting, and also the feasibility of setting national standards for death reporting and collecting vital statistics. H.R. 8444, the Vital STATS Act has been endorsed by Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White Health, and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

    
        
            
            Texas Health Resources applauds Representatives Van Taylor and Donna Shalala for leading a bipartisan effort to better align the nation's public health system by studying ways to improve the coordination of data collection, reporting and sharing at all levels of government. The current COVID-19 pandemic has certainly shown us that changes are needed to improve the system's efficiency and effectiveness going forward. - Ferdinand Velasco, M.D., Chief Health Information Officer; Texas Health ResourcesBaylor Scott & White Health supports Representative Van Taylor's initiative to help address some of the gaps and issues that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic with regard to data collection. Federal, state and local data requests continue to require substantial hospital resources and we look forward to studying and improving this process moving forward. - Baylor Scott & White HealthOn behalf of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), we support proposed legislation calling for a study by the National Academy of Medicine to assess the effectiveness of current vital statistics reporting and data sharing between State, local, and Federal entities. This legislation will be an important first step towards aligning our nation's public health system. - Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., President; University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
            
        
    

The complete text of H.R. 8444 can be found here. Background
In July, Congressman Van Taylor and Congresswoman Donna Shalala worked together to introduce an amendment to improve the reporting of vital statistics in H.R. 7617, the Defense, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act for 2021. The amendment passed unanimously and was included in the bill's report language.  A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2700,Congressman Van Taylor Urges VA to Increase VA Capacity in Collin County,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Van Taylor, a former Marine and veteran of the Global War on Terror, sent a letter urging the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, to ensure Collin County veterans have continued access to quality healthcare by increasing the number of VA care facilities in North Texas.
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      WASHINGTON - Today, United States Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03), a former Marine and veteran of the Global War on Terror, sent a letter urging the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie, to ensure Collin County veterans have continued access to quality healthcare by increasing the number of VA care facilities in North Texas.  


    
        
            
            In the letter, Congressman Taylor states, Creating additional VA capacity in Collin County is absolutely necessary. Veterans in my district already face higher wait times as compared to other communities in North Texas, and veterans will increasingly face difficulty accessing medical care until new capacity is added to the system.
            
        
    

As outlined in the letter, the population of veterans in Texas' Third Congressional District is expected to increase by twenty four percent over the next twenty years according to estimates from the VA's National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. Furthermore, the population of veterans over the age of sixty five will increase by forty percent during the same time period. Such an increase in population will only strain a system that is already heavily burdened. For example, while wait times at most VA North Texas medical facilities have decreased over the last year, the sole facility located in TX-03 has experienced increased wait timesSpecifically, Congressman Taylor's letter underscores the rapidly growing need for additional VA capacity in Collin County and the lengthy commutes that veterans living in the norther portion of the county must endure to seek out VA care. A copy of the letter Congressman Van Taylor sent to Secretary Wilkie can be found here. Population growth estimates for veterans in Texas and specifically Texas' Third Congressional District, can be found below as can a map of North Texas VA facilities and average wait times. Total Veteran Population Estimates


    
        
        
            TX-03
            38,000
            50,000
        
        
    




North Texas Facilities and Wait Times


    
        
            
            
            
                
                    
                        
                    
                
            
            
            
        
    

Background
As a Veteran, Congressman Taylor knows the sacrifices our military and their families make for our state and nation. Since coming to Congress, Congressman Taylor has worked to improve access to healthcare for North Texas veterans. Just this year, Congressman Van Taylor and Congressman Collin Allred worked together to help the VA acquire the former Garland Baylor, Scott & White hospital which will eventually help provide care for the 184,000 veterans in North Texas.A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2695,Congressman Van Taylor Announces 2020 Congressional Youth Advisory Council,2020-09-28,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Van Taylor announced participants in his 2020 - 2021 Congressional Youth Advisory Council program which met virtually for the first time this past Saturday.

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      PLANO - Today, United States Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced the selected participants for his 2020 - 2021 Congressional Youth Advisory Council program which met virtually for the first time this past Saturday. Each year, the Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) offers students a unique opportunity to learn about the federal government, discuss public policy and local Collin County issues, and interact with their federal representative and congressional staff while serving their community.   


    
        
            
            Following the inaugural meeting of the 2020 - 2021 CYAC class, Congressman Taylor stated, ""I continue to be impressed by the outstanding students and future leaders I meet through my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. It's no secret Collin County is home to some of the brightest and most involved students in the nation who seek to energize, advocate, and lead their generation by making a difference."" He continued, ""I could not be more excited to introduce my second CYAC class, and I look forward to watching these civic-minded students, who are eager for knowledge, grow in their understanding of how government functions.""
            
            
        
    

Forty-five Collin County high school students were accepted into Congressman Taylor's 2020 - 2021 CYAC class. Applicants were evaluated by an independent selection board comprised of educators and community leaders who assessed applicant's leadership skills, academic performance, extra-curricular participation, and community service. The names of CYAC students are listed below:  

    
        
            
            
                Mysha Khan; Allen High School
                Avery Van Scoy; Allen High School
                Tarik Salih; Dallas International School
                Krutin Devesh; Greehill School
                Micah Sanchez; Homeschool
                Sahithi Alla; Imagine International Academy
                Ethan Ong; Imagine International Academy
                Rhea Sood; Imagine International Academy
                Kevin Sun; Jasper High School
                Harrison Karicher; Jesuit College Preparatory School
                Connor McSorley; Jesuit College Preparatory School
                Jacob Reed; Jesuit College Preparatory School
                Jai Gupta; Lebanon Trail High School
                Srinjoyi Lahiri; Lebanon Trail High School
                Param Naik; Lebanon Trail High School
                Karis Fulks; Legacy Christian Academy
                Ian Bensley; Lovejoy High School
                David David; Lovejoy High School
                Ariel Feldman; Lovejoy High School
                Madilyn Eckenrode; McKinney Boyd High School
                Pranavraj Prithviraju; McKinney Boyd High School
                Ariana Palomo; McKinney High School
                Sean Reyes; McKinney High School
            
            
            
            
                Ella Streber; McKinney High School
                Kylie White; McKinney High School
                Kody Blackwood; McKinney North High School
                Kaylie Mowell; McKinney North High School
                Ryan Oltmann; McMillen High School
                Bishop Curry; Melissa High School
                Stephanie Gallagher; Memorial High School
                Asher Raza; Memorial High School
                Hannah Abraham; Plano East Senior High School
                Campbell Morrow; Plano East High School
                Sophia Rahim; Plano East High School
                Pranav Varanasi; Plano East High School
                Carlos Betancourt; Plano Senior High School
                Isabelle Ma; Plano Senior High School
                Christian Pressler; Plano Senior High School
                Rithvik Ganesh; Plano West High School
                Tanya Magesh; Plano West High School
                Luke Montgomery; Prestonwood Christian Academy
                Alexandra Vincent; Rock Hill High School
                Devon Jackson: Shepton High School
                Philip Kang; Texas Connections Academy,
                William Davidson; Wylie Preparatory Academy
            
            
        
    

  
A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/09/26/2020/scott-statement-on-scotus-nomination,Scott Statement on SCOTUS Nomination,2020-09-26,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Saturday | September 26, 2020
			 Scott Statement on SCOTUS Nomination 
			
			North Charleston, SC U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the statement below regarding President Trump'snomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. ""From her time as a clerk for Justice Antonin Scalia, to her work as an esteemed law professor and judge, Amy Coney Barrett has proven she would be a fantastic pick for the Supreme Court. I am confident she will work to uphold the Constitution, defend our nation's founding principles and be a valuable addition to our nation's highest court. WhileSenate Democratshave already shown they aremore than happy to belittle her faith through baseless partisan attacks, I look forward to voting on Judge Barrett's nomination this year.""
			
			
			
		
		
	
	
    
    
	
	
    
	
	
	
		
	
    
	
     
	
 
	
    
    
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
		
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		    	Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-potential-closure-of-parris-island,WILSON STATEMENT ON POTENTIAL CLOSURE OF PARRIS ISLAND,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on reports that the U.S. Marine Corps is considering a proposal to close Parris Island:

""The news that the Marine Corps is considering closing the storied base at Parris Island, South Carolina, is alarming and disappointing, to say the least. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, is a treasure to the people of South Carolina and holds economic and military importance for our state and country.

""As a military veteran of 32 years and the Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am especially grateful for our military and veterans. However, we should not rush to failure. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure continued coordinated efforts between our military, local communities, and Congressional leaders to keep the base intact. The unique value of the base and facilities at Parris Island cannot be replicated.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-supports-bipartisan-recommendations-and-final-report-select-committee,Timmons Supports Bipartisan Recommendations and Final Report from the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement after the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress passed its fifth and final set of recommendations, as well as the final committee report.
Much of the dysfunction and gridlock in Congress stems from the limitations and outdated systems of the institution itself. Today the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress approved our final set of bipartisan recommendations to address some of the most pressing issues facing this body. One of the biggest challenges is the congressional calendar. The congressional calendar and schedule are inefficient, and members end up spending more time traveling from place to place than actually working. Additionally, the reforms we recommended today to the budget and appropriations process will help address our deficit spending and national debt, which is one of the greatest national security threats we currently face.
It has been an honor to serve on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress for the 116th Congress. This Select Committee is the only truly bipartisan committee in Congress, made up of six Democrats and six Republicans. Over the past two years, we have advanced many bipartisan recommendations. We are also the first Select Committee in recent history to introduce our recommendations as legislation and pass them on the floor to ensure their implementation. I came to Congress to make the government more accountable, efficient, and transparent to the American people. Through bipartisan collaboration, our Committee has implemented recommendations that I believe will make the U.S. Congress a more effective and efficient institution.
Today's recommendation topics are outlined below. The full list of recommendations can be found here.
Reclaiming Article One Responsibilities:
Over the past several decades, Congress' standing as a co-equal branch of government has softened, while the executive branch has expanded in size and scope of power. Ongoing cuts to the legislative branch hurt congressional capacity, ultimately hurting the American people if Congress is unable to execute at its best.
Recommendation highlights:
 Recommend the creation of a congressional Community Focused Grant Program that harnesses the authority of Congress under Article One of the Constitution to appropriate federal dollars.
	Encouraging bipartisan oversight, retreats, trainings and policymaking at the committee level, similar to the way the Select Committee has operated.
	Increasing capacity for policy staff and congressional support organizations.
 Improving the Congressional Schedule and Calendar:
One of the topics the Select Committee heard about the most from Members, former Members and staff was the need for a more predictable, modern work calendar. Members should spend less time traveling and more time legislating.
Recommendation highlights:
 Establishing a block calendar system for committee scheduling.
	Create a common committee calendar portal to help with scheduling and reduce conflicts.
	Create committee activity only work days, similar to how Congress has operated in the last few months.
 Reforming the Budget and Appropriations Process:
When it comes to the annual budget and appropriations process, since Fiscal Year 2012 not a single standalone appropriations bill has been signed into law. Since 1977, Congress has only passed all 12 appropriations bills before the end of the Fiscal Year four times.
Recommendation highlights:
 There should be an annual Fiscal State of the Nation, to better inform our policy making and ensure taxpayers know how their dollars are being spent.
	Require a biennial budget resolution.
	Ensure that Congress adheres to a more realistic budget timeline.
 Enhancing Congressional Capacity:
The Select Committee has talked with hundreds of congressional staff about ways to improve retention and recruitment on Capitol Hill. The average time staff stay in a position in Congress is 2 years. Constant turnover hurts the institution and the people it is designed to serve.
Recommendation highlights:
 Reevaluate and increase the Members Representational Allowance (MRA) to ensure Congress can meet current and future challenges, like the ongoing pandemic and the importance of retaining top policy staff.
	Establish a voluntary, nonbinding pay band system.
	Delink the staff pay cap from Member pay.
	Increase options to health insurance for congressional staff.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-joins-bipartisan-group-urging-congressional-leadership-bring,Cunningham Joins Bipartisan Group Urging Congressional Leadership to Bring a Bipartisan COVID-19 Deal to House Floor Before Election,2020-09-23,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lawmakers: We were elected to represent the best interests of our constituents and the country
Washington, D.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham joined a bipartisan group of House colleagues to press Congressional leadership to bring a bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal to the House floor for a vote before the election. In a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Cunningham expressed his concern about the status of negotiations and Congress' failure to confront the public health and economic crisis facing Americans.
We were elected to represent the best interests of our constituents and the country, the lawmakers wrote. Our constituents' expectations in the midst of this crisis are that we not only rise to the occasion and stay at the table until we have delivered the relief they so desperately need, but also that we set aside electoral politics and place the needs of the country before any one region, faction, or political party.
This comes on the heels of a bipartisan proposal to jumpstart COVID-19 relief negotiations that Cunningham helped introduce as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which established a number of areas of agreement between the two parties.
The lawmakers argued that House leadership should support bipartisan COVID-19 relief legislation before the election.It has been suggested by some that Members of Congress are anxious to return to their districts to campaign in advance of the November 3rd election, even if that means leaving Capitol Hill without passing another COVID-19 relief bill, they wrote. We want to be very clear that we do not in any way agree with this position.
You can view a copy of the letter online.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-bill-ensure-secure-and-competitive-global-5g-networks-passes-house,Timmons Bill to Ensure Secure and Competitive Global 5G Networks Passes House,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman William Timmons' bill, H.R. 5698, the Promoting Secure 5G Act of 2020. This bill requires all countries seeking any financing from international finance institutions, such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund, for any purpose to prove their 5G network is secure.
5G technology has the power to revolutionize the way we live and transform the global economy, said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04). But there are malicious actors, such as Huawei, a Chinese-based company with direct links to China's Communist Party, that choose to exploit this new technology in developing nations and even among our allies. H.R. 5698, the Promoting Secure 5G Act, is a good first step to ensuring every nation conforms to the standards of the global economy and ensures a level playing field. I thank my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their support, and I am proud to see this legislation one step closer to being signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2682,Congressman Van Taylor Announces Virtual U.S. Service Academies Forum,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Tuesday, September 28, 2020, U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) will launch his Virtual U.S. Service Academies Information Forum on his website. 
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      PLANO - On Tuesday, September 28, 2020, U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) will launch his Virtual U.S. Service Academies Information Forum on his website. The virtual forum will feature information about obtaining a Congressional Nomination to attend one of the United States Service Academies and include information directly from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. All high school and middle school students who reside within Texas' Third Congressional District and are interested in attending a service academy should review the material provided on Congressman Taylor's website. Visit this link to determine if you reside within Texas' Third Congressional District. The United States Service Academies offer a unique and esteemed educational opportunity for young men and women who desire to train as commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. Appointed students receive a four year university education, room and board, medical and dental coverage and a stipend in exchange for a five year military service commitment upon graduation.  After reviewing the Virtual Academy Forum material which will be available on Tuesday, September 28, 2020, students currently in the process of applying for a service academy nomination through Congressman Taylor, may register for a Virtual Service Academy Q & A Session featuring academy representatives on Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 6:00 PM CT - 7:00 PM CT. Applicants interested in participating in this virtual session must review the online modules prior to the live event. 
    
        
            
            
            
                
                    
                        
                    
                
            
            
            
        
    

  
Additional information about U.S. Service Academies can be found on Congressman Taylor's website or by calling his office at (972) 202-4150. A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-calls-house-vote-americas-conservation-enhancement-act-following,Cunningham Calls for House Vote on the America's Conservation Enhancement Act Following Passage in the Senate,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan legislation will reauthorize or establish several important government wildlife conservation programs
Washington, D.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today called for a House vote on the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE), following its passage in the Senate by unanimous consent on Wednesday evening.
America's Conservation Enhancement Act is bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize or establish several important government wildlife conservation programs, including the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). The bill would reauthorize NAWCA for five years, thereby ensuring the critical work to protect and restore thousands of acres of Lowcountry wetlands can continue. These wetlands provide habitat for many wildlife species and they improve water quality by preventing soil erosion, especially in areas like the Lowcountry that are prone to flooding. ACE also authorizes the National Fish Habitat Partnership program, which helps restore fish population and habitats.
In the Lowcountry, our economy and way of life depends on clean and healthy wetlands and waterways, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. At a time when our community needs it the most, this bipartisan legislation is a comprehensive victory for conservation funding, access to public lands, and the responsible stewardship of our natural resources. It's a victory for birders, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Senate has already taken the critical step to protecting our wildlife by passing the ACE Act by unanimous consent and I urge House leadership to do the same soon as possible.
In March, Cunningham led a letter to House leadership urging them to bring America's Conservation Enhancement Act to the House floor for a vote. Cunningham called attention to the pivotal role that the outdoor recreation industry plays in South Carolina's economy, generating $16.3 billion annually in consumer spending and 151,000 jobs in the state. The measures contained in ACE would help us continue to responsibly manage and protect our natural resources and the many livelihoods that depend on them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-pass-pregnant-workers-fairness-act,Cunningham Votes to Pass Pregnant Workers Fairness Act,2020-09-17,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham today voted to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that establishes a pregnant worker's clear-cut right to reasonable workplace accommodations, provided they do not impose an undue burden on their employer.
Often times, pregnant workers are forced to choose between ignoring their doctor's advice or losing their jobs, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. At a time when we are facing a public health and economic crisis, no woman should have to choose between her and her baby's health or her family's economic security. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act solves this dilemma by requiring employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers who need them, without imposing undue hardship on the employer. I am proud the House passed this long overdue legislation and I urge the Senate to act as swiftly as possible and give families the safety and stability they deserve.
While the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 amended the 1964 Civil Rights Act to prohibit sex discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, this is currently no federal law that explicitly and affirmatively guarantees the right of pregnant workers to reasonable accommodation so they can continue to work without jeopardizing their pregnancy.
Among other provisions, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would:
 Require public sector employers and private employers with more than 15 employees to make reasonable accommodations for job applicants and workers with known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions  so no worker would have to choose between financial security and a healthy pregnancy.
	Include simple changes such as appropriate seating, water breaks, closer parking, flexible hours, appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel, bathroom breaks, and excusing pregnant workers from strenuous activities.
	Ensure pregnant workers could not be denied employment opportunities, retaliated against for requesting reasonable accommodation, or be forced to take paid or unpaid leave if another reasonable accommodation is available.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-pass-ensuring-children-and-child-care-workers-are-safe-act,Cunningham votes to pass the Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act,2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass bipartisan legislation to support families and child care providers throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act would help guarantee child care providers have the resources and funding necessary to safely operate at a time when childcare services are critically important.
The coronavirus pandemic has seriously exacerbated the child care challenges South Carolina families face, forcing facilities to close and worsening the shortage of quality, affordable care, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. To fully reignite and reopen our economy, it is crucial that our childcare facilities have the funds necessary to safely care for our children, especially for essential workers who cannot stay home. This bill ensures child care providers have the operational guidance they need on personal protective equipment, best practices for safer childcare facilities, and updated health and safety regulations. The Senate should take up this bipartisan legislation as soon as possible and deliver much-needed relief to working families.
The bipartisan Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers Are Safe Act of 2020 would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide states with educational materials and technical assistance related to:
 COVID-19 prevention in childcare facilities.
	Professional development for childcare providers on health and safety.
	How to acquire and use personal protective equipment.
	How to modify operations to prevent COVID-19 transmission, including optimal staff-to-child ratios.
 In addition to technical assistance, the legislation would also allow HHS to make grants to states so they can then provide outreach, guidance, and technical support to childcare providers. The bill would also require HHS to recommend how to ensure the safe provision and adequate supply of childcare during COVID-19.
Earlier this summer, Cunningham voted to pass the Child Care is Essential Act and the Child Care for Economy Recovery Act, legislation that would provide $50 billion for the Child Care Stabilization Fund to award grants to child care providers to help pay for sanitation, training, and other costs associated with reopening a child care center in the time of COVID-19; increase and make refundable the child and dependent care tax credit; provide $10 billion in funding to help states assess long-term structural challenges that child care centers may face during COVID-19; and enable states' child care agencies to increase support for child care through $850 million in Social Services Block Grant funding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-pass-ensuring-children-and-child-care-workers-are-safe-act-0,Cunningham votes to pass the Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act,2020-09-16,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass bipartisan legislation to support families and child care providers throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers are Safe Act would help guarantee child care providers have the resources and funding necessary to safely operate at a time when childcare services are critically important.
The coronavirus pandemic has seriously exacerbated the child care challenges South Carolina families face, forcing facilities to close and worsening the shortage of quality, affordable care, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. To fully reignite and reopen our economy, it is crucial that our childcare facilities have the funds necessary to safely care for our children, especially for essential workers who cannot stay home. This bill ensures child care providers have the operational guidance they need on personal protective equipment, best practices for safer childcare facilities, and updated health and safety regulations. The Senate should take up this bipartisan legislation as soon as possible and deliver much-needed relief to working families.
The bipartisan Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers Are Safe Act of 2020 would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide states with educational materials and technical assistance related to:
 COVID-19 prevention in childcare facilities.
	Professional development for childcare providers on health and safety.
	How to acquire and use personal protective equipment.
	How to modify operations to prevent COVID-19 transmission, including optimal staff-to-child ratios.
 In addition to technical assistance, the legislation would also allow HHS to make grants to states so they can then provide outreach, guidance, and technical support to childcare providers. The bill would also require HHS to recommend how to ensure the safe provision and adequate supply of childcare during COVID-19.
Earlier this summer, Cunningham voted to pass the Child Care is Essential Act and the Child Care for Economy Recovery Act, legislation that would provide $50 billion for the Child Care Stabilization Fund to award grants to child care providers to help pay for sanitation, training, and other costs associated with reopening a child care center in the time of COVID-19; increase and make refundable the child and dependent care tax credit; provide $10 billion in funding to help states assess long-term structural challenges that child care centers may face during COVID-19; and enable states' child care agencies to increase support for child care through $850 million in Social Services Block Grant funding.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-problem-solvers-caucus-announce-bipartisan-bicameral-framework,"Cunningham and Problem Solvers Caucus Announce Bipartisan, Bicameral Framework for COVID-19 Relief Legislation",2020-09-15,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Framework Aims to Breakthrough Gridlock & Dysfunction, Bring Congressional Leadership Back to the Negotiation Table 
Washington, D.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham and the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus today unveiled their March To Common Ground framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package and encourage negotiators to get back to the table.
The 50 member bipartisan Caucus - 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans  developed the framework to address key areas of need, including COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus, worker and liability protection, small business and non-profit support, food security, schools and child care, housing, election support, and state and local aid. Cunningham helped play a key role in the Caucus' negotiations as they developed the package, bringing input and feedback from Lowcountry constituents and contributing it to this plan.
With thousands of South Carolinians still out of work, small businesses struggling to keep the lights on, and state and local governments fiscally exhausted, it is long past time Congress stops the partisan political posturing and comes together to negotiate another COVID-19 relief package, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan framework would allocate the necessary funding for testing, relief for working families, unemployed Americans, and small businesses, and much-needed aid for state and local governments. Americans are counting on their elected officials so failure is not an option.
In light of the urgent needs facing millions of Americans, families, and small businesses, the framework is designed for a six month horizon and through the next inauguration, except for state and local funding which extends for a full year. Depending on the severity of the pandemic and if a successful vaccination program is adopted by March, 2021, a system of automatic boosters are designed to incrementally increase the amount of relief to individuals and families. Conversely, a system of reducers will decrease the total cost of the package. The framework calls for both new stimulus money and the reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding, and allocates resources to the following key categories:
 Testing & Healthcare ($100B)
	Direct Assistance to Individuals & Families ($316B)
	Unemployment Assistance ($120B)
	Small Business & Non-profit Support ($290B)
	School & Child Care ($145B)
	State & Local Aid ($500.3B)
	Election Support ($400B)
	Broadband, Agriculture, USPS, & Census ($52B)
	Worker & Liability Protections
	Automatic Boosters & Reducers
	The fullframework can found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-urges-beaufort-county-reject-bay-point-development,Cunningham Urges Beaufort County to Reject Bay Point Development,2020-09-14,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Argues development does not meet standards of eco-tourism, would pose irrevocable harm to the ecological, cultural, and community significance of Bay Point Island
Beaufort, S.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today urged the Beaufort County Zoning Board of Appeals to reject plans to develop a luxury resort on Bay Point Island. In a letter sent to Vice Chairman Kevin Mack of the Beaufort Country Zoning Board of Appeals, Cunningham called on the Board to deny the special use permit as proposed by the developer, Bay Point Island, LLC, arguing the project does not meet true eco-tourism standards.
Cunningham called attention to the ecological and cultural significance of Bay Point Island, writing, As one of only a handful of undeveloped barrier islands in South Carolina, it represents an increasingly rare and invaluable natural resource in our great state. As is, the island provides beneficial ecosystem services as a refuge for imperiled wildlife, a source of commercial and recreational fisheries, and a buffer from increasingly frequent and intense storms to the surrounding communities in Beaufort County (d)eveloping a large-scale resort, and introducing extensive permanent infrastructure where none currently exists, will compromise each of the valuable benefits the island naturally provides.
Cunningham also pointed out the negative impacts this development could have on the Gullah/Geechee communities on neighboring St. Helena Island, who have relied on Bay Point and its surrounding marshes for sustenance and commercial fishing for generations.
A copy of this letter is below:
Dear Vice Chairman Mack:
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the luxury resort proposed for development on Bay Point Island as an ecotourism venture. I urge you to critically consider several problematic implications and detrimental impacts this project presents. 
Bay Point Island is a small, low-lying, erosional, barrier island subjected to the persistent forces of the Atlantic Ocean and the Port Royal Sound. As one of only a handful of undeveloped barrier islands in South Carolina, it represents an increasingly rare and invaluable natural resource in our great state. As is, the island provides beneficial ecosystem services as a refuge for imperiled wildlife, a source of commercial and recreational fisheries, and a buffer from increasingly frequent and intense storms to the surrounding communities in Beaufort County. All of this is provided by the island while posing no financial burden to Beaufort County taxpayers.
Developing a large-scale resort, and introducing extensive permanent infrastructure where none currently exists, will compromise each of the valuable benefits the island naturally provides. At over 66,000 square feet of proposed building space, including 50 bungalows, 4 spas, 3 restaurants, a retail center, a cooking school, and more, the proposed resort will potentially require ten septic fields (though the developers have recently informed my staff they would prefer packaged wastewater plants), more than 22,000 square feet of solar fields, and 100,000 gallons of fresh water to operate daily. I am concerned that the construction alone, not to mention the ongoing maintenance of the resort, poses a high likelihood of causing irreparable damage the island. And, when the infrastructure is ultimately threatened by rising seas and volatile storms and hurricanes, the financial burden of cleaning, repairing, and protecting a private investment and providing evacuation and emergency services will inevitably fall to the taxpayers of Beaufort County. 
Bay Point and its surrounding tidal marshes and inlets are a designated Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. The island historically hosts nearly 8,000 overwintering and migrating shorebirds each year, including federally threatened red knots and piping plovers, and state-listed Wilson's plovers and least terns. It is also the nesting site of, most recently, over 100 threatened loggerhead sea turtles' nests. Each of these species is incredibly sensitive to human-driven changes to their habitats. The decline of their populations as a result of coastal development is well-documented and understood. The notion that putting a resort on Bay Point Island would in any way benefit these vulnerable species by foisting humans upon their habitat, as has been argued in the special use application submitted for this project, is a stretch. 
The introduction of utilities on an undeveloped barrier island presents its own set of environmental consequences. Septic tanks utilize freshwater bacteria to operate. Exposure to saltwater, an inevitable consequence of being situated at a tidally-impacted low elevation, will render these systems inoperable, leading to contamination of the island's sandy soils and surrounding marshes. The health of the island's ecosystems, the marsh's fisheries, and visitors to the island could be put at risk. While septic tanks will impair surface water quality, the proposed well that will serve a portion of the development's estimated 100,000-gallon daily water needs will threaten groundwater resources by tapping into an aquifer already facing saltwater intrusion impacts. What's more, there's no guarantee on behalf of the developers that the aquifer will have the capacity to service the needs of the resort. Regardless, if developed as planned, the resort could impose sudden and toxic run-off into the near pristine marshes of Bay Point, detrimentally impacting fish, mollusk, and crustacean populations. The plan to provide utilities to the luxury resort is, at best, inadequate, and, at worst, an environmental catastrophe waiting to happen. 
Also of concern is the fact that the proposal fails to consider impacts to the surrounding communities of the island, both military and cultural resources. Bay Point is situated just downriver from the military base at Parris Island and is a mere 15 miles south of the Marine Corps Air Station. The Federal government has invested billions of dollars in Beaufort County to support the Parris Island military base and the Marine Corps Air Station. The developers of the island have claimed to implement and utilize a heli-pad and helicopter in the event of medical emergencies on the island. There may be the potential for this heli-pad to interfere with military operations, and this has not been addressed in the application to the Zoning Board. Even without the helicopters, the displacement of massive flocks of shorebirds could create potentially dangerous situations for training pilots. 
Finally, and importantly, are impacts to the immediately adjacent Gullah/Geechee communities on neighboring St. Helena Island who have relied on Bay Point and its surrounding marshes for sustenance and commercial fishing for generations. Such impacts are of significant concern and have not received adequate consideration. From the start, Queen Quet, queen and Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee nation, has expressed grave concerns regarding the impact of the proposed resort on the cultural and natural resources of the area. So, too, has the Gullah/Geechee Fishing Association. Indeed, a petition in opposition to the proposed resort initiated by Queen Quet has over 27,000 signatures as of the date of this letter. 
For these reasons, I am asking you to uphold Beaufort County's current vision of the island as a nature preserve, to recognize it is an inappropriate location for a resort development, and to deny the special use permit as proposed by Bay Point Island, LLC. In the end, true ecotourism would, at a minimum, amplify the history and culture of our community and protect and preserve our natural resources. As proposed, the current project does not seem to meet that standard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-on-anniversary-of-september-11-attacks,WILSON ON ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11 ATTACKS,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On September 11, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement:

""Today marks the nineteenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a day for all Americans to unify to remember and honor those who lost their lives that tragic day. I have given over 1,000 speeches on the House floor, and ever since the horrific events of 9/11, I conclude these speeches with, ‘God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11 in the Global War on Terrorism.'

""We will never forget September 11, 2001, and we will continue to honor those who were mercilessly murdered that day so that future generations never forget.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-israel-bahrain-normalization-agreement,WILSON STATEMENT ON ISRAEL-BAHRAIN NORMALIZATION AGREEMENT,2020-09-11,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On September 11, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on the announcement of a normalization agreement between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain:

""Today's announcement of a US-brokered peace agreement between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain is an achievement of historic proportions. I want to commend President Donald Trump for another historic peace agreement, I am grateful for his consistent record of ‘promises made, promises kept' by continuing to foster and strengthen America's partnerships with other countries. This is another important step towards peace and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-commends-president-trump-for-nobel-peace-prize-nomination,WILSON COMMENDS PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE NOMINATION,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On Septemeber 10, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on President Donald Trump's nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize:

""It is appropriate that President Donald Trump received this well-deserved nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Just last month, President Trump helped solidify a peace treaty between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. On Friday, President Trump facilitated the establishment of economic normalization between Serbia and Kosovo. Both agreements are achievements of historic proportions, marking major breakthroughs in seemingly intractable historical conflicts. I am grateful for President Trump's continued successful efforts to promote peace through strength.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:28:51Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-statement-doj-s-paycheck-protection-program-fraud-enforcement-efforts,Timmons Statement on DOJs Paycheck Protection Program Fraud Enforcement Efforts,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Today, Acting Assistant Attorney GeneralBrian C. Rabbitt of the Criminal Division announced new charges and progress in Paycheck Protection Program Fraud cases. Since the program was enacted, 57 people have been charged with Paycheck Protection Program fraud. Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement:
I applaud the Department of Justice for taking swift action to protect the integrity of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and taxpayer dollars during this time of crisis. The PPP has supported the jobs of over 51 million Americans, but unfortunately, some have exploited this critical program during a global pandemic for their own financial and personal gain. Funds that should be used to save jobs and keep businesses open were instead spent on luxury cars, jewelry, homes, and more. I especially commend District of South Carolina U.S. Attorney Peter McCoy and the efforts of his office and their law enforcement partners for making the investigation and prosecution of these cases a top priority. Their office recently charged seven people in connection with a money laundering scheme of over $750,000 involving PPP funds. These actions are reprehensible and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2673,Congressman Van Taylor Announces  2020 Congressional App Challenge,2020-09-10,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced his office is now accepting entries for the 2020 Congressional App Challenge (CAC).
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      PLANO - Today, U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) announced his office is now accepting entries for the .Each year, the Congressional App Challenge presents an opportunity for innovative middle school and high school students to put their skills to work on any platform and in any programming language they desire to create their own app. The winning apps are eligible to be featured in the U.S. Capitol Building and on the Congressional App Challenge website.  

    
        
            
            Congressman Van Taylor stated, ""Recognizing the importance of STEM skills is critical to our country's future. The Congressional App Challenge is an exciting way to foster interest in these critical fields and encourage students to learn more about related career paths. I can't wait to see the innovative work from students in Texas' Third Congressional District."" 
            
            
        
    

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all U.S. high school and middle school students in Texas' Third Congressional District. Challenge participants are invited, either as individuals or in teams of up to four, to create and submit their own software app for mobile, tablet, or other computing devices on a platform of their choice. To participate, students must register online and submit their apps before 11:00 AM CST on October 19, 2020.  For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, or to register, please visit Congressman Taylor's website. For additional questions, please contact Gabi Pate in Congressman Taylor's Collin County office by phone at (972) 202- 4150 or by email.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=541727F7-B42D-4825-9465-0A8292B0B18C,Rep. Rice Applauds President Trump's Extension of South Carolina's Off-Shore Drilling Moratorium,2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonDC- Congressman Tom Rice (R-SC) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced he would extend South Carolina's off-shore drilling moratorium.

I am opposed to offshore drilling and seismic testing in South Carolina. I have worked with Governor McMaster and other members of our federal delegation to write the Administration and met repeatedly with the Secretary of the Interior to oppose drilling off the coast of South Carolina. I am thrilled that our efforts were successful.
I applaud President Trump's decision to withdraw from the disposition and extend the moratorium on offshore drilling in South Carolina. Our coast is critical to South Carolina's tourism economy and our way of life. The tourism industry generates $24 billion every year for South Carolina.""
""In South Carolina, this isn't a partisan issue. It's an issue that is deeply important to my constituents, and I am their voice in Washington. I will continue to make South Carolina's case to the Administration and advocate for serious policies that grow our economy without putting our beautiful coast at risk.

###

President Trump's Memorandum can be readhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-announces-sc-04-congressional-app-challenge,Timmons Announces SC-04 Congressional App Challenge,2020-09-09,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman William Timmons' office is excited to announce the SC-04 Congressional App Challenge (CAC), an app competition for students in middle and high school.
The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.).
The Challenge's submission portal is now open. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their app by October 19, 2020 by visiting www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience.
We strongly encourage students of all skill levels to participate and learn how to create their own apps. Winners will be selected by panels of judges drawn from Greenville and Spartanburg. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.
The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as 1 million programmers. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.
For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, please visit www.CongressionalAppChallenge.us. Questions can be directed to Hope Blackley, District Director, at 864-241-0175 or Hope.Blackley@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-leads-letter-jewish-community-s-annual-pilgrimage-uman,Duncan Leads Letter on Jewish Communitys Annual Pilgrimage to Uman,2020-09-04,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Laurens, S.C.  Congressman Jeff Duncan led a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging support for the Jewish community's annual pilgrimage to the city of Uman.
As a former Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee with a longstanding history of working on religious freedom issues, protecting religious practices is extremely important to me. With COVID-19 turning our world upside-down this year, we have all had to make sacrifices. However, even during times of uncertainty, governments should continue to allow maximum flexibility for religious expression and practice. I have a deep respect for all people of faith, and I believe Ukraine had good intentions in crafting their travel restrictions. But I also believe they need to find creative ways to accommodate people of faith in a safe and commonsense manner. Governments don't have to choose between allowing religious expression and public safety, and believe this letter makes it clear that common sense steps can be taken to achieve both goals. I am hopeful raising this issue will clear the way for many in the Jewish community to travel to Uman for the Jewish New Year.
Groups supporting: National Jewish Advocacy Center, Chovevei Zion, The Rabbinical Alliance of America, Hashevet, and the New York United Jewish Association.
Read the full letter HERE.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-banks-introduce-va-expanded-care-hours-echo-act,Cunningham and Banks Introduce the VA Expanded Care Hours (ECHO) Act,2020-09-02,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan Legislation Would Help Expand Veterans' Access to Care 
Mount Pleasant, S.C.  Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and Jim Banks (R-IN) today introduced the VA Expanded Care Hours (ECHO) Act, bipartisan legislation that would help expand veterans' access to care. The VA ECHO Act would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study the attitudes of eligible veterans toward the Department of Veterans Affairs offering appointments outside the usual operating hours of facilities of the Department, including through the use of telehealth appointments, and share its findings on the feasibility and advisability of expanding care.
This legislation would provide the data necessary to ensure veterans are able to receive the care they deserve, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the VA, the number of veterans using virtual healthcare spiked by 800% in the first few weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak, with 11 million virtual prescription requests already fulfilled and 1.1 million mental telehealth appointments completed.
One of the largest barriers preventing Lowcountry veterans from receiving the care they deserve is inflexible care hours at the VA, especially when it comes to mental health concerns, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan legislation will help us determine if expanding VA care hours to outside the usual operating timeframe and using telehealth appointments helps increase veterans' ability to access the care they need. We must do everything we can to support our nation's heroes and prevent veteran suicide. Ensuring our veterans are able to readily access the best possible service in a way that's convenient for them is a strong start.
""Coronavirus turned telehealth into an indispensable tool for delivering high-quality care to veterans. But telehealth is still a new technology, and we need to learn more about it to ensure its robust and sustainable. That's why this legislation, which gives VA feedback from veterans and employees about its telehealth services, is so important, said Rep. Jim Banks.
I hear from veterans all the time about how difficultor even impossibleit can be to schedule health care appointments during standard work week hours. That's why I support Rep. Cunningham's new legislation that will direct VA to survey veterans and providers about offering appointments during expanded hours. Removing that barrier to access is one more way we can support veterans in crisis and help prevent veteran suicide, said Chairman Mark Takano.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-bishop-bill-helps-communities-increase-private-sector-investment,"Timmons, Bishop Bill Helps Communities Increase Private Sector Investment",2020-09-01,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC  Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) and Congressman Dan Bishop (NC-09) introduced theIncreasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Actto increase local engagement with communities that have Opportunity Zones, which incentivizes private companies to invest in underserved communities to stimulate economic growth and bring good-paying jobs. This legislation would make permanent an administration initiative led by the Small Business Administration to educate businesses on the mechanics of Opportunity Zonesto aid self-sustaining growth in underserved communities by providing important educational resources to small business owners.
Opportunity Zones, a bipartisan initiative authored by South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, encourage investments by private companies into some of our nation's most economically-distressed communities through federal tax incentives. With $75 billion worth of investments already committed, Opportunity Zones have the potential to be the most meaningful anti-poverty initiative since the Great Society,' said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04). The Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Actwill help make this a reality by targeting and empowering small businesses to make use of these tax incentives. By training and educating field representatives at the Small Business Administration, we can help foster economic opportunity while also reducing poverty in communities that have too often been left behind.
Opportunity Zones help give underserved urban and rural communities a chance to propel themselves forward with long-term growth and good jobs. My bill prioritizes outreach and education to businesses and local leaders to drive private sector capital to our communities, said Rep. Dan Bishop (NC-09). I'm proud to introduce this legislation to bolster with the force of law the administration's Opportunity Zones policy and their advocacy efforts to educate businesses and local leaders.
TheIncreasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Actis a commonsense solution to help small businesses engage in the Opportunity Zone Incentive, said Shay Hawkins  President, Opportunity Funds Association. By increasing the Small Business Administration's role in educating small businesses about Opportunity Zones, businesses in underserved communities will have an additional resource to help during this economic recovery. I applaud Congressman Bishopand Congressman Timmons'leadership, and I look forward to seeing them work with Congress to provide additional resources for Opportunity Zones.
It took almost two years and thousands of pages of sometimes conflicting regulations to finalize Opportunity Zone (OZ) guidance from the federal government, said Mark Elliott  Managing Partner, South Carolina Opportunity Fund. The Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Act will finally help get business owners as well as state, local, and federal officials all on the same page to empower everyone to push OZ projects forward! Congressman Timmons and Bishop should be commended for championing legislation which will no doubt accelerate OZ projects nationwide if adopted.
Opportunity Zones were created in the 2017Tax Cuts and Jobs Actas a way for private sector investments to help low-income and underserved communities. Since then, over $75 billion in investments have been committed for these areas. South Carolina is home to 135 Opportunity Zones. There are nine census tracts in Greenville County and six in Spartanburg County which have been designated as Opportunity Zones.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-doe-sc-settlement-plutonium,"Duncan on DOE, SC Settlement on Plutonium",2020-08-31,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Laurens, S.C. - Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) released the following statement on the settlement deal that was recently announced between the Department of Energy and State of South Carolina regarding the weapons grade plutonium being stored at the Savannah River Site:
I'm very pleased to hear a settlement deal has been made between the Department of Energy (DOE) and State of South Carolina regarding the weapons grade plutonium that remains at the Savannah River Site (SRS). I've been fighting for solutions to this problem for years. South Carolina is not a dumping ground for plutonium. In 2018, the DOE made the decision to terminate the construction of the mixed oxide (MOX) facility at SRS. Since then I have raised this issue with the President personally, and to the Administration more broadly through my oversight work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Today, the DOE announced they will remove 9.5 metric tons of the weapons grade plutonium from SRS, provide South Carolina with an upfront payment of $600 million, and assured they remain committed to removing the remaining plutonium from our State by 2037.I appreciate South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson's hard work and dedication to this issue, as well as the Trump Administration for delivering to South Carolinians what they deserve.

Background (Courtesy of the DOE):
 After the Cold War and as part of its national security mission, DOE was challenged with finding a safe, secure method to dispose of large amounts of weapons-grade nuclear material, including weapons grade plutonium. DOE determined that the best option would be to irradiate the material at a mixed oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication facility at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina.
 
 As part of the 2002 legislation on the MOX facility, Congress required that in the event the MOX facility failed to achieve its production goals, DOE would be required to remove the plutonium shipped to South Carolina for processing.
 
 In addition, the statute provided that if the MOX production was not met and the material was not removed by a certain deadline, then DOE would be required to remit economic and impact assistance payments to South Carolina in the amount of $1 million per day for each day that certain milestones went unmet, up to a maximum of $100 million per year.
 
 In 2018, former-Secretary Perry exercised his right under the statute to terminate the construction of the MOX facility because the inherited project was approximately $13 billion over budget and 32 years behind schedule.
 
 Currently, 9.5 metric tons of plutonium brought into the state for the MOX facility remain in South Carolina. The next statutory deadline for removal is January 1, 2022, after which DOE would be required to pay $1 million a day, up to a maximum $100 million a year until all the plutonium is removed.
 
 DOE is committed to removing the plutonium from South Carolina and will continuously work to find the most effective, efficient, and safest way to do so. DOE is currently pursuing removal through the Dilute and Dispose process  a process that is proven safe and effective, but is time intensive, guaranteeing that DOE will miss the January 1, 2022 deadline.
 
 The current timeline projects the 9.5 metric tons will be completely removed by 2049, which means that without the settlement agreement, DOE would be subject to economic and impact assistance payments of more than $2 billion.
 
 The settlement reached today will allow South Carolina to realize upfront a lump sum of economic and impact assistance payments ($600 million), but will also allow DOE more time (through 2037) to safely remove the plutonium from the state without the threat of lawsuits.
 
Details of the Settlement Agreement (Courtesy of the DOE):
 Upfront payment of $600 million to the State of South Carolina.
 
 South Carolina will waive its right to bring any lawsuit against DOE for the removal of the plutonium, and DOE will be relieved of paying statutorily required payments, until 2037.
 
 In 2037, DOE will pay a percentage of the accrued statutory payments from the years 2022-2037 based on how much plutonium is left in the state.
 
 After 2037, DOE will pay a percentage of the statutorily required $100 million a year based on how much plutonium is left in the state.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-600-million-coming-to-south-carolina,WILSON STATEMENT ON $600 MILLION COMING TO SOUTH CAROLINA,2020-08-31,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On August 31, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement after the announcement of a historic settlement between the Trump Administration and the State of South Carolina regarding the removal of 9.5 metric tons of plutonium from the state. South Carolina will receive 600 million dollars as part of the settlement:

""As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, it has always been my top priority to promote national security and protect the citizens of the Second District of South Carolina. My first vote in 2002 to send a National Defense Authorization Act to the President's desk included provisions that protected the people of the Second District. These provisions were economic and impact assistance payments to be paid if the Department of Energy (DOE) abandoned its promise to process or remove weapons-grade plutonium from South Carolina and that is what DOE did.

""Today, thanks to the hard work of Attorney General Alan Wilson and his legal team, working with Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, South Carolina is receiving what is long overdue. These funds should go directly to the communities that were most impacted by DOE ending the Mixed-Oxide Fuel Fabrication (MOX) Facility project. That is why I wrote a letter to Governor Henry McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, Speaker of the House Jay Lucas, President of the Senate Harvey Peeler, Chairman Hugh Leatherman, and Chairman Murrell Smith requesting that a significant portion of these funds remain in the counties where the Savannah River Site is located.

""The counties of Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell were most impacted by the 1,700 jobs lost due to the DOE's abandonment of MOX. I look forward to working with local community leaders for job recovery. Through economic development initiatives, academic investment, and rural broadband deployment, we can utilize these reparation funds exactly how the provisions in law outlined and create meaningful jobs in the Second District.""

Read the letter here.

BACKGROUND

As part of the 2002 legislation on the MOX facility, Congress required that in the event the MOX facility failed to achieve its production goals, DOE would be required to remove the plutonium shipped to South Carolina for processing.

The statute said that if the MOX production was not met and the material was not removed by a certain deadline, then DOE would be required to remit economic and impact assistance payments to South Carolina in the amount of $1 million per day for each day that certain milestones went unmet, up to a maximum of $100 million per year.

In 2018, former-Secretary Perry exercised his right under the statute to terminate the construction of the MOX facility because the inherited project was estimated to be approximately $13 billion over budget and 32 years behind schedule.

Currently, 9.5 metric tons of plutonium remain in South Carolina. The next statutory deadline for removal is January 1, 2022, after which DOE would be required to pay $1 million a day, up to a maximum $100 million a year out of its budget until all the plutonium is removed. Through the current DOE process of plutonium removal through ""Dilute and Dispose"", a method that is proven safe and effective, the timeline for removal would exceed the January 1, 2022 deadline due to this time-intensive approach.

The current timeline projects the 9.5 metric tons will be completely removed by 2049, which means that without the settlement agreement, DOE would be subject to economic and impact assistance payments of more than $2 billion.

This settlement provides payment of $600 million to the State of South Carolina. Additionally, South Carolina will waive its right to bring any lawsuit against DOE for the removal of the plutonium until 2037. DOE will be relieved of paying statutorily required payments until 2037.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D8EA594D-CACD-4B98-ADCF-48C18106C6E7,Rep Rice Applauds Grants Helping South Carolina Respond to Coronavirus,2020-08-26,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC-Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $3.2 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to eight EDA Economic Development District organizations across South Carolina to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments has been awarded a $400,000 grant to help respond to the coronavirus pandemic by providing planning, coordination, technical assistance, and boost economic development activities in the region.
Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments has been awarded a $400,000 grant to support the response to the coronavirus pandemic by assisting local governments with economic recovery and mitigation assistance. ""I'm happy to announce these two grants. These grants address two Seventh District priorities: relief from the economic crisis brought on by coronavirus and stimulating the economy, saidCongressman Tom Rice. These grants will help grow our local economy and improve resiliency. We will keep working with the Trump Administration to get results for the Seventh District.
The Trump Administration is eager to allocate these essential CARES Act funds and deliver on our promise to help American communities recover from the impact of COVID-19,said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.I am proud of the perseverance and strength shown by our communities coast to coast throughout this pandemic, and these funds will help provide South Carolina with resources to make a swift and lasting economic comeback.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E35D9303-F8DB-4C15-B8C0-BA473E53626A,Rep Rice Hosts Blood and Plasma Drive,2020-08-26,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"South Carolina- Congressman Tom Rice is hosting a blood and plasma drive. Congressman Rice is calling upon all elected officials in the Pee Dee who have had COVID-19 to donate antibodies. The blood and plasma drive is open to anyone at least 17 years of age, weighs at least 110 pounds, and is in good health.Anyone who donates blood will receive a free antibody test.This event is free and open to the public and press. Tuesday, September 1  12:00 PM- 5:00 PM  Pee Dee Regional Office  1831 West Evans Street  Florence, SC (parking lot) To make an appointment to donate plasma, call 864-751-1168, or text the word PLASMA to 70547 to make an appointment.
To make an appointment to donate blood, click here.
Social-distancing will be adhered to. Attendees are encouraged to wear a face mask.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/duncan-aclj-defending-school-choice-sc-supreme-court,"Duncan, ACLJ on Defending School Choice at SC Supreme Court",2020-08-25,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-sc-republican-delegation-file-court-brief-supporting-school-choice,"Duncan, SC Republican Delegation File Court Brief Supporting School Choice",2020-08-25,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Laurens, S.C.  Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03), along with the South Carolina Republican delegation, filed an amicus brief to the South Carolina Supreme Court in support of Governor Henry McMaster's usage of the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund.
During these unprecedented times, I'm proud Governor McMaster used the funds passed by Congress in the CARES Act to ensure students across South Carolina can access the education that is right for them and their families. The Governor's actions are undeniably within the scope of congressional intent, and his plan will help thousands of students statewide get the type of education for their individual needs. The activists trying to block this plan only hurt the students that need these opportunities the most. I am confident commonsense will prevail in the court and that thousands of South Carolina students will have access to the education of their choice.
Listen to Congressman Duncan discuss this issue on Jay Sekulow Live HERE.
Background: 
 The South Carolina Republican delegation filed an amicus brief to the South Carolina Supreme Court with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).
	The GEER fund was included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.
	Unfortunately, an Orangeburg County circuit court judge signed a temporary order in July preventing these funds from helping low-income students during these unprecedented times.
	The brief supports the work by Governor McMaster and confirms his usage of the GEER fund falls within the scope of what Congress intended.
	Oral arguments for the case are scheduled at the South Carolina Supreme Court on September 18, 2020.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/WILSONONHR8015,WILSON ON H.R. 8015,2020-08-24,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On August 24, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on voting against the H.R. 8015:

""Although I did vote for the Republican motion to recommit with instructions, I ultimately voted against the H.R. 8015. It is disappointing that House Democrats refused to work with Republicans and instead put forward a partisan bill that does little to address the underlying issues faced by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Previously, I voted in favor of the USPS Fairness Act which repeals the pension prepayment requirement that has contributed to the USPS' financial problems.

""Additionally, I recently signed a letter to House and Senate Republican leadership supporting provisional funding for the USPS in coronavirus relief package negotiations. I know that USPS needs our support, partisan politics should not play a role, all Americans appreciate the dedication of our postal workers. I look forward to upcoming coronavirus relief legislation that addresses the needs of USPS as well as other programs.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-calls-for-snapback-sanctions-on-iran,WILSON CALLS FOR SNAPBACK SANCTIONS ON IRAN,2020-08-14,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On August 14, Congressman Joe Wilson, Chairman of the RSC Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force and Ranking Member of the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (HFAC) released the following statement ahead of a vote at the United Nations Security Council on a U.S. proposal to extend the arms embargo on Iran:

""The United States should never compromise on its vital national security interests, and those of its closest regional allies, to concede to Russian and Chinese objections to an extension of the arms embargo on Iran. Moscow and Beijing have already made it clear that they intend to sell Iran weapons after the termination of the embargo in October, continuing to fuel the terrorism and instability that has roiled the Middle East.

""Under these circumstances, the United States should exercise its legal right under international law to reimpose sanctions on Iran given its persistent threat to world peace. Snapping back sanctions on Iran is the only way to reinstitute the permanent UN arms embargo on Iran that was made temporary by the disastrous nuclear deal. It's time to finally pull the plug on the harmful legacy of the Iranian nuclear deal which endangered our allies in the region. I was grateful to lead an effort in June by the Republican Study Committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress, to call for snapback sanctions on Iran.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-historic-israel-uae-peace-agreement,Duncan on Historic Israel-UAE Peace Agreement,2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Laurens, S.C. - Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) released the following statement on the announcement of a historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates:
The historic peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on full normalization of diplomatic relations is yet another strong, unprecedented move by President Trump. We haven't seen a successful peace deal come to fruition in the Middle East since the Israel-Jordan Peace Treaty was signed over 25 years ago, and today's agreement would not have been possible without the hard work of the Trump Administration. Not only is this development a vital step towards establishing long-term peace in the Middle East, but it also further isolates aggressive countries like Iran, and sends a message that the United States is a strong leader in diplomatic relations. I hope that more countries in the region will follow the UAE's lead and work towards peace with Israel.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-wilson-announces-2020-second-district-bus-tour,CONGRESSMAN WILSON ANNOUNCES 2020 SECOND DISTRICT BUS TOUR,2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On August 13, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement announcing this year's Annual Bus Tour of South Carolina's Second District:

""I always look forward to the Annual Bus Tour of South Carolina's Second District. This year we have faced unprecedented times so, I will be visiting businesses and organizations in the Second District that have truly made a difference during the coronavirus pandemic. I will also be visiting with citizens around the District to discuss the continued journey toward recovery and my work in Congress. I am grateful to serve the Second District and for this opportunity to visit with people from every county I represent in one week.""

2020 BUS TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, August 17

9:00AM: University of South Carolina Aiken

10:30AM: Aiken United Way

11:15AM: Ascend Performance Materials

12:00PM: Aiken Rotary Club (virtual)

1:30PM: Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center (virtual)

Tuesday, August 18

8:00AM: Irmo Chamber of Commerce

9:30AM: Saluda Shoals Park

11:00AM: Cooperative Health (virtual)

1:00PM: ZVerse 3D Solutions

2:30PM: South Carolina Farm Bureau Agribusiness (virtual)

Wednesday, August 19

8:00AM: University of South Carolina

10:00AM: South Carolina Red Cross Midlands Chapter (virtual)

2:00PM: The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership and Colite

3:15PM: UofSC School of Medicine & Prisma Richland Campus

Thursday, August 20

11:00AM: Bronze Star, LLC

1:00PM: Shealy's Bar-B-Que

NOTE: Not all stops are media accessible. Any media wishing to attend should contact McLaurine Pinover with Congressman Wilson's office at McLaurine.Pinover@mail.house.gov with which stop you would like to cover. All stops are subject to last-minute scheduling changes.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wilson-statement-on-israel-uae-peace-agreement,WILSON STATEMENT ON ISRAEL-UAE AGREEMENT,2020-08-13,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On August 13, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on the announcement of an agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates:

""Today's announcement of a US-brokered agreement to normalize relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel is an achievement of historic proportions. It is the clear result of President Donald Trump's bold foreign policy agenda centered on creating peace through strength.

""This is the first step towards a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Middle East in which all people and religions can coexist and prosper. I commend President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their commitment to peace and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://vantaylor.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2670,2020 Congressional Veteran Commendation Program Cancelled,2020-08-11,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Van Taylor,T000479,vantaylor.house.gov,,,legacy,"After seeking input from Collin County Veterans and carefully considering health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Congressman Van Taylor announced the cancellation of the 2020 Congressional Veteran Commendation program.
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      PLANO- After seeking input from Collin County Veterans and carefully considering health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) today announced the cancellation of the 2020 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC).


    
        
            
            
            Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03) said, ""While we are disappointed to cancel this year's Congressional Veterans Commendation, the health, safety, and well-being of our Veterans and their loved ones is always our first priority."" He went on, ""The Congressional Veteran Commendation not only recognizes the wartime sacrifices of our service members, but also their peacetime community involvement. To honor the spirit of the Commendation, I encourage my fellow Veterans to continue selflessly serving others during these uncertain times and I ask members of our community to share with me stories of their benevolent actions."" 
            
        
    


In May Congressman Taylor announced his Hometown Heroes initiative to recognize those in Collin County helping their fellow neighbor and making a difference in our community. Those who wish to nominate a Collin County Veteran as a Hometown Hero can do so online at VanTaylor.house.gov/Heroes. Residents are encouraged to include links to articles, social media posts, videos, and photos to accompany their submissions.Questions about the cancellation of the Congressional Veterans Commendation program, should be directed to Congressman Taylor's office at (972) 202-4150.

A 7th generation Texan, Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House and Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Financial Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F9C29C91-EF45-4CF8-BCD5-7A7880FAA6CF,Graham Applauds Opening Of Bob Jones Health Professions Facility,2020-08-10,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statements at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new School for Health Professions at Bob Jones University.
 
GRAHAM: To those men and women who go through this facility and who graduate: you will be doing yourself, your state, and your country a great service. I can't think of a better thing to do to help mankind than to go into healthcare professions.
 
 
GRAHAM: This all started in China. Somebody in China was the first patient. The first positive was in January in the United States. 5 million positives later, here's where we find ourselves. This idea about global health, I cannot tell you how important it is to understand when it comes to pandemics. We're all in this together, and I want to do what I can to make sure that the poor people who are struggling in Africa, if we ever get a vaccine, to make sure we share it with them, because if we don't it will come back here.
 
 
GRAHAM: The thing I like most about this university is that you know who you are and what you believe, and that's important in difficult and troubling times. Thank you for having me.
 
Watch Full Remarks:
Fox Carolina
WSPA
#####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/rep-jeff-duncan-ny-ag-lawsuit-against-nra,Rep. Jeff Duncan on NY AG lawsuit Against NRA,2020-08-07,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5EB7F721-A773-4546-A3F2-C2656F0D7ACE,"Graham Urges DOJ, FBI, Treasury To Investigate Improper Funding Of Planned Parenthood",2020-08-07,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has written to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to request an update on the investigation into Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country for the trafficking and sale of fetal tissue, infant organ harvesting, and unlawfully utilizing loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) despite knowing they were ineligible to apply.
Graham also contacted the newly confirmed Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR) Brian Miller with the U.S. Department of the Treasury to urge him to investigate and audit all PPP loans made to Planned Parenthood affiliates.
As we have seen from invoices from certain Planned Parenthood affiliates, biomedical companies paid thousands of dollars in exchange for fetal organs from abortions, said Graham. Planned Parenthood and any biomedical companies involved must be held accountable for their lucrative and illegal activities involving the trafficking and sale of fetal tissue.
Planned Parenthood's abuse of taxpayer PPP dollars is yet another example of Planned Parenthood's flagrant disregard for the law, said Graham. We urge you to investigate not only the extent to which Planned Parenthood was involved in the sale of fetal tissue, but also the disturbing descriptions by Planned Parenthood workers of infants born alive who were left to die or killed through organ harvesting.
President Trump and his administration have been unwavering in their efforts to protect life. Planned Parenthood's blatant disregard for legal protections for life is unacceptable, and we therefore respectfully ask that DOJ take all steps necessary to address Planned Parenthood's unlawful activities.
Graham, along with a group of more than twenty senators, expressed their concerns in letters to Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray as well as a letter to Special Inspector General Miller.
#####
Full text of the letters are below.
The Honorable William Barr
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530
The Honorable Christopher Wray
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20535
Dear Attorney General Barr and Director Wray,
In the wake of recently-released under-oath testimony of Planned Parenthood and biomedical company officials admitting to the trafficking and sale of fetal tissue and describing infants born alive and left to die or killed through organ harvesting, we write you to request an update on your investigation into Planned Parenthood.
The Center for Medical Progress (CMP) first revealed undercover videos in 2015 that exposed Planned Parenthood officials admitting to selling fetal tissue. CMP's efforts led to a House Select Investigative Panel and Senate Judiciary Committee inquiries followed by criminal referrals to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On December 13, 2016, then-Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley sent criminal referrals to the FBI, including multiple Planned Parenthood affiliates, biomedical companies, and the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). In June 2019, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham and Senator Grassley sent a follow-up letter requesting an update on the investigation. More incriminating video testimony was revealed this year by CMP.
In the recently released deposition testimony, Perrin Larton, the Procurement Manager for Advanced Bioscience Resources, Inc., testified about entirely intact fetuses: They just, sometimes they fall out of the patient during an abortion procedure once every couple months. When asked if the fetus has a heartbeat in this situation, Ms. Larton testified, It would depend as I can see hearts that are not in an intact P.O.C. [product of conception] that are beating independently after dissection.
Dr. Deborah Nucatola, former Senior Director of Medical Services for PPFA, whose deposition was also released, testified that she had patients deliver a non-viable fetus in the operating room. In her testimony, she defined a non-viable fetus as one that is not capable of survival, and used the availability of interventions as criteria of viability. Dr. Nucatola performed abortions at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, which provided fetal tissue to Novogenix Laboratories, LLC. Advanced Bioscience Resources, Inc., Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, and Novogenix Laboratories, LLC, were among those included in the criminal referrals sent to the FBI in 2016.
Additional testimony included Jon Dunn, the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC). Mr. Dunn testified that during his tenure, he recalled of at least one situation where an infant was born alive. PPOSBC had a partnership with DaVinci Biosciences LLC that was found by the Orange County District Attorney's Office to be illegally profiting from selling fetal tissue in 2017, though PPOSBC did not face any charges. This same Planned Parenthood facility was awarded a $7.5 million loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)the largest loan of the total $80 million that Planned Parenthood affiliates received.
Congress expressly intended to prohibit the creation of a market trading in fetal tissue when it established 42 U.S.C. 289g-2, that prohibits the sale of fetal tissue for valuable consideration. In 1993, Representative Henry Waxman (CA-33), who authored these restrictions despite supporting abortion himself, said on the House floor, This amendment that I am offering as a substitute would enact the most important safeguards, and those are the safeguards to prevent any sale of fetal tissue for any purpose, just not for the purpose of research. It would be abhorrent to allow for a sale of fetal tissue and a market to be created for that sale. In National Journal, Waxman later clarified on companies that sell tissue, they should be prosecuted.  Any price is unreasonable and illegal. Further, Congress passed the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which establishes equal protection for an infant who is born alivea heartbeat being an indicator of that statusat any stage of development, including in the event of an induced abortion.
As we have seen from invoices from certain Planned Parenthood affiliates, biomedical companies paid thousands of dollars in exchange for fetal organs from abortions. Planned Parenthood and any biomedical companies involved must be held accountable for their lucrative and illegal activities involving the trafficking and sale of fetal tissue.
Planned Parenthood's abuse of taxpayer PPP dollars is yet another example of Planned Parenthood's flagrant disregard for the law. We urge you to investigate not only the extent to which Planned Parenthood was involved in the sale of fetal tissue, but also the disturbing descriptions by Planned Parenthood workers of infants born alive who were left to die or killed through organ harvesting. In addition, we request the following information:
 
An update on any investigation already underway into Planned Parenthood, its affiliates, and the biomedical companies it deals with;
Any FBI or other DOJ action on the criminal referrals sent by the Senate Judiciary Committee or the House Select Investigative Panel. If no action has been taken on these referrals, provide an explanation as to why;
A list of any prosecutions or investigations DOJ has pursued for violations of 42 U.S.C. 289g-2 since January 1, 2010;
A list of any Planned Parenthood affiliates that DOJ is investigating for illegal fetal tissue sales that also received PPP loans; and
A list of any prosecutions or investigations of individuals or organizations that have committed crimes against born-alive infants who survive attempted abortions, including in violation of the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act.
 
President Trump and his administration have been unwavering in their efforts to protect life. Planned Parenthood's blatant disregard for legal protections for life is unacceptable, and we therefore respectfully ask that DOJ take all steps necessary to address Planned Parenthood's unlawful activities.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.


The Honorable Brian D. Miller,
Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery
U.S. Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20220
Dear Special Inspector General Miller,
As the newly confirmed Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), you have the authority to investigate and audit all loans made or managed by the Secretary of the Treasury, including those made under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). We write, therefore, to ask that you review the loans made to at least 43 Planned Parenthood affiliates. Specifically, we ask that you investigate how these affiliates were able to obtain PPP loans despite their ineligibility under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) affiliation rules, whether any Planned Parenthood affiliates knowingly provided false information in their PPP loan applications, and to what extent the parent organization, Planned Parenthood for America (PPFA), was involved in the application process for said loans.
On May 19, 2020, SBA sent a letter to a number of Planned Parenthood affiliates who had received PPP loans informing them that it had made a preliminary determination that the affiliates did not qualify for the loans and all funds must be returned. SBA's preliminary determination found that the affiliates did not qualify under affiliation rules, citing specifically to affiliation arising from management.
In support of its preliminary determination, SBA cited a number of areas in which PPFA exercises control over its affiliates as described by PPFA's bylaws. The cited control included: requirements outlined in PPFA's bylaws dictating a certification process for becoming a Planned Parenthood affiliate; a requirement that affiliate bylaws conform to PPFA policies; and 17 affiliation mandates affiliates must abide by covering core medical functions. In addition, SBA found that PPFA requires reaccreditation of affiliates and reserves the right to strip them of affiliation with PPFA or eject them from the PPFA network. Taken together, along with SBA's correct assertion that the receipt of these loans by Planned Parenthood affiliates violates the intent of Congress in creating the PPP loans , these facts clearly show that these affiliates should neither have been deemed eligible nor received taxpayer funds in the form of PPP loans.
Statements made by Planned Parenthood suggest that the submissions were done with prior knowledge that the organizations were not eligible for the PPP loans. As noted in a letter to Attorney General William Barr signed by 27 Senators, including many of the undersigned here, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political action committee for Planned Parenthood, expressly acknowledged that the CARES Act gives the Small Business Administration broad discretion to exclude Planned Parenthood affiliates and other non-profits serving people with low incomes and deny them benefits under the new small business loan program. This acknowledgement raises serious questions about not only the intent of Planned Parenthood affiliates in submitting PPP applications, but also the role that PPFA played in inducing or encouraging affiliates to apply for loans in deliberate violation of law.
We therefore ask you to conduct a thorough investigation of all PPP loans applied for and received by any Planned Parenthood affiliate, to determine how those affiliates were able to obtain PPP loans, and if any of their applications were submitted with information that was known or should have been known to be false, and make any civil or criminal referrals that you deem necessary and proper. We also ask that you review the extent to which PPFA was involved in the submission of any affiliate applications containing false or incorrect information. If such involvement is found, we ask that you consider whether it should be referred as a violation of 18 U.S.C. 371 or any other criminal or civil statute.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-wilson-statement-on-tragic-explosion-in-beirut,CONGRESSMAN WILSON STATEMENT ON TRAGIC EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT,2020-08-05,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On August 5, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on the Port of Beirut explosion:

""I am deeply saddened following reports of the explosion at the Port of Beirut yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with the dynamic people of Lebanon and with the families and loved ones of the victims of yesterday's tragedy.

""Worldwide families are impacted and I am personally grateful that a former staff member from Columbia, SC is uninjured despite her apartment being devastated.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-hails-house-passage-of-appropriations-bills-that-deliver-for-south-carolina-urges-senate-action/,CLYBURN HAILS HOUSE PASSAGE OF APPROPRIATIONS BILLS THAT DELIVER FOR SOUTH CAROLINA; URGES SENATE ACTION,2020-08-04,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"COLUMBIA, SC – U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) applauded House passage of 10 of the 12 appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2021 over the last two weeks, which include critical investments in South Carolina communities.

“As we approach the start of the next fiscal year on October 1, I am pleased that the House is well on its way to completing our constitutional responsibility to fund the government and invest in our communities,” Congressman Clyburn said. “Along with coronavirus response legislation like the HEROES Act and an infrastructure package like the Moving Forward Act—both of which have passed the House only to be ignored by the Republican Senate—these 10 bills will enable a strong economic recovery that makes America’s greatness affordable and accessible to all Americans, including my constituents in the Sixth District.”

Below are Congressman Clyburn’s priorities for South Carolina that are included in the House-passed legislation:

Persistent Poverty

These 10 bills apply Congressman Clyburn’s 10-20-30 framework—designed to ensure that at least 10 percent of funds are spent in counties with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent over the last 30 years—to 19 spending accounts, four more than the bills enacted in FY20 and an all-time high. These targeted investments will help expand opportunity in these communities and enable them to emerge from persistent poverty.

Broadband Internet

Building on the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, Congressman Clyburn’s bill that passed the House as part of the Moving Forward Act, this appropriations legislation includes $61 billion for the Federal Communications Commission to fund broadband infrastructure construction in unserved areas and $1.025 billion for rural broadband investment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including $990 million for the ReConnect program.

Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions

As the eviction moratorium in the CARES Act expires, and a new analysis finds that 52% of South Carolina renter households at risk of eviction, this legislation includes $25 million in grants for organizations to provide legal assistance to at-risk, low-income tenants. This provision is consistent with the Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions Act of 2020, a bill Congressman Clyburn introduced with Congressman David E. Price (NC-04), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing & Urban Development.

Lakes Marion and Moultrie

This legislation sustains the FY20 increased allocation of $100 million for the Environmental Infrastructure account within Army Corps of Engineers Construction. The Committee report explicitly “recognizes the importance of continued progress on the Lakes Marion and Moultrie regional water supply project and reminds the Corps that this project is eligible to compete for additional funding provided in this account.” This funding, along with a critical authorization from the Water Resources Development Act, will allow the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency to address unmet funding needed to bring clean drinking water access and economic development to Berkeley, Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties.

Charleston Harbor

The House-passed legislation requires the Army Corps of Engineers to spend at least $10 million to reimburse non-federal sponsors of projects like the Charleston Harbor deepening, and more than $20 million in funding for Charleston Harbor maintenance.

Rural Energy Savings Program

The legislation includes $12 million for the Rural Energy Savings Program, an initiative originally introduced by Congressman Clyburn in 2010 that provides low-interest micro-loans to residents and small businesses in rural areas to fund energy efficiency improvements that bring down electric bills.

Savannah River Site

The bill passed this week includes $1.538 billion for the Savannah River Site, nearly $7 million more than the President’s request. This includes $25 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility on the campus of USC – Aiken and nearly $11.5 million for Community and Regulatory Support, which funds Payment in Lieu of Taxes that funds schools, emergency services, and county operations in Allendale, Aiken, and Barnwell counties.

Telehealth/MUSC

The House bill includes $42 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Telehealth program—a $13 million increase above FY20—including $7 million for Telehealth Centers of Excellence—a $1 million increase above FY20. The Medical University of South Carolina is one of those Centers, and it provides over 100 telehealth services to nearly 350 sites in 44 counties, including 40 hospitals, over 80 schools, and nearly 200 community clinics and other facilities.

Community Health Centers

This legislation provides $1.65 billion for Community Health Centers, $25 million more than FY20. These facilities are vital providers of health care to many Sixth District residents. In addition, the House-passed HEROES Act includes $7.6 billion for Community Health Centers, and the House-passed Moving Forward Act authorizes $10 billion for Community Health Center capital projects to ensure these facilities are state-of-the-art.

Historic Preservation

The appropriations bill passed last week includes $10 million for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation Program, the funding level authorized by Congressman Clyburn’s bill that was enacted into law last year.

The bill also includes over $22 million in funding for historic preservation grants of sites from the Civil Rights Movement.

National Park Service National Networks

This legislation includes $1.5 million for the national networks of the National Park Service. One of these national networks is the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, which includes four sites in South Carolina and is managed by the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort County.

Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

The legislation provides $1 million for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, a significant funding increase that will enable the commission to ramp up efforts to promote economic development in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

University of South Carolina

These legislative packages provide funding for several activities which the University of South Carolina has indicated they plan to pursue, including navy power and energy systems technology, unmanned logistics solutions, and research in the use of biopolymers to support water distribution and regulation and energy systems.

The Citadel

The House approved $10 million for cyber institutes. The Citadel, in conjunction with the other five Senior Military Colleges, has submitted a proposal to serve as a cyber institute, which will facilitate further development of cyber curriculum offerings, cyber experiential events for K-12 student and teachers, support for underserved and minority cyber students, cyber internship and co-op opportunities, and mentorship of other universities seeking to establish DOD cyber pipelines.

Clemson University

These legislative packages advance several activities which Clemson University has indicated they plan to pursue, including prototyping energy smart autonomous ground systems, beam control systems and industry grade optical fiber fabrication for energy laser research, and exploration of the potential of high and ultra-high temperature ceramic-matrix composites in extreme environments experienced during hypersonic flight.

Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership

This legislation provides $153 for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which is an increase of $7 million above the FY20 funding level. The Hollings MEP is a nationwide network of centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico that help manufacturers successfully grow their businesses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:24:54Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=258BA1DA-92E3-4197-8264-344E5AD3FE44,Graham Introduces Amendment To Correct Pandemic Unemployment Assistance,2020-08-04,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced an amendment that would make changes to unemployment benefits which have seen an estimated 70 to 80 percent of unemployed individuals making more on unemployment benefits than they did at their jobs.
Under the Graham amendment, unemployed individuals in South Carolina would continue to receive up to $326 from the state. The current $600 per week federal unemployment benefit would be lowered to $500 for the months of August and September.
Beginning October 1, an unemployed individual would continue to receive up to $326 a week from the state plus a federal benefit of up to $500. The benefit would cover up to 100 percent of an unemployed individual's pre-pandemic wages.
I'm sympathetic to those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and want to help make them whole, said Graham. However, we cannot continue the $600 per week federal benefit which is now paying unemployed South Carolinians over $48,000 a year. In many cases someone on unemployment has receiveda pay raise and is making more on unemployment than they did at their job.It's also unfair to the teachers, police officers, firemen, healthcare workers, and others who continue to get up and go to work to have someone on unemployment making more by staying home.
This amendment will help bring the system back into balance. Reshaping the unemployment benefit to continue helping people  but not paying them more in unemployment than they made when they were working  is very important to me.
The amendment:
 
Ensures that states are reimbursed for 75 percent of unemployment costs for nonprofit, government agency, and Indian tribe employees.
Includes $2 billion to assist state unemployment systems in upgrading unemployment systems and ensuring better program integrity.
Provides $1.15 billion to states to process unemployment claims and upgrade systems.
Includes an emergency declaration to address pay-go concerns. 
 
Graham noted that earlier this week the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, South Carolina Retail Association, and National Federation of Independent Business wrote to the South Carolina congressional delegation expressing concerns about a continuation of the $600 per week federal supplement is harming South Carolina business.
The additional $600 per week unemployment payment has caused many South Carolina businesses to face recall resistance' from employees because the extra-large benefit exceeds many individuals' prior weekly earnings, wrote the organizations.
This provision is inadvertently impeding businesses' ability to fully re-open and get our state's economy back on trackIn South Carolina, employers are seeing first-hand the unintended consequences of the extra $600 weekly benefit that exceeds many individuals' weekly earned wage. DEW (Department of Employment and Workforce) reports that they have seen incidents of individuals refusing work because they make more on unemployment. Employers are being told stories of ghosting,' a scenario in which an applicant is applying for a job, interviewing, but not showing up for work in an effort to continue to receive the extra unemployment benefits.
#####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=33216BCF-AE16-4CD0-B163-9FA3CB81B4DD,Graham on Anarchy in U.S. Cities,2020-08-04,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution hearing titled The Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble: Protecting Speech by Stopping Anarchist Violence.
 
GRAHAM: They worked it out in Seattle after they took over part of the town. Being upset about what happened to Mr. [George] Floyd is absolutely all-American. Trying to occupy part of the city and turn it into a socialist enclave is not. https://youtu.be/aJTfIMwRktE?t=154
 
 
GRAHAM: I'm going to be watching really hard whether or not the people who attack our officers are prosecuted, and I will join my Democratic colleagues to make sure that the [Inspector General] looks really hard at any excessive use of force. I think most Americans are probably where I'm at. If a cop is going overboard we want to know about it and take corrective action, but I think most Americans want to make sure that somebody who throws a brick or a frozen bottle of water or anything else at a police officer, that they have their day in court too. So I want to put you both on notice that we're going to hold you accountable for prosecuting those who hurt our cops. https://youtu.be/aJTfIMwRktE?t=77
 
 
GRAHAM: To those who accuse the United States of being a totalitarian state, I don't buy it because I don't remember many hearings like this in Germany, where you call the Gestapo and ask 'hey who you beaten up and why?' I don't remember any open press about what's going on talking about the press, these things have been extensively covered. https://youtu.be/aJTfIMwRktE?t=6
 
 
GRAHAM: ""I don't know what's happening in Chicago. But this is not about Mr. [George] Floyd. Young kids are getting killed just outside their house. Somebody needs to do something about it. So my point is that this committeeis going to look at all of it. And all of that means what's going on in Chicago, and should the federal government help? How many kids have to die every weekend before enough is enough? https://youtu.be/aJTfIMwRktE?t=174
 
 
GRAHAM:We're not going to live in an America like this. So if you're a white supremacist I hope you get a knock on your door soon if you're engaging in violence, and I hope you go to jailfrom my point of view I don't want any American  black, white, anything in between  having to be afraid to live in their own country. https://youtu.be/aJTfIMwRktE?t=252
 
Click here to watch Graham's full remarks
#####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B27FCB3E-870A-48CF-97DA-41F09DC28CDA,"Senators Graham, Warner, And Scott Introduce Legislation To Promote Broadband In Underserved Areas",2020-08-04,2020,2020-08,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), and Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) today introduced the Governors' Broadband Development Fund.
The legislation:
 
Allocates $10 billion to the Broadband Development Fund to prioritize funding for areas that currently lack service.
Supports the deployment of advanced technologies in areas where there is greatest need.
Encourages projects that can provide internet service quickly.
 
There are places in South Carolina you might as well be on the moon when it comes to getting high speed internet service, said Senator Graham. All South Carolinians should be able to utilize the educational, telehealth, and business benefits of accessible and affordable broadband.There is bipartisan support for expanding broadband access and our legislation dramatically improves access in rural and underserved areas.I'm cautiously optimistic we can get this done and signed into law soon.
Before this crisis, we saw that broadband access was a precondition to full participation in the digital economy, said Senator Warner. But with this crisis we've seen that it's more than that: it's the enabling technology for remote education, tele-work, and tele-medicine; it's the means by which Americans apply for and access critical government benefits; and it provides us with the ability to stay close with loved ones we can no longer be in direct contact with. States like Virginia are leading the way in identifying and closing broadband gaps and this legislation will help expand and strengthen those important efforts.
Too many South Carolinians lack access to the global economy, telehealth, and educational tools due to the lack of broadband technology, said Senator Scott. This bipartisan legislation gives governors the opportunity to effectively deploy broadband in the parts of their state that need it most. It is critical that we continue to find pathways to increase connectivity for all Americans to ensure that they are equipped with the tools necessary to thrive.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), about 21 million Americans do not have access to 25/3 mbps internet, which is the FCC's standard for high-speed broadband. Of that 21 million, 16 million live in rural areas, while 5 million live in urban areas.
#####

The Governors' Broadband Development Fund
 
The legislation will be introduced this week in the United States Senate.Original co-sponsors will be Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mark Warner (D-VA) and Tim Scott (R-SC).
 
 
The legislation allocates $10 billion to the Broadband Development Fund.
 
 
Each state is provided a minimum of $75 million and the rest of the funding is distributed based on state populations.

30 percent of a state's funding must be used in Opportunity Zones.
South Carolina would receive roughly $170 million from this program.
Virginia would receive roughly $237 million from this program.
Funding can be used for infrastructure development, providing free or reduced cost broadband service, community center improvements, and other applications.

 
 
The Governors' Broadband Development Fund prioritizes funding for areas that currently lack service, supports the deployment of advanced technologies, and encourages projects that can provide internet service quickly.
 
 
This block grant is designed off of the successful USDA ReConnect program, which has seen more than three times the demand than funding available.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-hails-house-passage-appropriations-bills-deliver-south-carolina-urges-senate,CLYBURN HAILS HOUSE PASSAGE OF APPROPRIATIONS BILLS THAT DELIVER FOR SOUTH CAROLINA; URGES SENATE ACTION,2020-08-03,2020,2020-08,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"COLUMBIA, SC  U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) applauded House passage of 10 of the 12 appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2021 over the last two weeks, which include critical investments in South Carolina communities.

""As we approach the start of the next fiscal year on October 1, I am pleased that the House is well on its way to completing our constitutional responsibility to fund the government and invest in our communities, Congressman Clyburn said. Along with coronavirus response legislation like the HEROES Act and an infrastructure package like the Moving Forward Actboth of which have passed the House only to be ignored by the Republican Senatethese 10 bills will enable a strong economic recovery that makes America's greatness affordable and accessible to all Americans, including my constituents in the Sixth District.""

Below are Congressman Clyburn's priorities for South Carolina that are included in the House-passed legislation:

Persistent Poverty

These 10 bills apply Congressman Clyburn's 10-20-30 frameworkdesigned to ensure that at least 10 percent of funds are spent in counties with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent over the last 30 yearsto 19 spending accounts, four more than the bills enacted in FY20 and an all-time high. These targeted investments will help expand opportunity in these communities and enable them to emerge from persistent poverty.

Broadband Internet

Building on the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, Congressman Clyburn's bill that passed the House as part of the Moving Forward Act, this appropriations legislation includes $61 billion for the Federal Communications Commission to fund broadband infrastructure construction in unserved areas and $1.025 billion for rural broadband investment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including $990 million for the ReConnect program.

Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions

As the eviction moratorium in the CARES Act expires, and a new analysis finds that 52% of South Carolina renter households at risk of eviction, this legislation includes $25 million in grants for organizations to provide legal assistance to at-risk, low-income tenants. This provision is consistent with the Legal Assistance to Prevent Evictions Act of 2020, a bill Congressman Clyburn introduced with Congressman David E. Price (NC-04), the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing & Urban Development.

Lakes Marion and Moultrie

This legislation sustains the FY20 increased allocation of $100 million for the Environmental Infrastructure account within Army Corps of Engineers Construction. The Committee report explicitly recognizes the importance of continued progress on the Lakes Marion and Moultrie regional water supply project and reminds the Corps that this project is eligible to compete for additional funding provided in this account. This funding, along with a critical authorization from the Water Resources Development Act, will allow the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency to address unmet funding needed to bring clean drinking water access and economic development to Berkeley, Calhoun, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties.

Charleston Harbor

The House-passed legislation requires the Army Corps of Engineers to spend at least $10 million to reimburse non-federal sponsors of projects like the Charleston Harbor deepening, and more than $20 million in funding for Charleston Harbor maintenance.

Rural Energy Savings Program

The legislation includes $12 million for the Rural Energy Savings Program, an initiative originally introduced by Congressman Clyburn in 2010 that provides low-interest micro-loans to residents and small businesses in rural areas to fund energy efficiency improvements that bring down electric bills.

Savannah River Site
The bill passed this week includes $1.538 billion for the Savannah River Site, nearly $7 million more than the President's request. This includes $25 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative facility on the campus of USC  Aiken and nearly $11.5 million for Community and Regulatory Support, which funds Payment in Lieu of Taxes that funds schools, emergency services, and county operations in Allendale, Aiken, and Barnwell counties.

Telehealth/MUSC

The House bill includes $42 million for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Telehealth programa $13 million increase above FY20including $7 million for Telehealth Centers of Excellencea $1 million increase above FY20. The Medical University of South Carolina is one of those Centers, and it provides over 100 telehealth services to nearly 350 sites in 44 counties, including 40 hospitals, over 80 schools, and nearly 200 community clinics and other facilities.

Community Health Centers

This legislation provides $1.65 billion for Community Health Centers, $25 million more than FY20. These facilities are vital providers of health care to many Sixth District residents. In addition, the House-passed HEROES Act includes $7.6 billion for Community Health Centers, and the House-passed Moving Forward Act authorizes $10 billion for Community Health Center capital projects to ensure these facilities are state-of-the-art.

Historic Preservation

The appropriations bill passed last week includes $10 million for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Historic Preservation Program, the funding level authorized by Congressman Clyburn's bill that was enacted into law last year.

The bill also includes over $22 million in funding for historic preservation grants of sites from the Civil Rights Movement.

National Park Service National Networks

This legislation includes $1.5 million for the national networks of the National Park Service. One of these national networks is the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, which includes four sites in South Carolina and is managed by the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort County.

Southeast Crescent Regional Commission

The legislation provides $1 million for the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, a significant funding increase that will enable the commission to ramp up efforts to promote economic development in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

University of South Carolina

These legislative packages provide funding for several activities which the University of South Carolina has indicated they plan to pursue, including navy power and energy systems technology, unmanned logistics solutions, and research in the use of biopolymers to support water distribution and regulation and energy systems.

The Citadel

The House approved $10 million for cyber institutes. The Citadel, in conjunction with the other five Senior Military Colleges, has submitted a proposal to serve as a cyber institute, which will facilitate further development of cyber curriculum offerings, cyber experiential events for K-12 student and teachers, support for underserved and minority cyber students, cyber internship and co-op opportunities, and mentorship of other universities seeking to establish DOD cyber pipelines.

Clemson University

These legislative packages advance several activities which Clemson University has indicated they plan to pursue, including prototyping energy smart autonomous ground systems, beam control systems and industry grade optical fiber fabrication for energy laser research, and exploration of the potential of high and ultra-high temperature ceramic-matrix composites in extreme environments experienced during hypersonic flight.

Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership

This legislation provides $153 for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), which is an increase of $7 million above the FY20 funding level. The Hollings MEP is a nationwide network of centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico that help manufacturers successfully grow their businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/duncan-proposal-could-streamline-relicensing-nuclear-plants,Duncan proposal could streamline relicensing for nuclear plants,2020-07-31,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/lack-yucca-mountain-funds-leads-rep-duncan-slam-house-spending-package,Lack of Yucca Mountain funds leads Rep. Duncan to slam House spending package,2020-07-31,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/7-31-2020-covid-19-update,7-31-2020 COVID-19 Update,2020-07-31,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Latest COVID-19 Update from Congressman Jeff Duncan: 
I hope you and your family are safe and healthy. Below is some information I thought you might find helpful   Quick Facts   - Over 54.6 million COVID-19 tests have been performed in the United States, which is far more than any other country in the world HERE.  - According to the COVID-19 Tracking Project, on July 24th, 929,838 COVID-19 tests were reported in the United States in a single day, a new single-day record HERE.  - HHS, DOE, and the VA recently announced a COVID-19 Insights Partnership - an initiative to coordinate and share health data as well as research and expertise to aid in the fight against COVID-19 HERE.  - The Phase 3 clinical trial for Moderna and the NIH's vaccine candidate is underway HERE.  - There are now 15 products on the EPA's list of products expected to kill SARS-CoV-2 HERE.  - According to South Carolina DHEC, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in SC is 87,117 HERE.  - SC DHEC continues to offer FREE mobile COVID-19 testing clinics across the state. View their list of available clinics HERE.  - As of yesterday, a total of 745,198 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in South Carolina HERE.  - Governor McMaster took additional action this week to slow the spread of COVID-19 in South Carolina HERE.   - Roughly half of our State's population is currently under some form of mask ordinance HERE. 
- The South Carolina Superintendent has approved the re-opening plans of six South Carolina School Districts HERE.   - The CDC has issued guidance on school re-openings HERE.  - Clemson University announced they will begin the Fall semester online and will delay in-person instruction until September 21, 2020 HERE.  - Attorney General Barr testified before the House Judiciary Committee and addressed the violent riots happening around the country HERE.  - House Democrats blocked my amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would prohibit any future Administration from transferring Guantanamo Bay terrorists to the United States HERE.     New Legislation   This week I introduced H.R. 7817, the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act. Nuclear energy is a critical part of our nation's energy matrix. It is a safe and effective energy source that fuels the 24/7 baseload power supply most Americans demand, and it protects our national security. Further, nuclear power provides large amounts of carbon-free electricity, which is important as we continue to strive for clean energy.  My bill, H.R. 7817, the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act, aims to update the environmental review process for nuclear reactors, especially advanced reactors. Specifically, the bill directs the NRC to evaluate the current environmental review process for nuclear reactors, determine more efficient and timely ways to perform the reviews while also complying with the recently modernized National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and conduct a formal rulemaking on their findings. We must continue to look for ways to enhance our domestic nuclear energy production and maintain global competitiveness. I'm confident that my bill will contribute to this effort.  Read my full statement and the bill HERE.     Yucca Mountain 
121 sites around the country are currently holding nuclear waste, including the Savannah River Site located in South Carolina. Yucca Mountain is a permanent nuclear waste repository in Nevada, and the federal government promised the American people it be utilized years ago through the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982. Yucca Mountain is a national solution to a national problem. This week the House considered a second appropriations package or minibus, and I'm extremely disappointed that funding for Yucca Mountain was not included. South Carolina ratepayers have paid billions towards the construction and operation of a permanent repository at Yucca Mountain, yet nothing has come to fruition. It's well past time that we make Yucca a reality  it's the law of the land! Listen to my floor speech HERE. 
  Safari Club International 
I'm honored to receive the Federal Legislator of the Year award from the Safari Club International (SCI). This award is for preserving and promoting hunting and conservation for future generations. I will always remain dedicated to these efforts. Thank you, SCI!
  Paycheck Protection Program 
  Small business owners  don't forget the Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting new applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through August 8, 2020! This program continues to help so many small businesses across America keep their doors open and pay their employees. For more information, visit the SBA's website HERE.  Stay Connected    For the most expedited constituent service, please do not reply directly to this email. Send me an emailHEREso I can get in touch with you as fast as possible. Also, don't forget to follow me onFacebook,Twitter,andInstagramfor daily updates.Please do not hesitate to contact me if you or your family need assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-includes-wilson-amendments-in-the-defense-appropriations-bill,HOUSE INCLUDES WILSON AMENDMENTS IN THE DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS BILL,2020-07-31,2020,2020-07,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On July 31, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement after House passage of two unprecedented amendments to the Defense Appropriations bill which were offered by Congressman Wilson:

""These amendments prohibit U.S. taxpayer funds from going to notorious Iranian-backed militias who undermine the sovereignty of Iraq and have American blood on their hands. Groups that comprise the Popular Mobilization Forces, and especially Iran's cowardly proxy the Badr Organization, which shamefully do Tehran's malicious bidding in Iraq and were involved in the attack on our Embassy in Baghdad. They should be designated terrorist organizations. At the very least, we must ensure that not a single penny of hard-earned U.S. taxpayers' dollars go to these criminal gangs that seek to destabilize Iraq and harm American families.

""Ultimately the underlying bill was deeply flawed and included many dangerous left-wing provisions including repealing the AUMF that allows our troops to succeed in the Global War on Terrorism. However, I am grateful that the House at least included these two important amendments that will ensure our money does not go to fund those that have a murderous agenda.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-28T00:18:24Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-veterans-affairs-committee-passes-veteran-home-loan-disaster-recovery-act,House Veterans Affairs Committee Passes the Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act,2020-07-30,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Joe Cunningham and Brian Mast would help veterans in the wake of a natural disaster
Washington, D.C.  The House Veterans' Affairs Committee today passed the Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and Brian Mast (R-FL) that would help veterans rebuild and recover in the wake of a natural disaster. 
Veterans and servicemembers are currently eligible for VA home loans that are backed by the federal government and subject to lower interest rates than traditional mortgages. The Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act would reduce loan fees for veterans who have been affected by presidentially-declared natural disasters by enabling them to qualify for a second home loan using the initial VA funding fee, instead of the higher subsequent-use fee. 
As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am proud to use my seat at the table to ensure that Lowcountry veterans know our country is there for them, especially after a natural disaster, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan legislation helps our veterans and servicemembers rebuild and recover after disaster strikes by reducing unnecessarily high loan fees. With hurricane season well under way, I encourage House leadership to hold a vote on this legislation as soon as possible. South Carolina veterans and servicemembers do not deserve to be penalized for living in the path of hurricanes. 
""Rep. Cunningham's bill is a key solution to ensure that we help veterans when natural disasters strike and they lose their homesand I'm proud to see his bill pass through the Committee today, said Chairman Mark Takano. Especially in the midst of hurricane season, it's critical that we reduce home loan fees and support these veterans if they lose everything to a natural disaster.
It is absurd that veterans are forced to pay more for a second VA home loan if their first home was destroyed by a natural disaster, said Rep. Brian Mast. The least we can do for veterans trying to put their lives back together after one of these storms is to make sure they have access to the benefits they earned in service to our nation. That's what this bill is all about.
Current VA Funding Fee Structure:




The legislation has earned the support of three high-profile veteran service organizations: the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
The Veteran Home Loan Disaster Recovery Act passed as an amendment to bipartisan legislation introduced earlier this month by Reps. Bost (R-IL) and Cunningham, which would expand eligibility to the VA home loan program to National Guard and Army Reserve members that have been activated in response to COVID-19. Under current law, members of the National Guard and Army Reserves can only access the program if they have had served over 90 consecutive days on active duty or six years of total service.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-announces-berkeley-dorchester-and-charleston-receive-155-million,"Cunningham Announces Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston to Receive $1.55 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants",2020-07-29,2020,2020-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Funding will be used to capitalize revolving loan funds to help small businesses in the Lowcountry 
Washington, D.C.  Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today announced that the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $1.55 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs that have been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 
The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments will receive a $616,000 EDA Cares Act Recovery Assistance Grant and the City of Charleston will receive a $935,000 EDA Cares Act Recovery Assistance Grant to provide struggling small businesses in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties with loans to support their continued economic growth.
As the Lowcountry continues to be hard hit by COVID-19, our small businesses are still facing the devastating consequences of this public health and economic crisis, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. These grants, provided by the CARES Act that I was proud to pass, will help Lowcountry small businesses survive these uncertain times and come back stronger then before. My work in Congress will continue to help support those in need, including our small businesses, workers, and South Carolina families. 
The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments' goal with this funding is to keep local businesses in business during an extraordinarily difficult time, said BCDCOG Executive Director Ron Mitchum. We are deeply appreciative of the work of our Congressional delegation in securing these needed resources for our region and we look forward to aiding in the recovery effort.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z