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://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-on-fdic-chairman-mcwilliams-resignation/,Senator Scott Statement on FDIC Chairman McWilliams’ Resignation,2021-12-31,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Chairman Jelena McWilliams’ resignation after a politically-motivated attempt to undermine the independence of the agency.

“I am thankful for Chairman McWilliams’ service as FDIC chairman,” said Senator Scott. “She played an instrumental role in the implementation of rules to alleviate regulatory burdens on community banks and helped guide the industry through pandemic-related economic uncertainty. Her strong and fair leadership will be greatly missed.

“Over the course of her career, Chairman McWilliams has established an impressive reputation as a good faith negotiator and dealmaker, all while staying true to her core principles. Moreover, throughout her FDIC tenure, she has been a consummate consensus builder. The fact that Biden administration regulators have seemingly failed to conduct board business through the standard procedural channels in an open and honest manner with a regulator as well known for her integrity as Chairman McWilliams speaks volumes. I remain deeply concerned that the flagrant, politically-motivated efforts to appropriate the authorities granted by FDIC bylaws to the agency’s Senate-confirmed chairman represent a dangerous attempt to politicize the independent and historically apolitical practice of federal bank regulation.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-colleagues-call-on-president-biden-to-withdraw-nomination-of-dr-david-weil-for-wage-and-hour-administrator/,"Senator Scott, Colleagues Call on President Biden to Withdraw Nomination of Dr. David Weil for Wage & Hour Administrator",2021-12-29,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) in urging President Biden to formally withdraw the nomination of Dr. David Weil to be Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division. In a letter, the senators cited that the Senate’s HELP Committee was unable to report Dr. Weil’s nomination favorably when it was considered this year and listed concerns with actions Dr. Weil took while serving as Wage & Hour Administrator during the Obama administration, including implementing job-killing rules, arbitrarily constricting the standard for who is considered an independent contractor, and presiding over a 93% increase in litigation due to an expansion of the “joint employer” definition.

“Small business entrepreneurs in this country deserve a Wage and Hour Division Administrator that will work constructively alongside them,” the senators wrote. “The Senate has spoken this year that Dr. Weil is not the right fit for this position. We appreciate your responsiveness to this request, and ask for prompt confirmation that the nomination of Dr. David Weil is formally withdrawn.”

Click here to download or read the full text of the letter below:

Dear Mr. President,

We write to urge you to formally withdraw the nomination of Dr. David Weil, of Massachusetts, to be Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, vice Cheryl Marie Stanton. Dr. Weil’s track record is hostile to employers, unproductive to the employees served by such employers, and the actions he took at the federal level were mired in costly litigation.

The United States Constitution divides the responsibility for populating top positions in the federal government between the President and the United States Senate. The appointments clause (Article II, Section 2) empowers the President to nominate “by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate”. The role of the Senate to give advice and consent is an integral part of the process for populating top officials in our government.

The Senate received Dr. Weil’s nomination on June 8, 2021. The Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) carefully considered the merits of his nomination, actions that included a full committee hearing. The HELP Committee was unable to favorably report Dr. Weil’s nomination to the full Senate during an August 3, 2021 business meeting, lacking the necessary votes to do so. In the nearly five months that followed this failed business meeting, no action was taken by the full Senate to discharge or otherwise consider his nomination. On December 21, 2021, this nomination was formally returned to the White House, as the Senate did not give consent to hold over Dr. Weil’s nomination.

The lack of sufficient support for Dr. Weil’s nomination is not surprising considering the actions he took during the Obama administration as Wage & Hour Administrator. Chief among the concerns with his record: promulgation of a job-killing overtime rule in 2016 that overstepped and was therefore struck down by the U.S. District Court; an arbitrarily strict standard for classification of independent contractors in 2015; and a destructive expansion of “joint employer” definition in 2016 that led to a 93 percent increase in litigation. Additionally, both Dr. Weil and the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have refused to provide all the documents regarding Weil’s actions with the Labor Advisory Board in Massachusetts. Requests to both by the Ranking Member’s staff have been stonewalled and public records requests have been unnecessarily delayed. These are not the actions of an individual committed to transparency and accountability in government service. His nomination has raised sincere concerns on behalf of many of the constituencies we represent.

Small business entrepreneurs in this country deserve a Wage and Hour Division Administrator that will work constructively alongside them. The Senate has spoken this year that Dr. Weil is not the right fit for this position. We appreciate your responsiveness to this request, and ask for prompt confirmation that the nomination of Dr. David Weil is formally withdrawn.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-inflation-soars-scott-stands-up-for-farmers-and-ranchers/,"As Inflation Soars, Scott Stands Up For Farmers and Ranchers",2021-12-23,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.), Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), and several of their colleagues in urging federal financial regulators to provide community banks, credit unions, and Farm Credit institutions with the regulatory flexibility they need to responsibly work with their agriculture clients as the profit margins of farmers and ranchers shrink from higher input costs. The senators are also requesting that federal financial regulators monitor how inflation and inflationary-related pressures are affecting the agriculture industry and, in turn, the community financial institutions that serve it.

“The destructive impact of inflation has already affected individuals, families, and businesses across the nation, and no one is immune from these price increases,” the senators wrote. “Caused in large part by an unprecedented increase in federal government spending, in addition to supply chain bottlenecks, these higher prices are not just increasing grocery bills and home heating costs, but they are also raising costs on businesses, including on our nation’s farmers and ranchers.”

The letter was also signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

Senator Scott is committed to investigating and pushing back against any actions taken by the administration that contribute to inflation, which takes its greatest toll on low-income Americans.

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-scott-talks-dem-spending-2021-highlights-and-2022-agenda/,"ICYMI: Scott Talks Dem Spending, 2021 Highlights and 2022 Agenda",2021-12-23,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Leyla Gulen on Fox24 Charleston. Sen. Scott slammed Democrats’ spending, talked legislative highlights of 2021, and laid out his agenda for 2022.

Click to watch part one of the interview

On Dem Spending … “Well, if you think about their plan, the Build Back Broker (BBB) as I prefer to call it, frankly that’s three trillion dollars of unpaid spending if those programs continue for all 10 years and the likelihood of that is good if they can get it passed. …I hope [what] we’ll see over the next several weeks is no passage of the BBB. That is good news for the American people.”

“Leyla throughout South Carolina whether you’re in Charleston, Union, [or] McCormick South Carolina, the one thing you know is that gas prices have exploded — a 70 percent increase throughout our state. Utilities are up 25 percent if not even more. That is caused by reckless spending from Washington having a negative impact on every single household in the great Palmetto State. We can stop that from exploding again by not spending money we do not have, buying things we simply cannot afford.”

Click to watch part two of the interview

On 2021 Highlights … “Another really impressive issue this year frankly — is our bill that stopped the IRS from being able to peer into our financial accounts. That has been great news frankly — having all 50 Republicans get on that bill in less than 24 hours and then having Joe Manchin and a couple of other Democrats come out and say we can’t do that that’s just ridiculous.”

On His Areas of Focus for 2022 … “I’m sticking with the less is better agenda. So, we’re going to continue to fight against certain provisions in the BBB — things like that childcare component that I talked about earlier. The average family cannot afford an 80 percent increase in the childcare cost. If we can defeat that provision specifically, we will have empowered parents to keep making the choice for their kids. Education opportunity — this is the closest thing to a civil rights issue we’ll see in our lifetime. Creating parity for poor parents and poor zip codes is job one for us as a nation on the domestic agenda and something that I’ll continue to fight for. Then, continuing to eliminate inflation as well as [preventing] the IRS [from having] more purview into your accounts. Then, if I had to put icing on the cake, I would simply say to take away the disadvantages in the Build Back Broker plan against states like South Carolina.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-finance-republicans-demand-treasury-analysis-of-oecd-agreement/,"Scott, Finance Republicans Demand Treasury Analysis of OECD Agreement",2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), along with Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and all other Senate Finance Committee Republicans, wrote to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen renewing requests for information regarding international tax negotiations. To date, the Department of the Treasury (USDT) has been unwilling or unable to fully engage with Congress to provide details on the negotiations, which will have a significant impact on American workers, businesses and revenue.

The senators raise concerns with how the negotiations may negatively impact U.S. competitiveness; the commitment from the United States to increase its global minimum tax before any other country; and suggestions that USDT could implement the agreement without the advice and consent of the Senate, bypassing the treaty process.

“The Administration’s rush to reach a political agreement, tied to its domestic spending plans and pursuit of revenue, has come at the expense of thorough analysis and meaningful engagement with Congress and the business community, and may ultimately put U.S. businesses at risk. . . . Given this agreement’s potential to jeopardize U.S. competitiveness, we continue to have concerns with the lack of detail underlying the approach being proposed under Pillar One and its lack of foundation in any discernible tax principles,” the senators wrote.

“Further troubling is Treasury’s continued insistence that the United States once again move first by significantly increasing the U.S. global minimum tax. . . . As Pillar Two does not require other countries to adopt a global minimum tax, we are not confident that our biggest foreign competitors, like China, will enact and implement a global minimum tax on the same terms or on the timeline agreed to at the OECD. …

“Finally, suggestions that the United States could fully implement Pillar One without the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate through the treaty process are highly problematic. . . . [A]ny suggestion that Pillar One can be implemented absent treaty ratification is a dramatic shift from past precedent and calls into question the binding nature of any such agreement, thereby threatening the very tax certainty that many of our companies, and this Administration, claim to seek under Pillar One.”

The senators end the letter with a detailed list of questions regarding the proposals, reiterating that any opportunity for a bipartisan outcome will require greater transparency and engagement from USDT.

Signing the letter along with Senator Scott and Ranking Member Crapo were all other Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee: Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

Full text of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-colleagues-in-filing-amicus-brief-in-pending-clean-air-act-supreme-court-case/,Scott Joins Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief in Pending Clean Air Act Supreme Court Case,2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today joined 47 senators and 45 House members—including Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)—in filing an amicus curiae brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the petitioners in the pending case West Virginia, et al. v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The members agree that the EPA acted outside its congressionally-authorized authority by issuing significantly overreaching rules—namely the Clean Power Plan—to attempt to transform the nation’s power sector through emissions regulations under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

“If Congress had intended to give the EPA such sweeping authority to transform an entire sector of our economy, Congress would have done so explicitly. An administrative agency like the EPA may decide issues of such vast economic and political significance only when the agency can point to ‘clear congressional authorization.’

“Decisions regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the power sector are major policy questions with vast economic and political significance. Only elected members of Congress, representing the will of the people, may decide these questions. The EPA’s attempt to issue expansive regulations cannot stand in the absence of clear congressional authorization.

“Congress knows how to address greenhouse gas emissions. In recent years, Congress has decided to pass transformative laws that incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from a wide range of industries, including the electric power sector,” the brief states.

Senate cosigners of the brief include Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

House cosigners of the brief include Representatives Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Steve Scalise (R-La.), Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas), Robert E. Latta (R-Ohio), Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), David B. McKinley (R-W.Va.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), Billy Long (R-Mo.), Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.), Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Gary J. Palmer (R-Ala.), Neal P. Dunn (R-Fla.), John R. Curtis (R-Utah), Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.), Greg Pence (R-Ind.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), John Joyce (R-Pa.), Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Troy Balderson (R-Ohio), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho), Garret Graves (R-La.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Carol Miller (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), and Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.).

Read the full text of the amicus brief here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-banking-republicans-call-on-president-biden-to-rebuke-fdic-coup-attempt/,"Senator Scott, Banking Republicans Call on President Biden to Rebuke FDIC Coup Attempt",2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and fellow Senate Banking Committee Republicans are calling on President Joe Biden to rebuke Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Director Marty Gruenberg for their illegitimate attempt to violate the FDIC’s 88-year tradition of working independent from partisan political influence. In a letter, the senators also urged President Biden to immediately replace Director Gruenberg—whose term expired three years ago and is serving in a temporary capacity—and nominate an individual to fill the vacant Republican seat on the FDIC board.

“As a public servant who spent nearly four decades serving in the U.S. Senate, we believe you understand and hold deep respect for historical precedent, institutional norms, and courteous treatment of your colleagues—even in the face of political disagreement,”the senators wrote. “America’s independent financial regulators are respected the world over for their professionalism and integrity, and we fear the actions of Director Chopra and Director Gruenberg, if left unchecked have the potential to weaken faith in our financial institutions and markets.”

On December 9, CFPB Director Chopra and FDIC Director Gruenberg published a joint statement to the CFPB’s website claiming the FDIC approved a request for information (RFI) on bank mergers. Shortly thereafter, the FDICclarifiedthat no such document had been approved by the FDIC and that there was no valid vote by the FDIC board.

“Director Chopra and Director Gruenberg’s statement and actions make clear that they violated FDIC procedures with the apparent goal of usurping the powers of the chairman and inhibiting her ability to carry out her official duties and responsibilities,”the senators continued. “In addition to violating the FDIC bylaws and processes, their actions upended an 88-year tradition of the FDIC board working on a collegial basis with its chairman as well as working independent from partisan political influence.”

As the senators point out, Director Gruenberg is going on nearly two decades as an FDIC board member, but is currently serving in a temporary role because his term expired three years ago. Despite the fact that his position requires Senate confirmation, he has continued to serve on the FDIC board long after the expiration of his term in order to undermine its Senate-confirmed leader.

“We urge you to nominate promptly a candidate to replace Director Gruenberg, as well as a candidate to fill the vacant Vice-Chairman position on the FDIC board. These candidates should be well-qualified, mainstream individuals who will respect the institutional norms and practices that Director Chopra and Director Gruenberg have willfully chosen to ignore.”

To read the senators’ full letter to President Biden, click here.

BACKGROUND

On Monday, Senator Scott separately urged Director Chopra and Director Gruenberg to cease and desist their efforts to supersede Chairman McWilliams’ powers and responsibilities as the Senate-confirmed leader of the FDIC.

In his letter, Senator Scott emphasized that Director Chopra and Director Gruenberg’s unprecedented and illegitimate actions to politicize the independent and historically apolitical practice of federal bank regulation are in direct conflict with their job as Board members to uphold the FDIC’s mission of maintaining “stability and public confidence in the nation’s financial system.”

To read Senator Scott’s full letter to CFPB Director Chopra and FDIC Director Gruenberg,click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-scott-and-hassan-introduce-bill-to-expand-educator-tax-deduction/,Senators Scott and Hassan Introduce Bill to Expand Educator Tax Deduction,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced a bill to extend the educator Expense Tax Deduction to K-12 athletic coaches and administrators. This bill will amend the tax code to allow K-12 coaches to be classified as “eligible educators” in order to be eligible for tax deductions for out-of-pocket expenses relating to instructional expenses.

“Coaches and athletic administrators are often integral to the success of students both in and out of the classroom,” said Senator Tim Scott. “It is only right that we expand the tax code to ensure that they receive the same benefits as they continue to personally invest in the future of students across America.”

“Athletic directors and coaches across New Hampshire play an important role in setting students up for success, including by fostering health and wellness and helping student-athletes get on the road to college,” Senator Hassan said. “It is nonsensical that coaches are left out of getting tax cuts to help cover out-of-pocket costs for supplies when all other teachers have that option. I am glad to introduce this bill with Senator Scott that would include athletic directors and coaches in the group of educators who can get certain out-of-pocket expenses covered, and I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation.“

Several organizations have expressed support for this bill including Nike, Inc, adidas America, Inc, Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA).

“We thank Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for this bill that directly offers a positive benefit to interscholastic athletic administrators,” said NIAAA Executive Director Dr. Mike Blackburn. “Just as the original 1986 IRS code allows deductions for out-of-pocket educator costs, this bill offers the same financial option to those in the profession of high school and middle school athletic administration and coaching. We appreciate our supportive members of the U. S. Congress, as well as our advocates, and NIAAA Board of Directors.”

“Interscholastic athletics is an integral component of the education system. First and foremost, we are thankful for the actions of Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for recognizing interscholastic athletic administrators and interscholastic athletic coaches as educators. The financial options of the tax bill is a welcomed addition and is very much appreciated,”said NIAAA President Dr. Lisa L. Langston.

BACKGROUND

Under current law, only “eligible educators” are able to utilize the $250 tax credit for out-of-pocket related instructional expenses.

“Eligible educator” means, with respect to any taxable year, an individual who is a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide in a school for at least 900 hours during a school year.

Athletic administrators and coaches can be considered eligible educators and receive these tax deductions as they also provide critical instruction to students and often pay for their expenses out of their own pockets.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EC68FBA6-2836-4DFB-92F8-FA79B970F99C,Graham Pushes For Senate Hearing On Rising Crime Rates,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) wrote to the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman to call for a hearing on the drastic rise in violent crime in the United States. The letter was signed by all Republican members of the committee.

“As you know, reducing violent crime is a topic about which many members of the committee are deeply passionate,” wrote the senators. “Beginning in the summer of 2020, the country has experienced a sustained and unprecedented 30% increase in murders. This spike has correlated with a move toward depolicing, after the eruption of over 500 riots nationally.”

While the Trump Administration took steps to combat violent crime, the senators noted that the Biden Administration’s plan is more focused on targeting lawful firearm owners.

“In June of 2021, the Biden Administration unveiled its own strategy to reduce violent crime,” wrote the senators. “We were troubled to see how much of the President’s strategy focuses on lawful gun acquisition and lawful gun owners. For example, one of the tenets of the President’s plan is finding ways to sue legal gun manufacturers, an initiative that would do much to interfere with Americans’ access to guns but nothing to target murders or reduce crime…Legally owned firearms play an important role in allowing Americans to protect themselves during a violent crime surge. A 2013 CDC-commissioned study found that as many as millions of people a year defend themselves with a firearm.”

The senators wrote to Chairman Durbin following a field hearing on reducing violent crime in Durbin’s hometown of Chicago that Judiciary Committee Republicans were blocked from participating in virtually. The senators noted that a spike in violent crime has impacted cities across the nation and a national focus on the issue is of great importance.

“We therefore request that you hold a full committee hearing in Washington, D.C. on the spike in murders and the challenges that law enforcement is facing. Ineffective bail policies, cumbersome restraints on police officers, and the impact of the “progressive prosecutor” movement are exacerbating this surge,” wrote the senators.

The full text of the letter is below.

Dear Chairman Durbin:

Yesterday you held a hearing entitled, “Combating Gun Trafficking and Reducing Violence in Chicago” at the Everett McKinley Dirksen United States Courthouse in Chicago, Illinois.

As you know, reducing violent crime is a topic about which many members of the committee are deeply passionate. Beginning in the summer of 2020, the country has experienced a sustained and unprecedented 30% increase in murders.[1] This spike has correlated with a move toward depolicing,[2] after the eruption of over 500 riots nationally.[3] Former Attorney General Bill Barr responded with Operation Legend, an initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies worked in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. By the end of 2020, the initiative had yielded 467 homicide arrests and seized thousands of firearms and kilos of drugs.[4]

In June of 2021, the Biden Administration unveiled its own strategy to reduce violent crime.[5] We were troubled to see how much of the President’s strategy focuses on lawful gun acquisition and lawful gun owners. For example, one of the tenets of the President’s plan is finding ways to sue legal gun manufacturers, an initiative that would do much to interfere with Americans’ access to guns but nothing to target murders or reduce crime. A 2019 study by DOJ found that few firearms used in crime are acquired from firearm dealers, about 7%, compared to 56% who stole a firearm or bought it in a black market.[6] Legally owned firearms play an important role in allowing Americans to protect themselves during a violent crime surge. A 2013 CDC-commissioned study found that as many as millions of people a year defend themselves with a firearm.[7]

We understand that the hearing included witnesses who could answer questions about the President’s plan and the challenges of countering this increase in crime. Although the hearing occurred in Chicago, the Chairman’s hometown, travel to Chicago would have been difficult for the other members of the committee during the last few weeks of the work period. Accordingly, we previously requested that you make virtual or telephone questioning available. That request was denied.

We therefore request that you hold a full committee hearing in Washington, D.C. on the spike in murders and the challenges that law enforcement is facing. Ineffective bail policies, cumbersome restraints on police officers, and the impact of the “progressive prosecutor” movement are exacerbating this surge. While it would have been helpful to explore the effects of these factors on crime in Chicago, given the many other cities that are impacted by the crime surge, we believe it would be even more useful if we could explore these problems on a national scale with the full committee.

Thank you for your attention to this request.

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-representative-norman-lead-effort-to-protect-faith-based-child-welfare-providers/,"Senator Scott, Representative Norman Lead Effort to Protect Faith-Based Child Welfare Providers",2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Representative Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) led a bicameral letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, condemning HHS’s recent reversal of protections for faith-based adoption and foster care agencies.

“For decades, faith-based child welfare agencies have provided safe and loving homes for our nation’s children,” said Senator Scott. “Rather than celebrating that work, Secretary Becerra and President Biden’s recent steps will force many providers to choose between abandoning their religious beliefs or closing their doors. This is not only an attack on religious liberty—it’s also a disservice to the 400,000 children who depend on the work of these providers.”

“Faith-based child welfare agencies are doing incredible work throughout our nation and here in South Carolina, and it is unconscionable that government bureaucrats would seek to roadblock their efforts. By withdrawing non-discrimination waivers and cutting out the Office for Civil Rights’ authority to review religious freedom complaints, this appears to be a deliberate attempt by this Administration to devalue religious liberties, making them a mere footstool to elevate their far-left agenda. On behalf of countless faith-based agencies and the families they serve, I want to know exactly how HHS and Secretary Becerra have reached these alarming decisions, and what the Secretary intends to do to reaffirm and protect religious freedoms,” said Representative Norman.

“We find it disturbing that one day before it released its 2021 AFCARS report, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—with your express approval— announced the rescission of waivers that were previously granted to faith-based adoption and foster care agencies in Michigan, Texas, and South Carolina,” the members of Congress wrote in their letter. “As you know, rescinding the waivers puts providers in these states in the untenable position of choosing between serving children under the Title IV-E foster care program or operating in accordance with the tenets of their faith – the same faith that drives them to serve children in the first place. HHS should be welcoming child welfare providers, not excluding them. Children are too important to be pawns in political games.”

BACKGROUND:

On November 18, HHS announced it was rescinding waivers previously issued to faith-based adoption and foster care agencies in South Carolina, Michigan, and Texas that allowed them to qualify for HHS grants while operating in accordance with their deeply-held religious beliefs. Additionally, the HHS announced it was moving to strip the Office for Civil Rights of its authority to enforce the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act and the religion clauses of the First Amendment.

Senator Scott and Representative Norman’s letter articulates that:

Faith-based child welfare providers perform vital services for hundreds of thousands of children nationwide;

Through its actions, the Biden administration is placing ideology over the interests of the law, children, and faith-based partners who only want to continue serving their communities; and

HHS must explain how it reached the decision to rescind previously-granted waivers and strip the Office for Civil Rights of its existing authority.

Cosigners on the letter are Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), James E. Risch (R-Idaho), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-scott-talks-inflation-blasts-dems-spending-on-americas-newsroom/,"ICYMI: Scott Talks Inflation, Blasts Dems’ Spending on America’s Newsroom",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino on Fox News’s “America’s Newsroom.” Sen. Scott slammed the Democrats’ reckless spending, which has driven inflation to a record high, and he discussed how to combat America’s rising prices.

Click to watch the full interview

On record-level inflation … “There’s no doubt that, when you think about inflation—this bone-crushing, life-changing, hope-stealing, job-killing inflation—there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m thankful that it’s no longer considered transitory. Finally, Chairman Powell is speaking the truth, which is [that] this is unprecedented. The last time inflation was this high, I had an afro. That is a long time ago. That’s early 1980s.

“The truth is that we have to find a way to forge forward by reducing spending from the federal government and allowing raises to increase in the private sector. That means that we have to pull back on this ‘Build Back Broker’ plan that the Democrats are still trying to weave together.”

On inflation’s effect on service members … “[In South Carolina] we actually make marines at Parris Island; we train the army folks at Fort Jackson. So if you think about [a service member] who may even be eligible for public assistance because they get paid so little—[working] paycheck-to-paycheck—they drive up to the gas station and now gas is up almost 75 percent. … Can you imagine someone who’s serving our nation … and they simply cannot put gas in their cars while they defend our nation?

On the path forward … “Median income in this country is around $35,000 a year. When you think about what this inflationary impact is on folks living paycheck-to-paycheck, it means that you have to choose between sometimes your health care, sometimes your energy, and sometimes the utilities in your house. … We can change that by [stopping reckless spending] in Washington and [allowing] the American people to catch up. That means putting more focus on an incentive-based economy where we let the private sector do what they do really well and getting the government out of the way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-calls-out-democrats-destructive-child-care-proposals-at-press-conference/,Scott Calls Out Democrats’ Destructive Child Care Proposals at Press Conference,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) led their Republican colleagues at a press conference calling out the destructive child care proposals in the Democrats’ reckless spending bill.

Click to watch the senator’s remarks

Senator Scott’s remarks as delivered:

Thank you, Senator Burr, for leading this important press conference on an issue that is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It’s simply an American issue.

Imagine, if you will, households across the country and specifically those households in South Carolina—[like the one] I grew up in when I was a kid. Single-parent [households are] waking up to the sense of desperation because your gas prices are up nearly 75 percent, so instead of spending less than $2 a gallon in 2020, you’re now spending over $3.30 a gallon in 2021.

Imagine, if you will, turning your heat up or, likely, turning your heat down to conserve money because your utilities are up 25 percent. And then you wake up to the BBB—as I call it, the “Build Back Broker” plan—and you realize that the bone-crushing, life-changing, hope-stealing, job-killing aspects of the BBB include increasing your child care costs, as Senator Burr said, by $13,000.

To understand the actual impact of the $13,000, you have to first understand that the current cost is over $15,000. So, said in a way that everybody in our nation can understand, with median income around $34,000, you take taxes out, [and] the cost of child care is now more than your take-home pay. Literally, providing child care for one kid is more than the take-home pay of the average income in our nation.

And somehow, we are to celebrate this notion that the government is here to do something for you, when in fact, you know the government is taking something from you. And what are they taking? Your hope, your future, your plans. And so, while we may think of this as an exercise of political philosophy [or] one side versus the other … this is literally an attempt to fundamentally transform what it means to take care of your child in the place you want to send your child, by eliminating options, increasing the cost, and stealing the hope from far too many families who deserve better from their government.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-on-passage-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act/,Senator Scott Statement on Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act,2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on his vote to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“At a time of growing and evolving global threats, it is unthinkable that the Biden administration asked for tens of billions of dollars in cuts to our military,” said Senator Scott. “I am proud to vote for this bipartisan authorization to increase U.S. defense spending by $25 billion more than the Biden plan and give our troops a well-deserved pay raise. I remain committed to ensuring our men and women in uniform are fully equipped to keep our country safe and prosperous.”

BACKGROUND

The FY22 NDAA authorizes $777.7 billion to support U.S. national defense and includes a pay raise for armed forces for the third year in a row. The bill includes Senator Scott’s amendment to increase funding from the president’s original request of $31 million for the Department of Defense’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities program to $73 million in the final NDAA. The bill also contains multiple wins for South Carolina championed by Senator Scott, including:

$59 million, Joint Base Charleston

$55 million, Fort Jackson

$130.3 million, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

$6 million, Marine Corps Reserve Depot Parris Island

$18.8 million, McEntire Joint National Guard Base

$1.7 billion, Savannah River Site

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A2FB8CC-1343-406B-B01B-EC64790E25F5,"Graham, Shaheen Call For Humanitarian Assistance For Afghans",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) today issued the following statement following a meeting with Angelina Jolie.

“We had a very productive meeting with Angelina Jolie regarding the plight of Afghan women and religious minorities.

“Our nation and the international community need to work together to avoid a humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan.

“We will be working with our colleagues and Administration officials to develop a coordinated U.S. response, hopefully in conjunction with the international community, to help the Afghan people through this winter and beyond.

“We appreciate all the work Ms. Jolie has done and her dedication to help the long-suffering Afghan people.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=91F827D5-BBA9-4FCF-ADC3-9635CABE09E1,"Yuma, Arizona Forced To Declare State Of Emergency",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today reacted to news that the mayor of Yuma, Arizona declared a State of Emergency in response to the surge of illegal immigration encountered in the region.

Graham visited Yuma in October. He warned:

“Yuma, Arizona is going to be the next Del Rio [Texas]. Word is out. They are sending people away from Del Rio and coming here. Most of the people who come here are not from Mexico or the Northern Triangle countries. Just about everybody we saw was from Venezuela, Brazil, and Cuba.”

Senator Lindsey Graham – https://bit.ly/3EV3bRH

Yuma, Arizona – October 12, 2021

Graham today made this statement on Yuma, Arizona declaring a State of Emergency:

“I was disappointed to hear that the mayor of Yuma, Arizona was forced to declare a State of Emergency because of the dramatic increase in illegal immigration in the Yuma Sector.

“I traveled to Yuma to meet with the mayor in October. I also met with Border Patrol officials and other community leaders. It was apparent then that the problems we were seeing in Texas would come to Arizona. It appears that time has now arrived. The latest report from the Yuma Sector states that since October 1 of this year, the flow of illegal immigration has already reached fifty percent (50%) of all of fiscal year 2021.

“Whether in Texas or now in Arizona, it seems all too often local officials like the mayor of Yuma have to do the work and are stuck with confronting the problems of illegal immigration in order to protect their local communities. They are forced to sound the alarm and clean up the mess after the Biden Administration drops the ball. This is a nightmare for the people of Arizona.

“I want to help these local communities suffering under the pressure of illegal immigration and help our Border Patrol who are working around the clock to manage the problems created by the Biden Administration.

“Since taking office, the Biden Administration has been AWOL about unprecedented problems along our southern border. They refuse to get ahead of this problem and take corrective action. They have let this humanitarian and public health crisis spiral out of control.

“Where is Vice President Harris? Where are the other Administration officials in charge? What are they doing to help states like Texas and Arizona who are forced to deal with the Biden Administration’s failures? Where are the international partners to help stem the flow?

“Ultimately, it is up to the Biden Administration to lead on these issues. They need to up their game. Instead of focusing on these problems, they seem more intent on working toward legal settlements that will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to illegal immigrants who broke our laws.

“In an Administration marked by multiple critical failures, which have left our nation weaker than before they took office, the Biden Administration’s border policies are among the worst. The citizens of Yuma, Arizona and the surrounding communities are the latest victims of their failures.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-democrats-big-government-lending-scheme/,"Scott, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Democrats’ Big Government Lending Scheme",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and John Kennedy (R-La.), along with Republican colleagues, introduced the Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act. The bill is designed to prevent Democrats from turning the Small Business Administration (SBA) into a direct lender, as they are attempting to do in their tax-and-spend reconciliation bill.

“Forcing community banks and local credit unions to compete with a massive government agency is inefficient and wrong,” said Senator Tim Scott.“Funneling tax dollars through the federal government in order to loan it back to small business owners with interest makes no sense. This is just another example of Democrats’ misguided plan for a big government takeover of virtually every aspect of American life and private institutions.”

“Fraud and inefficiency characterize the Small Business Administration’s history in direct lending,” said Senator Kennedy. “The government shouldn’t encroach on a space where private lenders are already doing a good job getting funds to the small businesses that need them. I’m proud to partner with Sen. Scott to stop the SBA from replacing community and other private lenders with bureaucrats.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Steve Daines (R- Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

BACKGROUND

In October, Senator Scott and several colleaguessent a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House and Senate Small Business Committee Chairs Ben Cardin and Nydia Velázquez warning against their plan to make the SBA a direct lender through the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending bill.

The SBA Office of the Inspector General estimates that the federal government Economic Injury Disaster Loan program had 17 times the amount of potentially fraudulent loans than did Paycheck Protection Program loans run through financial institutions.

The legislation is supported by American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, Bank Policy Institute, Credit Union National Association, National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions, and South Carolina Bankers Association.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-passes-scott-booker-resolution-raising-sickle-cell-awareness/,"Senate Passes Scott, Booker Resolution Raising Sickle Cell Awareness",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Cory Booker’s (D-N.J.) resolution designating September as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month.

“Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the U.S., affecting one in every 365 Black Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Yet despite the prevalence of SCD, research and treatments remain far too limited. With this resolution, we commit to raising awareness and seeking out legislation that will help our medical community fight—and one day, cure—this painful disease.”

“Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, and yet research, treatment, and awareness efforts for the disease still lag far behind other chronic illnesses,” said Senator Booker. “More work and research remains to be done, and we must continue to raise awareness of sickle cell disease and ensure that communities that are largely affected by this condition have equitable access to care and treatments that help improve their health. I am proud to lead the Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month resolution with Senator Scott and I will continue to champion federal initiatives to raise awareness, improve access to care, and help find a cure for this disease.”

Senator Scott’s sickle cell legislation, the Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act, was signed into law in 2018, and the senator continues to advocate for the sickle cell community today.

The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

Read the full resolution here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-questions-fda-nominee-on-the-future-of-mrna-and-crispr-technologies/,Senator Scott Questions FDA Nominee on the Future of mRNA and CRISPR Technologies,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) questioned Dr. Robert Califf, President Biden’s nominee for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, on the future of mRNA and CRISPR technologies and their potential to treat and cure rare diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia.

Click to watch the senator’s questions

A full transcript is below.

Senator Scott: Thank you, Dr. Califf, for spending some time with us today and talking about some really important issues that we could all spend a day talking about. I only have five minutes, [which is] good news for you.

My first question is: You’re coming into a very important position in the midst of, really, headwinds in the public health space. And I appreciate the enormity of your responsibilities if you are confirmed to lead the FDA. How do you view the FDA’s role in granting Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the new, as well as repurposed, products to address the COVID-19 pandemic? Should the FDA use a wider latitude to ensure multiple avenues—for instance drugs like budesonide, as well as COVID-19 testing kids—making sure that they’re available to combat the pandemic?

Dr. Califf: Thanks senator, it’s good to be here with a fellow South Carolinian. … You’re well aware, and it was during my tenure that the EUA guidance was written that the potential benefits need to be weighed against the potential risks. That’s the authority the FDA is given.

So there’s a lot of latitude on the types of things that you mentioned, yet I would still point out we need to have enough evidence that we can make a fair assessment of what the potential is, and we need a system in this country, as I’ve emphasized over and over, that produces the evidence more quickly because under that framework, it’s possible you could get it wrong. It’s different if you’ve actually measured the benefits and risks and then you’re confident about it. And so it’s finding that right balance that’s really in play for the FDA.

Senator Scott: No doubt. I would suggest that, based on the severity of the challenge in the public space, that taking the appropriate calculated risk seems to be necessary nowadays more than it has been in the past, and I think we can do that in a way that involves coming to good decisions consistently.

On the long view of public health, I am excited about the role that the mRNA played in bringing the vaccine to the forefront and saving millions of lives. What’s the future of that technology for future needs in the vaccine arena, number one?

Number two, I think about the 7,000 rare blood diseases that have very few therapies, [or] treatments of any sort. And I focus a little bit more on CRISPR technologies for things like Sickle Cell Anemia and that path going forward. Do you see: A) more application for CRISPR in the rare blood disease space? And B) on the future forefront of the mRNAs and vaccines, is that future as bright as it appears it could be with the use of these technologies?

Dr. Califf: This is one of the things, senator, where the excitement of being part of this is what keeps me going and coming back. I mean, I’m old enough to remember when the Human Genome Project was just being developed, and now we have the code for the genome, and what you’re describing are the downstream consequences of that with reading the code and producing proteins and other substances that determine whether we’re sick or healthy. And there are a whole array of technologies, you know, specifically for mRNA. I think, as a platform for vaccines, this is something that we’ve only dreamed about, but it’s a reality now. And you know, this took a collaboration of FDA scientists and, of course, academia and the private sector all working towards a common goal over decades.

You also mentioned CRISPR, and the ability to change the fundamental genome is an amazing possibility but also has significant risks. And so, like everything else, we’ve got to come up with the ideas, try them out, and measure things and see what really works, but almost nothing could be more exciting than curing a rare genetic disease with a gene substitution, perhaps for life. And I think, for people with Sickle Cell Disease, I’ve done a lot of work … I think this is something that’s really needed, and it ties in. You know, chronic treatment for Sickle Cell Disease is not going so well in this country because many of the patients live off the beaten path of the big high-tech centers, and we’ve got to get treatments that are more effective.

Senator Scott: I think we should at least take a second and thank Dr. Francis Collins for his work on the project that really has produced amazing results for our nation and, frankly, for the world. I know he’s retiring or just retired. His work has been amazing for all of mankind, number one. Number two, I would suggest that, as we look into that future, the ethical issues around the new technologies like CRISPR will continue to pop up around the world. I know that China has had some challenges already with the use of CRISPR, and so what becomes a solution also becomes a problem. That’s called reality, and hopefully we will wrestle with those ethical issues in the public forum sometime in the very near future.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-cfpb-director-chopras-attempted-political-power-grab/,Senator Scott Statement on CFPB Director Chopra’s Attempted Political Power Grab,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Board Member Martin Gruenberg’s attempt to politicize the FDIC by circumventing Chairwoman Jelena McWilliams.

“I am shocked and disappointed by the blatant disregard CFPB Director Chopra and FDIC Board Member Gruenberg have shown for the leadership of FDIC Chairman McWilliams,” said Senator Scott. “Their actions are an affront to the FDIC’s status as an independent financial regulator and deserve rebuke from Republicans and Democrats—including the Biden White House. The decision to hold this illegitimate vote has upended the FDIC’s decades-long commitment to respect and collegiality between board members, regardless of political affiliation, to instead pursue an egregious and possibly illegal political power grab.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-colleagues-on-legislation-to-prevent-settlement-payments-for-illegal-immigrants/,Scott Joins Colleagues on Legislation to Prevent Settlement Payments for Illegal Immigrants,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and 28 Senate colleagues in sponsoring the Protect American Taxpayer Dollars from Illegal Immigration Act, to prevent settlement payments for individuals who crossed the U.S. border illegally.

Despite the crisis consuming our southern border, President Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ) wants to give out payments of $450,000 per person to immigrants who broke our laws by coming here illegally—putting their lives and their children’s lives at risk. If successful, President Biden’s DOJ could pay out hundreds of millions of dollars to illegal immigrants while hardworking American taxpayers are struggling under Democrat’s reckless tax-and-spend policies.

“With far more than a million illegal crossings this year alone, there is a clear humanitarian and national security disaster at our border,” said Senator Scott. “Yet—even as hardworking Americans struggle to buy gas and groceries in the face of roaring inflation—Democrats want to give nearly half-a-million dollars to individuals who broke our nation’s laws. This is wrong not only for Americans, but also for the migrants who don’t need another incentive to cross our border illegally and put their families in harm’s way.”

“Our southern border is a disaster, and President Biden’s failed policies have continued to fuel this ongoing crisis,” said Senator Tillis. “We are seeing the most illegal immigration this year alone than ever recorded, and now President Biden wants to give illegal immigrants a payout, further rewarding lawlessness and chaos. These $450,000 settlements are an insult to all hardworking Americans who will subsequently be funding these large settlements with their hard-earned tax dollars. I am proud to work with my colleagues to make sure this doesn’t happen.”

“While American families are struggling anxiously just to keep pace with President Biden’s inflation, the President now wants to make millionaires out of people who crossed the border illegally. It’s beyond parody,” said Leader McConnell. “Obviously, this would only exacerbate the Democrats’ border crisis and incentivize the riskiest and most dangerous kinds of illegal immigration.”

Senators Scott and Tillis were joined by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Josh Hawley (R- Mo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Steve Daines (R- Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Mitt Romney (R-Utah).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-decries-president-bidens-vaccine-mandate-at-press-conference/,Scott Decries President Biden’s Vaccine Mandate at Press Conference,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined his Republican colleagues at a press conference to decry President Biden’s vaccine mandate. In his remarks, Senator Scott highlighted the mandate’s harmful effects on public safety.

Click to watch Senator Scott’s remarks

Remarks as delivered:

“I won’t repeat what my friends and colleagues have said up here already, but I do want to focus on the importance of the mandate’s impact on public safety.

“Having grown up in South Carolina in North Charleston, I see cities throughout South Carolina and around the country, frankly—New York City being, perhaps, the poster child of bad decisions, especially as it relates to this mandate and the oppressive decision that [Mayor De Blasio] has made, and the negative impact it will have on public safety is without question. [It’s] one of the most alarming aspects of this mandate and one of the reasons why I look forward to the passage of this [Congressional Review Act].

“Importantly, I think about the firefighters who are no longer working on their jobs, think about the EMS drivers [and] the EMTs who are no longer able to save lives, think about the law enforcement officers—the police officers in my hometown and throughout this nation—who are no longer on the job.

“The negative impact on public safety in a year where violent crime is hitting highs … it’s a devastating impact in places like the one that I grew up in, where the last thing you want is fewer officers patrolling the streets in the neighborhoods. The thing you want the most is the presence of law enforcement in those neighborhoods. And we see that’s not … possible as city after city across this nation sees the loss of more and more officers, sees the loss of more and more firefighters, sees the loss of more and more EMTs because of this mandate.

“The negative impact will be felt in the loss of lives because of the lack of individuals responding to emergencies in communities all across this country, not responding because the government gets in the way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-vote-to-reject-president-bidens-vaccine-mandate/,Scott Statement on Vote to Reject President Biden’s Vaccine Mandate,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement after voting for the Congressional Review Act resolution, to formally oppose President Biden’s vaccine mandate on private businesses.

“President Biden’s unpopular, heavy-handed mandate is clear government overreach that will weaken our struggling economy, sow more distrust of vaccines, and—perhaps most importantly—threaten public safety,” said Senator Scott. “In the midst of an alarming, nationwide crime wave, these mandates are further handicapping our police departments and first responders. I’m proud to join my colleagues in voting against this harmful mandate and standing up for communities across our nation that are prepared to thrive, if the government would just get out of the way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=113EFDBC-319D-4220-814A-1C9B00631E1D,Graham On The Passing Of Former Senator Bob Dole,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the passing of former Senator Bob Dole.

“Like most in his generation, Bob Dole was willing to sacrifice everything for his country.

“As a soldier, he suffered horrendous injuries for the cause of defeating Nazi Germany.

“As a political leader, he was one of the strongest voices for a strong national defense and made America a better place.

“He was instrumental in the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act because he understood their needs.

“He led the Republican Party with honor and passion for common-sense conservatism.

“He found middle ground when required for the good of our nation.

“On a personal note, he was a dear friend and served as Chair of my first campaign for the Senate. He was always helpful and supportive.

“Bob Dole was one of the giants of the Senate and one of the bravest of the brave. He has now reaped the benefits of a well-lived life and eternal peace in heaven.

“To Elizabeth and the entire Dole clan: please know that millions of Americans have you in their prayers. Bob Dole was loved and respected, and his life was as good as it gets.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CB6A8F94-5296-4B0C-9510-62A311A1652C,Graham Backs Legislation Preventing Settlement Payments To Illegal Immigrants,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today signed on to legislation, the Protect American Taxpayer Dollars from Illegal Immigration Act, to prevent federal funds from being used for payments to illegal immigrants at the expense of hardworking American taxpayers.

According to published reports, the Biden Administration has proposed giving payments of up to $450,000 per person to illegal immigrants who broke our laws, came here illegally, and put their children’s lives at risk.

In a televised question and answer, Biden had disputed that his Administration was considering doing this and called the proposed payments “garbage.” After discussions with others in his Administration, they reversed course and made it clear President Biden is now “perfectly comfortable” with the plan for cash payouts.

“It is clear that when it comes to using taxpayer dollars to pay illegal immigrants, the Biden Administration and Democratic Party have lost their minds,” said Graham. “Their proposal, which rewards illegal immigrants who broke our laws with extravagant payments of up to $450,000 per person, would be pouring gas on a raging fire along our southern border.

“The number of migrants crossing our border illegally grows larger by the day,” said Graham. “The Biden Administration will make the crisis even worse if they pay illegal immigrants who were lawfully detained hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. These proposed settlements are unjust, unwise and will encourage more illegal immigration at the worst possible time.”

Graham noted the proposed settlement with illegal immigrants by the Biden Administration is far more generous than to Americans who serve in uniform and are killed in the line of duty. Graham said a family of a U.S. servicemember who dies while on active duty only receives a one-time payment of $100,000 from the Department of Defense.

“This legislation will make sure taxpayer dollars are reserved for hardworking American citizens and their families,” concluded Graham.

The full text of the bill is available here.

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-hold-roundtable-on-dems-harmful-child-care-proposals/,"Scott, Colleagues Hold Roundtable on Dems’ Harmful Child Care Proposals",2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), along with Senators Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), held a roundtable with child care providers from around the country to hear their concerns about the negative impact the Democrats’ reckless spending bill would have on child care workers and families.

Click to watch Sen. Scott’s remarks

Senator Scott’s remarks, as delivered:

Thank you, Senator Burr, for holding this really important roundtable discussion. Let me just say to each and every witness, thank you all for being here and providing your expertise as it relates to what we’re facing in the “Build Back Better” plan.

In so many cases, for the parents of the 12 million kids [under age] five, it’s really a “Build Back Broker” plan, honestly.

If you literally think about what [the Democrats’] own folks are saying about their plan, it’s devastating to families. I think about the liberal People’s Policy Project that calculates that this plan would increase the cost of having a single child—one child—in daycare from $15,800 to over $28,000.

There’s no way that this government will provide families with enough subsidies to make up for the cost that the Build Back Broker plan is actually going to increase. I can’t think of anything less logical, anything less commonsense, than this plan as it relates to child care.

I’d also say that, for more than 30 years, there’s been a bipartisan coalition here in Washington that has included faith-based child care as a part of the remedies available for families. Fifty-three percent of families use the faith-based option. This new plan eliminates that option for more than half of Americans who want to dictate and determine where their child goes to child care.

I don’t understand what [the Democrats] don’t understand about this proposal and its increased cost, its reduction in options, and its negative impact on families all across America.

And every time I talk with a child care provider, their suggestions to making child care more affordable seem commonsense, as if they’re in the business of doing it every single day! Why [would we] not take a step back and listen to folks like you all, who are experts on the ground on helping us deal with what is, in fact, an ever-increasing problem for Americans across this nation?

How do I find the right place for my child? Why isn’t that the focus? Why are we focusing on changing the facility, changing the employees, changing the profits, changing the approach, and making it all more expensive and out of reach for the average American family?

I can’t imagine having two kids in child care. If one is $28,000 almost $30,000, [then] two kids? The median income in this country—median, Senator Burr—is under $40,000. How [do] you go to work and take care of your family with the Build Back Broker plan? It just won’t work.

I think we ought not politicize this issue, because to me this is not an issue of Left versus Right. This is an issue of American families looking for ways to make decisions in their households, and [this plan would] take away options by making it unaffordable.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6665BF15-2972-4D62-9E9B-A0F47C4AC10F,Graham On Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on tomorrow’s oral argument before the Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case deals with the constitutionality of a 2018 Mississippi state law that bans almost all abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy.

Graham has long been a leader and one of the most effective legislators in Congress in passing pro-life legislation. He was the original author of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush. Graham is currently pushing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would ban abortions twenty weeks after fertilization.

Graham on threats against the Court:

“Tomorrow will be a consequential day in the history of the Supreme Court.

“To my Democratic colleagues: I will accept whatever decision the Court renders in the Mississippi abortion case – whether I like it or not. However, I find the threats leveled against the Court by Democratic politicians to be inappropriate and dangerous.

“Threats to expand the size of the Supreme Court based on a ruling you may not agree with undermines the Rule of Law.”

Graham on Dobbs Case:

“It has long been my personal view that ‘substantive due process’ as a legal concept is unbounded and dangerous.

“Under Roe vs. Wade, elected legislators are prohibited from having a say about the rights of the unborn before medical viability. The Court’s legal reasoning behind this is an example of ‘substantive due process.’

“Over time, ‘substantive due process’ allows the Court to confer rights based on the view of five Supreme Court Justices, not the Constitution. In effect, the Court becomes the most powerful legislative body in the land.

“The Dobbs case is historic and will afford the Court the opportunity to return political decision making to the legislative branch and revisit ‘substantive due process.’”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-calls-out-harms-of-dem-spending-inflation-irs-proposal-at-banking-hearing/,"Senator Scott Calls Out Harms of Dem Spending, Inflation, IRS Proposal at Banking Hearing",2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) had spirited exchanges with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen at a hearing for the Senate banking committee. Senator Scott highlighted the impact of persistent, surging inflation on the most vulnerable Americans resulting from out-of-control Democrat spending and called out the Biden administration for doubling down on their IRS bank reporting scheme.

Click to Watch Sen. Scott’s Questions

Read a full transcript of his exchanges below:

SEN. SCOTT: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Ranking Member, for holding this hearing this morning, and thank you to the guests for being here with us this morning.

I was thinking about the conversation I had over Thanksgiving with some South Carolinians about the consequences of elections. And we have heard over and over again that elections have consequences, elections have consequences.

Perhaps no finer point that elections have consequences is simply losing a single seat in Georgia, January 5th. The result of one lost seat in Georgia may cost taxpayers just this year $5 trillion in additional spending. One single seat—$5 trillion in additional spending. $1.9 trillion on a COVID relief package that had 1% for vaccines and less than 9% for COVID-related health. $1.2 trillion for an infrastructure package with only 10% of that $1.2 trillion going to roads and bridges in the next five years, and now we’re talking about overheating the economy with another $2 trillion. Elections have consequences. It’s stunning.

And what I’ve heard this morning is hard to process back at home in South Carolina. What I’ve heard so far is that the administration wants you to believe what they say and not what you see and are experiencing—what you see with your own eyes. They say [that] by putting another $2 trillion in the economy, it will make things more affordable for you. But what you see and are experiencing is inflation, in part caused by trillions of dollars of government spending and the anticipation of even more money.

In other words, when inflation is over 6%, and your wage growth is under 3%, your buying power is going down, not up. And they want you to believe that spending more money is going to solve this problem.

The South Carolinians on a fixed income like Social Security, averaging around $1,500 per month… their spending because of this “transitory inflation”—I don’t know what the definition of transitory is anymore—a third of their Social Security income [is spent] on putting gas in their cars, heating their houses, and fixing up the places they live in.

Chairman Powell, is it your impression that the Biden administration has a clear understanding that rising prices are hitting people the hardest who are on Social Security, families struggling paycheck-to-paycheck, and single moms?

CHAIRMAN POWELL: It’s not appropriate for me to comment on what the Biden administration thinks. I can talk about what I think…

I think that’s right. I think that, if you think about families that are living paycheck-to-paycheck, they’re feeling high gas prices, soon enough heating/oil prices, food prices. They’re certainly feeling that. And you know, this is our job. Our role is to make sure that this higher inflation does not become entrenched.

SEN. SCOTT: And part of the challenge that I see—I know that someone else may address this point—but I was trying to figure out the complexity of the labor force participation rate, and the fact of the matter is that since the pandemic, we’ve seen a loss of about 1.7% labor force participation rate. We celebrate a 4.6% unemployment rate, but what we sometimes miss is the fact that when you have fewer people looking for work, your unemployment rate goes down because your long-term unemployment goes up, which means that your labor force participation rate also goes down.

Before I run out of time, let me just follow up on Senator Hagerty’s point about expanding the power of the IRS and your response, Secretary Yellen. Giving the IRS more power to catch tax cheats by starting with the IRS bank reporting proposal seems far-fetched at best. Because the original proposal said that if you were a successful lemonade stand operator making $12 a week, putting $600 into your checking or savings account, [that] would cause [your] account to be reported to the IRS. Then, they revamped that proposal to $10,000. Said differently: If you’re making minimum wage working almost full time, your accounts would then also be available for heightened inspections by the IRS. If you’re looking to catch complex business partnerships in cheating their taxes, you don’t need the IRS bank reporting proposal.

Can you tell the American people today, Secretary Yellen, whether you still support any form of the IRS bank reporting requirements your department proposed earlier this year, which would provide the IRS with currently undisclosed taxpayer information for the purpose of targeting, essentially, every single American working at minimum wage or higher. Do you still support that or not?

SEC. YELLEN: I do support it. I think it’s important that the IRS have visibility into opaque income streams. And that’s an important way of improving tax of compliance—

SEN. SCOTT: Secretary Yellen, let me ask you a question. If you’re looking to catch tax cheats, why in the world would we start with something as low as $600 and then revamp it to $10,000? If you’re trying to find millionaires and billionaires, they’re not running lemonade stands—I don’t think they are—and they’re certainly not making minimum wage. So when you create a new approach to having the IRS search through our account records at our financial institutions, or compelling our financial institutions to forward our information to the IRS—

SEC. YELLEN: I’m sorry, it is not detailed information about what you’re doing in your bank account—

SEN. SCOTT: Aggregated information going to the IRS is the scariest proposal, and there’s no way that it has to be anywhere near the thresholds you’ve started with in order to find a way to take accountability for those complex organizations—

SEN. BROWN: Senator Scott, your time has expired. Secretary Yellen, please answer the question.

SEN. SCOTT: Chairman, if we’re going to have a conversation, we’re going to have to dialogue.

SEN. BROWN: Well you’ve had the dialogue.

SEC. YELLEN: We’ve worked carefully with Congress to narrow the scope of the reporting, and in particular to exempt wage-earners and federal beneficiaries. The initial proposal was intended to be comprehensive. The requirement asked for exactly two pieces of information: aggregate inflows and aggregate outflows over the course of the year for each account where financial institutions already report interest income earned if it exceeds $10. The burden on financial institutions was minimal, and there was no attempt to target income-earners whose actual incomes are below $400,000. But the low reporting requirement was meant to make evasion more difficult by opening multiple accounts.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-ossoff-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-boost-national-security-opportunities-for-hbcu-students/,"Sens. Scott, Ossoff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Boost National Security Opportunities for HBCU Students",2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) today introduced the bipartisan HBCU National Security Innovation Act, to help connect students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with national security and innovation programs in the defense industry and private sector.

“As technology continues to advance, our nation faces unprecedented threats that will require new skills and innovation,” said Sen. Scott. “That’s why I am proud to work to build an enduring connection between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the Department of Defense. This bill will not only open doors to new opportunities for diverse students, but it will also allow the Department of Defense to tap into a deeper talent pool than ever before, bolstering our national security for years to come.”

“The HBCU National Security Innovation Act will support the growth of America’s HBCU’s in research, development, and innovation vital to American national security,” Sen. Ossoff said.

Sen. Scott is also a consponsor of the bipartisan Cybersecurity Opportunity Act, which would expand cybersecurity training programs at HBCUs and other institutions that serve a high proportion of Pell Grant recipients in South Carolina and nationwide.

As co-chair of the bipartisan, Congressional HBCU caucus, Sen. Scott has long championed legislation to support and improve our nation’s HBCUs.

In 2019, his FUTURE Act was signed into law, permanently reauthorizing HBCU funding.

In 2020, his HBCU Partners Act was signed into law, strengthening the relationship between HBCUs and federal agencies.

In May of 2021, he introduced the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to invest in infrastructure at HBCUs, enabling them to expand their transformational work.

In August of 2021, he introduced a resolution to formally designate the week of September 6, 2021 as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.”

Click here to read the HBCU National Security Innovation Act.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CA686F22-B059-458E-B411-489A1DA0DE94,Graham on Biden Releasing Oil from Strategic Reserve,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the Biden Administration decision to release emergency oil reserves.

“What an abuse of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve by the Biden Administration. The program is designed to deal with national emergencies, not correct bad policy. The release of 50 million barrels is a Band-Aid because the root cause is the Democratic war on fossil fuel production in America.

“President Trump filled the reserves up with cheap oil. President Biden is releasing millions of barrels to control skyrocketing prices, which are the direct result of his bad policy choices. It won’t work, and we will end up having to eventually replace the released oil at higher prices.

“Finally, the Democrats’ Build Back Better proposal, which recently passed the House of Representatives, will dramatically decrease domestic oil production. It’s a bad bill for American energy independence, and it will make the American oil and gas supply worse in every way.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-talks-financial-literacy-in-axios-interview/,Senator Scott Talks Financial Literacy in Axios Interview,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Axios’s Mike Allen for a discussion on financial literacy. Senator Scott described how growing up in poverty led him to champion financial literacy and credit access for all Americans.

Click to watch the full interview

On why he champions financial literacy … “As a kid who was raised in a single-parent household mired in poverty, I’ve got to tell you that the issue of financial literacy is something that I wish I would’ve understood earlier in life. It was really in my 20s before I started really understanding and appreciating that what you look like on paper might be more important than what you look like in-person. Financial literacy has so much to do with your future success and your present opportunities, and having not learned those lessons early in life, I wanted to make sure that a part of my focus is on making sure that Americans today — no matter their income — [have] access to financial literacy. And frankly, the more you find [yourself] in marginalized communities, the more important financial literacy really is.”

On his bill to block the Democrats’ plans to increase IRS surveillance … “[T]he three letters you never want to see in your mailbox: It’s the IRS. And having more letters delivered to more mailboxes because of the new reporting requirements coming from the IRS to your financial institutions? I wanted to preemptively make that an impossibility. Getting 50 Republicans on [the bill] in about 24 hours and then talking to a few of my colleagues on the other side, we were able to get that part of this taxing and spending bill [taken] out of it, and that was really good news. I hope it stays out. [The Democrats’ provision] also [sent] a negative message to seven million unbanked Americans to be in fear that getting involved in the financial institutions of this country makes you more likely to be audited. That is a scary proposition.”

On increasing credit access … “For millions of Americans around our country who need more help, need more resources, [and] need more access to loans and opportunities, it is imperative upon us in the positions that we hold to make it easier for those who are credit-worthy to get the credit they need. You think about homeownership and the disparities between the races. One of the ways that we bridge that gap is not by extending loans to people who cannot afford it, but [by] helping those who can be a part of the system and helping those who have been [paying] their rent on time, their electric bill on time, and their cellphone on time. That information should be scored by the credit-scoring agencies, and when that happens, you have more people who have the beauty of experiencing the American Dream, building equity in their largest asset, their homes, and closing the wealth gap.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-senator-scott-discusses-his-childhood-vision-for-america-and-more-on-pbss-firing-line/,"ICYMI: Senator Scott Discusses His Childhood, Vision for America, and More on PBS’s ‘Firing Line’",2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This weekend, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined PBS’s “Firing Line” with Margaret Hoover to discuss growing up in poverty and how his experiences shaped his positions on education, police reform, and more.

Click to watch the full interview

Excerpts from the interview:

On Education Curricula … “In education, we should never teach people that any form of discrimination is okay. It’s kind of that simple. And as a kid who went to public high schools and who understands the challenges of race in America intimately and personally, I can tell you that I benefitted from not having [a] curriculum designed around racial outcomes or ‘oppressed versus oppressors.’ …

“Here’s what I think. Number one, we’ve made more progress in the last 50 years than we did in the first 190. Number two, we still have a ways to go. Both can be true because both are true. And if we were to celebrate the progress — at the same time looking for ways to address the problems — I think most Americans would lean into that position. But what we don’t want is to have our kids indoctrinated on any topic. We want to teach our kids how to think, not what to think, and that’s what’s missing.”

On Progress in America … “My grandfather, born in 1921 in South Carolina, experienced a very different South Carolina [than I did]. He had to get off the sidewalk when a white person was coming; he couldn’t look you in the eye. My mother was born in 1944, during a time where all the water fountains were ‘colored’ or ‘white.’ But by the time I am in high school, where we had [racial] tension, you also had people sitting together and hanging out. Fast forward to my nephew, who has just graduated … when I brought all of his friends to lunch after graduation, it looked like the United Nations. I can’t look at that and say, ‘Boy, we’re going backwards.’ It’s absolutely not true. We are going forward by leaps.”

On Police Reform … “Truth be told, I don’t know why [the Democrats] keep walking away from such an important table. … I’m here for the long haul. I think this is something we have to get done. Let me give you some good news, though, on this topic. There were four or five areas that we all agreed on. … Is something better than nothing? The answer is absolutely it is. But … what they wanted was essentially federalizing local law enforcement and still fighting over the funding that departments would be eligible for. Those [are two issues that] I hope we can find paths around. I’m not going to reduce funding, and I’m not going to federalize local law enforcement.”

On Opportunity Zones … “[Opportunity Zones attract] the private sector, when they make a profit, to come back to marginalized communities that are disproportionately majority-minority and invest money long-term. What I do not want, what I did not want, and what I will not ever want is for people to come into a community, make a profit off the community, and run away with their money. I wanted them to plant roots for five, seven, 10 years. And frankly, $75 billion in just three years has been committed to Opportunity Zones, where on-average, we’ve seen property values go up double-digits, which means that we’re closing the wealth gap because the gentrification rate is under 5 percent in those zones, meaning that the people who are there are benefitting from what’s happening in their backyards.”

On Making it Easier to Vote and Harder to Cheat … “I think, if you look at the Georgia law, this is a classic example of something that’s actually making it easier to vote. Most of the people who have demonized the law didn’t really read the law, so they’re going on headlines, [which are] not always the most accurate. Before the pandemic, it was illegal to have a drop box where you could drop your votes off. In the Georgia law, it codifies and makes it legal to have drop boxes. There’s a big debate over early voting, and I think it’s a worthy debate. In Georgia, there are more early voting days than in blue states throughout the country. …

“The federal law, H.R. 1, which is the way that the Democrats want to take it, says tax dollars should go into my personal campaign account. That’s wrong! Why would we compel Democrats to put money into a Republican campaign account, or Republicans into a Democrat’s campaign account? Number two, we should not make ballot harvesting legal. We shouldn’t allow for one person to pick up hundreds — if not thousands — of ballots and decide which ones they turn in [and] which ones they don’t turn in. That’s the kind of stuff that we don’t need.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-grills-saule-omarova-at-banking-committee-hearing/,Senator Tim Scott Grills Saule Omarova at Banking Committee Hearing,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) grilled President Biden’s nominee for Comptroller of the Currency, Saule Omarova, for her numerous inflammatory, ideologically radical, and disqualifying statements and writings.

Click to Watch Sen. Scott’s Remarks

Read Senator Scott’s remarks below:

“…I want to be fair and I will be fair. I won’t be hyperbolic, but I will be frank and honest. I cannot think of a nominee more poorly suited to be the Comptroller of the Currency based solely on your public positions, statements, and the weight of your writings than you are. Let me just quote you versus anybody else.

“On the Green New Deal … you proposed taking economic and climate policy making from Congress and creating an unaccountable bureaucracy called the National Investment Authority. In a roundtable this year—this year—you pushed ‘to make the NIA the dedicated institutional platform at the federal level for really being the kind of fighting muscle of the Green New Deal and fighting muscle of, you know, all of these other movements that are pursuing environmental justice, social, economic justice, equality, and so on.’

“Your disdain for the financial services industry: In 2019, in a documentary titled—I’ll be kind—‘Buttholes: A Theory,’ you said, ‘The financial services industry, in my view, and I don’t think I’m alone here, is the quintessential “butthole” industry.’

“Killing American energy…In a Jain Family Institute Seminar in March of this year, you proposed bankrupting the coal and oil and gas industries saying, ‘We want them to go bankrupt if we want to tackle the climate change.’ That’s really hard to misunderstand.

“On nationalizing banking, last year, 2020, not 10 years ago, not 20 years ago. Just last year, a paper you titled ‘The People’s Ledger: How to Democratize Money and Finance the Economy,’ you proposed reforms to, and I quote “effectively end banking as we know it” by … nationalizing retail banking, as it relates to the end of private banking. Your words. No one else’s. This year. Not 5 years ago, not 10 years ago, not 20 years ago. This year. You said, you proposed to, “imagine what it would be like if, instead of just a public option for deposit banking, this would be actually the full transition, in other words, there would be no more private bank deposit accounts and all of the deposit accounts would be held directly at the Fed.’

“I don’t have any questions for you, because there is nothing you can say today to undo what you said for years, including this year. Thank you Mr. Chairman.”

Click here to watch the full video of his remarks.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-scott-op-ed-on-the-build-back-better-plan/,ICYMI: Scott Op-Ed on the Build Back Better Plan,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) penned an opinion piece published in the Post & Courier explaining the deeper costs and long term negative impacts of President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan.

Opinion: Build Back Better is not free, and it’s not something we need

Post & Courier

U.S. Senator Tim Scott

November 14, 2021

“Zero down!” “You don’t pay a dime…guaranteed!”

You’re flipping through the channels and the temptation of “free” causes you to stop surfing and see what the offer is all about. The commercial narrator enthusiastically says that you, yes you, can get the latest car or gadget today without paying a red cent. But if you stay tuned till the end when the salesman speed reads the fine print, the pitch that seemed too good to be true is just that.

“My Build Back Better Agenda costs zero dollars.” It won’t “add a single penny to our deficit.”

You’d be forgiven for wondering whether President Joe Biden and his party are hocking snake oil or their reckless tax and spend package. Like the misleading commercials, it doesn’t come as a surprise when the conditions and exception reveal that the price tag isn’t actually as advertised.

Whether it’s $3.5 trillion or $1.75 trillion, the Democrat’s liberal wish list still amounts to increases in taxes and decreases in American’s spending power. But the shocking sticker price only scratches the surface of the actual cost of this plan. The real, long-term cost is much, much higher because of the junk that’s in it. That’s why President Biden and the Democrats are hoping the American people won’t take a closer look at what’s in their spending proposal.

Even before this package, our economy was on the fritz. The partisan spending Democrats passed earlier this year has already caused an inflationary crisis that is hitting middle-class Americans hardest. With the cost of beef up nearly 20 percent, gas prices up more than 40 percent, and children’s shoes over 10 percent more expensive than last year, our purchasing power has gone down. If passed, this new spending spree would actually reduce wages and raise taxes on 95 percent of middle-class families in the long run.

But that’s not all. To find the money to pay for this plan, Democrats proposed to take those tax dollars and invest an additional $80 billion to hire more IRS agents to turn around and snoop on taxpayers. They wanted to empower the IRS to know about the transactions of any American that had $10,000 or more coming out of their bank account in a given year. The compliance costs would have been crippling for small town institutions, to say nothing of the invasion of privacy for tens of millions of Americans.

[…]

Click HERE to read the full op-ed.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senate-adopts-sens-scott-and-coonss-resolution-designating-november-as-national-college-application-month/,Senate Adopts Sens. Scott and Coons’s Resolution Designating November as National College Application Month,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the Senate unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) designating November as National College Application Month. The bipartisan resolution encourages students to look toward their future and consider their college options.

“A quality education is the key to unlocking countless opportunities,” said Senator Scott. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we must continue working to ensure that nothing stands in the way of a positive future for our young people. With today’s resolution, we affirm our commitment to breaking barriers to higher education and encourage all students — regardless of age — to pursue their dreams and continue their educational journey.”

“Higher education provides an important path for students, but not all students are aware of their options. National College Application Month tells students to dream big and emphasizes the importance of exploring their resources and opportunities,” said Senator Coons. “I’m excited to bring my colleagues together in recognition of this important moment in so many people’s lives.”

Colleges and universities provide pathways to economic opportunity, but there has been a decline in enrollment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for students in poverty and students of color. The bipartisan resolution notes that there is value in identifying and comparing postsecondary options and encourages all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition to Senators Scott and Coons, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). A companion piece was also introduced in the House by Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Susan Wild (D-Pa.).

Read full text of the resolution here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=899BA0F4-B4C0-4913-A079-604CE8B8A376,Graham Discusses Phase III Of Berlin G. Myers Parkway Improvement,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today joined state officials in Summerville to discuss updates on Phase III of the Berlin G. Myers Parkway improvement project. Graham was joined by Secretary Christy Hall, Mayor Ricky Waring, and Christopher Mims.

GRAHAM: “The infrastructure bill’s biggest asset to me is the fact that you can build things quicker and smarter by regulatory reform. The money is important, but time is money. President Trump came up with a pilot program by executive order to streamline the building process that can make things years quicker, and the quicker you get it done, the cheaper it is, but still do it in a sound way. That executive order became part of this bill – that really got me over the line. The money's important – that $30 million will be appreciated – but being able to build roads, bridges, and sewer systems more effectively is not sexy. It doesn't get a headline… but it's the blocking and tackling of government. I like this part of my job – to see something that needs to be done, get done.”

HALL: “Not doing the project was not an option – it had to get done, it had to get built, it’s desperately needed. 30,000 cars a day will be using this highway, hopefully to unclog the downtown area in Summerville on a daily basis once we get it open and cut the ribbon.”

GRAHAM: “The goal is to build things that need to be built, care for the environment, but realize that things are changing, South Carolina is changing in a very rapid fashion…People come to places like [Summerville] and it's incumbent upon us to pass on to the next generation a livable community. This parkway is a big deal. It's going to get 30,000 cars off Main Street, nobody's going to lose any business, but you can get to your job. A lot of people in the Lowcountry spend way too much time in their car getting somewhere.”

HALL: “This project has been 17 years in the making. So when we talk about streamlining and all the other great things that the bipartisan infrastructure bill has in it in addition to the funding, this is example number one of why something like that is desperately needed. Speaking of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, I want to once again thank Senator Graham for his support of that particular infrastructure package…it is actually part of the funding package that will pay for this project. This project is a $125 million project, $60 million of which is federal funds including about $30 million that will be within that new bipartisan infrastructure package that’s coming to the state.”

GRAHAM: “You live in a beautiful place, and I think the word is out about living [in Summerville]. The cat is out of the bag. I was driving through some neighborhoods to get here and it really is just a gorgeous place to raise a family and start a business. We're a victim of our own success – people want to come here and we want to make sure they can get here safely. So this is probably a case study on how to get something unstuck. We had monthly phone calls for about a year or so.”

HALL: “We will receive bids on this project, tentatively we’re looking at April of 2022 which means that we will put the project out for advertisement about two months ahead of that so that we can get good bids in on that particular project. Then we'll be able to make an announcement the following April of awards, and hopefully execution of contracts so then we can have you come back Senator Graham and Mr. Mayor for a groundbreaking hopefully later in the spring or early in the summer. Senator Graham is a good friend to infrastructure in South Carolina, not only for this particular project and his personal engagement in this project helped get it over the finish line, but the overarching policy issues that we talk about regularly on things that can be improved in Washington to help us back home in South Carolina. This is one example of that in particular. Senator Graham and I had a conversation very early on about this project, and a lot of things got us to where we are today but the overarching theme behind all of it was partnerships. At the end of the day, what brought us to where we are today is all of us working in good faith towards a common goal, all driven to be successful at the end of the day.”

Watch Full Remarks Here

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A77E2A3A-44C8-4719-A71A-E3CA07AC1FBE,"Graham Remembers Retired Colonel Beverly ""Ben"" Skardon",2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the passing of Ret. Colonel Ben Skardon.

“A giant of a man has fallen and will be missed by his legions of admirers, friends, and wonderful family.

“Colonel Skardon is a Clemson legend and an American hero. He’s one of the last survivors of the Bataan Death March, and with his passing one of the most consequential chapters in American history will be closing. His service reminds us of the cruelty of war, the determination of the American Soldier, and the sacrifices that have to be made to maintain our freedom.

“I was very glad to see Congressman Jeff Duncan was able to secure an honorary promotion to the rank of Brigadier General for Colonel Skardon before his passing.

“Soon-to-be General Skardon and his lovely wife Betsy raised a terrific family, represented the best in America, and were the most faithful Clemson Tiger fans I have ever known.

“I truly believe that he is reunited with his brothers in arms and is looking down on the country he loved full of pride, knowing he fought the good fight.

“May he Rest in Peace.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-praises-opportunity-zones-positive-impact-at-house-committee-hearing/,Senator Scott Praises Opportunity Zones’ Positive Impact at House Committee Hearing,2021-11-16,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) gave the following remarks at a House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Hearing on Opportunity Zones, which Sen. Scott championed in 2017 as a way to incentivize private investment in the poorest communities across the nation.

Click to watch the senator’s remarks

Remarks as delivered:

Thank you, Chairman Pascrell, as well as Ranking Member Kelly. Good afternoon to both of you, and thank you for allowing me to speak today.

Let me say this before I go on to my prepared remarks, that I do think it’s important for us to remember how we crafted the Opportunity Zones. One of the things that we did was we started with giving the governors—not the president, not Congress—the power of actually designating within their states where they wanted the Opportunity Zones to be. And that’s really important.

The second thing I think the chairman spoke about and Ranking Member Mike Kelly referred to as well [is] the importance of having reporting requirements. I think we all want reporting requirements, and I would encourage every single person out there who has a vote to vote yes for the IMPACT Act that would allow for us to have reporting requirements so that the IRS could say exactly what people are doing with the resources and the benefits and the incentives so that we can judge fairly.

Without those reporting requirements, there’s no possible way to have an honest, balanced hearing around the benefits that are really important to the poorest people in this country. And I say that as a kid who grew up in poverty, and I recognize there’s a lot of talent and a lot of potential in the poorest neighborhoods like the one I grew up [in] in Charleston, South Carolina, that might never see the light of day without an opportunity to succeed.

From my perspective there are two ways we can help facilitate the creation of opportunity for low-income areas. Option 1 is by government fiat—this is where the government confiscates money from the wealthy, cycles it through the federal bureaucracy while siphoning off government overhead costs, and then redistributing it—whatever’s left.

While the intentions behind this option might be good, we know this is a failed strategy. The poverty rate in the poorest parts of America since 1965 has been at best stagnant under that plan, and we never truly created a pathway out of poverty.

So the question is: is there a better way? I believe the answer is absolutely. And that’s why I worked in a bipartisan fashion to secure Opportunity Zones. This is our second, and better, option for ensuring investments [make] their way to the communities that need it the most, like the one I grew up in.

Why is this a better way? Well, first, you can measure the results. Look at the numbers. We’ve seen historic capital being poured into low-income communities. GAO notes that, in just the first year of Opportunity Zone programs, we’ve seen $29 billion—in 2019—$29 billion have been invested in low-income, high poverty, racially diverse areas.

Second, you can measure whether or not these communities are seeing people forced out—i.e. gentrification—or are they remaining where they are. Well, we know that the gentrification rate in Opportunity Zones is less than five percent, meaning that people are staying where they are, finding jobs, and seeing their standard of living increase, some for the first time in generations. That’s the power of OZs.

And lastly, you can see and hear from local leadership exactly what the impact has been.

Mayor Bowser here in Washington D.C., not to be confused with a Republican, stated:

“Through the Opportunity Zones program … we’re doing more to meet the needs of D.C. residents right now and preparing for our collective future.”

Mayor Stephen Benjamin of Columbia and the former president of U.S. Conference of Mayors has celebrated the opening of new businesses in his city saying:

“These Opportunity Zones in Columbia were some of the first in the nation—creating jobs for inner city kids.”

Mayor John Gettys, from Rockhill—a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, said [this] Opportunity Zone is providing him—for the first time in almost three decades—the ability to create affordable housing within the downtown part of his community. This plus local innovation is securing more investments for the future.

And finally, from Mayor Michael Tubbs, Democrat from California, he says:

“Opportunity Zones would be a way to not just invest in land and buildings, but to also invest in our people.”

Those are the voices of local leaders who are probably the best sources we have on the real-world impact of Opportunity Zones. But we also have data from the nonpartisan, apolitical GAO report that celebrates that “Opportunity Zones have lower income, higher poverty, and greater non-White” or, said different, majority-minority communities within their census tracts.

With Opportunity Zones, we get a package that has a punch! We are incentivizing the local business community to invest in their community rather than going somewhere else. And it’s not just about the financial impact; it’s also about empowering and inspiring innovation and securing a better future for the individuals living within the zones.

Places like the Charleston Tech Corridor that is helping create opportunities for local residents, where kids in the future can take coding classes and come out with world-class career opportunities. My neighborhood didn’t have that growing up, but now it does, thanks to OZ’s. OZ’s have helped communities across this country, from the south side of Chicago—yes, Mike Kelly—to Erie, Pennsylvania.

So overall, we can look at the facts about Opportunity Zones—not merely the rhetoric—and we are seeing businesses making historic investments in places with low levels of gentrification, and a place where local leaders are seeing and celebrating the positive impact.

As many on this committee know all too well, it is often when the federal government gets out of the way that true upward mobility is most dynamic—and that is exactly the function of Opportunity Zones. Thank you for this opportunity to speak about an issue that I have spent five years working on, and I am now celebrating the positive impact that [it] is having throughout this country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1D08974D-ABD1-486F-B268-1E37BB6C9F33,Graham on New Estimate on Budget Gimmicks and Shell Games in Democrats’ Socialist Spending Bill,2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today issued a statement on the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget’s (CRFB) estimate that the Democrats’ Reckless Tax and Spend bill would cost $4.9 trillion if certain provisions were made permanent.

Graham has previously noted the Reckless Tax and Spend bill includes arbitrary sunset dates for several costly provisions in order to make the cost of the bill appear less expensive.

“One of the most highly respected budget organizations has just released their findings on Build Back Better. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that the bill’s realistic cost is $4.9 trillion.

“I have found this group to be honest brokers over a long period of time and they have enjoyed respect from both sides of the aisle. Their analysis makes perfect sense. We will not let the falsehood that this bill is paid for go unchallenged.

“I believe that the bill is a fraud on the American people in terms of actual cost and will be an inflation enhancer by expanding government.”

Background:

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: Build Back Better Cost Would Double With Extensions

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-colleagues-denounce-us-postal-services-misguided-banking-expansion/,"Senator Scott, Colleagues Denounce U.S. Postal Service’s ‘Misguided’ Banking Expansion",2021-11-15,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator John Boozman (R-AR) and Republican colleagues in calling a new U.S. Postal Service (USPS) pilot program a threat to mail delivery and a misguided attempt to federalize financial services.

In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the senators raised questions about USPS’ authority to implement a banking pilot program that includes check-cashing services.

“We are concerned that the pilot program exceeds the Postal Service’s legal authority and fails to comply with relevant regulations and procedural requirements,” members wrote in the letter.

The Postal Service launched its postal banking pilot program in September without notifying Congress. It comes on the heels of losses of more than $75 billion from 2007-2019. Last month the USPS announced it will further slow service and increase prices in attempt to fix its own notoriously poor financial footing.

“Given that these losses occurred during a period of time in which the Postal Service was exclusively focused on mail delivery, it would be imprudent to shift attention and resources toward an area in which the agency lacks expertise. It is essential that the Postal Service address this revenue shortfall by focusing on fixing inefficiencies with its mail delivery system, not pivoting to financial products and offerings with which the agency has no expertise,” members continued.

Cosigners of the letter include Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-OH), Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Pat Toomey (R-PA), Senate Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Ranking Member Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Mike Braun (R-IN), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), John Thune (R-SD) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

Full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=15D5AA22-FE0C-413F-BBB0-458C05D00F70,Graham Statement On The Passing Of Senator Leatherman,2021-11-12,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the passing of South Carolina Senator Hugh Leatherman.

“Senator Leatherman was a giant in the South Carolina Senate. When it came to the needs of South Carolina – from the mountains to the sea and everywhere in between – he was always at the forefront of breakthrough change.

“He had a statewide perspective that served South Carolina well. His leadership was indispensable in recruiting Boeing to South Carolina, and he was a great champion of the Port of Charleston.

“Senator Leatherman loved his hometown and the Pee Dee. He was the most effective voice for his region of the state one could have ever imagined. He was a tireless advocate always focused on building for a stronger and better future.

“Senator Leatherman was a leader. He was a great friend and a kind and caring man. His leadership, mentorship, and steady hand will be missed.

“My thoughts are with his wife and his family during this difficult time. Today, South Carolina has lost a legend.”

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=37C061F3-8E9D-469A-A20E-E2247AB8202C,"Graham on Biden Economic Agenda: Tax Cuts for the Rich, Inflation for the Middle Class",2021-11-12,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today reacted to a report from the Tax Policy Center on the Democrats’ tax proposals in the latest version of their Reckless Tax and Spend legislation.

Graham noted that under the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats’ plan, changes to the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction would mean nearly two-thirds of taxpayers making more than $1 million could see an average tax cut of $16,760.

“What a joke. The Democrats’ Reckless Tax and Spend bill is a windfall for Blue State millionaires, and it comes at the expense of the American middle class.

“What kind of bill are the Democrats proposing? Working men and women of the American middle class get higher inflation. Blue State millionaires get federal government tax breaks and rebates. It’s past time we stop the madness.

“According to the Tax Policy Center, the latest SALT deduction changes would overwhelmingly benefit Blue State millionaires. All the while middle class working families, already suffering from rising prices, would see inflation skyrocket under the Democrats’ socialist spending bill.

“Finally, the changes that we made to the SALT deduction in 2017 under the Trump tax cuts were long overdue. There is no reason for low tax states like South Carolina to subsidize Blue State high taxation. Now Democrats are trying to bring the SALT deduction back as a giveaway to millionaires and are willing to sock it to the middle class in the process. Their plan is wrong and must be stopped in Congress.”

Background:

Politico: Most millionaires could get tax cut under House Dems' tax plan

Tax Policy Center Analysis, November 11, 2021

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-senator-scott-hosts-foxs-brian-kilmeade-in-charleston-for-day-in-the-life-episode/,ICYMI: Senator Scott Hosts Fox’s Brian Kilmeade in Charleston for ‘Day in the Life’ Episode,2021-11-12,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) hosted Fox News’s Brian Kilmeade in Charleston, S.C., to film a special, two-part episode on what a “Day in the Life” is like in Sen. Scott’s hometown.

Part one featured a sit-down conversation between Sen. Scott and Kilmeade on how Sen. Scott entered politics and how he views the progress the country has made.

Click to watch part one

On how race played into his election … “I’m not called to serve [only] Black people — I’m just called to serve Americans. I think it says a lot about our country and it says a lot about South Carolina that they chose me … to be their senator. I like talking about the evolution of the southern heart. Because the state I live in is not the state that my grandfather was born in. … We have evolved so much in so little time that access to real opportunity — being judged by your character and not your color — is my reality.”

On the way out of poverty … “I’ve seen the government come in with good intentions to help people, but it just made you a little more comfortable in your poverty [and never provided] an escape route. We on the Right? We provide the escape route.”

Part two featured the men exploring various sites in Charleston, including the impoverished neighborhood where Sen. Scott grew up, and discussing his personal story.

Click to watch part two

On his childhood and learning personal responsibility … “At 13 years [old], I started working at a gas station checking oil and pumping gas … I worked at a movie theatre, [and] I sold vacuum cleaners door-to-door. One of my mentors … prepared me for a future that I could not see. … One of the most powerful weapons he gave me was individual responsibility. And as a kid who thought that sports was the only way out of poverty, he started saying ‘have a backup plan.’”

On gratefulness for his mother … “The most exciting part of this journey is watching [my mom] experience the fullness of America — watching her travel with me around the country. People come walking up to talk to her and thank her for the way she raised me. That probably means more to me than anything else.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-tim-scotts-opportunity-zones-drew-29b-to-low-income-areas-changing-the-game/,ICYMI: Tim Scott’s ‘opportunity zones’ drew $29B to low-income areas: ‘Changing the game’,2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the impact of Opportunity Zones (OZs) on America’s most underserved communities. Providing tax incentives for investments in designated OZs was a part of Senator Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) signature work in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Among other findings, the GAO reported:

The census tracts governors designated as OZs had higher poverty and a greater share of non-White populations than eligible, but not selected, tracts.

OZs benefitted from at least $29 billion in investment through 2019—much higher than previous estimates and impressive considering the program was not fully implemented until December of that year.

A majority of the Qualified Opportunity Funds surveyed by the GAO for this report said that their investments would not have happened if not for the incentives in the OZs program.

Read excerpts from Fox News on the report below:

Tim Scott’s ‘opportunity zones’ drew $29B to low-income areas: ‘Changing the game’

Fox News

By Ronn Blitzer

November 10, 2021

Designated low-income areas known as “opportunity zones” that attract investments by offering tax-related benefits have resulted in positive impacts in many states across the U.S., generating tens of billions of dollars for the affected neighborhoods, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.

According to the GAO report, preliminary IRS data from 2019 showed that in that year, 17,891 investors contributed $28,910,000,000 in investments in more than 6,000 “Qualified Opportunity Funds,” which are investment vehicles dedicated to the more than 8,700 opportunity zones.

“Opportunity Zones are changing the game for thousands of communities across our country. Empowering the private sector to make direct investments in underserved communities is breathing life in neighborhoods that wouldn’t have happened otherwise,” said Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., a strong proponent of the initiative. “This new report further proves that the 2017 tax cut delivered relief for the most vulnerable Americans and stands in stark contrast to the devastating impact of Democrats’ reckless spending and taxing plans.”

…

“Based on case studies of Qualified Opportunity Funds,” the report said, “the tax incentive attracted investment in a variety of projects, including multifamily housing, self-storage facilities, and renewable energy businesses.”

…

In practice, the report said, qualified funds found that the tax incentive program appeared to lead companies “to invest in projects and locations that they otherwise would not have.”

“For example,” the report said, “a fund that built an industrial warehouse facility would not have pursued this project if the incentive did not exist. Representatives from four funds said they would have considered, and likely invested in, different locations if not for the incentive.”

…

Click here to read the full story.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=311474C7-879B-4964-A96E-EFE32BCEB4E9,"Graham, Gillibrand Legislation To Empower Sexual Assault And Harassment Survivors Passes Senate Judiciary Committee",2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Legislation introduced by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) that would stop perpetrators from being able to push survivors of sexual harassment and assault into the secretive, and often biased process of forced arbitration, unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. A similar version of this legislation has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault & Sexual Harassment Act would invalidate forced arbitration clauses that prevent sexual assault and sexual harassment survivors from seeking justice and public accountability under the laws meant to protect them.

“I very much appreciate the bipartisan effort and strong bipartisan vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee to make sure that arbitration is not abused when it comes to victims of sexual assault and harassment,” said Senator Graham. “The strong bipartisan vote is a giant step forward to finish this journey for justice for the victims. I hope this bill will soon pass the full Senate and eventually be signed into law. Under current law, many employment contracts require binding arbitration no matter the nature of the grievance. When it comes to sexual assault and harassment, I believe these types of agreements have a chilling effect and should be banned.”

“Workplace sexual assault and sexual harassment disrupts lives and careers, and can have severe consequences for the lifetime earnings of women in the workforce. Working people deserve a real chance at justice; they should not be forced into the secretive and often biased process of arbitration designed by the same corporation they are challenging,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m pleased to see that our legislation, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, has passed out of the Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support. This is an important step forward for survivors and for the more than 60 million Americans who are subject to mandatory arbitration clauses. I will keep working until this bill is signed into law, giving individuals their day in court, allowing them to discuss their cases publicly, and ending the days of institutional protection for bad employers.”

“I’m grateful to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee for advancing this bipartisan legislation, S. 2342,” said Gretchen Carlson, Co-Founder of Lift Our Voices. “This is an historic opportunity to end silencing mechanisms and it will allow harassment and assault survivors the ability to speak openly and protect others in workplaces across the country. I thank the Committee members for their support of this legislation and their hard work to advance it.”

Gillibrand and Graham noted that forced arbitration clauses are buried in the fine print of everything from employment agreements and ubiquitous terms and conditions to everyday digital click-through “agreements.”

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-effort-to-overturn-bidens-vaccine-mandate/,Scott Joins Effort to Overturn Biden’s Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and 40 of their Senate colleagues to formally disapprove of and nullify President Biden’s vaccine mandate on private companies and their employees under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the official process for Congress to eliminate an executive branch rule.

Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a rule to officially mandate vaccination requirements for private businesses with more than 100 employees. The rule will affect more than 80 million Americans and impose $14,000 fines for persons who do not comply.

This rule by the Biden administration threatens to worsen the current labor shortage and further disrupt supply chains. This unacceptable federal directive impacts tens of millions of Americans and warrants review by Congress, the representatives elected by the American people to make the laws.

“President Biden is placing an undue burden on business and workers who have already faced so many difficulties throughout the pandemic,” said Scott. “This is a time when we should be working together to get our economy going again—not tearing people from their livelihoods. Forcing a federal mandate on Americans will only decrease trust in our nation’s vaccines and harm small businesses just as they are getting back on their feet. My colleagues and I will not stand for what is simply another Washington power-grab.”

The National Federation of Small Businesses said of the mandates: “Small businesses face daily challenges from pandemic requirements, locating qualified workers, rampant inflation, and supply chain disruptions. Small business owners and their employees want to operate in a safe and healthy manner that allows them to stay open. Additional mandates, enforcement, and penalties will further threaten the fragile small business recovery.”

BACKGROUND:

On September 8, President Biden announced via a speech vaccine mandates that extend to 80 million private sector workers and additional mandates on millions of federal workers and contractors. This rule is expected to force private-sector employers with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccinations or produce at-least-weekly negative test results before coming to work. And as announced, the federal employee and contractor plan doesn’t even include the option of weekly testing rather than taking a vaccine.

To implement this mandate, OSHA promulgated an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS).

The CRA can be used by Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the president, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue is invalidated.

Joining Senators Scott and Braun in the disapproval are Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Ind), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-joins-effort-to-block-taxpayer-funded-payments-to-illegal-immigrants/,Senator Scott Joins Effort to Block Taxpayer-Funded Payments to Illegal Immigrants,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and 27 of their Senate Republican colleagues in introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022 to block the Justice Department’s reported plan to pay $450,000 per person to immigrants who crossed our border illegally, costing American taxpayers upwards of a billion dollars.

“With far more than a million illegal crossings this year alone, there is a clear humanitarian and national security disaster at our border,” said Senator Scott. “Yet—even as hardworking Americans struggle to buy gas and groceries in the face of roaring inflation—Democrats want to give nearly half-a-million dollars to individuals who broke our nation’s laws. This is wrong not only for Americans, but also for the migrants who don’t need another incentive to cross our border illegally and put their families in harm’s way.”

Also joining Senators Scott and Daines on the bill are Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

“Biden’s open border policies have reached a new crazy level. Montana families are struggling with inflation and skyrocketing costs on everything from gas to groceries because of Biden’s wasteful spending policies, and now the President wants to give hundreds of thousands of dollars to illegal immigrants. Because of Biden, our southern border has been taken over by Mexican cartels and this effort will only continue to incentivize illegal immigration making it worse. This is a gut punch to the American taxpayer,” said Daines.

“Giving out potentially billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money to people who broke federal law to enter the country is outrageous and an insult to the American people. I am proud to support this amendment to ensure the Biden Administration doesn’t do this,” said McConnell.

“It would be unthinkable to pay damages to a burglar who broke into your home for the ‘psychological trauma’ they endured during the crime. And yet the Biden administration wants to reward migrants who illegally entered our country with up to $450,000 each for just that reason. President Biden’s promises of citizenship and entitlement programs have already caused the worst border crisis in history—a huge cash reward will make it even worse. This is the height of insanity,” said Cotton.

“Sending money to illegal immigrants rewards people for breaking the law, and that only makes the border crisis more dangerous. These settlements with illegal aliens would be a bitter insult to every person who has come to America by respecting our laws and borders. I’m happy to partner with Sen. Daines to prevent the Biden administration from undermining and apologizing for the rule of law,” said Kennedy.

“There are already countless pull factors enticing immigrants to cross our Southern Border illegally. Nearly 1.5 million illegal crossers have been found by Customs and Border Protection just this year. Paying those who broke our laws nearly half a million dollars is unconscionable. This is yet another effort by the Biden Administration to prioritize illegal immigration and a porous border over the best interest of Americans,” said Lee.

“The Biden administration is in complete denial of the crisis their policies have created at our border. Instead of reinstituting successful policies that stemmed the flow of illegal immigration, President Biden is facilitating the multibillion dollar business model of some of the most evil people on the planet. Offering money to those who break the law will only create a magnet for more illegal immigration. I’m happy to co-sponsor this bill with Sen. Daines to rein in some of Biden’s disastrous border policies,” said Johnson.

“Joe Biden wants to give illegal aliens over four times more money than our Gold Star families that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is downright shameful that time and again President Biden chooses to put illegals over law abiding and hardworking Americans. President Biden is not only encouraging, but paying immigrants almost half a million apiece to break the law. The legislation I am joining with Senator Daines and our colleagues will ensure this leftist daydream does not become a reality Tennesseans are forced to pay for,” said Blackburn.

“It is absurd the Biden administration wants to pay illegal migrants $450,000 for crossing the border and getting caught,” said Cassidy. “This creates a monetary incentive for migrant families to put their children in harm’s way.”

“People in Wyoming are not interested in bankrolling yet another handout from the federal government, especially to those who broke the law. It’s long past time to secure our borders and begin taking our crippling national debt seriously,” said Lummis. “A $450,000 check to those who crossed our border illegally will not do anything to make our country safer or financially secure. I applaud Senator Daines for standing up for Wyoming citizens, and all Americans, who recognize the absurdity of this proposal from the Biden Administration.”

“At a time where millions of Americans are struggling economically due to record high inflation levels, it’s appalling for the Biden Administration to offer large taxpayer funded payouts to those who violated our immigration laws. President Biden has made it clear where his priorities lie and it’s not with the American people,” said Braun.

“The crisis at the southern border continues to grow and now instead of securing the border and enforcing our laws, the Biden administration is planning to pay $450,000 to individuals who broke our laws. This is not only wrong, but will exacerbate the crisis at the border,” said Hoeven. “Our legislation ensures that the Biden administration does not reward those who broke our laws and entered our country illegally. We need to secure the border and enforce our laws, not provide additional incentives for individuals to come here illegally.”

“Instead of discouraging illegal entry into the United States, the Biden-Harris Administration wants to hand illegal immigrants a winning lottery ticket. This half-baked scheme is an insult to hardworking Americans who will never see a check that large and the servicemen and women who put their lives on the line for far less,” said Young.

“Since his candidacy, President Biden has repeatedly signaled that America’s borders are open. It’s no wonder illegal immigration has skyrocketed as a result. Now, the Biden Administration is seeking to pay large sums of money to those who sought to illegally cross our border. This is complete and utter lunacy. I will not allow American taxpayers to be forced into paying reparations to those who broke the law,” said Rubio.

“Just when you thought President Biden’s border crisis or inflation couldn’t get any worse, the President wants to cut $450,000 checks to illegal immigrants on the backs of hardworking American taxpayers. That’s more than Gold Star families receive after their relative is killed in action. This proposal is outrageous and incredibly disrespectful to the loved ones of those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ernst.

“It’s plain unacceptable to consider payments of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to people who violated our laws. Such a move would just worsen the already record-breaking border crisis, and undermine both common sense and the rule of law. These settlement payments should never have been considered in the first place, but because we can’t rely on the Biden administration to make the right decision, Congress needs to step in to ensure they don’t happen,” said Grassley.

“Illegal immigration does not deserve a reward, and this proposal sends exactly the wrong message to hardworking families across the country as well as to those who obeyed our laws and followed proper procedure to come to the United States. This plan is the latest example of the Biden administration’s disastrous immigration policies continuing to undermine secure borders and the rule of law, and my colleagues and I will fight every step of the way to defeat it,” said Boozman.

“During the worst border crisis in decades, the last thing this country needs is to use taxpayer funds to add fuel to the fire,” said Wicker. “The Biden Administration should be focused on stopping the flow of people across our border, not giving new incentives to migrants who are considering making the journey.”

“It’s truly mindboggling to think the Biden administration wants to give illegal immigrants six-figure payouts for crossing our border illegally—more than what’s offered to the families of our fallen troops. I, along with hardworking Mississippians and Americans, am still waiting for the President and his administration to disavow these reports,” said Hyde-Smith. “The worst of the President’s ongoing border crisis is yet to come if his administration makes these outrageous payments, which will be seen as another signal that the United States has opened its borders.”

“As if President Biden leaving our southern border wide open for thousands of people to pour into our country isn’t enough, now his administration plans to provide hundreds of illegal immigrants with $450,000 each as a reward for breaking the law,” said Marshall. “Incentivizing this type of crime will only exacerbate the crisis at our southern border, and Americans’ tax dollars should not fund this ridiculous stunt led by the Biden Administration.”

“The Biden administration’s handling at our southern border has been nothing short of disastrous. Rewarding illegal immigrants with hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars will only incentivize more illegal immigration and increase the flow of illegal drugs across the border and into states like Idaho. We cannot allow this administration to pay people to break our laws,” said Risch.

The full text of the amendment can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-sec-condoleezza-rice-school-choice-caucus-members-discuss-protection-of-parental-involvement-in-education/,"Scott, Sec. Condoleezza Rice, School Choice Caucus Members Discuss Protection of Parental Involvement in Education",2021-11-03,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, School Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), alongside other members of the caucus, met with former Secretary Condoleezza Rice to discuss important issues facing students and parents in our nation’s schools — including the need to protect parents’ rights to be fully and actively involved in their children’s education.

Following a productive conversation, members of the caucus announced their intent to develop a unified vision for the future of education and work to ensure parents’ voices are supported.

Sec. Rice speaks with Sen. Scott and caucus members

“Throughout the pandemic, school closures highlighted the detrimental impact of reducing parents’ educational options. Yet — inexplicably — efforts to lock parents out of the conversation have only accelerated,” said Senator Scott. “I’ve often said a good education is the closest thing to magic in this country, providing a lifeline for kids who feel stuck in poverty, as I did. I look forward to working with my colleagues to extend that lifeline to all young Americans by putting their education back in the hands of those who know best: their parents.”

“This year, parents have voted for school choice candidates at the polls, and they have voted with their feet, leaving behind school districts that refuse to provide the environment and curriculum that is best for their children,” said Congressman John Moolenaar. “I am thankful to Secretary Rice for her efforts on this issue and for meeting with the School Choice Caucus today. I look forward to working with Senator Scott and our colleagues in Congress to do everything we can to eliminate red tape and empower parents and students so they can pursue the educational opportunities that are best for them.”

Background:

With education at the top of mind for parents and families across the nation, Senator Scott has led several efforts to give them greater autonomy over their children’s education. Recently, Scott:

Introduced a resolution to celebrate National School Choice Week;

Reintroduced the CHOICE Act to foster children’s success by providing parents greater educational options;

Penned a Fox News op-ed about the merits of school choice;

Held a discussion on the future of school choice with former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos;

Released a video debunking myths surrounding school choice; and

Signed a resolution supporting parents’ rights to be fully and actively involved in their children’s education.

School Choice Caucus members gather for a meeting with Sec. Rice

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=926CE0CD-4DC9-41DB-A0B1-073FC75A46E4,"Graham Blasts Biden Plan To Pay Illegal Immigrants $450,000 In Settlement",2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) wrote to President Joe Biden to oppose the reported plan to offer illegal immigrants up to $450,000 per person in taxpayer dollars to settle lawsuits resulting from those individuals violating immigration laws.

“Rewarding illegal immigration with financial payments runs counter to our laws and would only serve to encourage more lawlessness at our border,” said Graham. “At a time when respect for our country’s immigration laws is at an all-time low, our federal government is now seeking to financially reward aliens who broke our laws.”

According to media reporting, the federal government is considering paying out more than $1 billion to illegal immigrants based on allegations against the Department of Homeland Security.

“These illegal immigrants disregarded our immigration processes, cut in front of those seeking to legally enter our nation, and put children at risk of great personal injury or death by placing them in the hands of abusive smugglers. Not only would these settlements be breathtakingly unjust and unwise, but they reinforce the conditions that make it easy for the cartels to recruit more people to undertake the treacherous journey to our southwest border, and serve only to encourage more illegal immigration.”

Senators John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ben Sasse (R-Nebraska), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) joined Graham in urging the president to refuse to issue any settlement payments for immigrants who broke U.S. laws.

#####

BACKGROUND:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-supports-parents-voices-in-education/,Senator Tim Scott Supports Parents’ Voices in Education,2021-10-29,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined a resolution led by Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.), supporting parents’ rights to be fully and actively involved in the education of their children. Recently, President Joe Biden and his administration have politicized and weaponized the Justice Department, threatening to use federal law enforcement resources to intimidate and silence parents who speak out to protect their children’s education from far-left influences. Biden’s dangerous tactics are a clear violation on parents’ rights of free speech.

The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

“Washington Democrats want to tell Americans how their money should be spent, how their businesses should be run, and now, how their children should be educated,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Unfortunately, we’ve already seen how dangerous it can be to lock parents out of that conversation. Last year’s school closures were the prime example, resulting in heartbreaking learning loss and mental health issues for our nation’s youth. President Biden and the Democrats must start putting our children first, and that means giving their parents—those who know best—a voice in how their kids are educated. The education of future generations of Americans is simply too important to use for political gain.”

“The Democrats’ war on parents is disgusting,” said Senator Rick Scott. “As a proud father of two, and grandfather to seven, it makes me furious to hear people say that the government knows better than a mom or dad when it comes to the education of their child. That’s why today I am proud to have Leader McConnell, Ranking Member Burr and nearly thirty other Republican senators join me in introducing a simple resolution supporting parents’ rights to be engaged and have a say in their child’s education. It’s not controversial or radical to say that we support the right of parents to be the leading voices in the education of their children. And it’s not controversial or radical to expect teachers, schools and school districts to regularly engage parents in constructive and open dialogue about school policies, curriculum, and instructional materials – and to LISTEN to their feedback. Moms and dads know what is best for their children, and it is a great thing when they get involved. We won’t let the Democrats use their radical, socialist agenda to drive parents out of education and replace them with the failed ideas of big government.”

“In the middle of a border crisis and a national surge in homicides, the Attorney General seems to think the DOJ’s top priority should be intimidating parents out of their free speech rights,” said Leader McConnell. “Violence and threats are already crimes. If Democrats want fewer concerned citizens speaking up, the solution is to stop trying to indoctrinate children on the taxpayers’ dime. Holding elected officials accountable for their failures isn’t intimidation, it’s democracy.”

“Washington bureaucrats and labor unions do not know better than parents on what’s best for their children, especially when it comes to their education,” said Ranking Member Burr. “Our nation’s school systems encourage constructive debate, but the Biden Administration is threatening this long-held model by restricting parental free speech at public school board meetings. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this critical resolution to support parents across the nation advocate for what’s best for their children.”

Background:

Senator Scott is leading efforts to keep parents at the forefront of children’s education.

In September, he held a virtual parent town hall to hear from parents and address their top concerns as the new school year began.

This month, he joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Garland, demanding clarification on the DOJ’s recent memo restricting parents from expressing concerns about their children’s education.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BE810CA6-37AC-442A-A026-CEB27F81EEC4,Graham Statement On Mother Emanuel Settlement Agreement,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on news that the U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with the families of the victims of the 2015 massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.

“I am very pleased to hear that the Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with the families of the victims of the Mother Emanuel attack. I have been very supportive of the families’ rights to pursue legal recourse because of the failure of the NICS program to adequately pick up prior offenses of Dylann Roof.

“I appreciate the efforts of the Attorney General and his team to reach this settlement, and I hope the families of the victims of this horrible deed will find some closure with this settlement.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4AD1509C-9138-4389-94E9-DCD681E83C5C,"Graham Presses Attorney General On Crisis At Southern Border, Afghanistan",2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Attorney General Merrick Garland in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

GRAHAM: “Did [Border Patrol] tell you anything about asylum claims being made by people that are mostly economic claims, not asylum claims? Did they mention that to you?

GARLAND: “I think it's…I don't recall exactly…”

GRAHAM: “You don’t recall being told by the Border Patrol that they're overwhelmed? They can't hold the line much anymore? That we've had 1.7 million people apprehended and the big magnet, the pull factor is the way the catch and release program around asylum…that didn't stick out to you?”

GARLAND: “That was not a discussion that I had when I was…”

GRAHAM: “Who did you talk to?”

GARLAND: “I was at the border at Nogales, I spoke to Border Patrol agents there.”

GRAHAM: “They never mentioned to you the pull factors of illegal immigration?”

GARLAND: “This was a review of what they were doing at the border with respect to…

GRAHAM: “It’s a simple question: they never mentioned to you that they've got a problem with being overrun by asylum seekers?”

GARLAND: “I know from reading the news media that Border Patrol agents feel that way.”

GRAHAM: “I mean, it's not about reading the paper. You were there talking to them.”

GARLAND: “I don't recall that…I don't want to tell you about a conversation that I’m not sure I had.”

GRAHAM: “I’m just stunned that you can’t recall that.” https://youtu.be/fkqcEuTnVzc?t=86

GRAHAM: “Do you trust the Taliban to police al-Qaeda and ISIS on our behalf?

GARLAND: “I do not trust the Taliban.”

GRAHAM: “Matter of fact, they have openly told us they will not work with us regarding containing the al-Qaeda/ISIS threat. Are you aware that?”

GARLAND: “I think there has been inconsistent statements.”

GRAHAM: “They just literally said that.”

GARLAND: “I think there have been inconsistent statements, but their statements are not anything that we can rely on.”

GRAHAM: “Well, when they tell you to your face, ‘we're not going to help you,’ do you think they're kidding? Do you think they really will help us but they're just telling us to our face…”

GARLAND: “I think ISIS-K, al-Qaeda, associated forces are and continue to be a threat.”

GRAHAM: “We're talking about the Taliban. The Taliban has told the United States they will not work with our counterterrorism forces when it comes to al-Qaeda or ISIS. What response should we have regarding the Taliban when they say that?”

GARLAND: “I think we have a number of different tools available.”

GRAHAM: “Like what?”

GARLAND: “We have economic sanctions where they need money from the United States for humanitarian and other reasons.” https://youtu.be/fkqcEuTnVzc?t=253

GRAHAM: “[Director] Wray has told the world that ISIS and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan present a threat to our homeland. The Taliban has told us they're not going to help us when it comes to policing these groups. The Department of Defense has said we're six months to a year away from a possible attack by ISIS and al-Qaeda. It just seems to me there's not a sense of urgency about this.”

GARLAND: “There is a sense of urgency…”

GRAHAM: “Specifically, what have you done since our withdrawal in Afghanistan to deal with this new threat?”

GARLAND: “We have strengthened and increased the efforts of our Joint Terrorism Task Forces, I have met with…”

GRAHAM: “Literally what have you done? Just put it in writing.” https://youtu.be/fkqcEuTnVzc?t=414

Watch Full Video Here

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-accepting-applications-for-spring-2022-internships/,Senator Scott Accepting Applications for Spring 2022 Internships,2021-10-27,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the spring of 2022. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, government policy, and more.

Washington, D.C. Office: In Washington, interns will research legislation, attend Congressional hearings and briefings, assist with press tasks, and help write constituent letters on various issues. Responsibilities also include answering phones and other administrative tasks. Interns in this office will gain a stronger understanding of the lawmaking process, while also improving their communications skills.

South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-to-day office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolina citizens each day.

Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through our website at https://www.scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott.senate.gov or (202) 224-6121.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-slams-democrats-partisan-approach-to-spending-package/,Scott Slams Democrats’ Partisan Approach to Spending Package,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee executive session, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) slammed Democrats for their unwillingness to work across the aisle on the largest spending package in the nation’s history.

The Democrats’ reckless tax and spending bill proposes spending more than $726 billion in the HELP Committee’s jurisdiction. To date, there have been no committee mark-ups or hearings on this massive partisan spending bill. In contrast, during the reconciliation process to consider the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Senate held a mark-up that lasted four consecutive days with more than 23 hours of committee time spent debating the bill. As a result, 350 amendments were filed, 69 amendments were considered, and 35 bipartisan amendments were adopted in the final text.

Click to watch the senator’s remarks

A partial transcript of the senator’s remarks is below.

“I didn’t come here to argue about the issues. I came here to make a difference about these issues. And frankly, I don’t think we have done a good job making a difference for the average person in this country who watches the processes and the ‘performances’ here in Washington, and they are sick to their stomach.

“If I were in charge … I would be thoughtful about deliberating, discussing, debating, disagreeing on those tenants and principles that we think move America in the right direction. This process has been missing.

“We’re talking about spending more money this fiscal year than any country on Earth has ever spent. And, we’re going to do that in the most partisan way, and I know the voters are watching, and I hope that the response and the reaction they have is an allergic reaction to this process and to the spending because ultimately — and I predict this — in three to five years when we measure poverty in this country, it’ll be worse than it is today.

“What we saw after the 2017 tax reform, we saw poverty hit the lowest level ever recorded, we saw the unemployment numbers hit the lowest numbers ever recorded, we saw labor force participation rates in the poorest communities go up. We saw the long-term unemployed come back to work. What are we seeing today? The exact opposite.

“So, yes we are frustrated by the lack of transparency that this nation has on the largest spending packages in the history of the country. And we are frustrated by the fact that when you call a COVID relief package — a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package — ‘COVID relief,’ about one percent goes to vaccines and nine percent goes to COVID-related health. Yes, we are concerned about the definitions of the words we are using when we have an infrastructure package that has about 10 percent in the next five years for roads and bridges.

“It’s frustrating because the American people believe the words we use because the words we use are containers of power. And yet, we deceive the American people in our packages by naming them something that sounds good, but the details are so murky you can’t figure out what it is. And we’re doing it again.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=82461601-10FF-4AAA-AD94-A72E88097CBB,"Graham Announces Berlin G. Myers Parkway Permitting Process Complete, Project Set to Move Forward in 2022",2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the permitting process enabling the final phase (Phase III) of the Berlin G Myer Parkway to be completed has been signed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.

The third phase will extend the road by 3.25 miles from East Carolina Avenue to Highway 17A with the goal of decreasing traffic on Main Street. The project is designed to improve roadway connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance safety within the Summerville area.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2022.

#####

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina)

“One of the best things about this job is working with local, state and federal officials to get big things done for the future of South Carolina. I have been working with the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the U.S Army Corp of Engineers and many local officials seeking ways to turn the final phase of Berlin G. Myers Parkway into a reality. We have been meeting with stakeholders to discuss how we could get this project done. We have made progress in those efforts and have now received all the necessary authorizations we need to move this project forward.

“We would not be at this point without the collaboration and hard work of the entire team. I truly appreciate all the hard work of the US Army Corps of Engineers, South Carolina Department of Transportation, State Senator Sean Bennett, Summerville Mayor Ricky Waring, and many others along the way. I know this project will be a game-changing event for Summerville and the surrounding communities.”

South Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Christy A. Hall

“Congestion relief is coming to Summerville! Many thanks to the Berlin G Myers Parkway project team for finally breaking through the permitting barriers in order to enable the final phase of the parkway to go to construction in spring 2022. The recent approvals by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Highway Administration breakthrough more than 17 years of delay on this $120 Million project.

""We greatly appreciate Transportation Commissioner Robby Robbins' leadership, both on the local community level and from a state perspective, in helping to move the project forward. It is a prime example of the type of infrastructure investment that is needed in South Carolina and what can be done when everyone works together for a better tomorrow.""

South Carolina State Senator Sean Bennett (Dorchester)

“In 2004, the people of Dorchester County voted overwhelmingly to take control of their own community by approving and funding twenty-two road projects to improve traffic congestion. The recent approval by the Army Corps of Engineers is the final step needed to move toward competition of the final project in that list, the long-overdue completion of the Berlin G. Myers Parkway extension.

“This project has been delayed by the federal permitting process despite the overwhelming public support to improve our region’s traffic needs. Today’s approval is a realization of more than 16 years of hard work and continued focus on this project by the Town of Summerville, SC Department of Transportation, community leaders, and others.

“Senator Lindsey Graham’s help in navigating the US Army Corp of Engineers proved to be invaluable. The public has long-identified the Berlin G. Myers Parkway as an important transportation project - a crucial proposal to improve traffic congestion — and today we can finally take action toward its competition.”

Mayor Ricky Waring, Town of Summerville

“Today is a good day for Summerville and for mitigating one of our major issues, traffic.

“I want to thank Senator Lindsey Graham and his staff for their willingness to get involved and staying the course. I would also like to thank Secretary Christy Hall, Highway Commissioner Robby Robbins, SC Senator Sean Bennett, Dorchester County Councilman and CHATS Chairman George Bailey, and fellow Town Councilman Terry Jenkins for their unwavering support.

“Lt. Col Rachel Honderd and her successor Lt. Col Drew Johannes, both made this project a priority, I am very grateful for their commitment to get to this permit approved. A big thank you to the USACE staff and Mr. Christopher Mims.

“This has been a glowing example of multiple agencies, organization and levels of government working together for solutions.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F7BB5B70-EDC6-45B9-9A5A-9EE969177B66,Graham On Brazilian Efforts To Combat Illegal Immigration,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement following a meeting with Brazilian Ambassador to the United States Nestor Forster.

“I had a constructive meeting with the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States yesterday regarding America’s broken immigration system.

“This year, over 46,000 Brazilians have been apprehended without U.S. visas, mostly in the Yuma sector of the Arizona border, which I visited last week. It is a serious problem that must be more forcefully addressed by both countries.

“I was pleased to learn the Brazilian government has a campaign to inform their citizens not to come to the U.S. without a visa. The Brazilian government is in discussions with the U.S. on increasing repatriation flights of Brazilian citizens apprehended by U.S. authorities. I believe that with more aggressive and visible repatriation flights, the Brazilian government’s message of not coming to the United States without a visa will be reinforced.

“I am hopeful that the Brazilian government, working with the United States, will redouble its efforts to stop the flow of illegal immigration from Brazil. Illegal immigration presents a problem for both of our nations.

“I will also pass along Brazil’s concerns on the humanitarian front to the appropriate U.S. authorities.

“Finally, I look forward to a significant increase in repatriation flights to Brazil that will act as a deterrent to illegal immigration in the future.

“Brazil has been a good ally and an important partner in the region. Brazil and the United States working together to correct this immigration problem will strengthen and protect the long-standing relationship between our two countries.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-block-democrats-irs-snooping-proposal/,"Scott, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Block Democrats’ IRS Snooping Proposal",2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and his Republican colleagues introduced the “Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act,” a bill to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing Democrats’ plan to give the agency access to transaction information of virtually every American.

“The Democrats’ plan to allow the IRS to spy on the bank accounts of nearly every person in this country, even those below the poverty line, should be deeply concerning to anyone who values privacy and economic inclusion,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Of the more than 7 million American households that are currently unbanked, the majority are low-income, rural, and minority Americans. Implementing the Biden reporting scheme will disproportionately harm those who need greater access to our financial institutions and people living paycheck to paycheck. My colleagues and I will not stop fighting the Democrats’ wrong-headed proposal to implement more federal government intrusion into our lives.”

“Every American should be wary of giving the IRS more power and more tentacles into private financial transactions,” said Senator Crapo. “The IRS bank reporting proposal is one of the biggest expansions of the agency’s authority we’ve ever seen, and is fundamentally flawed. I’m proud to support Senator Scott’s legislation to stop this proposal in its tracks and protect Americans’ personal, private financial information.”

“The Biden administration’s plan to allow the IRS to monitor Americans’ bank accounts is a dangerous idea that will only prove to be worse over time,” said Senator Toomey. “Today the administration wants to know your annual account inflows and outflows. What will they demand access to tomorrow? I’m glad to join Senator Scott and Senator Crapo in working to ensure this terribly flawed proposal never sees the light of day.”

The bill is co-sponsored by the ranking members of the Senate finance and banking committees, Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), as well as Senators Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

BACKGROUND

President Biden, Treasury Secretary Yellen, and the IRS are seeking access to every working American’s financial information by requiring financial institutions to report to the IRS each and every withdrawal and deposit that total at least $10,000.

The “Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act” would prohibit the Biden administration’s proposed violation of privacy and federal government overreach.

Under the Biden reporting regime a family whose monthly expenses total just $833 would still be required to be reported to the IRS.

Nearly every American, even those below the poverty line, would be subject to this proposed reporting regime.

The Joint Committee on Taxation has analyzed the proposal and found that it is likely to impact taxpayers in every income bracket, including those making less than $50,000.

Steven Rosenthal at the left-leaning Tax Policy Center concluded the bank reporting requirement proposal would, “in fact, bury the agency in a sea of unproductive information.”

Click here to read the bill.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-colleagues-to-defend-freedoms-of-speech-and-religion/,Scott Joins Colleagues to Defend Freedoms of Speech and Religion,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined an amicus brief led by Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) along with 11 senators and 14 members of Congress in support of Coach Joe Kennedy in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. The brief asks the Supreme Court to review and subsequently reverse the Ninth Circuit’s decision that allowed Coach Kennedy to be fired for silently kneeling and praying after school football games. Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) is co-leading the brief for the House.

Joining Senators Scott and Lankford are Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and John Thune (R-S.D.).

Kennedy was head coach for the Bremerton High School junior varsity football team and an assistant coach for the varsity team. After each game, he waited until the players cleared the field, then took a knee and silently prayed. Bremerton High School sent Kennedy a letter demanding he stop praying after games. Kennedy’s contract with Bremerton School District was not renewed, resulting in his termination.

Kennedy filed a lawsuit against Bremerton School District, which a federal district court dismissed. On appeal, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit argued Kennedy’s prayers were not protected by the Constitution because he was praying as a public employee rather than in his private, personal capacity. In 2019, Coach Kennedy asked the Supreme Court to review the case and 15 members of Congress, including Senator Scott, filed an amicus brief in support of Coach Kennedy.

On the issue of freedom of speech, Senator Scott joined Senators Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Cotton (R-Ark.) in introducing the Campus Free Speech Resolution of 2021.

“Freedom of speech and religion are cornerstones to the American way of life, yet they are under attack at all levels of education,” said Senator Scott. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues against the tide of woke supremacy sweeping across our educational institutions.”

The Campus Free Speech Resolution of 2021 urges greater First Amendment protection at public universities. Senators Scott, Blackburn, and Cotton introduced this legislation alongside Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-scott-talks-dems-spending-and-irs-plans-police-reform-on-americas-newsroom/,"ICYMI: Scott Talks Dems’ Spending and IRS Plans, Police Reform on America’s Newsroom",2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino on Fox News to discuss how the Democrats’ reckless spending spree, and their plan to pay for it by enlarging the IRS, will harm American families. He also pushed back on efforts to nationalize and defund law enforcement.

Click to watch Senator Scott’s interview

On Democrats’ reckless spending … “There’s no way this is going to cost zero for the American people. Here’s what we know: A $2 trillion [bill] — or the largest tax increase in American history — is not free. … [The] cost to the average American family goes through the ceiling, [with] tens of thousands of dollars of additional debt being added to every single household in America. This is failed leadership and a one-way ticket to socialism. … it only helps hook more people on a government paycheck. That’s bad for their futures; it’s bad for their kids.”

“Here’s what I know about government handouts: If you can do it yourself, you should. If you cannot, it’s a different question. … [This plan would] get more people disconnected from work [and] more dependent on the government, and that’s bad for their lives.”

On Democrats moving their proposed threshold for the IRS to investigate accounts from $600 to $10,000 … “$600 versus $10,000 sounds like a big jump. Unfortunately, if you are a minimum wage earner in America, your account’s [information] would still be transferred to the IRS. In other words, if you have an $800 monthly payment for your rent, you have $400 in food for the entire year, [that makes] $10,000. … [It’s] not a concession because Republicans aren’t even allowed to be part of the negotiations.”

On police reform efforts and providing proper resources … “I’m still at the table. Two years in a row [the Democrats] walked away. More importantly, what they wanted to do were two fundamental things I completely disagree with. Number one is to nationalize all local police. That is not the American way. And number two, there were 11 sections that either reduced funding [or] made departments ineligible for funding, and that to me means defunding the police by a [thousand little] cuts.”

“In the end, change requires resources. We cannot ask police officers to go into some very dangerous situations without the equipment or the manpower. [There are] almost 400 vacancies in Baltimore city right now because they can’t recruit officers. You don’t demonize, demoralize, and defund police and then ask for better policing.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-democrats-irs-snooping-plan-hurts-americans-living-paycheck-to-paycheck/,Scott: Democrats’ IRS Snooping Plan Hurts Americans Living Paycheck-to-Paycheck,2021-10-19,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spoke out against the Democrats’ plans to give the IRS access to the bank information of virtually every American during a Senate Banking Committee hearing and a Senate GOP press conference.

Click to watch Senator Scott’s questions at the hearing

On the IRS investigating every American’s accounts … “It would be impossible for me not to ask a question about the current proposals coming out of the administration as it relates to the ability to investigate and/or have access to every transaction in every American’s banking accounts or financial accounts based on simply $600 of flow coming through. I know that some proposals have $600; others have $10,000. The challenge is, whether it’s $600 or $10,000, it captures basically the same number of accounts.”

On enlarging big government … “If you’re looking for tax cheats, that is a terrible way of figuring it out. But if you are, in fact, looking at a big-government proposal to have the ability to investigate every single transaction of a financial institution of your account, my account, and their accounts… well, this might be a good direction to go in.”

On burdening working-class Americans … “If you’re looking to simply find the tax cheats of the top one percent or two percent of Americans, you don’t need a threshold of $600. You don’t need a threshold of $10,000. Frankly, you don’t even need a threshold of $100,000 dollars. What this threshold of $600 or $10,000 does is it captures all the information, all the transactions of everyday Americans, not the rich ones, but the ones working paycheck-to-paycheck. … That’s not about millionaires and billionaires. That is an actual additional burden on working-class Americans.”

Click to watch Senator Scott’s remarks at the press conference

On the results of the Democrats’ proposal … “I think about the fact that there are seven million Americans who are unbanked and may be a little suspicious of the government. This proposal will keep those good Americans from being able to engage and get involved in the financial systems of our country. I can’t think of anything more wrong-directed than this proposal. … For those Americans who are concerned that, somehow, the government is too big, too onerous, too burdensome, this only adds more fuel to that fire.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-calls-out-biden-cbp-nominee-for-refusing-to-acknowledge-the-border-crisis/,Senator Scott Calls Out Biden CBP Nominee for Refusing to Acknowledge the Border Crisis,2021-10-19,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) questioned Chris Magnus, President Biden’s nominee to head U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), at a Senate Finance Committee hearing. Senator Scott challenged Magnus’ refusal to call the situation at the southern border a crisis, despite record high illegal border crossings in the last year.

Click to watch Senator Scott’s questions

Read the full transcript of his questions below:

Senator Scott: You struggled to come to the conclusion that there is a crisis on our border, which I found fascinating. Millions of Americans, literally millions upon millions of Americans have come to the same conclusion that I have and that Senator Young has and that, frankly, I think even the administration is coming to: There is a crisis on our southern border. When we have 200,000 folks illegally crossing our border in just July—more than one million in the last fiscal year—there is a crisis on our border. Why admitting that there is a crisis on our border is a problem, I don’t fully appreciate. After demonizing every single action of the Trump administration as it relates to the border, it is apparent to me that when the Department of Homeland Security reinstates a “Remain in Mexico” policy, it is because there is a crisis at the southern border. So I want to ask you, Mr. Magnus, just for clarification: With the reinstatement of the policy, with a million plus people crossing our border, with more than 200,000 just in July, with the actions taken against the border agents, is there a crisis at our border?

Mr. Magnus: Senator, thank you for the question. But if I might just make the observation that perhaps as a nation and as a group of electeds, if we spent a little less time debating on what the terminology is and perhaps a little more time trying to fix a broken system and working together, we could address what I’ve already acknowledged is one of the most serious problems that we face right now in our nation.

Senator Scott: Mr. Magnus, this is frankly where both Republicans and Democrats come to the same conclusion, that there is a crisis at our border. This is the one area of many areas within the political spectrum that we’d like to see some kind of uniformity and people working together and acknowledging the concerns that we have, but words have meaning. We are living in a time where we’re trying to find a way to erase and then re-define words, but the fact is that there is a crisis, number one. Number two, when Rodney Scott, the former chief of the border patrol, who worked for both President Trump and President Biden says that the administration is abusing its authority as it relates to paroles, I’ll ask you, with over 30,000 released via parole and so many hundreds of thousands more just released into our communities, do you believe that the administration is abusing their immigration authority?

Mr. Magnus: Senator, I appreciate the question, and obviously this issue of immigration authority, how it’s being used, is something that would be very important to me if confirmed for this position. I’m coming into this, obviously, as someone from the outside. My intention would be to learn as much as I can, talk to different parties involved who maybe have very different perspectives on this, learn what I can, and then share that information with those above me.

Senator Scott: Let me just say it this way: When our American public is watching the reckless action in Afghanistan, where we are trying to figure out what the vetting process was for those folks arriving here, we are thankful [for] those who assisted our soldiers in Afghanistan [and] we want to have the folks who deserve to be here here from Afghanistan, and yet the vetting process was rushed because of the arbitrary nature of the departure. That creates one concern from an immigration standpoint.This exacerbates the situation when you add, on top of those concerns for the average American, seeing more than a million folks come into our country illegally, which is about 20% of all of the citizens in the great state of South Carolina. So you can imagine my concerns that are shared by millions of Americans around this country as it relates to what we’re doing on our border, and what we’re not doing on our border, is very concerning. Thank you.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=18BC9525-8CC4-4F91-B6AC-B66FD7C2DAC7,Graham On Leadership Changes At Port,2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the news that Jim Newsome, President and CEO of South Carolina Ports, will retire on June 30, 2022. Newsome served in the position for 13 years.

SC Ports COO Barbara Melvin will become President and CEO of South Carolina Ports on July 1, 2022. Melvin will be the sixth leader in the history of the port and the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port.

Graham said:

“Jim Newsome has much to be proud of from his years as the President and CEO of South Carolina Ports. Under his steady leadership, and working closely with local, state, and federal officials, the Port of Charleston has exceeded every expectation. Today, the Charleston Port is the backbone of the South Carolina economy. I know Jim will stay involved in port issues even while he enjoys his well-earned retirement.”

“I also want to congratulate South Carolina Ports for selecting Barbara Melvin to succeed Jim. Barbara is an outstanding choice who has worked closely with Jim for years. She understands the needs of the Port and is well-respected throughout our state. Barbara will build on Jim’s legacy.

“When it comes to South Carolina Ports, the best is yet to come.”

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BADF08FB-B70E-4D92-9A74-1A3C118F9C25,"Graham Discusses Border, Supply Chain Issues with South Carolina Media",2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today met with members of the South Carolina media to discuss his recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, supply chain issues, and other issues facing the country.

On immigration:

GRAHAM: “I just got back from the border. It’s a disaster. The southern border of the United States is a complete disaster…I went to the Yuma Sector along the Arizona-Mexico border and I saw a tremendous spike in illegal immigrant crossing. There’s sort of a scam going on with the Brazilians. 46,000 Brazilians have come into the United States turning themselves in and asking for asylum in the last year. And at the Yuma Sector, here’s what’s happening. Brazilians, who seemed to be pretty well-off to me, smartly dressed, will take a plane from Brazil to Cancun, Mexico on a tourist visa. They spend a couple days in Cancun, either rent a car or take a bus to the U.S. border. They are dropped off right by our border, take the luggage out of the back of the car or off the bus, walk up to a Border Patrol agent and turn themselves in and ask for asylum. Many of them had flights booked inside the United States because they had relatives or friends. This is taking a lot of time of the Border Patrol to process these people. The ones I saw were smartly dressed and had better luggage than I did. This needs to stop.”

GRAHAM: “The idea that terrorists could penetrate our southern border is very real to the Border Patrol. They feel abandoned. There is no plan in place to fix this. What’s caused this 1,300% increase in illegal traffic at the Yuma Sector of the Arizona border? The catch-and-release program built around asylum…Ending the catch-and-release program by Remain in Mexico policy of Trump worked. The first thing Biden did was cancel that policy and the rest is history.”

GRAHAM: “The Border Patrol is under siege. Their morale is low. They are American patriots. They are spending so much time processing people making asylum claims, they can’t go out and do their job as law enforcement officers… [Department of Homeland Security Secretary] Mayorkas comes to the [Senate Judiciary] Committee October the 21st, this Thursday, and he needs to be held accountable. This is 9/11 in the making.”

On shipping delays and supply chain issues:

GRAHAM: “There is a complete breakdown of the supply chain. Some of it you can blame on Biden, some of it you can’t. COVID has created a problem for the supply chain for the last couple of years. People have been laid off. People have not been able to do their job to full capacity because of COVID. But what you see now is sort of a bad policy rearing its ugly head. In California they made all the truck drivers, instead of independent contractors, they made them employees which changed their tax situation. A lot of truck drivers are retiring. The backup of shipping is due to the fact that you can’t unload the ships and get the cargo into the interior of the United States. And I just believe that [Department of Transportation] Secretary Buttigieg needs to up his game here. He’s a nice fellow, I like him a lot. But he needs to up his game. We’ve got 60 something ships waiting to be unloaded on the West Coast. Savannah has a problem. The administration needs to up its game and make it easier to hire people, not harder to hire people.”

Watch the full press conference HERE and HERE.

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-the-passing-of-general-powell/,Scott Statement on the Passing of General Powell,2021-10-18,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on the passing of General Colin Powell.

“Today we mourn the passing of one of America’s strongest leaders. Colin Powell will forever be remembered as a great public servant and American patriot. He dedicated his life to this nation and broke countless barriers along the way. He was a trailblazer as Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his service inspired and paved the way for many of today’s—and tomorrow’s—greatest leaders.

“While I am heartbroken to hear of his passing, I am grateful for his life of service that touched not only our nation, but every corner of the world. I salute his legacy and know that it will live on for generations to come.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-sinema-lead-effort-to-protect-medicare-advantage/,"Scott, Sinema Lead Effort to Protect Medicare Advantage",2021-10-15,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) led 11 of their colleagues in a letter urging Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to protect the Medicare Advantage (MA) program from payment cuts being floated in the Senate.

Senators Capito (R-W.Va.), Fischer (R-Neb.), Kelly (D-Ariz.), King (I-Maine), Manchin (D-W.Va.), Peters (D-Mich.), Rosen (D-Nev.), Rubio (R-Fla.), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tester (D-Mont.), and Young (R-Ind.) also joined the letter.

“As Congress and the administration work together to find opportunities to promote better access to care and reduce costs, ensuring that MA’s care delivery model remains strong and stable should remain a priority,” the senators wrote. “The MA program is essential to fulfilling the CMS’s commitment to improving and delivering high-quality, accessible, affordable, and equitable care choices to Medicare beneficiaries.”

“To ensure this continuum of care, we stand ready to protect MA from payments cuts, which could lead to higher costs and premiums, reduce vital benefits, and undermine advances made to improve health outcomes and health equity for MA enrollees.”

Background:

The Medicare Advantage program:

Currently serves more than 26 million Americans, 31 percent of whom come from a racial or ethnic minority, and more than 50 percent of whom have fixed incomes of less than $30,000 annually.

Offers benefits aimed at addressing social determinants of health including vision, dental, hearing, telehealth services, transportation, meal services and delivery, and other wellness benefits.

Click here to read the full letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=76DB5EAE-D08C-47BE-87AD-7F25E2CCDCEA,Graham: “I don’t understand why we’re folding here.”,2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made these comments on raising the debt ceiling.

GRAHAM: “I don’t understand why we [Republicans] are folding here. For two months Republicans have been saying Democrats want to spend $3.5 trillion without any Republican input. If they are going to do that -- they need to raise the debt ceiling on their own. This is just a mistake.”

GRAHAM: “Democrats are spending the money by themselves through reconciliation, they can also raise the debt ceiling through reconciliation. That’s been the position of the Republican Party. I can understand why Democrats don’t want to use reconciliation for the debt ceiling because politically it will be tough. But I don’t understand why we as Republicans are folding here.”

GRAHAM: “This is a complete capitulation. The argument made yesterday was that this may be more pressure than two Democrat senators can stand regarding changing the filibuster rules. That to me is not a very good reason.”

GRAHAM: “You either believe in Senate rules and procedures or you don’t. When we had control of the White House, House, and Senate, we were under pressure to change the rules to enact the Republican agenda. I thought it would be bad for the country and I said ‘No.’ It never crossed my mind to go to Democrats and say if you don’t do these two or three things I may have to change the rules. The bottom line is that’s extortion. It’s not healthy for the Senate and I’m not going to live that way.”

GRAHAM: “Democrats have a 50/50 Senate and a small majority in the House. They are acting like they have a mandate from the American people to completely transform America. I find that audacious and offensive. I don’t blame Democrats for trying to do as much as they can; I do blame us for not fighting when we can. And the idea of Democrats using reconciliation to raise the debt limit by themselves made sense to me then and makes sense to me now.”

GRAHAM: “When President Trump was in the White House, we had the House and the Senate. We had all these Democrats saying don’t change the rules. The shoe is on the other foot now. I understand that. No more games here. You either believe in the Senate being different from the House or you don’t. So if you want to change the rules, change them.”

GRAHAM: “I don’t like using reconciliation to fundamentally change America through a socialist spending agenda. Why the hell would I make it easier for them to raise the debt ceiling through regular order? We had a strategy and we abandoned it.”

####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-colleagues-on-comprehensive-afghanistan-legislation/,Scott Joins Colleagues on Comprehensive Afghanistan Legislation,2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 28 of his colleagues in supporting the Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight, and Accountability Act, legislation to address the outstanding issues related to the administration’s rushed and disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“While the crisis in Afghanistan may have faded from headlines, the danger faced by Americans and our allies is still real and immediate,” said Senator Scott. “My colleagues and I are committed to holding the Biden administration accountable by being a voice for those who have suffered as a result of this president’s failure of leadership. We must act now to ensure our leaders do not repeat the mistakes that led to the loss of 13 Americans, countless allies, and our credibility on the world stage.”

Joining Scott and Risch as cosponsors are Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Hoeven (R-N.D), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

The Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight, and Accountability Act:

Establishes a State Department task force to focus on the evacuation of American citizens, legal permanent residents, and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) who are still stuck in Afghanistan.

Imposes oversight mechanisms on the processing of SIVs and refugees.

Requires strategies for counterterrorism and for the disposition of Taliban-captured U.S. equipment.

Sanctions the Taliban and others in Afghanistan for terrorism, drug-trafficking, and human rights abuses.

Authorizes sanctions on those providing support to the Taliban, including foreign governments supporting the Taliban.

States that the United States should not recognize any member of the Taliban as the ambassador of Afghanistan to the United States or as the ambassador of Afghanistan to the United Nations.

Calls for a comprehensive review of foreign assistance to entities that support the Taliban.

Places restrictions on non-humanitarian foreign assistance to Afghanistan.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-oppose-democrat-plan-to-make-the-sba-a-direct-lender/,"Scott, Colleagues Oppose Democrat Plan to Make the SBA a Direct Lender",2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and his Republican colleagues sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Small Business Committee Chair Ben Cardin, and House Small Business Committee Chair Nydia Velázquez warning against their plan to make the Small Business Administration (SBA) a direct lender through their $3.5 trillion reconciliation plan.

“Aiming to get more 7(a) loans in the hands of the smallest of small businesses by providing the SBA $4.5 billion to run its own lending program is misplaced. We encourage you to take lessons from the past year and see that the way to increase availability of these products to those that do not have access is not by simply having government play a larger role, but instead to empower financial institutions in doing what they do best…under the reconciliation legislation currently under consideration, among other provisions, allowing the SBA to establish and run a lending program that they themselves regulate will harm job creators and hurt the United States economy as a whole,” wrote the senators.

Co-signers include Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).

Click here to read more from Fox News.

Click here or read the full text of the letter below.

October 06, 2021

Dear Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Chairs Cardin and Velázquez:

We write today regarding a deeply concerning provision contained within the House Small Business section (SEC. 100502. Funding For Credit Enhancement and Small Dollar Loan Funding) of the Budget Reconciliation Bill, that would authorize nearly $4.5 billion over 10 years for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue direct 7(a) loans. We believe this would be an inefficient, costly, and unequitable position to put both lenders and borrowers.

Over the course of the last year the American people have witnessed financial institutions step up and provide relief to businesses of all sizes. In Fiscal Year 2020, the SBA approved 42,302 7(a) loans worth $22.6 billion through 1,673 lending partners. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic we saw financial institutions work to standup the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in an unprecedented period of time to start the small business recovery. The final tally shows that 5,467 lenders worked to service nearly 12 million loans worth $800 billion. Even more impressive is that the overall loan size in 2021 was just $42,000. While the PPP was massively successful in getting money out of the door and to borrowers that desperately needed relief, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) has seen rampant mismanagement, fraud, and waste. According to a recent analysis by the SBA Office of Inspector General, there have been $79 billion in potentially fraudulent EIDL loans processed and advanced. Compare this to the PPP, where only $4.6 billion in potential fraud was identified. Out of $800 billion for the full program, that is only .6% of the total. One of the main differences between these programs is the PPP relied heavily on banks, credit unions, fintech, and other private sector lenders. The EIDL program was entirely government run.

Aiming to get more 7(a) loans in the hands of the smallest of small businesses by providing the SBA $4.5 billion to run its own lending program is misplaced. We encourage you to take lessons from the past year and see that the way to increase availability of these products to those that do not have access is not by simply having government play a larger role, but instead to empower financial institutions in doing what they do best. As mentioned above, there were nearly 5,500 PPP lenders. By expanding the lender pool in the 7(a) program to more lenders, borrowers will start to see more options. Giving the SBA the reins to run its own lending program will make it more difficult for existing lenders to continue to participate and potential lenders to even want to join the program. A 10-year authorization of $4.5 billion for this program with little to no oversight will also increase the level of concern over how the money is being used. Without proper parameters, the direct lending program can fall into a great deal of fraud and abuse.

As the United States emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the growth of small businesses and entrepreneurship must be a top priority. Unfortunately, under the reconciliation legislation currently under consideration, among other provisions, allowing the SBA to establish and run a lending program that they themselves regulate will harm job creators and hurt the United States economy as a whole.

/s/

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D78C6B1E-5B92-4133-B71F-40F05121CD06,Graham Introduces Religious Education Week Resolution,2021-10-04,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) introduced a resolution designating this week as “Religious Education Week” to celebrate and emphasize the importance of religious education and the schools and organizations engaged in religious instruction.

“South Carolina’s children are our greatest resource and future leaders,” said Graham. “I am proud to introduce this resolution to emphasize the importance of continued religious education and the organizations who provide it.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Jim Inhofe (Oklahoma), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), and Todd Young (R-Indiana).

Organizations in support of the resolution include Agudath Israel of America, Alliance Defending Freedom, American Association of Christian Schools, Association of Christian Schools International, The Catholic Association, Catholics Count, Catholic Education Partners Inc., The Christian Coalition, Christian Legal Society, Coalition for Jewish Values, EdChoice, #EDTaxCredit50, Family Research Council, Foundation for American Christian Education, Invest in Education, Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty, North American Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and School Time Bible Ministries.

The full text of the resolution is attached.

#####

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:

Grayson Hartgrove, Director of School Time Bible Ministries in Columbia, SC:

“We support and applaud the U.S. Senate effort to pass a U.S. Senate Resolution on Religious Education Week. Parents of public-school students want the option of providing faith-based programming during the public-school day. The legal practice, known as Released Time for Religious Education was started in 1914 by a school superintendent. He knew the importance of parents having options in directing the upbringing of their children. Currently over 13,000 public school students with parental permission in South Carolina leave campus every week for a faith-based class off campus at a church or non-school building. The number of students participating continues to grow as more parents learn of this option.”

Rabbi Lerner, President of the Coalition for Jewish Values:

""Judaism places the education of our children at the center of religious practice. We are happy to endorse this resolution, which underscores the intrinsic connection between religious education and the free exercise of religion guaranteed by the Constitution, and celebrates religious schooling as a method of civic and moral development.""

Travis Weber, Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at Family Research Council:

“Religious education and the rights of parents to oversee that their children are taught according to the tenets of their faith are as important now as they have ever been. At this point in our nation’s history, Christian parents must be especially vigilant to ensure their children are taught according to a biblical worldview. This resolution is a welcome encouragement toward that end.”

Roberta Combs, CEO and President of the Christian Coalition:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-scott-and-kelly-celebrate-passage-of-national-healthy-aging-month-resolution/,Senators Scott and Kelly Celebrate Passage of National Healthy Aging Month Resolution,2021-10-01,2021,2021-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) released the following statements applauding the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution marking September as National Healthy Aging Month.

“In just a few short years, seniors will outnumber children for the first time in our nation’s history,” said Senator Scott. “As our older population increases, we must also bolster our efforts to enhance their quality of life. This resolution not only reaffirms that commitment to seniors, but it also encourages all Americans to prepare for the future by living a healthy lifestyle today.”

“As Arizona’s Senator and a member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I have continued to work to support older Arizonans by funding critical programs for our senior community including caregiver support and community based services,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “This resolution recognizing September as Healthy Aging Month is an important step and will raise awareness about the ways Arizonans can improve their health and quality of life as they age and also promote strategies and services that can prevent chronic or serious illnesses.”

Background:

As ranking member of the U.S. Special Senate Committee on Aging, Senator Scott has worked on a number of bills, resolutions, and hearings on behalf of our nation’s seniors.

In May, he introduced the SENIOR CARE Act to ensure working seniors with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage.

In July, he introduced the Golden-preneurship Act to equip seniors with the tools they need to make their businesses thrive.

Since March, he has held hearings on addressing seniors’ health care needs, fighting Alzheimer’s, building wealth at an older age, maintaining physical and mental vitality, and most recently combating frauds and scams.

Click HERE to view the full resolution.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5E98EB54-0AF4-47A3-BF9A-FE698DCF2614,"Graham, Blackburn to President Biden: Tell Migrant Caravan to Turn Around",2021-09-30,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) today sent a letter to President Biden urging him to tell the massive migrant caravan approaching our southern border, “You must turn around”.

Graham and Blackburn wrote:

“For the sake of the vulnerable migrants preyed upon by smugglers, the brave men and women of your U.S. Border Patrol currently under siege, and those state and local law enforcement who work tirelessly in border communities to keep Americans safe, we call on you to immediately send a clear and concise signal to the massive caravan en route that they must turn around. Smuggling and trafficking should not be tolerated by the United States.”

“The continued capitulation constitutes an unconscionable threat to our national security. Terrorist and other transnational criminal syndicates will keep exploiting our weakness if you do not act. President Biden, you can still prevent further human suffering by sending a clear message to the caravan – “You Must Turn Around.” Failure to do so would be patently reckless.”

Full text of the Graham Blackburn letter is below.

September 30, 2021

President Joseph R. Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Biden:

We write today to again express grave concerns about the escalating humanitarian and public safety crisis at our southern border. Despite your administration’s insistence that the United States does not have open borders, each month hundreds of thousands of migrants are emboldened by your policies to make the journey north. And now a caravan of over 15,000 migrants led by smugglers is making its way through Mexico towards our border.

For the sake of the vulnerable migrants preyed upon by smugglers, the brave men and women of your U.S. Border Patrol currently under siege, and those state and local law enforcement who work tirelessly in border communities to keep Americans safe, we call on you to immediately send a clear and concise signal to the massive caravan en route that they must turn around. Smuggling and trafficking should not be tolerated by the United States.

We cannot continue to surrender our southern border to drug cartels and coyotes. An open border like ours is a green light to those who see human life as a commodity. These traffickers, smugglers, and other terrorist groups wish only to line their pockets and cause harm, no matter the cost. The continued capitulation constitutes an unconscionable threat to our national security. Terrorist and other transnational criminal syndicates will keep exploiting our weakness if you do not act. President Biden, you can still prevent further human suffering by sending a clear message to the caravan – “You Must Turn Around.” Failure to do so would be patently reckless.

Sincerely,

Lindsey O. Graham Marsha Blackburn

U.S Senator U.S. Senator

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-colleagues-spotlight-democrats-self-inflicted-crises/,"Senator Scott, Colleagues Spotlight Democrats’ Self-Inflicted Crises",2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today in a press conference with Senate Republicans, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) highlighted crises caused by Democrat leadership and warned of the dangerous policies in their $3.5 trillion spending plan.

Click to watch Senator Scott’s remarks

On self-inflicted Democrat crises … “Crisis after crisis after crisis … The Democrats are in disarray without any question. How does that all translate to the average person living in this country? We’ve heard about the border crisis … Afghanistan, taxing and spending crisis. All of that lands on the shoulders of every-day Americans.”

On inflation caused by reckless spending … “The price [of their proposal] is astounding. It is hard to digest $3.5 trillion after a $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan and a $1.9 trillion COVID plan with less than 10 percent going to COVID health or COVID vaccines. That spending is just enormous. … When you drive up to the pump and your gas prices are up 40 plus percent … when your electric bill is up 20 percent … the impact is devastating.”

On harmful policies in the Democrats’ tax-and-spend bill … “When we’re talking about giving the IRS permission to spy on accounts for every transaction at $600 or more, you’re destabilizing one of the greatest systems of commerce in the world. …

“The amount of devastation being done by the programs and the policies, in addition to the price, makes this spending crisis an incredible threat to the American Dream. The accelerator to socialism can be seen by the policy designs in this reconciliation vehicle.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-slams-democrats-tax-and-spend-policies-in-floor-speech-senate-banking-hearing/,"Senator Scott Slams Democrats’ Tax-and-Spend Policies in Floor Speech, Senate Banking Hearing",2021-09-28,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) questioned Chairman Powell and Secretary Yellen on the Biden administration’s harmful economic plans, and he took to the Senate floor to discuss how the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend bill would harm the American Dream and stifle economic opportunity.

Click to watch Sen. Scott’s floor speech

On defending the American Dream … “What we’re talking about today is not about simply a $3.5 trillion spending bill. We’re talking about something more fundamental to what it means to be an American. I am proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a country where upward mobility is a reality — that we can, by hard work and a strong education, change our fortunes in this country, and not only change it for ourselves, but change it for the generations that follow us. …

“As a kid who struggled in high school … who did not believe always that there was a way that a poor kid in South Carolina could ever escape poverty … I am thankful to live in a country where the American, free-enterprise system provided a pathway forward, and if I could just see it and believe in it and work towards it, it was possible for me to achieve the outcomes that we’re sitting here trying to defend. … The challenge, of course, is that we look at the $3.5 trillion package, [and] it makes it harder for a kid trapped in poverty, as I was, to find a path forward.”

On destructive contents in the Democrats’ proposal … “The content of this legislation is more dangerous than the amount of the legislation, and I’ve got to tell you, $3.5 trillion is pretty dangerous. But more dangerous than the $3.5 trillion is having the IRS empowered to take a look at every single transaction. Not only the $600, but imagine doubling the number of IRS agents with the $80 billion in this package — doubling the number of agents to come take a look at your family businesses, your family accounts. Destructive. Go beyond that. … Restoring the tax credits for the state and local taxes for millionaires and billionaires across this country and putting that burden back on the backs of working people — middle-class working people. …

“I will say this: If the Democrats’ plan succeeds … I fear that kids stuck in poverty today will be stuck in a caste system of socialism tomorrow.”

Click to watch Sen. Scott’s questions

On the Democrats’ spending plans … “Democrats control the White House, the Senate, the House, they have the votes to raise the debt ceiling. Unfortunately, they also have the votes to fundamentally weaken the greatest economic engine in world history. What they do not have the votes to do is to force Republicans to be complicit with their reckless spending spree.

“Killing the goose that lays the golden eggs isn’t just bad for the goose; it’s bad for everyone who depends on the eggs as well. There is nothing compassionate about spending money we don’t have on new benefits we can’t afford, all the while discouraging work and increasing the likelihood of a future default when the yet-to-be-born American receives the bill for benefits she didn’t experience and are no longer available.”

On labor force participation and inflation … “It’s also important to note that our labor force participation rate is down, not up. Even with the new programs and the payouts that I heard this morning during this hearing that somehow is supposedly increasing our labor force participation, when in fact it’s apparent and clear to Americans that’s not the case. Chair Powell, you know as well as I do — and certainly maybe neither one of us know as well as the folks working paycheck to paycheck around this nation or the seniors depending on their social security checks to make their ends meet — that inflation is having a devastating impact on people on fixed income, people working paycheck-to-paycheck. I think about the fact that gas prices are over 40% as a nation and frankly over the last few days, we’ve seen signs that it’s going to only get worse, not better.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-senator-scott-talks-police-reform-on-trey-gowdys-sunday-night-in-america/,ICYMI: Senator Scott Talks Police Reform on Trey Gowdy’s Sunday Night in America,2021-09-27,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Trey Gowdy’s Sunday Night in America on Fox News to discuss police reform and why the Democrats walked away from negotiations.

Click to watch the full interview

On why Democrats walked away from negotiations … “[The Democrats are] managing so many crises. I think they’re looking for a way to give Biden a win. Think about [the] Afghanistan crisis, the border crisis, crisis in the Middle East, a crisis of spending, crisis of taxing. So they’re putting politics over people and focusing on a partisan victory. They’re actually going to look for the perfect and make it the enemy of the good.”

On the Democrats’ bill taking resources from police … “There were more than seven sections in the bill that literally said we’re going to reduce your funding or make you ineligible for funding if you don’t let a national standard dictate all local policing. … I’m not turning over local police to the Department of Justice. It’s never been [the case] and it will never be as long as I’m at the table negotiating.”

On providing solutions for vulnerable communities … “I have lived in some very poor communities, [was] raised by a single mother, and I understand the fear and trepidation of wondering if your mother made it into the house okay when she gets off at 11 o’clock at night. I’m at the table, and frankly, [Republicans] are at the table because we want to provide solutions. …

“When it comes to solutions, think about the record-breaking amount of money for HBCUs or the lowest unemployment rate for African Americans, for Hispanics, for Asians, a seventy year low for women, increases in the labor force participation rate. We’ve seen the right direction of solutions under the GOP while the Democrats keep campaigning on the issue, never having to find the solution.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-pushes-back-on-biden-mandates-encourages-vaccination-in-new-video/,"Senator Scott Pushes Back on Biden Mandates, Encourages Vaccination in New Video",2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released a new installment of his “Two with Tim” video series, in which he pushed back on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandates and promoted a community-based approach to vaccination.

Click to watch the video

Transcript:

President Biden’s recent attempt to force private companies into mandating vaccinations for employees is clear government overreach that won’t bring us any closer together—or help us solve the many problems we are facing.

COVID-19 has taken a devastating toll on folks across the nation—physically, emotionally, and economically.

As I’ve said for the past year, I want our economy—and our country—to fully reopen. That means getting kids back in school and adults back to work.

But our battle with COVID-19 won’t be won by Washington elites making sweeping declarations or federal mandates.

At a time when our nation’s leaders should be working together for solutions and bringing people together, Biden’s actions are creating a world of division.

Instead of politicizing this issue, we should encourage folks to unite around commonsense solutions.

Over the past few months, it has become clear that vaccines provide strong protection against severe illness and death as it relates COVID-19. This is really important for you to recognize that we can save lives through this approach.

In my home state of South Carolina, around 80 percent of hospitalized COVID patients have not been fully vaccinated. And nationally, unvaccinated people are nearly 30 times more likely to be hospitalized because of the virus.

In 2020, as many of us lost loved ones to this devastating disease, we prayed for a safe and effective vaccine. Well, thanks to Operation Warp Speed, we have not one, but three vaccines available.

Look, I believe all signs point to vaccination as the best option. That’s why so many people, including myself, have already gotten the shot.

All of our living presidents— from President Donald Trump to President Jimmy Carter—are vaccinated.

All of our states’ governors—yes, 27 Republican governors and 23 Democrat governors—are all vaccinated.

And the vast majority of Congress members—both Republicans and Democrats—[have] all been vaccinated.

At the end of the day, vaccination is about protecting ourselves and our loved ones from severe illness.

COVID-19 is a battle that has to be fought not by Washington elites and federal mandates, but by each member of the South Carolina family.

As with any other issue facing our nation today, if we work together, we can and we will overcome the challenges that we face.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=425BF072-8A79-452C-8274-DC81AA159A7C,Graham Pushes President Biden to Call 'Time Out' on Asylum Claims Made in the United States,2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today called on the Biden Administration to call a ‘time-out’ and stop processing asylum claims made in the United States. Graham has pushed for asylum claims to be filed in the asylum seekers' home country, another Northern Triangle country or one contiguous, or in Mexico before being allowed into the United States.

“Every time I see the images coming from our southern border I get infuriated.

“The human suffering. The national security threats. The out-of-control nature of this run on the border needs to stop.

“If the Biden Administration called a ‘Time Out’ on asylum claims made in the United States – where people are released and never show up to their hearings – this flow would stop overnight.

“The only way to stop the flow of migrants is to change our asylum laws that are being abused. It is past time for the Biden Administration to show some leadership.”

####

BACKGROUND:

Graham Discusses Asylum Claim Abuse",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=777351AD-E2C4-42FE-8C92-0C722F4BB9BC,"Graham, Waltz Statement On Call With Afghan Resistance Leader Ahmad Massoud",2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) released the following joint statement.

“It was a great honor and privilege to talk to Ahmad Massoud, who is leading the Afghan National Resistance Front. We appreciated hearing his continued commitment to resisting the brutality of the Afghan Taliban and standing for basic human rights and freedoms. It is clear to us after this conversation that the Afghan Taliban are deeply unpopular and resented throughout the country. Their cabinet and forces are comprised of al-Qaeda and other listed terrorist groups. It is in America’s interest that the Afghan Taliban not be legitimized by the international community because they are, and have been, terrorists.

“Additionally, we call on the Biden Administration to resist any effort to recognize the Afghan Taliban as the government of Afghanistan and resist all calls to provide the Afghan Taliban representation at the United Nations.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-on-police-reform-negotiations/,Scott Statement on Police Reform Negotiations,2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on Democrats walking away from the negotiating table on police reform.

“After months of making progress, I am deeply disappointed that Democrats have once again squandered a crucial opportunity to implement meaningful reform to make our neighborhoods safer and mend the tenuous relationship between law enforcement and communities of color. Crime will continue to increase while safety decreases, and more officers are going to walk away from the force because my negotiating partners walked away from the table.

“I made a promise to never walk away from the table because walking away means we’re giving up on the communities and officers whose lives hang in the balance. I’ve heard from and spoken to the families of the victims who have lost their lives at the hands of police. The areas where we agreed—banning chokeholds, limiting the transfer of military equipment, increased mental health resources, and more—would have brought justice to these families. I’ve also heard from police and sheriffs groups who supported the work we were doing to provide more resources to implement better training, standards, and accountability for departments.

“Defunding the police destabilizes our communities. Change requires resources. I offered to introduce a bill that included our areas of compromise—a bill that activists and law enforcement alike could have supported. Despite having plenty of agreement, Democrats said no because they could not let go of their push to defund our law enforcement. Once again, the Left let their misguided idea of perfect be the enemy of good, impactful legislation.

“Reverting to a partisan approach to score political points when American lives are at risk is just plain wrong. As they are doing on so many other issues, I fear Democrats will continue to pursue a partisan route to create problems in search of solutions. While I am frustrated that the Left abandoned such a critical issue at such a critical time, I will continue to work with anyone who is serious about finding bipartisan solutions that bring justice, fairness, and safety for the most vulnerable among us.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7A36D5EE-FCD0-4078-BCF8-72F4367D199C,"ICYMI: Graham Discusses Border Surge, Afghanistan, And More",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today joined Fox & Friends to discuss the latest news on the border crisis, Afghanistan, and upcoming budget reconciliation.

BORDER CRISIS:

GRAHAM: “Everybody’s coming to seek asylum. If you said you can’t apply for asylum in the United States – we no longer accept asylum claims inside the country – they'd all stop coming. Trump did that and it went to a 45 year low...If you’re from the Triangle Countries, you have to apply there. If you come from some other place, we send you back to Mexico, you sit in Mexico, you make your application, you can’t come here until your hearing which is three or four years down the road. It would all stop overnight. Nobody’s going pay a bunch of money to sit in Mexico for five years.”https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=12

GRAHAM: “There’s a perfect storm brewing – the chaos in the Middle East is going to come to us here at home through the border if we don't change soon. How easy would it be for a terrorist group to hire some cartel to take them into the United States through the southern border, get in the middle of this humanity. Like the Haitians – they're not sending Haitians back, they're sending men back and the women and children are staying. So nothing changes until you change our asylum law, but I'm really worried about the narrative out there that America was defeated in Afghanistan. Every jihadist is going to Afghanistan, and there will soon be an effort to infiltrate this country through the southern border if we don't do something about it.” https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=113

GRAHAM: “[Biden] chose poorly at every turn. If he had done nothing on the border, we would be okay. He changed the remain in Mexico policy, he did away with the asylum agreements with the Triangle Countries. Guess what – we're overrun, like the Border Patrol told the [Biden] transition team in December and January. If he had left the troops at Bagram, never closed Bagram Airbase, we wouldn’t have the Taliban in charge. If you keep spending money like this, we’re going to have inflation through the roof. All of this is self-inflicted.” https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=83

AFGHANISTAN:

GRAHAM: “Al-Qaeda and the Taliban are one in the same. There will be an effort to normalize relationships with the Taliban, it will be a disaster. Any money you pay them doesn't go to the people of Afghanistan, it goes to them, and they will give safe haven to al-Qaeda because they believe the same. They have a common purpose.” https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=169

GRAHAM: “Who in the world takes all the military out then hopes you can get the civilians out later? This is a case study on just screwing up how to withdraw from a country.” https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=206

GRAHAM: “Everybody in [Joe Biden’s] circle said ‘leave a residual force, leave the 2,500, keep Bagram. It’s an insurance policy against another 9/11.’ It was Joe Biden and Joe Biden alone who decided to pull all the troops out. Trump told me a couple of nights ago, he'd have kept Bagram. If you had kept Bagram and the CIA post down along the border, the Taliban could never take over and al-Qaeda wouldn’t come storming back like they are today. So this is ‘General Biden’ knowing more than all the generals combined. He was told by everybody to leave a residual force. It was his decision to pull the plug, just like it was in Iraq with him and Obama.” https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=237

RECONCILIATION AND IMMIGRATION:

GRAHAM: “Nobody is more happy about [the Senate parliamentarian’s] ruling than the Democrats. If you actually put DACA legalization in a reconciliation package where you only need 50 Democratic votes, they would own legalizing probably a million people. Can you imagine the run on the border if the word get out tomorrow, ‘hey they just gave a million people legal status, hurry on down’ …if you legalize one person before you secure the border and reform a broken immigration system, the run on the border will be worse than it is today.” https://youtu.be/RlHYPMroFJ4?t=303

Watch Full Interview Here

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-cornyn-bennet-warner-introduce-bill-to-support-teachers-and-school-leaders/,"Scott, Cornyn, Bennet, Warner Introduce Bill to Support Teachers and School Leaders",2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Michael Bennet (D-Col.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) today introduced the Teacher and School LEADERS Act, which would reform Teacher Quality Partnership Grants to better support school leaders and allow for greater innovation in educator preparation.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our nation’s teachers and school leaders who have given so much to the next generation—even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Senator Scott. “As someone who struggled in school, I am living proof that a few devoted teachers can change the trajectory of a kid’s life. By providing high-quality teacher and leadership preparation programs, the Teacher and School LEADERS Act will ensure more of our educators have the tools they need to lead the next generation with excellence.”

“Strong school leaders can have an outsized impact on the quality of education for our students, especially in high-needs school districts,” said Senator Cornyn. “It’s important that educators have access to grant programs to further their impact in our local schools, and I’m proud to partner with my colleagues on this legislation.”

“Educators work tirelessly in Colorado and across the country to support our kids, and this past year has been especially challenging,” said Senator Bennet. “Our legislation invests in flexible, high-quality training programs for our nation’s educators to use innovative tools and approaches in the classroom. Now more than ever, teachers and school leaders deserve to have access to the training and support they need to grow their careers and support their students.”

“Investing in professional development supports and empowers educators and makes them better teachers. I am proud to reintroduce legislation that invests in the future of our children,” said Senator Warner.

Background:

The Teacher and School LEADERS Act would reform Title II of the Higher Education Act to expand the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Grant program. Specifically, the bill would:

Expand the program to provide training to educators who aspire to fill leadership roles in high-need schools, and

Remove restrictions requiring grant recipients to partner with an Institution of Higher Education, ensuring greater flexibility within preparation programs.

The Teacher and School LEADERS Act is supported by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, the American Psychological Association, Knowledge Alliance, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Leading Educators, the National Science Teaching Association, the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, New Leaders, Teach For America, and Third Way.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-the-path-to-reform/,ICYMI: The Path to Reform,2021-09-17,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) wrote an essay for the latest edition of National Review Magazine on the rise in crime in America and the path he’s pursuing toward police reform. Read excerpts from the piece below.

The Path to Reform

National Review Magazine

By Senator Tim Scott

September 16, 2021

One of the most important people in my life is my mom, Frances Scott. As a single mother raising two boys, she worked grueling hours to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. Most days she’d work two shifts at her job as a nurse’s assistant. The long hours put her home late at night.

When I was a little kid, one of my dreams was to buy my mom a house with a garage — not as much for the house as for the garage. I wanted her to be able to come home and drive into a place where she was safe. I didn’t want to worry about her late-night walks from her car to an apartment building or through a parking lot. That peace of mind is something I want for every American family.

Yet it seems like that sense of safety is farther out of reach than it’s been in recent memory. Three-quarters of Americans believe that violent crime is increasing and that it’s a major problem plaguing our country. The data, unfortunately, support this growing concern.

…

It’s no coincidence that this alarming spike in violence comes on the heels of the Democratic-led campaign to defund police departments across the country. As someone who grew up in some of the poorest parts of South Carolina, I think defunding the police is one of the most idiotic and immoral ideas I’ve ever heard. Putting poor people in a position to live without security is just plain wrong.

…

Though liberal politicians are now attempting to distance themselves from the defund movement, we know that the progressive Left remains in the driver’s seat guiding the Democrats’ agenda. The sad reality is that the communities the Democrats claim to be helping in their defund efforts are the very folks most harmed by under-resourced police departments.

Take Minneapolis. Last summer, the Minneapolis City Council took several steps toward defunding the city’s police department, and in December, the council voted to reallocate around $8 million away from the police budget. Faced with limited resources and no support, officers resigned in droves. As crime spiked in the absence of police, the city’s poor neighborhoods suffered the most. The Fifth Ward — an area with one of the highest concentrations of poverty in the city — saw a marked increase in homicides, robberies, shootings, and stabbings.

It is heartbreaking that this neighborhood, just miles from the site of George Floyd’s murder, became a hotbed of violent crime precipitated by an ill-conceived political reaction to that tragedy.

There is no doubt that the video of Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck caused an awakening among the American people, as many witnessed for the first time the inconsistencies in our justice system. While some folks retreated to their political corners, the newfound national self-awareness that resulted from the tragedy sparked many valuable conversations across the country about how to improve our system of policing. I knew then that this was a moment to harness this wave of opportunity to make a real impact with meaningful reform.

…

My team and I worked tirelessly to put together a thoughtful response to the tragic deaths of Walter Scott, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, and too many others. We included provisions that were important to both Democrats and Republicans. We got buy-in from members of the law-enforcement community.

Despite all that, Senate Democrats blocked my bill from even being debated on the Senate floor. I offered them at least 20 amendments, and they still walked out. As I said at the time: They wanted the conflict to continue in order to win the Senate and White House in 2020 more than they wanted a solution to help the American people.

…

I have not been shy about sharing many of my interactions with the police. I’ve talked about being stopped and questioned at the Capitol, as a senator, even though I was wearing my member pin. I, like many black men, can recall the sting of humiliation that comes with being pulled over simply for driving while black.

But for every one of these unfortunate interactions, I’ve had dozens of positive encounters with police officers. The empathy of the officer who helped me when I got into a dangerous car accident as a teen. Going door to door with North Charleston police officers to deliver presents on Christmas Day. Just as the negative interactions hurt my soul, those positive experiences have an impact on the heart.

…

We should not make police officers the antagonists of this story by painting with a broad brush. We need more character-driven men and women to come into these high-pressure, high-crime areas. Moving the conversation away from demonizing officers and instead toward strengthening relationships between officers and the communities they serve means talking about allocating more resources so that departments can recruit more officers, train them better, and create a culture of accountability that ensures the bad officers are rooted out. These are things that both sides want. In fact, more than 80 percent of African Americans have said they want the same level of policing or a higher one.

…

For too long the liberal media have convinced folks that there is a binary choice between the police and communities of color. It’s clear that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. An investment in bettering our police is an investment in the communities they serve. You have to help one to help the other…

Click here to read the full essay.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-senator-scott-joins-bloomberg-and-uncf-for-conversation-on-the-future-of-hbcus/,ICYMI: Senator Scott Joins Bloomberg and UNCF for Conversation on the Future of HBCUs,2021-09-16,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Bloomberg and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) this week for their event titled “HBCUs: The Path to Prosperity.” Senator Scott’s interview with Bloomberg’s David Westin centered on the importance of HBCUs and Sen. Scott’s efforts to bolster their transformational work.

Click to watch the full conversation

On the importance of HBCUs … “If you think about the professional class of African Americans who are college educated … half of all the [African American] professionals in this country — doing excellent work in many different fields — comes from HBCUs. So when you support HBCUs, you support the engine that creates professionals [including] lawyers, doctors and military generals. … In South Carolina, we are home to a number — eight — HBCUs, and the truth is that our state is better because we have options for kids to be highly educated, incredibly competent, and then very productive in the workforce.”

On his IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act … “Everything needs an ignition, and one of the things that we do with the IGNITE Act is we literally provide HBCUs with the resources necessary to take care of [their] maintenance. … There [is] so much money invested in the structure itself, but too little resources set aside for the maintenance. … What we’re not asking for is special treatment of our HBCUs. What we are asking for is a level playing field within the structure of a higher education that did not exist previously. Now, we have a chance to do it right — not make up for the past, but to invest in the future.”

On funding HBCUs responsibly … “My thought was this: Let’s take a step back from being overly prescriptive on the amount of dollars that we need. Let’s evaluate the need, and then let’s fund that need over a meaningful amount of time so that we do the right thing. … We also maintain a responsible level of oversight to make sure that we are doing the best we can with tax dollars, which of course is really your dollars and the dollars of your friends and your neighbors and loved ones. …

“I’m a kid [who] grew up in the deep south [and] appreciates the fact that we’re all better together. And frankly, one of the ways that we get there is to make sure that every single American feels like this is our country and we are one American family. When we point the resources all across this nation in a responsible way, I think we have that sense of belonging and sense of responsibility that grows out of the sense of belonging.”

As co-chair of the bipartisan, Congressional HBCU caucus, Sen. Scott has long championed legislation to support and improve our nation’s HBCUs.

In 2019, his FUTURE Act was signed into law, permanently reauthorizing HBCU funding.

In 2020, his HBCU Partners Act was signed into law, strengthening the relationship between HBCUs and federal agencies.

In May of 2021, he introduced the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to invest in infrastructure at HBCUs, enabling them to expand their transformational work.

In August of 2021, he introduced a resolution to formally designate the week of September 6, 2021 as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=34C5CD39-30C9-4B99-99E7-30FFC2483EE1,"Graham, Waltz Seek Answers On Milley Allegations",2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) today wrote to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley seeking answers on allegations that General Milley placed phone calls to his counterpart within the People’s Liberation Army of China stating he would inform the Chinese General in the event of an attack on the country by the United States.

“While it is a military norm for generals and chiefs of staff to have a strategic dialogue, it is alleged that on the aforementioned calls you informed the Chinese General that the United States would not attack China,” wrote Graham and Waltz. “If that were to change, you would alert him in advance so it would not be a surprise.”

“Did you place calls on these dates to General Zuocheng and discuss these matters? Is the reporting on these alleged calls an accurate reflection of the content of the conversations?” concluded Graham and Waltz.

The full text of the letter is below.

#####

September 15, 2021

General Mark A. Milley

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

9999 Joint Staff Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20318-9999

Dear General Milley:

We are well aware of the media reports coming from excerpts of the forthcoming book by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa that on two separate occasions you made phone calls to your Chinese counterpart, General Li Zuocheng, one on October 30, 2020, and the other on January 8, 2021.

While it is a military norm for generals and chiefs of staff to have a strategic dialogue, it is alleged that on the aforementioned calls you informed the Chinese General that the United States would not attack China. If that were to change, you would alert him in advance so it would not be a surprise.

Did you place calls on these dates to General Zuocheng and discuss these matters? Is the reporting on these alleged calls an accurate reflection of the content of the conversations?

Additionally, if the calls did occur under the reported context, we are requesting a briefing on the intelligence that led you to believe that China was concerned about a preemptive strike from the United States. Was the decision to communicate a deescalating message an interagency position and was it shared with the White House?

A prompt reply is appreciated and would be good for the country. We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Lindsey O. Graham

United States Senator

Michael Waltz",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7FE14A6B-FC92-4A3E-AEF5-3956D0901468,"Graham, Menendez, Young, And Cardin Recognize One Year Anniversary Of Historic Abraham Accords",2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey), Todd Young (R-Indiana), and Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) today made the following joint statement recognizing the one-year anniversary of the signing of the historic Abraham Accords.

“Today marks the first anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, a historic breakthrough in the Middle East.

“We congratulate the State of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Republic of Sudan, the participants in the Abraham Accords, who showed a willingness to break the cycle of the past and look forward to the future. We also appreciate the continuity of United States support for this diplomatic effort and efforts to expand new relationships between Israel and countries around the world.

“The countries that signed the Abraham Accords embraced a new path for the future of their nations as well as the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries more broadly, understanding the road to prosperity must include recognition and tolerance with the underpinning of meaningful engagement. The Abraham Accords represent the best chance for the Middle East to be an economic powerhouse with a bright future for the millions of young people who inhabit the region.

“We are resolved to protect the Abraham Accords and work with the Biden Administration to see them grow.

“On this, the first anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords, it is now more important than ever to show resolve for peace and understanding and to reject terrorism.”

Last year, the senators introduced a bipartisan resolution congratulating the Governments and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Kingdom of Bahrain on the signing of the Abraham Accords. The resolution:

Congratulates the Governments and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Bahrain on reaching these historic agreements.

Encourages other Arab nations to establish full relations with Israel with the vision of realizing full peace between Israel and all of its Arab neighbors.

Reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states – a democratic Jewish State of Israel and a viable, democratic Palestinian state – living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-senator-scott-questions-sec-chairman-at-banking-committee-hearing/,ICYMI: Senator Scott Questions SEC Chairman at Banking Committee Hearing,2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – At this week’s U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) questioned SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on the importance of ensuring access to the marketplace in order to achieve the American Dream.

Click to Watch Sen. Scott’s Questions

Read excerpts of Senator Scott’s questions below:

On the importance of market accessibility … “It seems like we’ve been heading in the right direction for quite some time over the last 10 years or so. Some of the concerns I have, Chairman Gensler, is that what I’ve seen from a policy position from you so far seems [like it] may actually jeopardize that path to financial opportunity for the average American. …

“To the extent that we make it more affordable for the average person to invest in this marketplace, they have a chance to literally experience the American Dream—to exceed their wildest imaginations financially.”

On the Biden administration’s involvement in the marketplace … “Today… you have access to a market if you’re [a part of] rural America living in Saluda, South Carolina or inner-city Chicago. For the first time you have a chance to be in the marketplace. Under the Biden administration, those opportunities could vanish away so quickly, and that is painful as a kid who grew up in poverty who now has access to the market. …

“We have to trust Americans to make their own decisions on their own investments and not have a paternalistic regime helping protect Americans because they can’t figure it out for themselves. I’m concerned about that. My question for you is, what is your plan to ensure that the existing system—and the potential for innovation within that system—continues [in a way where] the average retail investor benefits from that and we don’t see ourselves going backwards [in a direction] that leads to higher trade costs so that fewer Americans are able to invest their hard-earned money in the way that they see fit.”

On preserving the American Dream … “[O]ne of the things I hope that we protect is the notion that the American Dream is accessible for all Americans. And when we have, within the administration, parts of the puzzle that could make it worse for the average person in our nation, I think we should pause and take a serious look at how the market works and how can we make it better.”

Click here to watch the full video of his remarks.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=06AAA6E9-F662-4E8C-8E7D-8CBB73108D77,"Graham, Waltz Urge State Department To Designate Afghan Taliban As A Foreign Terrorist Organization",2021-09-14,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) today introduced resolutions in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives urging the Secretary of State to designate the Afghan Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

The resolution also calls for the freezing of all assets of the Government of Afghanistan held in the United States and urges the United States Government to utilize its influence and authority to prohibit the distribution of funds to the Afghan Taliban by other countries and international institutions and organizations.

“This resolution is one of the most important things Congress can do regarding the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban,” said Senator Graham. “Designating the Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization will make it harder for countries to provide them aid and recognition. We would be sending a strong signal that America does not do business with terrorist groups and their sympathizers. The Taliban are radical jihadists in every sense of the word and use terror as their tactic.”

“We must be clear-eyed about the threat we face in Afghanistan and that begins with recognizing the reality on the ground – the Taliban are terrorists,” said Congressman Waltz. “The Biden Administration has misled the American public by attempting to normalize the Taliban as a transitional government but the Taliban continue to engage in terrorist activity, harbor other terrorist groups, commit human rights atrocities, deny women their basic civil liberties, and overthrew a democratically elected government. If this Administration wants to regain any credibility by the disaster they’ve created in Afghanistan, they must take the step to officially designate the Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.”

The Graham-Waltz resolution:

Stands with the Afghan people who are now living under the brutal Afghan Taliban regime.

Calls upon the Secretary of State to designate the Afghan Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Declares that the takeover of Afghanistan by the Afghan Taliban should be designated as a coup d’etat.

States that the United States Government must deny the Afghan Taliban regime access to funds held by the United States Government and work to ensure other countries do the same.

Calls upon the United States Government to use all authority and influence to encourage international institutions and organizations to deny the Afghan Taliban regime access to funds held within the jurisdiction of those institutions and organizations.

The full text of the Senate resolution can be found here.

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/11-2/,Senator Scott Statement on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11,2021-09-11,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

“Twenty years ago we faced one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. The pain and anguish of September 11, 2001, lives in the hearts of the survivors of the terrorist attacks and the loved ones of the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who never returned home.

“While the commemoration of 9/11 will always surface memories of the horrific devastation and loss inflicted by terrorists, we also must remember the ordinary Americans who displayed extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and heroism that day. It’s our duty to tell the stories of the firefighters, first responders, police officers, and military personnel who ran toward danger in New York City and at the Pentagon. We honor the sacrifice of those who perished that day, as well as the heroes who have since lost their battles with illnesses caused by the toxic crash sites. We must also never forget the United 93 flight attendants and passengers who bravely overtook hijackers to save countless lives. These stories of courage are the American story.

“In the decades of war that followed, thousands more Americans lost their lives bringing justice to the terrorists responsible. The bravery and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform kept us safe from threats at home and abroad, and we will never forget those Americans who bravely answered the call to serve in our nation’s darkest hours. Even now, we must honor their service by remaining firm in our resolve to root out terrorists and preserve stability and safety in the Middle East.

“My prayer for our country is that we keep in our hearts the truth that was borne from this tragedy: Americans are always stronger when we are unified. If we stand in solidarity and never waver in our commitment to freedom, I have no doubt America will continue to be the world’s greatest beacon of hope and force for good.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-colleagues-demand-full-open-process-to-vet-dems-reckless-tax-and-spend-proposals/,"Senator Scott, Colleagues Demand Full, Open Process to Vet Dems’ Reckless Tax-and-Spend Proposals",2021-09-07,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and his Senate Finance Committee Republicans are demanding a full, open markup to thoroughly and rigorously examine and debate any forthcoming reckless tax-and-spend proposals in the Finance Committee’s jurisdiction. While the legislation Democrats intend to introduce has been withheld from Republicans on the committee and from the American people, press reports indicate a far-reaching and potentially highly disruptive agenda, with trillions of taxpayer dollars at stake. The American people deserve an open, thorough process to fully vet legislative proposals.

“The Finance Committee has routinely carried out its instructed responsibilities under regular order, even in the case of bills that have resulted in a partisan outcome. . . Now is not the time to abandon this important tradition,” the senators wrote.

“The Senate Finance Committee’s jurisdiction comprises a broad set of federal programs and policies with significant everyday impacts on all Americans. Legislation as unprecedented as the Democrats’ rumored proposal should be fully vetted and afforded appropriate opportunity for debate.”

“Failure to hold a full, open markup. . . would also serve to further erode the American people’s trust in the Senate as an open and effective institution, substituting a secretive process behind closed doors for a productive public dialogue.”

Click here to read the full letter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-colleagues-ask-white-house-for-details-on-afghanistan-evacuation-strategies/,"Senator Scott, Colleagues Ask White House for Details on Afghanistan Evacuation Strategies",2021-09-03,2021,2021-09,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and nine Republican colleagues wrote President Biden Thursday seeking answers on how the administration plans to evacuate the Americans and Afghan allies still on the ground in Afghanistan.

In the letter to the president, Secretary of State Blinken, Defense Secretary Austin, and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, the senators asked detailed questions, including many that were prompted by constituents in their home states seeking help in bringing loved ones home. Joining Senator Scott on the letter were U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.).

“For decades, the United States has served as a refuge to those seeking safety and a better life, and we stand united in ensuring that those individuals who fought and worked for peace in Afghanistan and who served alongside our brave men and women in uniform are provided that same opportunity today,” the senators wrote. “We trust that your administration will give highest priority to addressing these questions, and we request that you provide answers in an open, unclassified response to better inform the American people, many of whom are desperate for answers.”

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-on-americans-left-behind-in-afghanistan/,Senator Scott Statement on Americans Left Behind in Afghanistan,2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration leaving behind hundreds of Americans in Afghanistan:

“President Biden said that he would keep our troops in Afghanistan until every American who wanted to leave was evacuated. With hundreds of Americans still stranded, it’s clear he broke that promise. I know many people across the country share my distress and anger at the thought of our fellow citizens left to the mercy of the Taliban. Meanwhile, the president has given no indication of what he will do to protect them.

“Enough is enough. Thirteen brave Americans have died and hundreds more have been abandoned while in harm’s way. President Biden’s decisions have led us down a disastrous path and he must take full responsibility.

“As we continue to grapple with the fallout from this crisis, please join me in praying for the protection of our fellow Americans and allies who have been left behind and for the veterans and Gold Star families who are grieving at this time—they deserve our respect and support.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-on-the-attack-in-afghanistan/,Senator Scott Statement on the Attack in Afghanistan,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on today’s deadly attack in Afghanistan.

“I was devastated to learn of the death of 12 Americans and dozens of Afghan civilians at the hands of terrorists in Kabul. My heart goes out to the families, friends, and fellow service members of those who lost their lives.

“The preventable death of American troops—the first casualties in Afghanistan in a year and a half and the deadliest day in a decade—is a direct result of failed leadership at every level of the Biden administration. Joe Biden’s capitulation to the Taliban created a devastating situation in which our troops and citizens are now stranded in a dangerous region with insufficient support from our government.

“As desperation grows, my team has continued our efforts to get constituents, family members, and allies out before it’s too late. The lack of responsiveness or assistance we’ve encountered from the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense is unacceptable. We’ve received reports of our people being told to come to the airport, only to be turned away. Americans are being told by their own government: we can’t protect you if you stay, but we also can’t protect you if you try to leave. It’s unconscionable.

“The president must immediately reverse course and dispatch all military resources necessary to ensure the safety of every American and our allies. We cannot leave our fellow citizens to the mercy of terrorists. We cannot leave a single American behind.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-demands-answers-from-biden-administration-on-afghanistan/,Scott Demands Answers from Biden Administration on Afghanistan,2021-08-25,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined 11 of his Senate Republican colleagues and 57 U.S. House members in penning a letter to President Biden raising alarm about the immediate and long-term consequences of the bungled Afghanistan withdrawal and asking questions about his plan to move America forward.

“Over the past weeks, the world watched with utter shock as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, the result of unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of U.S. personnel and our Afghan partners…The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades. Dealing with these consequences means that we must take action now to chart the course for American strategy, while we manage the immediate repercussions of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan,” they wrote.

Click here or read the full letter below.

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Over the past weeks, the world watched with utter shock as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, the result of unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of U.S. personnel and our Afghan partners. The situation in Afghanistan has rapidly metastasized into Taliban rule with reinstated oppression of women and girls, the repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes who the Taliban then use force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by increasing its ties to the Taliban.

The consequences of withdrawal from Afghanistan are not isolated to that country, or even to the Middle East region. The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades. Dealing with these consequences means that we must take action now to chart the course for American strategy, while we manage the immediate repercussions of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan.

To this end, we write to ask you to outline what your plan is to move America forward. There remain several unanswered, urgent questions, and we would like to know the following:

What is your plan to evacuate Afghan SIVs and other vulnerable Afghans like women, girls, and former Afghan civil service employees from Afghanistan? Do you have a plan to protect prominent women journalists, scholars, and employees of prominent non-government organizations? Will you ensure that religious and ethnic minorities, like the Hazaras, are also prioritized for P1/P2 visas within this evacuation sequence?

Will you commit to abandoning the arbitrary August 31 withdrawal deadline and continuing Noncombatant Evacuation Operation until all Americans, allies, and at-risk Afghans are processed for evacuation?

The intelligence community has warned that Al Qaida and ISIS-K will be given carte blanche by the Taliban to use Afghanistan as a safe haven to train and equip for future terrorist attacks against the United States. What is your plan to ensure that Al Qaida does not resurge and regain a foothold in Afghanistan? What “over the horizon” operations are you prepared to use to counter this threat?

Given that the Taliban has taken Kabul, does the Taliban now have de facto command and control over the Afghan security forces’ former personnel, equipment, and infrastructure? If so, does this mean that the Taliban possess an air force through this de facto control? What is your plan to disable any air forces that operate under orders from the Taliban?

What is your plan to ensure that more U.S. and Afghan military equipment does not end up in the hands of the Taliban? What is your plan to reclaim U.S. military equipment that has already fallen into the hands of the Taliban?

How many U.S. funded aircraft have been taken out of the country by Afghan pilots, and what are you currently doing to retrieve said aircraft?

What is your plan to secure Third Country Agreements for transit and resettlement functions for Afghan refugees?

What is your plan to support Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)’s air traffic control functions long-term? Are there sufficient Afghan personnel to maintain the operability of HKIA after U.S. troops fully withdraw?

Do you plan to support any free Afghanistan resistance or security force that organizes outside of Afghanistan?

What is your plan to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s growing relationship with the Taliban?

What is your plan to ensure that American influence in the Middle East does not erode after so rapidly dissipating in Afghanistan?

Are you prepared to support regional allies militarily in the event that the Taliban militarize the Afghanistan border? What is your plan to help to ensure that the Taliban does not destabilize its nuclear neighbor, Pakistan?

Do you have a plan to ensure that Afghanistan, under Taliban occupation, will never acquire a nuclear weapon?

Since Afghanistan is a Major Non-NATO ally, how will you reassure the United States’ other MNNA countries that this powerful symbol of our close relationship to those countries can still be relied on?

With respect to any answers that may involve sensitive or classified information, we would welcome a briefing from your national security team. We look forward to your response.

/S/

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-menendez-introduce-diverse-trials-act/,"Scott, Menendez Introduce DIVERSE Trials Act",2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today announced introduction of bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve access to and diversity in clinical drug and treatment trials. The Diversifying Investigations Via Equitable Research Studies for Everyone (DIVERSE) Act would allow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue grants or enter into contractual arrangements to support education, outreach and recruitment for clinical trials for diseases with disproportionate impacts on underrepresented populations. Congressmen Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) and Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“One of the many reasons communities of color have historically low vaccination rates is because they are underrepresented in the clinical trials process,” said Senator Scott. “Too often, these clinical trials fail to recruit an adequate number of diverse participants leading to low confidence in vaccines among underrepresented groups. The DIVERSE Trials Act will help to ensure we are one step closer to bridging the racial disparity gap.”

“For too long, communities of color have been underrepresented in clinical trials,” said Sen. Menendez. “As COVID-19 continues to spread across the country and disproportionately hit densely populated minority communities, it is important that medical professionals and scientists conducting studies on lifesaving drugs and treatments include people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to ensure they work for everyone. This bill will create more diverse clinical trials and help improve the health of the nation.”

Earlier this year, a report analyzing demographic data from 10 years’ worth of clinical trials found that minorities were underrepresented relative to their proportion of the general U.S. population. This lack of diversity was highlighted last year when emergency-use authorizations were fast-tracked for a variety of COVID-19 products. Even companies that tried to enroll people of color in those trials reported difficulties despite the virus’s documented toll on communities of color.

The DIVERSE Act will:

Require HHS to issue guidance on how to conduct decentralized clinical trials to improve trial access to communities of color;

Encourage diversity in trial enrollment by exempting free digital health technology that enables trial participation from the Anti-Kickback statute when doing so will facilitate improving clinical trial diversity;

Allow HHS to issue grants or enter into contractual arrangements to support education, outreach, and recruitment for clinical trials for diseases with disproportionate impacts on underrepresented populations;

Build on the CARES Act data collection requirements to improve collection of demographic data on COVID-19, including social determinants of health; and

Create a statutory safe harbor for patient support that can be the critical factor for some lower-income patients in deciding whether or not to participate in a trial, such as the ancillary costs of transportation or childcare.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS-CAN) and Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) support the legislation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-celebrates-launch-of-artis-ware-center-for-education-opportunity/,Scott Celebrates Launch of Artis Ware Center for Education Opportunity,2021-08-19,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined the Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) to celebrate the launch of The Artis Ware Center for Education Opportunity. Named in honor of Scott’s grandfather, the Artis Ware Center will work to provide hope to every South Carolina child through the power of a strong education.

Senator Scott speaks with students at Five Oaks Academy

“I’ve often said that education is the closest thing we have to magic in America, and it is an honor to join Palmetto Promise Institute in announcing The Artis Ware Center for Education Opportunity,” said Senator Scott. “My granddaddy Artis knew that education was key to achieving the American Dream and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to his life than supporting the mission to give every single child in our state the opportunity to reach their God-given potential.”

“A great education means hope,” Palmetto Promise Institute’s President Ellen Weaver said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Artis Ware and the amazing impact of his life. His reverence for the power of an education he was personally denied has shone as a beacon of promise for his own family, and through the work of this Center, his example will shine for generations of South Carolinians still to come.”

Senator Scott, PPI President Weaver, and Former Senator DeMint speak via Zoom

Senator Scott and PPI President Ellen Weaver toured Five Oaks Academy in Simpsonville to see Montessori learning in action and speak with teachers, students, and school administrators. Following the tour, Scott and Weaver participated in a webinar, during which they talked about the Artis Ware Center and discussed the future of education with former Senator Jim DeMint.

Background:

Senator Scott has long championed educational opportunity for all children. As co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, Scott recently:

Introduced a resolution to celebrate national school choice week;

Reintroduced the CHOICE Act to foster children’s success by providing parents greater educational options;

Penned a Fox News op-ed about the merits of school choice;

Held a discussion on the future of school choice with former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos; and

Released a video debunking myths surrounding school choice.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-debunks-school-choice-myths/,Scott Debunks School Choice Myths,2021-08-19,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following video debunking common misconceptions about charter schools and school choice.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Full Transcript:

“We are blessed to live in a nation where, in public education, you can still be creative and innovative.

“Every kid doesn’t learn the same. So why not design an education system or a school around the way a child wants to learn?

“Charter schools are incredibly successful all across our nation. And here’s the beauty of it all. It can be started by a parent, teacher, businesses, nonprofits… The door is wide open for innovation and creativity in the space of education.

“Since 1992, charter schools have been a powerful part of education options for our parents.

“Here’s what we know: when a parent has a choice, the kid has a better chance.

“And out of the top 100 highest-performing schools in America, charter schools represent about 21%. Out of all the schools in America, charter schools are around 12%.

“And the beauty of charter schools is they are more diverse than most public schools. One-third of all the kids in charter schools are Hispanic. Right around one out of four are African Americans.

“Charter schools are more diverse, higher-performing, and frankly, bring innovation into the workspace. That’s great news for our kids, great news for our nation, and really good news for their future.”

Background:

Senator Scott has been a champion of school choice and empowering families — not government — to make the best decisions for their children’s education. Recently, Senator Scott:

Introduced the School Choice Now Act;

Introduced a Senate resolution celebrating School Choice Week in January;

Introduced a Senate resolution celebrating National Charter Schools Week in May;

Defended charter schools against President Biden’s nominee for education secretary; and

Held a discussion on the future of school choice with former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-demand-answers-on-irss-inappropriate-treatment-of-religious-nonprofit-seeking-tax-exempt-status/,"Scott, Colleagues Demand Answers on IRS’s Inappropriate Treatment of Religious Nonprofit Seeking Tax-Exempt Status",2021-08-17,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), and others in urging the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to review the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) processes for making tax-exempt status determinations and investigate the apparent failure of quality controls in the case of the Christians Engaged religious organization.

Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) also signed the letter.

Senator Scott has consistently advocated for the IRS to keep privacy and political neutrality at the forefront of its processes. He recently joined Senate Finance Committee Republicans to demand an investigation into the apparent massive leak of more than 15 years of legally protected, personal taxpayer information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to the media outlet ProPublica.

“Agents are trained to process applications in a neutral fashion, void of politics or agents’ personal beliefs, and with adherence to the law and the facts of each application,” the senators wrote in their letter to the Treasury Inspector General. “With this process in mind, our concern for the neutral and respectful consideration of all applications, particularly for those with a religious or faith-based mission in light of the perceived hostility toward Christians Engaged in the IRS’s proposed adverse determination letter, has grown. It is important to ensure that the multiple steps the IRS identified, including layers of ‘quality control’ review, are indeed based on law and fact, and absent extraneous and inappropriate commentary. As an agency within the federal government, the IRS should take care to ensure no decisions are based on bias for or against a political or religious viewpoint.”

You can view the full text of the letter HERE and below:

Dear Inspector General George:

Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Nevertheless, recent events surrounding the determination of tax-exempt status of Christians Engaged has focused our attention on the processes and procedures the IRS uses when determining whether a religious organization should be granted tax-exempt status, while simultaneously generating broad concern over the standard of the IRS’s neutral and respectful consideration of such applications.

Recently, some of our staffs participated in a productive discussion with IRS officials to walk through the processes and procedures the IRS has in place to ensure quality control when determining tax-exempt status. However, in the case of Christians Engaged, it appears that the quality control measures on which our staff were briefed have failed. The IRS outlined several steps in the process of determining whether an applicant legally qualifies for tax-exempt status, including initial review, optional engagement with the organization, acceptance for tax-exempt status or proposed denial, protest of a proposed denial, final approval or disapproval, and an appeals process. It is our understanding that numerous IRS agents, including those at the management level and higher, review each application. Agents are trained to process applications in a neutral fashion, void of politics or agents’ personal beliefs, and with adherence to the law and the facts of each application.

With this process in mind, our concern for the neutral and respectful consideration of all applications, particularly for those with a religious or faith-based mission in light of the perceived hostility toward Christians Engaged in the IRS’s proposed adverse determination letter, has grown. It is important to ensure that the multiple steps the IRS identified, including layers of “quality control” review, are indeed based on law and fact, and absent extraneous and inappropriate commentary. As an agency within the federal government, the IRS should take care to ensure no decisions are based on bias for or against a political or religious viewpoint.

An organization’s particular religious character, affiliation, or exercise should have no bearing on the IRS’s determination of such organization’s qualification for tax-exempt status. It is not the role of the IRS or any other government agency to deny an otherwise available public benefit to an organization on account of its religious status.

For these reasons, we ask that your office review and report on the IRS’s current review processes and procedures for making tax-exempt status determinations. In your report, please:

Fully describe the process and layers of review the IRS Exempt Organizations unit follows when making determinations and issuing proposed adverse determination letters.

Describe the training provided to IRS personnel who participate in tax-exempt status determination decisions or draft, related determination correspondence. Please include any information on whether a particular emphasis is placed on civil and Constitutional rights during such training. Also include information on how often the training is provided and whether training is different for agents at the management level and above.

Describe how the IRS evaluates its own review process to determine its success. Please also include any remediation or sanctions processes that the IRS has in place if the review process fails, including when determinations are issued with biased, inappropriate, or extraneous commentary.

Identify why the processes and procedures that involve numerous layers of quality control reviews, including to ensure that extraneous commentary is not included, failed in the proposed adverse determination of Christians Engaged’s application, in which the IRS included what many would consider to be inappropriate and offensive normative and political commentary.

Make recommendations on ways the IRS can improve its processes, procedures, reviews, communication, and training regarding determinations of tax-exempt status for applicant organizations, as well as IRS correspondence with such organizations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-statement-on-afghanistan/,Senator Scott Statement on Afghanistan,2021-08-16,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on the crisis in Afghanistan.

“After days of deafening silence, President Biden doubled down on his poorly-planned, chaotic drawdown in Afghanistan, and refused to acknowledge that his ineptitude endangers the lives of Americans and our allies still on the ground,” said Senator Scott.

“This crisis not only empowers the Taliban to export their jihad to the rest of the region, but it also sends a message of weakness to our adversaries around the world who will be emboldened to encroach on U.S. allies by this abdication of leadership. Rather than a measured, responsible approach to ending the war in Afghanistan, the Biden administration has presented a false choice between the current total chaos and staying in a ‘forever war.’

“As the entire world watches in dismay at the horrifying images from the streets of Kabul, my heart breaks for our allies and many others who will be targeted by the Taliban. It didn’t have to be this way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-qanda-with-sen-tim-scott-gop-point-person-on-police-reform/,"ICYMI: Q&A with Sen. Tim Scott, GOP point person on police reform",2021-08-13,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) sat down with The Christian Science Monitor to discuss his years-long work on police reform and his views on justice, race, and healing in America. Read excerpts from the interview below.

Q&A: Sen. Tim Scott, GOP point person on police reform

The Christian Science Monitor

By Christa Case Bryant

August 12, 2021

Sen. Tim Scott’s vivid socks stand out in a sea of black and gray on Capitol Hill, and so do his views on police reform.

As the Senate’s sole Black Republican, he has addressed incredulity about the prevalence of police discrimination, detailing his own experiences from the Senate floor – including being held up by police on Capitol Hill, where senators normally move freely through security checkpoints without showing ID.

Yet he also sees law enforcement as a “noble” profession. That’s shaped in part by having watched the sons of his influential youth mentor, a white Chick-fil-A operator, become police officers. And as someone raised by a single mother, whose safety he worried about as she would return home late at night from work, Senator Scott places a premium on safeguarding communities. He opposes defunding the police, taking particular issue with liberal activists who didn’t grow up in poor minority communities like his.

…

Last year, Senate Democrats blocked his police reform bill in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, saying it didn’t go far enough. In recent months, Senator Scott and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a Democrat, have been working on new police reform legislation… The senators are still chipping away at the details of their bill.

Senator Scott sat down with the Monitor in hot pink socks to discuss his vision for police reform and justice in America at a time of national reckoning – or, as he puts it, a national “wave of opportunity.”

The questions and answers that follow have been condensed, and lightly edited for clarity.

…

On a personal level, how have you worked through the anger and humiliation that many would feel in the face of police discrimination, in a way that doesn’t seem to have tainted your view of America?

What I shared on the [Senate] floor was a lifetime of really bad experiences. And at the same time I think having perspective about it all is really important. I don’t know that you can actually just put your sense of humiliation and disrespect in a corner and it doesn’t filter in. … But you can have some really negative interactions and come to the conclusion that stereotyping them all is kind of like them stereotyping me.

I remember talking at the National Action Network run by Rev. [Al] Sharpton about being followed around a clothing store by this young lady. I have good peripheral vision because I used to be a running back, and I see her coming and I thought she was maybe someone who wanted to take a picture. (I was a senator at this time.) She was actually just making sure I wasn’t stealing anything.

I said, “How many of y’all understand that?” They were all frustrated; you could feel the temperature going up. I said, “That’s exactly how a Republican feels when you walk into a room like this, because everybody’s stereotyping,” and they were like, “Oh, you got us.”

We should all understand the sting of being stereotyped. So if I don’t want to stereotype, if I don’t want Black people to be stereotyped, and if I don’t want Republicans to be stereotyped, why would I stereotype all cops? It’s just unhelpful.

How do you think we as a country can achieve real justice, and do forgiveness and reconciliation play a role?

It’s a good question. I will say that you cannot wait until you have justice to have forgiveness. I think about Charleston’s Mother Emanuel church shooting [in 2015] – 36 hours later, there was no justice … but those nine family representatives all said [to the shooter], “We forgive you.”

The path to justice does require reconciliation, but not one party to the other, but within one’s own heart.

The justice system that we have here in America becoming more fair is really important. And that means being able to have self-awareness as a country. George Floyd brought that to us in a way that nothing else has in my lifetime. You heard and felt and sensed that people understood that the inconsistent application of our justice system leads to real dysfunction amongst our people.

In your book “Opportunity Knocks,” you talk about wanting to positively impact a billion people with a message of hope and opportunity. That’s obviously far more people than live in the United States. Do you see your work on police reform as helping not only our American family, as you call it, but also our global family?

Forgive me for being naive, but I do think who we are as Americans sets the pace for the rest of the world. I want to make sure that we export the best of who we are, for the rest of the world to see, and that includes our justice system.

What does it say when you can measure the outcomes by the color of your skin? It says something bad, or at least insidious.

To the extent that we’re able to improve the overall effectiveness of our justice system is to improve the overall fairness of our justice system. I feel like I’m called to that.

I want a fair justice system, but not one that seeks to discriminate against somebody else for the discrimination of the past. … That’s not fair either…

Click here to read the full interview.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-tuberville-lead-effort-to-formally-designate-hbcu-week/,"Scott, Tuberville Lead Effort to Formally Designate ‘HBCU Week’",2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) recently introduced a resolution to designate the week of September 6, 2021 as “National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.” The resolution would honor and recognize the contributions of HBCUs across the nation, including the eight HBCUs across South Carolina.

“America’s HBCUs are an integral part of our nation’s higher education system and provide pipelines to opportunity for millions of students, many of whom come from underserved communities,” said Senator Scott. “HBCUs have been engines of innovation in states like South Carolina, and their impact is felt across the nation. I am proud to recognize their importance and will continue to build on the good work we’ve done on Capitol Hill to support the HBCU community.”

“There are over 100 HBCUs across the nation, but no state is home to more than the great state of Alabama,” said Senator Tuberville. “Each one of the 13 HBCUs in Alabama plays a key role in providing a high-quality education and empowering young men and women with the resources for success. Whether it be a two-year college or four-year university, the important contributions of HBCUs are engrained in our great state, and I am proud to honor the work they do and values they instill.”

For years, Senator Scott has championed legislation to support and improve our nation’s HBCUs.

In 2019, his FUTURE Act was signed into law, permanently reauthorizing HBCU funding.

In 2020, his HBCU Partners Act was signed into law, strengthening the relationship between HBCUs and federal agencies.

In May of 2021, he introduced the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to invest in infrastructure at HBCUs, enabling them to expand their transformational work.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-hickenlooper-introduce-bill-to-encourage-rural-and-minority-owned-small-business-growth/,"Scott, Hickenlooper Introduce Bill to Encourage Rural and Minority-Owned Small Business Growth",2021-08-11,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced the Expanding Access to Credit for Small Business Act, widening the criteria of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) flagship 7(a) small business loan program to include fintech lenders.

At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of rural and minority small business owners did not have access to banks, making it difficult to access the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other financial services. These businesses are often located in lower-income neighborhoods. The Expanding Access to Credit for Small Business Act would allow fintech companies, that stepped in the gap to provide loans to small businesses, to participate in the 7(a) program.

“As a former small business owner, I know all too well the barriers to entry that prevent entrepreneurs from opening up shop,” said Senator Scott. “The Expanding Access to Credit for Small Business Act is just one step we can take to ensure minority communities and folks in rural America have just as much access to the American Dream as anyone else.”

“Our bipartisan bill will modernize the SBA’s primary loan program to help underserved small businesses grow and thrive,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “You shouldn’t need a big bank to get an SBA loan.”

Background

The bill would lift the Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) moratorium and provide resources for the success of the program. Specifically, the bill would:

Remove the moratorium on new SBLC licenses;

Re-appropriate unused COVID funds from various stimulus bills to be used by the SBA to provide oversight of the new SBLCs;

Include reporting requirements to gauge the success of the program;

Include a rule of construction that would prohibit the SBA administrator from becoming the primary regulator of fintech companies; and

Require the administrator to check for financial soundness and compliance when considering new applicants to the program.

What They’re Saying

The Electronics Transactions Association: “ETA members — both banks and fintechs — have helped millions of American small owners access billions of dollars under the Paycheck Protection Act. We applaud and support Senators Scott and Hickenlooper’s legislation that builds on this success and allows fintechs to participate in the SBA’s 7(a) small business lending program,” said Scott Talbott, SVP of government affairs.

Innovative Lending Platform Association: “The Innovative Lending Platform Association applauds Sens. Scott and Hickenlooper for the introduction of the Expanding Access to Affordable Credit for Small Businesses Act. Fintechs played a critical role in reaching millions of the smallest businesses during PPP, many of which were left behind by traditional lending institutions. By removing the moratorium on new SBLC licenses, new types of lenders will be able to provide responsible and affordable credit to all types of small businesses including those that are minority-owned or rural based.”

Bipartisan Policy Center: “BPC Action applauds the efforts of Senators Scott and Hickenlooper to build on successful features of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by allowing more non-depository financial institutions to participate in government-guaranteed small business lending via the Expanding Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act. As the country heads toward economic recovery, expanding access to capital for small businesses — especially those hardest-hit by the crisis — will be critical. We look forward to working the senators and helping?this legislation become signed into law,” said Michele Stockwell, executive director of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-slams-democrats-reckless-spending-spree/,Scott Slams Democrats’ Reckless Spending Spree,2021-08-11,2021,2021-08,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released the following statement on his vote against the Democrats’ reckless and irresponsible $3.5 trillion tax and spending bill.

“Democrats continue to mortgage the future of our country in pursuit of a radical agenda that will leave us deeper in debt, less free, and more divided. This budget gives more power to the IRS, will lead to the destruction of right-to-work laws and elimination of the gig economy, and finances amnesty for illegal immigrants. Taxes will go up, while inflation is already through the roof. After Democrats passed trillions in spending in the last few months alone, American families are now forced to bear the cost of their recklessness.

“Single moms — just like the one who raised me — are already wondering how to afford back-to-school supplies for their kids. Faced with skyrocketing prices at the gas pump and grocery store, how are our seniors on fixed incomes supposed to afford basic necessities? We must get back to commonsense, responsible governing — the human cost of liberal tax-and-spend policies is far too high.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z