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://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-amid-impeachment-drama-congress-also-moves-forward-bills-help-sc-post-and,"ICYMI: Amid impeachment drama, Congress also moves forward with bills that help SC | Post and Courier",2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Post and Courier: Amid impeachment drama, Congress also moves forward with bills that help SC December 19, 2019 Mere hours after the House of Representatives erupted in vicious partisan warfare over the impeachment of President Donald Trump, the very same lawmakers cheerfully united Thursday to overwhelmingly approve a sweeping new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. The long-awaited U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, now poised to replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement after a 385-41 vote, could offer a significant boost to South Carolina's economy, which provided more than $6.7 billion worth of exports to the country's two neighbors in 2018. Before both impeachment and the trade deal, the House approved a $1.3 trillion spending deal Tuesday that ensures the federal government won't experience a shutdown for the second consecutive year and includes funding for several key Palmetto State priorities. The dizzying series of events in a frantic final week before lawmakers head home for the holidays underscored a dynamic that rarely makes it onto cable news or in partisan shouting matches on the House floor: Even in these polarizing times, lawmakers are still able to come together to, at least occasionally, pass major legislation. U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, who supported all three of the major votes this week, said the busy few days encapsulated the dual role he hoped to play when he got to Congress earlier this year as Charleston's first Democratic congressman in decades. Our district has entrusted me to work with the president when we agree with him and also to be a check on him when we disagree with him, Cunningham said. Impeachment is the latter, and the former comes when we pass the USMCA. So I think this week is a great example of it. [] In a floor speech before the USMCA vote, Cunningham said it will benefit Lowcountry manufacturers and businesses like Bosch, JW Aluminum and Becton Dickinson by stabilizing the market and ending the trade uncertainty that has hung over the state's economy. Among other items in the spending bills, Cunningham touted $50 million to improve community infrastructure surrounding military installations, $53 million for Alzheimer's funding, $10 million for cybersecurity institutions at military colleges including The Citadel, and an amendment to combat illegal fishing abroad, which Lowcountry fishermen complain undercuts them. READ THE FULL STORY HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-applauds-house-passage-usmca,Cunningham Applauds House Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. In response to House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement: After months of working with the White House and members of both parties here in Congress, I am proud that the House voted today to pass USMCA. A strong trade relationships with our closest neighbors is absolutely necessary to maintaining good-paying jobs and a robust economy in the Lowcountry. This is an example of what Congress can do when we come together for the people we serve. I'll continue to work hard with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to achieve results for the Lowcountry. Earlier today, Cunningham spoke on the House floor, calling attention to Lowcountry manufacturers and businesses like Bosch, JW Aluminum, and Becton Dickinson that would benefit from the trade certainty and market stability that finalizing USMCA will bring. Cunningham previously urged House leadership to ensure a vote on USMCA before the end of the year. Yesterday, he joined six other freshman members in calling for the Senate to pass USMCA before they leave Washington for the holidays.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-secures-funding-important-lowcountry-priorities-bipartisan,Cunningham Secures Funding for Important Lowcountry Priorities in Bipartisan Appropriations Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan legislation funds LWCF, the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, and important projects on Parris Island and Joint Base Charleston Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham voted today to pass H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, bipartisan appropriations bills that would fully fund the government for fiscal year 2020 and prevent a government shutdown. Cunningham secured more than $70 million for important Lowcountry military priorities, including $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island and $33.3 million towards constructing a new Medical Consolidated and Distribution Center on Joint Base Charleston. Cunningham led the charge in obtaining the highest level of funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) since 2004, though he continues to push for this program's funding to be made permanent and mandatory. Cunningham also played a key role in securing the $138 million needed to fully fund the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. The Port of Charleston is a critical driver of economic development in the Lowcountry and across South Carolina. This project will ensure the Port reaches its full potential. Rep. Cunningham also secured: $50 million in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program, which would improve community infrastructure surrounding military installations. A $53 million increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health to conduct research onAlzheimer's disease. $10 million in funding for cyber security institutions at senior military colleges, including the Citadel. An amendment that would prioritize USAID's efforts to combat illegal fishing abroad, which undercuts Lowcountry fishermen who work hard and play by the rules. Supporting our Lowcountry military installations through smart, strategic investments is one of my top priorities in Congress. I'm proud to stand behind a funding bill that recognizes the importance the Lowcountry plays in ensuring our national defense, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan funding package invests in critical Lowcountry priorities, averts another disastrous government shutdown, and fully funds the government for the rest of the fiscal year instead of relying on more short-term resolutions. Cunningham introduced the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act in November, which would prevent further government shutdowns by forcing Congress to do its job instead of relying on temporary budget extensions. The appropriations bills also: Invest in the safety of our communities, with $25 million for federal research at the CDC and NIH into our nation's gun violence epidemic. This is the first federal funding of this nature in 20 years. Expand access to opportunity and education for rural communities, with more than $640 million to strengthen rural broadband. Honor our responsibilities to veterans, providing $80 billion for VA medical care, including funding for homelessness assistance, suicide prevention and outreach, and gender-specific care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-articles-impeachment,Cunningham Statement on Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-16,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham issued the following statement announcing his position in support of the Articles of Impeachment: We are a nation of laws and no single person is above the rule of law in America. Even the President needs to be held accountable if he violates the Constitution.I did not come to Congress to impeach the President.Butafter careful consideration of the evidence and testimony delivered to Congressby dedicated public servants, many of whom the President himself appointed, it is clear to mehecommitted an impeachable abuse of power. The President used the power of his office to coerce a foreign government into investigating his political rival for personal gain. By refusing to cooperate with Congress and lawfully-issued subpoenas, the President clearly obstructed Congress. For these reasons,I support the Articles of Impeachment. This process has not distracted me from delivering real results for the people of the Lowcountry. Just last week, we passed landmark legislation to allow Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs. We also voted to pass the NDAA, which secures $37.2 million in vital funding for Parris Island needed to maintain the flow of new marines. In the last twelve months, we've passed bipartisan legislation to permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, extend health benefits to Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and we just reached an agreement with the President on a trade deal with Mexico and Canada. I'm proud of my record as one of the most independent members of Congress and I will continue to work across the aisle to get things done for the Lowcountry.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-bipartisan-group-house-members-participate-white-house-child,Cunningham and Bipartisan Group of House Members Participate in White House Child Care and Paid Leave Summit,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. At the White House's invitation, Rep. Joe Cunningham and a group of bipartisan House members attended the White House Child Care and Paid Leave Summit. Cunningham participated in a panel on paid leave arranged by Senior Advisor Ivanka Trump with Reps. Colin Allred (D-TX), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). Cunningham discussed the need to provide flexibility for working families; his bipartisan legislation that would help alleviate the burden faced by new parents by allowing them to advance their $5000 tax credit; his personal experience as the parent to a young child; and why paid leave is a bipartisan issue. It's clear that making sure working families have the resources, flexibility, and support they need to care for their children isn't a Democratic or Republican value it's an American one. I'm proud to work across the aisle to find middle ground that moves this country forward, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. My son's birth was one of the most joyous moments of my life and every parent deserves to have that experience. Hardworking American families should not have that joy dampened by fears they won't be able to make ends meet if they take time off work. Earlier this month, Cunningham helped introduce bipartisan and bicameral legislation that provides resources to help new parents pay for leave and cover the cost of day care, baby supplies and other expenses associated with a new child, without raising taxes or creating new employer mandates. Yesterday, Cunningham voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report that includes guaranteed paid parental leave for federal workers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-lower-cost-prescription-drugs,Cunningham Votes to Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham today voted to pass H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, transformative legislation that finally prevents Americans from having to pay more for their medicines than what is charged in other countries for the exact same drugs. H.R. 3 helps level the playing field, giving Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower the price of prescription drugs. It also makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. According to nonpartisan analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation could save the taxpayer nearly $500 billion, money that could be reinvested in researching new cures and treatments, combatting the addiction crisis, and expanding Medicare to cover things like dental, vision, and hearing. Cunningham successfully passed a bipartisan amendment that would make those lower prices available to veterans within the VA health system as well. Speaking on the House floor, Cunningham said, The hard-earned tax dollars Americans are willing to put towards caring for our veterans should be spent on veteransnot on lining the pockets of drug companies. The Lowcountry is home to over 80,000 veterans, and I want them to know that when they seek VA care, they are receiving the best care at the best price. In the First District, there are 97, 279 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 585, 599 people enrolled in private health insurance, all of whom would stand to benefit from the Lower Cost Drugs Now Act. 11.5% of South Carolinians live with diabetes. Under H.R. 3, South Carolinians could spend 3.5 times less on insulin. H.R. 3 could lower the average total cost of a common insulin, the NovoLOG Flexpen, by 76% -- from about $19,800 to $4,800 per year. In 2019, an estimated 4,470 women in South Carolina will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication, Ibrance, by 65% from $69,000 to $23,900 per year. 26.3% of South Carolinians have arthritis, 36.7% of whom experience severe joint pain because of it. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most arthritis drugs from about $40,000 to $10,000 per year. About 9.2%or 361,086of South Carolinians live with asthma. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from about $1,400 to $270 per year. One million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most MS drugs from about $40,000 to $13,000 per year. Hardworking South Carolinians are routinely forced to pay triple the amount that is charged in other countries for the exact same drugs, all while pharmaceutical companies further pad their pockets. Over the past year, nearly 3 in 10 South Carolinians report having stopped taking medication as prescribed because they can't afford it, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This legislation levels the playing field for Americans and delivers real, life-saving cost reductions for my constituents. I urge the Senate to act as soon as possible so we can get this signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-praises-over-17-million-in-reconnect-investments-for-huger-and-orangeburg-broadband-expansion/,Clyburn Praises Over $17 Million in ReConnect Investments for Huger and Orangeburg Broadband Expansion,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture investment of over $17 million to provide high-speed internet to nearly 8,000 homes in the Berkeley and Orangeburg counties. The two awards are part of the ReConnect program created and funded by Congress to provide grants and loans to rural communities to improve broadband access. “The ReConnect program is vital to my Rural Broadband Task Force’s initiative to eliminate digital deserts and ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet by 2025,” Congressman Clyburn said. “Projects like those in Berkeley and Orangeburg are bringing communities online little by little. The Task Force is currently developing comprehensive legislation that will greatly amplify this broadband expansion.” This year, the Congress provided $600 million to USDA for broadband deployment. Much more funding is needed however; conservative FCC estimates are that 21.3 million Americans lack access to broadband, while other experts suggest 162.8 million people don’t have internet access at broadband speeds. The Rural Broadband Task Force plans to roll out its comprehensive broadband deployment legislation in early 2020.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressman-clyburn-to-host-student-loan-debt-relief-town-hall-meeting-with-special-guest-senator-elizabeth-warren/,Congressman Clyburn to Host Student Loan Debt Relief Town Hall Meeting with Special Guest Senator Elizabeth Warren,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2019 (Columbia, S.C.) – U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) will host a town hall with special guest, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to discuss their legislation, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act. The town hall will take place on Tuesday, September 3 at the Dr. Barbara A. Vaughan Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 311 Buckley Street on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. The free event is open to students and the public. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m. Clyburn and Warren announced earlier this year that they are teaming up to introduce legislation that would eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for 42 million Americans—providing debt relief to 95% of student borrowers, including cancelling student debt entirely for 75% of borrowers. According to Clyburn and Warren, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act would end the student debt crisis, help millions of struggling families obtain financial stability, and would also take meaningful steps to begin to close the racial wealth gap. The student loan debt crisis is particularly burdensome to those in South Carolina because student loan debt has increased by 315 percent in the state over the last decade. Today, the average student loan debt in South Carolina is $36,552. “Crushing student debt has reached crisis levels in America requiring big, bold solutions,” Clyburn said. “Post-secondary education should be the springboard to enable students to achieve their dreams not the impediment that prevents the realization of those goals.” Outstanding student loans now total nearly $1.5 trillion in the U.S., more than triple the debt young people held thirty years ago. Almost 45 million Americans have student loan debt, and nearly 7.2 million are in default on those loans, as they face stagnant wages and rising costs of living. “My very first bill when I got to the Senate was legislation to tackle the growing student debt crisis because I was sick of Washington allowing the wealthy to pay less, while burying tens of millions of Americans in mountains of student loan debt. Since then, Washington has only allowed this crisis to get worse—especially for people of color. Enough is enough.” said Senator Warren. Black and Latinx Americans face the worst effects of the student debt crisis—with many Black borrowers still owing more than 100 percent of their loan balance 12 years after college, even with a degree in hand. Congressman Clyburn chose South Carolina State University for the site of this Town Hall, not only because it’s his alma mater, but the sixth Congressional District is also home to seven of South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 90 percent of these students receive some form of tuition assistance and therefore often graduate with large amounts of student debt. An independent economic analysis found that this legislation would substantially reduce both the Black-White and Latinx-White wealth gaps while increasing wealth for Black and Latinx families. Black families with student loan debt would see their wealth grow by about $15,700 and Latinx families would see their wealth grow by over $27,000. “I believe very strongly that by forbidding this cancer to continue to grow on the lives of our young people, we prevent the burden from being passed on to future generations,” Clyburn said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-and-senator-warren-question-devos-over-resignation-of-top-student-loan-advisor/,MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN AND SENATOR WARREN QUESTION DEVOS OVER RESIGNATION OF TOP STUDENT LOAN ADVISOR,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2019 Text of Letter (PDF) COLUMBIA, SC – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) Chief Operating Officer Major General Mark Brown, U.S. Air Force, Retired, regarding the recent resignation of Dr. A. Wayne Johnson, the former Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and Chief Operating Officer of FSA at the U.S. Department of Education. The lawmakers seek information related to Dr. Johnson's recent public statements and assessment that ""much of the debt will likely never be repaid"" and that the federal student loan system is ""fundamentally broken."" In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the discrepancy between Dr. Johnson's new position on student loan debt and that of Secretary DeVos, noting that Secretary DeVos has been a vocal opponent of any proposals to cancel student debt and has described them as ""crazy."" ""The public conclusions of Dr. Johnson, a top federal student loan official in the Trump administration until he resigned, represent a stunning departure from the policies of this administration,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""This sudden shift in policy position raises serious questions for lawmakers, borrowers, and the public as to what informed this change, what other Department officials are aware of this information, and how this information informs ongoing work at the Department after Dr. Johnson's departure."" To better inform their policymaking and the public, the lawmakers asked Secretary DeVos and General Brown to answer a series of questions regarding Dr. Johnson's change in policy position, and specifically, to provide any additional data or information that was available to Dr. Johnson that led him to conclude that over 40% of borrowers may never repay their debt. The lawmakers requested a response by November 26, 2019. In July, Whip Clyburn and Senator Warren introduced the Student Loan Debt Relief Act, legislation to eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for 42 million Americans-providing debt relief to 95% of student borrowers, including cancelling student debt entirely for 75% of borrowers. This bicameral legislation would end the student debt crisis, help millions of struggling families obtain financial stability, and take meaningful steps to begin to close the racial wealth gap.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-praises-over-17-million-reconnect-investments-huger-and-orangeburg-broadband,Clyburn Praises Over $17 Million in ReConnect Investments for Huger and Orangeburg Broadband Expansion,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"(COLUMBIA, S.C.) House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture investment of over $17 million to provide high-speed internet to nearly 8,000 homes in the Berkeley and Orangeburg counties.The two awards are part of the ReConnect program created and funded by Congress to provide grants and loans to rural communities to improve broadband access. The ReConnect program is vital to my Rural Broadband Task Force's initiative to eliminate digital deserts and ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet by 2025, Congressman Clyburn said. Projects like those in Berkeley and Orangeburg are bringing communities online little by little. The Task Force is currently developing comprehensive legislation that will greatly amplify this broadband expansion. This year, the Congress provided $600 million to USDA for broadband deployment. Much more funding is needed however; conservative FCC estimates are that 21.3 million Americans lack access to broadband, while other experts suggest 162.8 million people don't have internet access at broadband speeds. The Rural Broadband Task Force plans to roll out its comprehensive broadband deployment legislation in early 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressman-clyburn-host-student-loan-debt-relief-town-hall-meeting-special-guest,Congressman Clyburn to Host Student Loan Debt Relief Town Hall Meeting with Special Guest Senator Elizabeth Warren,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2019 (Columbia, S.C.) U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC) will host a town hall with special guest, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to discuss their legislation, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act. The town hall will take place on Tuesday, September 3 at the Dr. Barbara A. Vaughan Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 311 Buckley Street on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. The free event is open to students and the public. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the program begins at 6:00 p.m. Clyburn and Warren announced earlier this year that they are teaming up to introduce legislation that would eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for42 million Americansproviding debt relief to 95% of student borrowers, including cancelling student debt entirely for 75% of borrowers. According to Clyburn and Warren, the Student Loan Debt Relief Act would end the student debt crisis, help millions of struggling families obtain financial stability, and would also take meaningful steps to begin to close the racial wealth gap. The student loan debt crisis is particularly burdensome to those in South Carolina because student loan debt has increased by 315 percent in the state over the last decade. Today, the average student loan debt in South Carolina is $36,552. Crushing student debt has reached crisis levels in America requiring big, bold solutions, Clyburn said. Post-secondary education should be the springboard to enable students to achieve their dreams not the impediment that prevents the realization of those goals. Outstanding student loans now totalnearly$1.5 trillion in the U.S., more thantriplethe debt young people held thirty years ago. Almost 45 million Americans havestudent loan debt, and nearly 7.2 million are in default on those loans, as they face stagnant wages and rising costs of living. My very first bill when I got to the Senate was legislation to tackle the growing student debt crisis because I was sick of Washington allowing the wealthy to pay less, while burying tens of millions of Americans in mountains of student loan debt. Since then, Washington has only allowed this crisis to get worseespecially for people of color.Enough is enough.said Senator Warren. Black andLatinxAmericans face the worst effects of the student debtcrisiswith manyBlack borrowersstill owing more than 100 percent of their loan balance12 years after college, even with a degree in hand. Congressman Clyburn chose South Carolina State University for the site of this Town Hall, not only because it's his alma mater, but the sixth Congressional District is also home to seven of South Carolina's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 90 percent of these students receive some form of tuition assistance and therefore often graduate with large amounts of student debt. An independent economic analysis found that this legislation would substantially reduce both the Black-White and Latinx-White wealth gaps while increasing wealth for Black and Latinx families. Black families with student loan debt would see their wealth grow by about $15,700 and Latinx families would see their wealth grow by over $27,000. I believe very strongly that by forbidding this cancer to continue to grow on the lives of our young people, we prevent the burden from being passed on to future generations, Clyburn said. Register online for the Town Hall at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-debt-relief-act-town-hall-tickets-69761908747.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-and-senator-warren-question-devos-over-resignation-top-student,MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN AND SENATOR WARREN QUESTION DEVOS OVER RESIGNATION OF TOP STUDENT LOAN ADVISOR,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2019 Text of Letter (PDF) COLUMBIA, SC - House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) Chief Operating Officer Major General Mark Brown, U.S. Air Force, Retired, regarding the recent resignation of Dr. A. Wayne Johnson, the former Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and Chief Operating Officer of FSA at the U.S. Department of Education. The lawmakers seek information related to Dr. Johnson's recent public statements and assessment that ""much of the debt will likely never be repaid"" and that the federal student loan system is ""fundamentally broken."" In their letter, the lawmakers highlighted the discrepancy between Dr. Johnson's new position on student loan debt and that of Secretary DeVos, noting that Secretary DeVos has been a vocal opponent of any proposals to cancel student debt and has described them as ""crazy."" ""The public conclusions of Dr. Johnson, a top federal student loan official in the Trump administration until he resigned, represent a stunning departure from the policies of this administration,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""This sudden shift in policy position raises serious questions for lawmakers, borrowers, and the public as to what informed this change, what other Department officials are aware of this information, and how this information informs ongoing work at the Department after Dr. Johnson's departure."" To better inform their policymaking and the public, the lawmakers asked Secretary DeVos and General Brown to answer a series of questions regarding Dr. Johnson's change in policy position, and specifically, to provide any additional data or information that was available to Dr. Johnson that led him to conclude that over 40% of borrowers may never repay their debt. The lawmakers requested a response by November 26, 2019. In July, Whip Clyburn and Senator Warren introducedthe Student Loan Debt Relief Act, legislation to eliminate up to $50,000 in student loan debt for42 million Americans-providing debt relief to 95% of student borrowers, including cancelling student debt entirely for 75% of borrowers. This bicameral legislation would end the student debt crisis, help millions of struggling families obtain financial stability, and take meaningful steps to begin to close the racial wealth gap. In October, the lawmakers discussed their legislation at a town hall on the campus of South Carolina State University, a public, historically black college and university. More information about the legislation is availablehere, and a full video of the town hall can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/key-cunningham-priorities-included-national-defense-authorization-act,Key Cunningham Priorities Included in National Defense Authorization Act,2019-12-11,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Legislation strengthens national security, raises military pay, and authorizes $37.2 million to modernize a live-fire training range on Parris Island Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted today for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, which sets policy and authorizes funding for the U.S. military. The package includes the largest military pay raise in a decade, gets rid of the Widow's Tax, provides federal workers with guaranteed paid parental leave, and fulfills several other important Lowcountry priorities. The Senate will now consider the conference report and, if approved, it will be sent to the President to be signed into law. I am proud to have voted to pass the NDAA today, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Lowcountry military installations like Parris Island, Joint Base Charleston, and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are essential to our country's national defense. It's our responsibility to make sure they have the tools and resources to keep us safe and we fulfilled that responsibility today. Lowcountry servicemembers and their families have sacrificed so much for us, and we must set them up for success on and off the battlefield. I will continue to work to get this package across the finish line and signed into law. Cunningham successfully fought for the NDAA to authorize $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island necessary to maintain the flow of new Marines and ensure military readiness. This funding was not included in the President's original budget request. Cunningham testified before the House Armed Services Committee in March on the need for Parris Island's range modernization project. Cunningham also authored and successfully passed several amendments to the NDAA that fulfill important Lowcountry priorities, including: Helping military installations address rising sea levels and flooding problems by giving them access to funds to construct, replace, and maintain roads that lead to military installations, as well as to air and seaports vital to our national security; Expanding eligibility to the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program to spouses of members of the Coast Guard; Authorizing the creation of a Coast Guard Junior ROTC program available to schools across the country, including Lucy Beckham High School in Mt. Pleasant; Gathering the data necessary to ensure the proper maintenance of F-35s at Marine Air Corps Station Beaufort. Previously, Cunningham urged the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Conference Committee to retain his amendment that authorizes the creation of a Coast Guard JROTC program at Mt. Pleasant's Lucy Beckham High School to the final version of the NDAA. He also called on the Conference Committee to retain his amendment ensuring proper maintenance of the F-35 program that is vital to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Some of the key aspects of the bill include: Giving our servicemembers a 3.1 percent pay raise, the largest in a decade; Guaranteeing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for all federal workers; Getting rid of the Widow's Tax, which unfairly targets the surviving family members of service members who pass away during active duty or retirees who die of a service-connected cause; Numerous provisions to take care of military families, improve military housing and clean up contaminated drinking water at military bases.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-usmca-trade-deal-announcement,Cunningham Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Announcement,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Cunningham released the following statement after the announcement of final text of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): After months of tireless work, I am proud to support the USMCA. I have long been an advocate of getting this agreement across the finish line so that Lowcountry businesses and workers can have the market stability and trade certainty they need. This trade agreement is a win for the Lowcountry economy and America as a whole. Mexico and Canada are some of our nation's most important trading partners, and South Carolina exported $6.7 billion worth of goods to Canada and Mexico in 2018. Modernizing our trade agreement with our two closest neighbors is critical to maintaining good-paying jobs and economic growth in the Lowcountry. I look forward to voting with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make this agreement official. Cunningham previously called on House leadership to ensure a vote on USMCA before the end of the year. International trade is critical to the economic health of the region and to the livelihoods of thousands of Lowcountry families. That's why reestablishing a fair and consistent trilateral free trade agreement with the nation's top two trading partners - Canada and Mexico is a top priority for Charleston area employers. We welcome news that at a deal has been reached between the Trump Administration and Congressional leaders to move forward with the USMCA and hope to see bipartisan passage of a final trade agreement as quickly as possible, said Ian Scott, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-releases-report-how-lower-drug-costs-now-act-will-deliver-relief,Cunningham Releases Report on How Lower Drug Costs Now Act Will Deliver Relief to South Carolinians Facing High Drug Costs,2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released a report on how the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, H.R. 3, would reduce the cost of drugs for individuals in the Lowcountry. Cunningham is a cosponsor of this landmark legislation, which will be on the House floor for a vote later this week. H.R. 3 helps level the playing field, giving Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies so that Americans no longer have to pay more than other countries for their medicines. It also makes the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, not just Medicare beneficiaries. All across the Lowcountry, I've heard from families struggling with the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. In fact, during the past year nearly 3 in 10 South Carolinians report having stopped taking medication as prescribed because of cost, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This report clearly shows the significant impact the Lower Drug Cost Now Act would have on the Lowcountry. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together and get this bill signed into law. Nonpartisan analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that the legislation would reduce drug prices by up to 55% and save taxpayers $345 billion over 10 years. In the First District, there are 97, 279 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 585, 599 people enrolled in private health insurance, all of whom would stand to benefit from the Lower Cost Drugs Now Act. Other key highlights from the report: 11.5% of South Carolinians live with diabetes. Under H.R. 3, South Carolinians could spend 3.5 times less on insulin. H.R. 3 could lower the average total cost of a common insulin, the NovoLOG Flexpen, by 76%--from about $19,800 to $4,800 per year. In 2019, an estimated 4,470 women in South Carolina will be diagnosed with breast cancer. H.R. 3 can lower the average total cost of the breast cancer medication, Ibrance, by 65% from $69,000 to $23,900 per year. 26.3% of South Carolinians have arthritis, 36.7% of whom experience severe joint pain because of it. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most arthritis drugs from about $40,000 to $10,000 per year. About 9.2%or 361,086of South Carolinians live with asthma. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most asthma drugs from about $1,400 to $270 per year. One million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. H.R. 3 can lower their total costs on most MS drugs from about $40,000 to $13,000 per year. You can find the full report here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-disaster-assistance-equity-act,Cunningham Introduces the Disaster Assistance Equity Act,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham helped introduce bipartisan legislation that would make common interest communities eligible for the same FEMA assistance available to other homeowners. The Disaster Assistance Equity Act would ensure that homeowners, no matter the type of home they live in, are eligible for the FEMA assistance they need to restore their home to a livable condition after a disaster. The bill accomplishes this by making two key changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act: Makes essential common elements of a common interest community (such as a roof, exterior wall, heating and cooling equipment, elevator, stairwell, utility access, plumbing, and electricity) eligible under FEMA's Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program; Makes common interest communities eligible under FEMA's requirements for the removal of debris in the aftermath of a major disaster. Cunningham joined a bipartisan group of original cosponsors, including Reps. Jerry Nadler (NY-10), David Rouzer (NC-07), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Eliot Engel (NY-16), and Peter King (NY-02). Folks in the Lowcountry know firsthand that hurricanes don't discriminate between different types of communities,""said Rep. Joe Cunningham.""When disaster strikes, South Carolinians in planned communities deserve the same access to federal disaster assistances as everyone else. I'm proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to right this wrong."" ""Seven years ago, thousands of New Yorkers and other Americans were shocked to learn that FEMA's eligibility rules left them with no way of restoring their homes in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy,"" said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. ""Since that time, common interest communities across the country have faced similar hardships. This is simply unacceptable. A natural disaster doesn't care what type of home you live in, and FEMA should treat all homeowners equally.I am proud to join Representatives Rouzer, Cunningham, Zeldin, Engel, and King in re-introducing this critical bill, which will ensure that every American can rebuild their home after a natural disaster."" Congressman Lee Zeldin said,""Superstorm Sandy devastated New York's coastal communities and businesses, and too many New Yorkers learned the hard way that FEMA was unable to treat all homeowners equally. Condos, co-ops, and homeowners associations don't have the same access to federal disaster assistance as single family homeowners, which made it difficult for all Long Islanders to rebuild their homes and their lives. I'm proud to come together with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make the necessary reforms to ensure all Long Islanders are able to recover after a natural disaster."" ""I'm proud to once again cosponsor this bipartisan bill which would fix a clear mistake in current federal law that adversely effects co-op and condo owners,""saidCongressman Eliot Engel.""We saw after Superstorm Sandy how vital it is for FEMA funds to be accessible to all homeowners, not just some or even most. These owners should not be treated as an afterthought by FEMA, especially in that difficult time after a natural disaster hits. My colleagues and I will work hard to ensure its swift passage."" ""In the aftermath of any disaster, residents of condominiums and cooperatives should be eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance just as other home owners are,""saidCongressman Peter King.""This legislation will correct that inequity.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-voting-rights-advancement-act,House Passes Bipartisan Voting Rights Advancement Act,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act. This critical legislation restores the full strength of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, after it was gutted by the 2013 Supreme Court decision, Shelby County v. Holder, which unleashed a flood of voter suppression laws across the country. The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, yet voting rights remain under attack in this country from discriminatory voter ID laws, purging of voting rolls, closing of majority-minority polling places, and other voter suppression tactics, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The Voting Rights Advancement Act restores the key provisions of the Voting Rights Act and empowers the Justice Department to stop voter suppression tactics before they take place. It is an honor to fight for fair access to the ballot box and help ensure every eligible voter in South Carolina and the nation can have their voices heard. The Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) responds to the recent wave of voter suppression tactics enacted by states and localities since the 2013 Supreme Court decision, requiring states with a recent history of voter discrimination to pre-clear election changes with the Department of Justice. The VRAA increases transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes. The bill also gives the Attorney General authority to request federal observers be present anywhere in the country where a serious threat to voter access and fair elections exists.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-helps-introduce-bipartisan-and-bicameral-legislation-support-parents,Cunningham Helps Introduce Bipartisan and Bicameral Legislation to Support Parents in the Critical First Year of a Birth or Adoption,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) joined a bipartisan and bicameral group of original cosponsors to introduce legislation that provides resources to help new parents pay for leave and cover the cost of day care, baby supplies and other expenses associated with a new child. The Advancing Support for Working Families Act would allow families the option to advance up to $5,000 of their recently-doubled child tax credit in the first year of a child's life or the first year a family adopts a child. Families can also choose to advance their child credit without having to miss work or sacrifice a state or employer's family/medical leave policy to pay for other expenses. The birth or adoption of a child should be one of the most joyous times in a parent's life. Instead, millions of Americans are forced to worry about how they'll afford to take time off or pay for child care when they go back to work, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. That's why I'm proud to support this important legislation that provides hardworking Lowcountry families with the flexibility and support they need during the critical first year of their child's birth or adoption. Most other paid leave proposals require parents to take off work to receive benefits, this bill allows teleworkers the option to access child care benefits and to continue working from home while they take care of their new child. Additionally, the bill does not raise taxes or take away from Social Security. Low income earners who do not qualify for the full refundable portion of the child tax credit can elect to receive a benefit adjusted to 100 percent wage replacement over 12 weeks of work. In the House, the original cosponsors of this bipartisan bill include Reps. Colin Allred (TX-32), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Jamie Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), and Bryan Steil (WI-01). In the Senate, the bipartisan bill is being introduced by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA), Steve Daines (MT), Shelley Capito (WV), and Joe Manchin (WV). We applaud the bipartisan focus to help working families,the Bipartisan Policy Center said today in a supportivestatementof the bill.A huge body of research tells us how critical the first year of life is to a child's development. Unfortunately, that first year of life can also be very expensive for the family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-cunningham-hit-ground-running-when-it-came-tamping-down-drug-prices-well,ICYMI: Cunningham Hit Ground Running When It Came To Tamping Down on Drug Prices | The Well News,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Cunningham Hit Ground Running When It Came To Tamping Down on Drug Prices |The Well News December 4, 2019 https://www.thewellnews.com/cunningham-hit-ground-running-when-it-came-to-tamping-down-on-drug-prices/ In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Rep. Joe Cunningham's race for Congress quickly became the stuff of local legend. Here was a first-time candidate, a Democrat running in a staunchly Republican district, who defeated a well-financed GOP opponent, to become the first Democratic representative from South Carolina's 1st Congressional District since 1981. But the ever-energetic congressman didn't stop there. Almost as soon as he arrived in Washington, at a time when many newcomers were still losing their way in the Capitol's winding hallways, he was looking to fulfill some important campaign promises. The first was filing a bill to ban offshore oil and gas exploration off the South Carolina coast. Soon thereafter, he actively joined efforts in the House to lower the cost of prescription drugs. One of my earliest constituent meetings was with Lowcountry parents who struggle to afford life-saving insulin for their children, Cunningham recently said of the urgency he felt. In the last five years, the cost of one of the most common brands of insulin has increased from $2,907 a year to more than $4,700 a year. Meetings like these reaffirm to me how urgent this issue is, he said. In May, he voted in favor of H.R. 986, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen protections for people with pre-existing conditions, an effort to buttress the Affordable Care Act against administration efforts to weaken it. He followed up that vote, by introducing the CLAY Act, which would lower the cost of prescription drugs for beneficiaries who receive the low-income subsidy (LIS) in Medicare Part D. [] Cunningham told The Well News that when it comes to the issue of drug pricing, he expects meaningful results to be achieved, even against the headwinds of the ongoing impeachment proceedings and the impending 2020 political campaigns. Of course I do, he said. My top priority in Congress is to serve the people of the Lowcountry and I know that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle feel the same way about their districts and their constituents, Cunningham said. Lowering the cost of prescription drugs isn't a Democratic or Republican issue it's an American one, he added. Frankly, this issue is far beyond politics, this is about quality of life, he said. Nearly 3-in-10 South Carolinians have reported that they've had to stop taking medication as prescribed because of cost in the last year, he said. We need to get this legislation signed into law as soon as possible for them and for folks across the nation. READ THE FULL STORY HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-joint-base-charleston-parris-island-projects-are-peril-if-congress-can-t,"ICYMI: Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island projects are in peril if Congress can’t pass a budget [Post and Courier]",2019-11-25,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Funding the government on time is one of Congress' most basic responsibilities, but when we can barely keep the lights on, we are clearly not doing the job we were sent to do, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Ending the practice of continuing resolutions is necessary to ensure a fiscally responsible federal budget and prevent our armed forces and Lowcountry military installations from being harmed by budget uncertainty. That's why I introduced the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act to prevent Congress from leaving before the job is done. --- Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island projects are in peril if Congress can't pass a budget | Post and Courier By Thomas Novelly November 23, 2019 Congress avoided a government shutdown by passing a resolution to keep spending the same through next month, but the move could slow two vital construction projects: at Joint Base Charleston and with the Marines at Parris Island. By not having a fully funded budget for 2020, the future of a $33.3 million medical supply distribution center in Charleston and a $37 million overhaul of a Marine Corps firing range is uncertain. As whispers about a potential six-month, or even a yearlong delay to fully fund the government circulate, the armed forces are publishing memos warning of the potential financial effects on military readiness. The continuing resolution that was passed Tuesday temporarily funds all government agencies through Dec. 20. While the measure maintains current levels of spending and provides a 3 percent pay raise for all members of the military, it provides little to no flexibility for Pentagon budgets and won't fund future projects. [] Branches are now playing a waiting game to see what they can do in fiscal year 2020. A yearlong funding delay could hinder 41 military contract projects for the Air Force alone, which includes Joint Base Charleston's medical supply distribution center. An initial funding request in March said the existing center had reached its maximum logistical capacity and that it's impeded by space limitations and lack of environmental controls. The request said failure to get funding will negatively impact the Air Force's ability to maintain and deliver medical resources in a timely manner. The site is not secure, hinders transport of material during elevated force protection conditions, and is under the protective jurisdiction of local town police, the funding request for the project states. The Air Force said the center is in disrepair and not climate controlled, which puts the medical contents at risk. A new center would become the primary facility for the Air Force if another one in San Antonio is shut down. An Air Force memo said the fiscal year 2020 budget is necessary to execute 88 investment new starts, 14 production increases and 41 military construction projects across 19 states. Another project, to modernize a live-fire training range on Parris Island for the Marine Corps, is also caught in the financial crossfire. The project to update the range new firing lines, access roads and storm water drainage is crucial to military readiness, a funding request states. Without an update, the existing range would have to be closed or require curtailment of operating hours, the request states. The Navy acknowledged in a memo that funding delays present numerous challenges to the Marines. [] Congress' failure to OK a budget has a large impact on the private sector, particularly military contractors in the Palmetto State. A Post and Courier analysis of five years' worth of the most recent spending data from the Pentagon's Office of Economic Adjustment shows $13.1 billion worth of Department of Defense contracts were performed or awarded in South Carolina. One out of every 12 jobs in the state can be traced back to the military. As it stands, no new programs or projects can be funded, meaning contractors that provide everything from military housing to maintenance on warships could be delayed indefinitely. Susanna Blume, the director of the Defense Program at the Center for New American Security, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington D.C., said it can possibly mean job losses for some private companies that depend on Department of Defense dollars. Continuing resolutions are really bad for contractors, Blume said. They need to know when they're going to get paid to avoid layoffs. There is a huge burden there. Defense spending accounted for 2.3 percent of the state's gross domestic product in 2017 alone. Since 2010, the Defense Department has started each fiscal year without full appropriations. [] U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, a Charleston Democrat, voted for the continuing resolution this week. On Thursday, he introduced the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act. The bill would force Congress to approve a full budget instead of delaying. It's importance to recognize that continuing resolutions are bad governance, Cunningham told The Post and Courier. It hamstrings our military. READ FULL STORY HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-funding-deadline-enforcement-act,Cunningham Introduces the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act,2019-11-21,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) introduced the Funding Deadline Enforcement Act, commonsense legislation that would prevent government shutdowns and force Congress to do its job instead of relying on temporary budget extensions. If all appropriations bills are not passed by both chambers and signed by the President by October 1 each year, Members of Congress would be forbidden from using official Congressional funds to travel. Instead, Congress would be forced to remain in session until they reach a new, full-year funding agreement for the fiscal year in question. The Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse and endows Congress with the sole responsibility to raise revenue and appropriate money to fund the federal government. In recent years, Congress has abdicated that duty and relied on continuing resolutions [CRs] that freeze federal spending at the previous year's levels. Since Fiscal Year 1997, an average of at least five CRs have been signed into law each fiscal year before the appropriations process was completed for that year. Funding the government on time is one of the most basic responsibilities of Congress. Yet here we are, two months into fiscal year 2020 and nowhere near a full-year appropriations package for this fiscal year. We cannot continue hurtling towards shutdowns and abdicating our constitutional responsibility by passing continuing resolutions, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. When Congress can barely keep the lights on, we cannot prioritize the smart, responsible spending necessary to get our skyrocketing debt under control. Ending the practice of continuing resolutions is necessary to ensure a fiscally responsible federal budget and prevent our armed forces and veterans from being harmed by budget uncertainty. This commonsense legislation would prevent Congress from leaving before the job is done, and I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass it as soon as possible. Legislation highlights: Members of Congress would be prohibited from using official funds to travel except to the District of Columbia or in the cases of emergency; The House would be prohibited from adjourning for a period of longer than 12 hours; The House would be required to conduct at least one recorded vote each day, ensuring Member attendance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-continuing-resolution-keep-government-open,Cunningham Votes for Continuing Resolution to Keep the Government Open,2019-11-19,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a continuing resolution extending government funding through December 20. This vote temporarily averts a government shutdown after current stopgap funding expires this week. With a government shutdown deadline just days away, today I voted for a continuing resolution to extend government funding through December 20th, said. Rep. Joe Cunningham. We must use this additional time to fully fund the government and pass full-year appropriations bills. It is unacceptable that Congress continues to kick the can down the road. The continuing resolution would provide a 3.1% pay raise for our servicemembers, extend government funding to key public health programs, and assure full funding of the 2020 Census.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-two-cunningham-bills-support-lowcountry-veterans,House Passes Two Cunningham Bills to Support Lowcountry Veterans,2019-11-12,2019,2019-11,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Tonight, The U.S. House of Representatives passed nine bipartisan pieces of legislation to help veterans and veteran-owned small businesses, including two bills introduced by Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01). The VA Tele-hearing Modernization Act, which will allow veterans to teleconference with the Board of Veteran Appeals regarding their benefit claims, and the Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act, which directs the VA to conduct a study on access to care for women veterans and passed as a part of the Deborah Sampson Act, were introduced by Cunningham and passed with broad bipartisan support. Cunningham spoke on the House floor in support of the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, saying, The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act is exemplary of the sorts of advances we can make when both parties come together for the sake of our veterans I urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in supporting this legislation for our veterans, who have sacrificed too much to be forced to jump through hoops for a fair hearing on their claims. Currently, the Board of Veterans Appeals only conducts tele-hearings from certain VA locations, meaning veterans have to travel to testify in support of their claims. In many cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive to Columbia or Savannah. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act would allow veterans to teleconference in to these hearings from the comfort of their own homes using their personal computers. Female veterans comprise the fastest-growing demographic in both the military and veteran population. The Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act would determine the barriers to care that female veterans face and provide the data needed to make sure every woman has access to the quality care she has earned. Click here to watch the full video of his remarks. I have the privilege of representing a district that is home to more veterans than any district in South Carolina. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, it's an honor to use my seat at the table to support Lowcountry veterans through legislative efforts like the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act and Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Veterans have sacrificed so much to ensure our country remains strong and free, and supporting them should never be a partisan issue. I'm proud that Democrats and Republicans worked together to eliminate unnecessary barriers to the care and resources they have earned.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-and-bost-introduce-va-help-act-reform-va-hiring-practices,Cunningham and Bost introduce the VA HELP Act to Reform VA Hiring Practices,2019-10-31,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation that would reform hiring practices for Human Resources (HR) positions at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. The VA Hospitals Establishing Leadership Performance [HELP] Act instructs the VA to establish qualifications for each HR position within the VHA and establish standardized performance metrics similar to the private sector. HR departments at the VA currently have no such requirements. Human Resources management is a critical part of delivering the high-quality and timely care our veterans deserve, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The VA HELP Act ensures we are attracting and retaining the best possible employees to meet the needs of Lowcountry veterans. I'm proud to work across the aisle with Congressman Bost to ensure our veterans have access to the best and most reliable care. The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to care for those who shall have borne the battle,' said Rep. Bost. Unfortunately, as we have seen both in our own backyard and around the country, the VA cannot fulfill this mission if they cannot recruit and retain highly qualified staff. The VA HELP Act ensures that VA hospitals hire to the highest possible standard so that our veterans receive the best quality care that they deserve once they return home. The bill is supported by several VSOs, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) haspublished a reportidentifying serious human capital challenges and flaws within VA's Human Resources operations that hamper VA's ability to effectively serve veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-passage-house-rules-resolution,Cunningham Statement on the Passage of the House Rules Resolution,2019-10-31,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released the following statement on House passage of H. Res. 660, a resolution to establish procedures for open hearings as part of the investigation into potential misconduct by President Trump: Today's vote was not a judgment or conclusion on whether or not President Trump should be impeached. Instead, this vote brings much needed transparency into the process and makes sure the American people can see and hear the facts. There were two choices in this decision - to keep this investigation behind closed doors or bring it out into the open for the American people to see. I chose the latter. I refuse to prejudge the outcome of this investigation and will withhold judgment on whether the President should be impeached until hearing all the evidence. This process is too important to be conducted behind closed doors, and today's vote helps bring these investigations into public view for the American people to see for themselves. As I have said from the beginning, I will not allow politics to play a role in my ultimate decision. I will follow the facts wherever they lead, keep an open mind, and do what is in the best interests of this country and the people of South Carolina.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-veterans-affairs-committee-passes-two-bills-led-cunningham,House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Passes Two Bills Led by Cunningham,2019-10-29,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the House Veterans' Affairs Committee passed two pieces of legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01), the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act and the Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act would require the Board of Veterans' Appeals to allow veterans with pending appeals to appear before the Board remotely from their personal computers. Currently, the Board, located in Washington, D.C., only conducts tele-hearings from regional benefit offices, meaning veterans have to be present at the specified office for the hearing. In most cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive several hours to the nearest regional office in Columbia. Ranking Member Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), commended Cunningham for the legislation and expressed his full support, saying, Mr. Cunningham, thank you for helping the VBA [Veteran Board of Appeals] get out of a horse and buggy and finally get into the 21st century It makes sense, it's way past due. The Women Veterans Health Care Accountability Act would direct the VA to conduct a study on access to care for women veterans. This legislation would provide data necessary to ensure female veterans receive the unique care they need and deserve. It was passed as a part of the Deborah Sampson Act. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I'm proud to use my seat at the table to make sure Lowcountry veterans get the benefits and services they are owed, without facing unnecessary barriers to that care, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. These are straightforward, common-sense pieces of legislation that allow veterans to conveniently appeal an adverse decision and ensure female veterans receive the care that meets their specific health needs. Passage out of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee was an important step, and I look forward to swiftly passing both bills on the House floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-appointed-coast-guard-academy-board-visitors,Cunningham Appointed to Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors,2019-10-24,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) announced his appointment by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives to the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The Board of Visitors oversees morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, and academic methods at the Academy and is comprised of nine Members of Congress and six members nominated by the President. The United States Coast Guard works tirelessly to ensure maritime safety, interdict drugs, provide emergency and disaster response, and keep coastal communities like those in the Lowcountry safe, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It is an honor to be appointed to the Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to nurture the cooperative relationship between the Coast Guard Academy and Congress. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy, in New London, CT, is an elite professional college ranked among the nation's most prestigious universities. Each year, approximately 200 graduates of the Academy earn their commissions as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard, charged with ensuring the safety and security of our nation's waters. Cunningham has made supporting the Coast Guard one of his top priorities in Congress. Earlier this year, he secured an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would expand eligibility to a DoD program which provides military spouses pursuing a degree or certification up to $4,000 of financial assistance to Coast Guard spouses. He also passed an amendment to establish a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officer training program in Mt. Pleasant. During the partial government shutdown earlier this year, Cunningham cosponsored the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019,' bipartisan legislation that would ensure active duty and reserve Coast Guard members were paid during the duration of the shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-helps-pass-shield-act-fight-foreign-interference-american-elections,Cunningham Helps Pass the SHIELD Act to Fight Foreign Interference in American Elections,2019-10-23,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"House passes Cunningham's amendments protecting minority communities, military servicemembers, and veterans from foreign interference Washington, D.C Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted to pass H.R. 4617, the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act, legislation that would protect our elections from foreign interference and disinformation campaigns. The SHIELD Act protects our elections from foreign interference by: Creating a duty to report illicit offers of campaign assistance from foreign governments and their agents. Improving transparency of online political advertisements. Closing loopholes that allow foreign nationals and foreign governments to spend in U.S. elections. Restricting the exchange of campaign information between candidates and foreign governments and their agents. Prohibiting deceptive practices about voting procedures. Protecting our elections from intervention by hostile foreign powers is not a partisan issue, it is essential to the function of our democracy, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Every single American should be confident that our political system is free from foreign interference. The SHIELD Act is a common-sense, straightforward means to delivering that peace of mind. Cunningham authored and successfully passed two amendments to the SHIELD Act that would protect our nation's veterans, servicemembers, and minority communities from foreign election interference. Reports from Clemson University, the House Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Intelligence Committee, among other sources, have confirmed that foreign adversaries specifically targeted African American communities, military service members, veterans, and other communities. You can watch his floor speeches here and here. His amendments would require the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to investigate how illicit foreign money was used to carry out disinformation and propaganda campaigns among these communities, and the success or failure of these efforts during our recent elections. They would also call for recommendations to address these concerns for future elections. We know that foreign adversaries interfered in our electoral process and specifically targeted veterans, servicemembers, and African American communities in disinformation and propaganda campaigns, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Americans deserve to know the information they seek, especially when it is masquerading as legitimate, has not been manipulated by foreign adversaries. My amendments ensure that veterans, servicemembers, African Americans, and other targeted communities are not being silenced, misinformed, or exploited by hostile foreign powers. From his first day in office, Rep. Cunningham has been committed to protecting our democracy from foreign interference and ensuring his constituents will have their voices heard in our elections, said Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United Action Fund. His amendments to the SHIELD Act will ensure voters in minority communities, military servicemembers, and veterans aren't being silenced or intimidated by illicit foreign spending and disinformation in our elections.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-sport-fish-restoration-and-recreational-boating-safety,Cunningham Introduces the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2019,2019-10-23,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and Garret Graves (R-LA) introduced the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation to extend the authorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund to 2024. Unless Congress acts, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is set to expire in 2021. The Trust Fund provides vital funding for fisheries conservation and management, water and boating infrastructure, and federal and state programs for recreational boating safety. Last year, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund helped fund projects at the Charleston City Marina, Charleston Waterfront, and Skull Creek Marina on Hilton Head Island that totaled over $2 million. Here in the Lowcountry, we know that access to the outdoors and our vibrant natural resources are essential to our unique way of life. That's why I am proud to champion the Sport Fish and Boating Trust Fund, which has enriched countless lives in the Lowcountry by funding wetland conservation, boating infrastructure, and boating safety education, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Nothing brings folks together quite like a love of the water, and I'm proud to work across the aisle to introduce this vitally important bill. From our North American Fishing headquarters in Ladson, S.C., Shimano is proud to continue our legacy of supporting fisheries conservation, including through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, said Dave Pfeiffer, President of Shimano North American Fishing. The excise tax on fishing equipment, which we and other manufacturers pay, helps support state fish and wildlife agencies like the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to manage and provide access to fishing. We are grateful to Rep. Cunningham for his leadership to ensure this vital fund continues to benefit not only the South Carolina Lowcountry but fishing destinations throughout the country. No one cares more about clean water and healthy fisheries than the recreational fishing community, as evidenced by the financial contributions we make to these efforts through excise taxes, license fees and donations, said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Sportfishing Association. Since its inception in 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration program has provided billions of dollars to fund fisheries conservation and public access to aquatic resources, providing opportunities for the nation's 49 million recreational fishermen to enjoy time on the water. The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2019 will strengthen and maintain this highly successful program into the future. The Sport Fish and Boating Trust Fund helps provide access to a wide array of aquatic resources across the country. States rely on support from the Trust Fund to provide access to some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in the land. Conservationists appreciate the bipartisan efforts of Reps. Joe Cunningham and Garret Graves to lead the effort to reauthorize the Trust Fund to continue to provide access to our nation's abundant fishing and boating resources, said Robert H Boyles, Interim Director of the SC Department of Natural Resources. Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Cunningham and Graves, we are one step closer to reauthorizing the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and ensuring that the program begins addressing modern issues impacting the recreational boating community, said Nicole Vasilaros, NMMA Senior Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs. Paid for by recreational boaters and anglers, the Trust Fund is the backbone of fisheries conservation, providing critical funding for these efforts at the national and state levels, and we call on all members of Congress to swiftly approve this overwhelmingly bipartisan bill. We thank the bill sponsors for supporting and advancing the angling and boating community's policy priorities for reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Safety Trust Fund, as demonstrated through the collaborative work of the Angling and Boating Alliance (ABA). Supporting the ABA's reauthorization priorities and the user pays-public benefit system of conservation funding through this legislation will provide opportunities to address new horizons and challenges, said Ron Regan, Executive Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-va-tele-hearing-modernization-act,Cunningham Introduces the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act,2019-10-21,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Reps. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and John Katko (R-NY) introduced the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Board of Veterans' Appeals to allow veterans with pending appeals to appear before the Board remotely from their personal computers. The Board of Veterans' Appeals determines whether veterans are entitled to their claimed benefits and other services. Currently, the Board, located in Washington, D.C., only conducts tele-hearings from regional benefit offices, meaning veterans have to be present at the specified office for the hearing. In most cases, this forces Lowcountry veterans to drive several hours to the nearest regional office in Columbia. Right now, Lowcountry veterans are forced to drive hours away to a regional VA office in order to appeal an adverse decision by the VA, placing a wholly unnecessary burden on veterans and their families, Said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act offers a common-sense solution to this problem, by allowing veterans to participate in these hearings inside the comfort of their own home from their personal computers. Veterans, who have already sacrificed so much for our country should not be forced to jump through hoops to appeal their claims. The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will hold a hearing on the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act on Tuesday, October 22nd. The bill is supported by the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Wounded Warrior Project.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-climate-ready-fisheries-act-2019,Cunningham Introduces the Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019,2019-10-15,2019,2019-10,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced the Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation to help Lowcountry fisheries manage the current and anticipated impact of climate change. Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Francis Rooney (R-FL), and Jared Huffman (D-CA) are original cosponsors. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act of 2019 directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine what actions have already been taken by fishery managers, identify whether any knowledge or funding gaps are hindering action, and provide recommendations for how we can better adapt fishery management, and prepare fishing industries and communities for the impacts of climate change. It also directs the GAO to offer recommendations for how Congress can enhance our nation's science and management systems to better address climate change. Lowcountry fishermen are some of the hardest working people in South Carolina, and climate change has put their way of life under direct attack. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act gives our fishermen the tools they need to continue fishing sustainably for generations to come said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Ultimately, well-managed fisheries are resilient fisheries. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help us learn what is working, what is not, and how we can be the best possible stewards of our natural resources. Healthy waterways are critical to our environment and economysupporting the businesses in our communities that rely on fishing and tourism to thrive, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) said. This bill will go a long way to protect our local fisheries and promote healthier ecosystems for generations to come. Climate change is affecting our nation's fisheries and our adjacent oceans' ecosystems. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act is an important first step in assuring that we have the information we need so we are prepared to adapt our fisheries to mitigate these impacts, said Rep. Francis Rooney (R-FL). The Climate Ready Fisheries Act of 2019 has support from Ocean Conservancy, National Audubon Society, Earthjustice, Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Conservation Voters of South Carolina, Coastal Conservation League, and the Marine Fish Conservation Network. From our tourism industry to Charleston's food scene, South Carolinians rely on a healthy ocean to support our way of life and economy. Rep. Cunningham's fisheries bill will give our state and local governments the information they need to defend our coastal economy and ensure our fisheries are resilient in the face of a changing climate. Congressman Cunningham has already shown he's an ocean champion, and this bill once again shows his continued leadership to protect our oceans and our way of life, Natalie Olson, Campaigns Director at Conservation Voters of South Carolina. We already know that climate change is taking a toll on our fisheries. The big question we now face is what we can do to ensure healthy fish populations and fishing communities for generations to come, despite a changing ocean. The Climate-Ready Fisheries Act will help ensure our fisheries and fishing communities are prepared to deal with climate change by positioning Congress to address barriers and develop solutions to these growing challenges. Ocean Conservancy applauds Congressman Cunningham's leadership on this important issue, said Meredith Moore, Ocean Conservancy's Fish Conservation Program Director. Rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification are radically altering aquatic ecosystems. As we plan for a healthy, resilient future, we need to better understand the full relationship between fisheries and our changing climate. This bill will allow communities to make decisions about stewarding our ocean resources based on the best available science and understanding, said Laura Cantral, Executive Director of the Coastal Conservation",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-defend-vital-south-carolina-military-project,Cunningham Votes to Defend Vital South Carolina Military Project,2019-09-27,2019,2019-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in voting to terminate President Trump's reckless emergency declaration that would raid critical military funds for the construction of a border wall, including $11 million in funding for the Laurel Bay Fire Station Replacement in Beaufort. This follows an identical vote by the Republican-led Senate yesterday. A 2018 report sent to Congress by Deputy Assistant Navy Secretary James Balocki expressed the dangers military families will face without a new fire station. The outdated fire station has reached the end of its life expectancy' and poses a number of major health and safety risks to servicemembers and their families living in the community. Earlier this month, the Administration announced they will cancel $3.6 billion of military construction projects at home and abroad that range from intelligence, training and repair facilities to fire stations, roads, schools, dining facilities and health clinics for children and families living on base. Our representatives in government have a duty to ensure that our servicemembers and their families have the resources they need and the quality of life they deserve, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I will continue to work across the aisle to strengthen our borders and secure our ports of entry, but not in a way that betrays our commitment to our armed forces. Today, Democrats and Republicans in Congress once again sent a clear message to the White House that raiding funds from essential military construction projects is unacceptable and I urge the Administration to do the right thing.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-urges-defense-committees-retain-amendment-creating-jrotc-program-mt,Cunningham Urges Defense Committees to Retain Amendment Creating a JROTC Program at Mt. Pleasant’s Lucy Garrett Beckham High School,2019-09-25,2019,2019-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham called on the leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee, Chairman James Inhofe, Ranking Member Jack Reed, Chairman Adam Smith, and Ranking Member Mac Thornberry, to retain Amendment 16 to H.R. 2500 in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The amendment authorizes the creation of a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at Mt. Pleasant's Lucy Beckham High. The Coast Guard can only establish new JROTC programs through authorization from Congress, and there are currently only two Coast Guard JROTC programs in the country. The Coast Guard JROTC program is designed to teach young people critical life skills like leadership, discipline, and integrity that help them become better, more engaged citizens. These skills will serve them well in whatever path they follow after graduation, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I urge leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to make sure my amendment is preserved and give Mount Pleasant high schoolers the opportunity to have this fulfilling experience.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-joe-cunningham-and-john-katko-introduce-preliminary-damage-assessment,Reps. Joe Cunningham and John Katko Introduce the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act,2019-09-17,2019,2019-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bipartisan disaster relief legislation would help expedite FEMA's process for conducting damage assessments Washington, D.C. Today, Representatives Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and John Katko (R-NY) introduced the Preliminary Damage Assessment Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would designate permanent disaster assessment teams within FEMA to work with state and local officials on determining the impact of disasters and submitting requests for major disaster declarations. Nationally, the average time it takes to conduct an assessment of a flooding event is 48.5 days. The establishment of full-time FEMA employees with experience and expertise in conducting assessments will lead to quicker and more consistently accurate assessments. South Carolina is no stranger to floods and other natural disasters, and in those circumstances, we know that time really is money, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Due to the impact of rising sea levels, harsher storm systems, and other effects of climate change, we know these natural disasters will only get worse. It's incredibly important we pass this bipartisan legislation to help FEMA react quickly and efficiently to these events. ""In the aftermath of a flood, states and local governments need timely assistance so that they can begin to rebuild. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Congressmen Katko and Cunningham in putting forward a solution that will streamline and improve efforts to help American communities recover more quickly from a disaster, said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flooding Coalition. This bill provides South Carolinians the resources to access information rapidly after a natural disaster. The bill is a positive step in response to the complications that arise from flooding events, including access issues associated with communities overwhelmed by floodwater. Those in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and so many others are all too familiar with the devastation that these events cause, and access to damage assessment should not be hindered or delayed during such times. We applaud the efforts of Congressmen Joe Cunningham (D-SC) and John Katko (R-NY) on this bill, said Owen Tyler, President-Elect of the South Carolina Association of REALTORS. Having a preliminary assessment from FEMA gives us a better understanding of the potential disaster risk. Providing our members with the tools they need to make educated recommendations to clients is the most important aspect of our business. The more information we can offer, the better for everyone. We applaud the move towards more disclosure and welcome a risk assessment system, said Josh Dix, Director of Government Affairs, Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-cunningham-led-legislation-ban-offshore-drilling,House Passes Cunningham-Led Legislation to Ban Offshore Drilling,2019-09-11,2019,2019-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, will permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham's bipartisan legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts passed the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1941, The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, fulfills a major promise of Cunningham's to ensure there is never offshore drilling off South Carolina's coastline. Today the House took definitive action to ensure there are never any oil rigs off South Carolina's shores, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. South Carolinians on both sides of the aisle have sent the message loud and clear: we don't want offshore drilling and we don't need offshore drilling. Now I call on my colleagues in the Senate to heed the call of coastal communities across the country and pass this bill. Watch his speech on the house floor here. Speaking at a press conference earlier in the afternoon, Rep. Cunningham said, We've proven to folks that opposition to offshore drilling is not a partisan issue. In my state of South Carolina, I've worked with coastal mayors up and down our coast and Governor Henry McMaster to oppose offshore drilling. I've been inspired by the work of the South Carolina State House this year to ban the onshore infrastructure necessary for offshore drilling. In Washington, I've been thrilled to have Rep. Francis Rooney's support introducing this bill. Prior to passage, Cunningham urged his colleagues to put people over politics saying, We, as Members of this institution, have an obligation to not only respond to current events but also to anticipate future problems and work to prevent them. You don't wait for a bridge to break to fix its foundation. You don't wait for the hurricane to hit before boarding up your windows. And you don't wait for an oil spill to realize offshore drilling isn't worth jeopardizing a booming tourist economy. Congressman Rooney stated, The economic and environmental risks to our coastal economies which offshore drilling creates far outweigh any potential benefits. Seismic testing and drilling threaten our fish and marine mammal populations. The industrial infrastructure needed to support offshore drilling, and ultimately offshore production of oil and gas, is wholly incompatible with the economies of our coastal communities. Passage of H.R. 1941 is a great step forward in protecting our waters, our economy, and our future. Representatives Cunningham, Rooney and Castor should be applauded for putting politics aside and coming together to protect our coasts from offshore drilling, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director at Oceana. Today's vote to permanently ban offshore drilling underscores the strength of bipartisan opposition to President Trump's radical drilling plan. Opening nearly all our waters to dirty and dangerous drilling is out of touch with every East and West Coast governor. Offshore drilling threatens our fishing, tourism and recreation industries and everyone who calls the coast home. But the fight is not over and we must not give up until permanent protections are established or President Trump's plan is officially off the table. We have a duty to protect our waters, marine life, coastal communities and all they support from the risks of offshore drilling and the certainty of another spill. And we can't afford to lock ourselves into decades of more carbon pollution that's driving rising seas, storms and epic floods. This bill protects our coasts - and our future. It deserves the support of every member who cares about protecting our coasts and communities for today and future generations, said Alexandra Adams, Legislative Director, Nature Program, Natural Resources Defense Council. Our ocean and coastal communities are too valuable to risk reckless, unnecessary and irresponsible expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling. Ocean Conservancy thanks Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC) for championing legislation that could permanently protect the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from drilling. By passing H.R. 1941, House members have put their constituents first and recognize that our ocean transcends politics, said Janis Searles Jones, CEO, Ocean Conservancy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-funds-meant-fix-unsafe-fire-station-sc-military-families-now-funding,ICYMI: Funds meant to fix ‘unsafe’ fire station for SC military families now funding border wall [The State],2019-09-09,2019,2019-09,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Replacement of the Laurel Bay Fire Station is absolutely vital to ensuring the health and safety of Lowcountry servicemembers and their families, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It is incredibly important we work together to secure our borders and ports of entry, but raiding funds from essential military construction projects isn't the right way to do it. The State: Funds meant to fix unsafe' fire station for SC military families now funding border wall By Emma Dumain September 6, 2019 President Donald Trump will have nearly $11 million in additional funds to help construct a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border to keep out undocumented immigrants. And, as a result, a South Carolina military community may have to wait longer to renovate a derelict fire station that no longer meets government safety and security requirements. The Pentagon announced Wednesday that hundreds of pre-approved military construction projects were being raided for dollars to build the border wall. Among the 127 projects on the list, totaling $3.6 billion, is a $10.8 million plan to build a new fire station at Laurel Bay a community for the families of the servicemembers stationed primarily at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The road to replacing the money could now be filled with obstacles. Pentagon officials said Congress could vote to replace that $3.6 billion diverted for the border wall in an upcoming government spending bill. [] However, lawmakers on Capitol Hill have not yet indicated they plan to backfill the money, even at the Trump administration's request. Also, even if there is widespread support for replacing lost funds, the politics surrounding the controversial border wall could make compromise elusive. In the meantime, the Laurel Bay community will have to wait for clarity on plans for its new fire station, whose construction was set to begin in April 2020. According to a report obtained by The State that Deputy Assistant Navy Secretary James Balocki sent to Congress in October 2018, the need is dire. An updated facility is crucial, said the Navy, to adequately serve 1,282 housing units, three schools, three family community centers, a child development center, a youth center, a shopping complex, a gas station and several administrative, maintenance and support facilities. The existing fire station was built in 1959 as a chlorine injection station for the ground water wells to produce safe drinking water. Minor repairs have been made to the fire station over the last 50 years, according to the report, but the facility has reached the end of its life expectancy. The current facility, the report says, does not meet the minimum (Defense Department) facility size requirements and is not configured efficiently to respond to emergencies. [] The Navy told Congress in its report that if a new fire station is not built, personnel assigned to Laurel Bay will continue to work from a significantly undersized and unsafe facility. [] A spokesman for S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, who in February had no reason to believe that planned construction projects in any of South Carolina's military installations are in jeopardy of losing funding, was also not responding to requests for comment this week as Hurricane Dorian passed through the state. Democrats in the S.C. congressional delegation, in contrast, made their opinions known. I strongly oppose President Trump's plan to pull funding from critical national security projects to fund a border wall, including over $10 million to replace the Laurel Bay Fire Station in Beaufort, Cunningham said in a statement Wednesday. The President's decision to steal money from the military for his ineffective, wasteful border wall is a violation of the Constitution and undermines America's safety and the military's morale, tweeted U.S. House Majority whip Jim Clyburn. The House will continue to fight this egregious abuse of power. READ FULL STORY HERE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/us-congressman-james-e-clyburn-praises-passage-raise-wage-act,U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn Praises Passage of the Raise the Wage Act,2019-07-25,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn hailed House passage of legislation to raise the minimum wage for the first time since 2009. The Raise the Wage Act would gradually increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 over six years. According to independent economic analysis, the bill would increase pay for up to 33 million American workers, including 118,800 workers in South Carolina's 6th Congressional District. All American workers deserve to earn a livable wage that will provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families, Congressman Clyburn said. In my district, this landmark legislation would increase the earnings of a full-time minimum wage worker by $3,900 annually lifting many households out of poverty. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. An additional provision in the bill would index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. It would also guarantee that tipped workers and workers with disabilities are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wages that allow these workers to be paid below $7.25 an hour. Scheduled Minimum Wage Increases Year Minimum Wage Tipped Wage 14(c) Current $7.25 $2.13 Subminimum Wage 2019 $8.40 $3.60 Subminimum Wage 2020 $9.50 $5.10 $4.25 2021 $10.60 $6.60 $6.40 2022 $11.70 $8.10 $8.55 2023 $12.80 $9.60 $10.70 2024 $13.90 $11.10 $12.85 2025 $15.00 $12.60 $15.00 2026 Index to Median Wages $14.10 Index to Median Wages 2027 Index to Median Wages Source: U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/u-s-congressman-james-e-clyburn-praises-passage-of-the-raise-the-wage-act/,U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn Praises Passage of the Raise the Wage Act,2019-07-25,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn hailed House passage of legislation to raise the minimum wage for the first time since 2009. The Raise the Wage Act would gradually increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 over six years. According to independent economic analysis, the bill would increase pay for up to 33 million American workers, including 118,800 workers in South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. “All American workers deserve to earn a livable wage that will provide the basic necessities for themselves and their families,” Congressman Clyburn said. “In my district, this landmark legislation would increase the earnings of a full-time minimum wage worker by $3,900 annually lifting many households out of poverty.” According to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. An additional provision in the bill would index future increases in the federal minimum wage to median wage growth to ensure the value of minimum wage does not once again erode over time. It would also guarantee that tipped workers and workers with disabilities are paid at least the full federal minimum wage by phasing out the subminimum wages that allow these workers to be paid below $7.25 an hour.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:32:25Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-helps-pass-bipartisan-coast-guard-authorization-act-2019,Cunningham Helps Pass the Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019,2019-07-23,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted to pass the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation that authorizes funds the United States Coast Guard and ensures members of the Coast Guard are treated fairly should the government shut down. The Coast Guard was the only branch of the U.S military not paid for their critical and continuing operations during the partial government shutdown at the beginning of this year. This bill will ensure that, if other armed services are paid during any lapse in appropriations, the Coast Guard will also be paid. The United States Coast Guard works tirelessly to ensure maritime safety, interdict drugs, provide emergency and disaster response, and keep coastal communities across the Lowcountry safe. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure they have the resources necessary to carry out their mission, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The brave men and women who risk their lives to protect our coastlines should never bear the burden of political dysfunction and I'm proud we're making sure their livelihoods are never again taken hostage. Improving quality of life for members of the Coast Guard is one of Cunningham's top priorities in Congress. Earlier this month, he secured an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would expand eligibility to the DoD's My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, which provides military spouses pursuing a degree or certification up to $4,000 of financial assistance to spouses of servicemembers in the Coast Guard. During the partial government shutdown earlier this year, Cunningham cosponsored the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019', bipartisan legislation that would ensure active duty and reserve Coast Guard members were paid during the duration of the shutdown.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-calls-attention-possible-misuse-gi-bill-educational-institutions,Cunningham Calls Attention to Possible Misuse of the GI Bill by Educational Institutions that Cost Taxpayers,2019-07-22,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) called on the Department of Veterans' Affairs to provide more information regarding possible overcharges by educational institutions. In a letter sent to Undersecretary Paul Lawrence, Cunningham expressed concerns that the Department of Veterans' Affairs was not adequately enforcing current law, which authorizes the VA to take action against educational institutions found to be overcharging educational assistance beneficiaries. The statute is designed to prevent colleges and universities from creating tuition schemes designed to maximize charges to VA beneficiaries while offering lower, market-based rates to nonveterans, who are more likely to be conscious of the cost of tuition. We have a responsibility to be good fiscal stewards of taxpayers' dollars, and that's a job I take incredibly seriously, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The GI bill is a vital program that has opened the doors to education and opportunity to millions of American veterans and their families. We must insure that educational institutions are not ripping off taxpayers by taking advantage of the reliable income stream provided by veterans and GI bill recipients. A copy of Cunningham's letter appears below: Dear Undersecretary Lawrence: As a Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I write to respectfully request additional information with regard to the Department of Veterans Affairs'(VA) policy with respect to enforcement of 38 USC 3690, which authorizes the VA to take action against educational institutions found to be overcharging educational assistance beneficiaries. As you know, the legislative intent of 3690 is to prevent colleges and universities from creating tuition schemes designed to maximize charges to VA beneficiaries while offering lower, market-based rates to nonveterans, who are more likely to be conscious of the cost of tuition. To be an effective steward of taxpayer dollars, the federal government must ensure that veterans are being charged for tuition at a rate equal to or less than the rate offered to similarly-circumstanced nonveterans. Accordingly, I request a briefing from the VA that addresses the following items: Over the past five years, how many educational institutions has the VA found to have overcharged VA beneficiaries pursuant to subsection (a) of 3690? Over the past five years, in how many instances has the VA disapproved an educational institution pursuant to subsection (a) of 3690? What is the VA's policy in cases in which an educational institution may have willfully attempted to conceal that it overcharges veterans pursuant to subsection (a) of 3690? Does the VA interpret 3690(a)(1) to be consistent with tuition-discount programs offered exclusively to preferred categories of students, of which veterans are likely to be excluded? I look forward to your response and thank you for everything you do to ensure our veterans have access to the benefits they deserve. Sincerely, Joe Cunningham Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-his-vote-against-raise-wage-act,Cunningham Statement on his Vote Against the Raise the Wage Act,2019-07-18,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Following his vote against H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) released the following statement: It is clear that the minimum wage is far too low in South Carolina. I believe we must raise the minimum wage to double digits. But a bill that would cause 3.7 million Americans to lose their jobs and eliminate the tipped wage harming tipped employees and small businesses that make up the backbone of the Lowcountry's service economy is not something I can support. I did not make this decision lightly. Over the last 6 months, I've spoken with tipped workers, restaurant managers, and small business owners who expressed real fear that this legislation would result in reduced employee hours, price hikes, job losses, and force businesses to close entirely. More than doubling the minimum wage and increasing the tipped wage sevenfold would place a burden on Lowcountry businesses that they could not sustain. Hardworking South Carolinians deserve a raise, plain and simple. But there is a way to raise the minimum wage without raising prices and putting jobs in jeopardy. We must go back to the drawing board and work together as Democrats and Republicans to find a compromise that involves buy-in from the business community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-urges-department-defense-consider-harmful-impact-cuts-naval-hospital,Cunningham Urges the Department of Defense to Consider the Harmful Impact Cuts to Naval Hospital Beaufort Could Have on the Lowcountry,2019-07-17,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) called on the Department of the Navy and Defense Health Agency to provide more information regarding their plans to downsize the civilian workforce aboard Naval Hospital Beaufort. In a letter to the Secretary of the Navy and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Cunningham expressed concerns that cuts in personnel could hinder Naval Hospital Beaufort's ability to provide essential medical services to the estimated 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families living in the Lowcountry. In 2017, Congress mandated that military service branches consolidate their medical activities under the Defense Health Agency. Due to these reforms, the Department of Defense already eliminated the Naval Hospital's urgent care services. Cunningham asked that Secretary Spencer and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary McCaffery take into consideration the vital services provided by Naval Hospital Beaufort and the impact any planned reduction in medical services may have on surrounding communities, especially in rural areas where alternative treatment options may be limited. Naval Hospital Beaufort provides essential medical services to the Lowcountry community, providing care to the 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families who have made their home in the area. I am deeply concerned about the effects of cuts to personnel on our military, civilian employees, and their families, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. As the Defense Health Agency continues to make reforms to the military heath system, we must make sure that Lowcountry families are not left behind as a result. Cunningham spoke on the House floor last month to call attention to the negative impacts recent military health system reforms are having on underserved communities across the country, including in Beaufort county. A copy of Cunningham's letter appears below: Dear Secretary Spencer and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary McCaffery: I write to respectfully request additional information with regard to Department of the Navy and Defense Health Agency's plans to downsize the civilian workforce aboard Naval Hospital (NH) Beaufort in South Carolina. On July 1st, my office received notification that the Department may eliminate up to 49 civilian positionsnearly 25 per cent of the total civilian workforceas a result of realignment or reorganization. As you know, NH Beaufort provides essential medical services to an estimated 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families in South Carolina. Given the high concentration of veterans in the area and the close proximity of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, these services are indispensable to our community in the Lowcountry. That is why I am deeply concerned about the effects these cuts in personnel may have on the services provided at NH Beaufort, especially in light of the ongoing reform of the broader military health system, which resulted in the closure of the hospital's urgent care clinic. Going forward, I hope the Department will conduct these reforms in an open and transparent manner and will carefully consider how any planned reductions in medical services may impact surrounding communities, especially in rural areas where alternative treatment options may be limited. In accordance with House Report 116-84, the Department is required to provide Congress details of the analysis used to determine changes to medical services at military treatment facilities, to include details on the capacity of the local community, costs, impacts on providers, and risks to the served population. In addition, I request a briefing from the Department that addresses the following items: What are the duties, job titles, and grades of the 49 Department of the Navy civilian employees who may be impacted as a result of realignment or reorganization at NH Beaufort? What, if any, medical or clinical services at NH Beaufort would be affected by the loss of these 49 positions? Was any analysis conducted into how this loss may affect the surrounding community? If not, why? Are there any future plans to further downsize the workforce or otherwise curtail services aboard NH Beaufort? If so, was there any analysis conducted into how such actions could affect the surrounding community? Was any analysis conducted into how reductions of services or personnel will affect services at the Beaufort VA Clinic, which is co-located with NH Beaufort? I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for everything you do in support of our nation's servicemembers and their families. Sincerely, Joe Cunningham Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-votes-strengthen-national-security-and-raise-military-pay,Cunningham Votes to Strengthen National Security and Raise Military Pay,2019-07-12,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) voted to pass H.R. 2500, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The NDAA sets policy and authorizes funding for the U.S. military, includes the largest military pay raise in a decade, and gets rid of the Widow's Tax, as well as several other important Lowcountry priorities. Cunningham authored and successfully passed several amendments to the NDAA that fulfill important Lowcountry priorities, including: The complete text of his bill, the Defense Access Roads Enhancement Act, which will allow military installations to address rising sea levels and recurrent flooding by giving them access to funds to construct, replace, and maintain access roads; Authorizing the creation of a Coast Guard Junior ROTC program at Lucy Beckham High School in Mt. Pleasant; Expanding eligibility to the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, which provides military spouses pursuing a degree or certification up to $4,000 of financial assistance, to spouses of servicemembers in the Coast Guard and enlisted servicemembers of all grades; Allowing the Department of Defense to give preference to contractors that employ veterans, rewarding companies that hire veterans and incentivizing companies to do the same; Gathering the data necessary to ensure the proper maintenance of F-35s aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. I am proud to have voted to pass the NDAA today. Lowcountry military installations like Parris Island, Joint Base Charleston, and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort are essential to our country's national defense. It's our responsibility to make sure they have the tools and resources to keep us safe, and we did that today, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Lowcountry servicemembers and their families have sacrificed so much for us, and we must set them up for success on and off the battlefield. This bipartisan bill delivers the largest military pay raise in over a decade. I'm also proud this bill includes five of my amendments, which will reward companies that hire veterans and grant Coast Guard families equal access to DoD scholarship and career advancement programs. As NDAA moves to conference, I will make sure these vital provisions are maintained. Some of the key national security and defense priorities in the bill include: Giving our servicemembers a 3.1 percent pay raise, the largest in a decade; Getting rid of the Widow's tax, which unfairly targets the surviving family members of service members who pass away during active duty or retirees who die of a service-connected cause; Numerous provisions to take care of military families, improve military housing and clean up contaminated drinking water at military bases; Requiring DOD to develop installation plans that assess current climate vulnerabilities and plan for mitigating the risks; Requiring DOD to report on the progress toward meeting the goal of 25 percent renewable energy for military facilities by 2025; Requiring DOD briefings to Congress on Russian election interference and requires DOD to issue a strategy on countering Russian election interference in the 2020 elections; Requiring DoD to amend the building standards for military construction to ensure that building practices and standards promote energy, climate, and cyber resilience at military installations; Prohibiting the use of DOD funding toward military force with Iran without Congressional approval.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-bill-give-congress-authority-review-tariffs,Cunningham Introduces Bill to Give Congress Authority to Review Tariffs,2019-07-10,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced the Promoting Responsible and Free Trade Act of 2019, legislation that would give Congress a more proactive role in implementing trade policy and the authority to scrutinize unnecessary tariffs. The president currently possesses unilateral authority to impose any tariff under Sections 201, 301 and 232 of US trade law. Before a tariff is imposed, however, the Commerce Department, International Trade Commission (ITC) or U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must issue a report on the proposed tariff's justification and potential effects. However, Congress doesn't have an official say in the matter, and the President is able to impose a tariff without any congressional approval or oversight. This common-sense legislation would give Congress the authority to weigh in on tariffs before they are imposed by the President, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. No President, Democratic or Republican, should be able to unilaterally impose tariffs without Congressional approval. No one wins in a trade war, and this legislation will allow Congress to play a more proactive role in trade policy. Section 232 was not intended to be used as leverage in trade negotiations or in ways that harm U.S. auto workers and U.S. consumers. Here For America applauds Congressman Cunningham's introduction of the Promoting Responsible and Free Trade Act to provide greater Congressional oversight before such tariffs are imposed, said John Bozzella, President and CEO of Global Automakers and spokesperson for Here For America. This legislation would allow Congress to review and approve or deny any potential tariffs before they are imposed by the President. If approved, the president would still have final sign off; if denied, the president would no longer need to weigh in. Section 201: The ITC would be required to send its report to Congress for a maximum review period of 60 days. Congress would then be given the power to pass a joint resolution of disapproval within the 60-day window to stop the tariff's implementation. Section 301: The USTR would be required to send its report to Congress for a maximum review period of 60 days. Congress would then be given the power to pass a joint resolution of disapproval within the 60-day window to stop the tariff from being implemented. Section 232: The Department of Defense and the Department of Commerce would be required to send a report that reviews any national security implications and tariff recommendations to Congress for approval. The Defense Department would be required to submit its report on national security implications to the president. If the president determines a tariff is necessary, the Commerce Department would be required to send a report to Congress on tariff-level recommendations. Congress will have a maximum of 60 days to approve the tariff report. If approved, the tariff report will go to the president for final approval and implementation. There is a two-year retroactivity period for Section 232 tariffs due to national security implications. This allows Congress to review any existing Section 232 tariffs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-dhec-decision-against-seismic-testing-permits-south,Cunningham Statement on DHEC Decision Against Seismic Testing Permits off of South Carolina’s Coast,2019-07-08,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement in response to the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control's (DHEC) decision that proposed seismic testing permits from WesternGeco in federal waters off of South Carolina are not consistent with the policies of the S.C. Coastal Management Program. Cunningham previously sent a letter to DHEC expressing his strong opposition to WesternGeco's application. WesternGeco's proposed seismic airgun blasting activities would violate our coastal management program and policies, which are vital to protecting the Lowcountry's vibrant natural resources. DHEC's decision that WesternGeco's application for a seismic testing permit is inconsistent with the policies of these programs is a key decision in the fight against offshore drilling and seismic airgun blasting. A diverse group of voices made their opposition to the issuance of seismic testing permits known including over 1700 individual public comments and it's obvious our state heard them loud and clear. I applaud DHEC for taking into account the views of South Carolinians and Lowcountry residents. The state of South Carolina has ruled on our side, but we also need federal action. I urge Congress to pass my bill, H.R. 1941, which would permanently ban offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-president-trump-signing-bipartisan-humanitarian-funding,Cunningham Statement on President Trump Signing Bipartisan Humanitarian Funding Package into Law,2019-07-02,2019,2019-07,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham today welcomed news that President Trump signed into law the bipartisan emergency supplemental funding package Cunningham helped pass to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. I am relieved to see President Trump signed our bipartisan, bicameral emergency funding bill to alleviate the humanitarian crisis at our border and provide urgent assistance to those suffering. This funding package contains the resources we need to address the crisis we face. It will provide legal assistance, food, water, sanitary items, shelter, and medical care to those at detention facilities, while strengthening our border security and allowing additional immigration judges to be hired. We can ensure border security while maintaining our American values, but our work must not stop here. Congress must take further action to address the roots of this crisis and strengthen the security of our borders and ports of entry, while treating migrant children with humanity and dignity. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-secures-over-70-million-funding-important-lowcountry-military,Cunningham Secures over $70 Million in Funding for Important Lowcountry Military Priorities in House-Passed Bill,2019-06-25,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham supported House passage of legislation that includes more than $70 million in funding he requested for important Lowcountry military priorities, including $37.2 million to modernize an outdated live-fire training range on Parris Island. The bill also included $33.3 million towards constructing a new Medical Consolidated and Distribution Center on Joint Base Charleston. As one of the two training depots in the country that makes enlisted Marines, and the only depot that makes enlisted female Marines, Parris Island is vital to our national security, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It's critical Parris Island has the resources it needs to continue to prepare our best and brightest, and I'm glad to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle recognize that. Rep. Cunningham played a key role in securing this investment by formally asking the House Appropriations Committee to include both in the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill that passed the House today as a part of the appropriations minibus, H.R. 3055. Cunningham advocated for Parris Island's range modernization project in his March testimony before the House Committee on Armed Services. The Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding bill also included: An amendment introduced by Cunningham that protects Lowcountry military installations by prohibiting funding from being used for reckless base realignment and closure. An amendment introduced by Cunningham that would ensure future military construction projects meet climate-resiliency standards. Supporting our Lowcountry military installations through smart, strategic investments is one of my top priorities in Congress, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I'm proud to stand behind a funding bill that recognizes the importance Lowcountry military installations play in ensuring our national defense. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-cunningham-amendment-protecting-lowcountry-military-installations,House Passes Cunningham Amendment Protecting Lowcountry Military Installations from BRAC,2019-06-21,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to pass Rep. Joe Cunningham's amendment to H.R. 3055, the Military Construction Appropriations Act, that prohibits funds from being used for a base realignment and closure (BRAC). Watch Cunningham's remarks on the House floor HERE. The Lowcountry is home to military installations like Joint Base Charleston, Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and Beaufort Naval Hospital. Combined, these important national security assets are estimated to account for nearly $13 billion in economic impact annually and support 78,000 jobs. Supporting our Lowcountry military installations and our national defense is one of my top priorities in Congress, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Our brave men and women in uniform deserve our full support. This bipartisan amendment ensures they have the tools and resources to keep us safe. I'm proud my colleagues joined me in ensuring that military communities in the Lowcountry and across the nation are spared the effects of another reckless BRAC round.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-bill-creating-coast-guard-jrotc-program-lucy-beckham-high,Cunningham Introduces Bill Creating a Coast Guard JROTC Program at Lucy Beckham High School in Mt. Pleasant,2019-06-20,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced legislation authorizing a Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program at Mt. Pleasant's Lucy Beckham High School, which will open next fall. Majority Whip Clyburn was an original cosponsor of the legislation. The Coast Guard can only establish new JROTC programs through authorization from Congress, and there are currently only two Coast Guard JROTC programs in the country. The Coast Guard JROTC program is designed to teach young people critical life skills like leadership, discipline, confidence, and integrity. These skills will serve them well in whatever path they follow after graduation, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I'm proud to help give Mount Pleasant high schoolers the opportunity to learn these skills for life and become better, more engaged citizens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-bill-permanently-ban-offshore-drilling-atlantic-and-pacific-coasts,Cunningham Bill to Permanently Ban Offshore Drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts Passes Committee,2019-06-19,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham's bipartisan legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts passed the House Committee on Natural Resources. H.R. 1941, The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, fulfills a major promise of Cunningham's to ensure there is never offshore drilling off South Carolina's coastline. Republican Rep. Francis Rooney was an original cosponsor of his bill. Watch Cunningham's remarks from today's committee hearing HERE. South Carolinians have made it abundantly clear they want nothing to do with offshore drilling and the devastating threat it poses to our vibrant natural resources and coastal economies, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Folks on both sides of the aisle are united in opposition to offshore drilling, and it's critical we get this done for them. Our beaches, our economy, and our way of life are not for sale and today's passage through Committee is an important step towards ensuring that never changes. The economic and environmental risks to our coastal economies which offshore drilling creates far outweigh any potential benefits. Seismic testing and drilling threaten our fish and marine mammal populations. The industrial infrastructure needed to support offshore drilling, and ultimately offshore production of oil and gas, is wholly incompatible with the economies of our coastal communities. There is no place in our bays, full of recreational vessels, for tank farms, docks, mooring balls, and other equipment which is necessary to support the numerous offshore supply vessels and barges supplying the rigs and platforms. Finally, with the United States now having more conventional oil reserves than Russia or Saudi Arabia, we don't need to take these risks to be energy secure anymore, said Rep. Francis Rooney. This important bill is designed to protect the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, wildlife and communities from the risks of another BP-style disaster. It is in direct response from leaders and communities along these coasts that strongly oppose offshore drilling and the risks that it brings. All members of Congress who care about healthy oceans, marine life, and our coastal economies should support this critical legislation,said Alexandra Adams, Legislative Director, Nature Program, Natural Resources Defense Council. Oceana applauds Representatives Cunningham and Rooney for leading important legislation to protect our coast from dirty and dangerous offshore drilling, said Diane Hoskins, Oceana campaign director. Congress should permanently protect our oceans from the threat of offshore drilling. With broad, bipartisan opposition up and down the Atlantic, Pacific and Florida's Gulf Coast, we urge all Members of Congress to vote yes on these bills when they are brought to the floor. Highlights from Rep. Cunningham's remarks below: There are certain things that go beyond politics. Things that touch all of us regardless of our party affiliation or our ideology. Offshore drilling is one of them whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. It touches each of us. This is why South Carolina is the leading voice in opposition to offshore drilling. We have a mixed delegation. We have a Republican Governor, Henry McMaster, who has been opposed to offshore drilling and that's what's brought us all here together today. Today we're discussing H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation that would permanently remove the threat of offshore drilling from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. After two years of developing an offshore oil and gas leasing program that would expose America's coastal economies and communities to the risks of oil spills and economic disaster, the Administration announced they are hitting pause because of a recent court case. At the same time, the Administration is moving forward with allowing companies to search for oil and gas deposits using harmful seismic blasts in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Assistant Secretary of Interior in charge of offshore drilling said, and I quote, we wouldn't work really, really hard to get seismic permits out if that area wasn't going to be available. This is exactly why we have to pass H.R. 1941. The tourism and fishing economies of the Atlantic and Pacific, which depend on clean water and healthy beaches, are worth much more than whatever would be gained by needlessly drilling for oil and gas off these shorelines. Let's please not forget that tourism is a 22.6-billion-dollar industry in South Carolina and supports one in every 10 jobs in the Palmetto State. These jobs are sustainable, too South Carolina is not going to run out of sunshine, and our tourism industry will not collapse if the price of oil goes down.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-introduces-bipartisan-bill-aid-vets-medical-transportation,Cunningham Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Aid Vets’ Medical Transportation,2019-06-19,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Cunningham and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse certain veterans for ambulance transportation required during their medical treatment. Currently, the law allows the VA to reimburse ambulance rides to non-VA hospitals, as well as emergency treatment at such hospitals, for a veteran until he or she is medically stable. However, if the veteran is stabilized and then requires continued care at a VA facility, the VA is not allowed to reimburse his or her transportation to that facility - which often must be accomplished using ambulance resources that can be too expensive for patients to cover out-of-pocket. Veterans should not be left holding the bill for expensive, surprise transportation to get the care they need, especially when dealing with an emergency situation, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. I am proud to work across the aisle to close this unnecessary gap in coverage for our veterans. In 1999, Congress created a safety net to ensure that the most vulnerable veterans weren't left holding the bill for emergency care that could leave them in financial ruin, said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler. This bill repairs a hole in that safety net that has too often resulted in veterans and community health providers being liable for costly transfer to a VA hospital, a necessity for veterans unless they want to pay out-of-pocket for their medical costs. I'm proud to introduce this common-sense reform that will enhance the protection we provide to veterans who need it most. American Veterans (AMVETS) is one Veterans' Service Organization (VSO) among many who have voiced their support for this bill. It is easy to overlook the importance of the remedy that the VA Emergency Transportation Act offers. Unless you happen to be a veteran who needed emergency services and was forced to rely on ambulance transportation from a community ER to a VA medical facility for ongoing treatment, said Sherman Gillums, AMVETS Chief Advocacy Officer. The fear of getting hit with a hefty ambulance expense after the fact has proven to be a deterrent to seeking timely emergency care for too many veterans. This bill, if passed, would change that. The VA Emergency Transportation Act is also endorsed by: Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Reserve Officer Association, Military Officers Association, Fleet Reserve Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Association of the United States Navy and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Mike Turner (R-OH), Don Bacon (R-NE), Bradley Byrne (R-AL), Tom Cole (R-OK), Brian Mast (R-FL), Greg Steube (R-FL), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Josh Harder (D-CA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Jeff Van Drew (D-NJ), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) have signed on to this measure as original cosponsors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-secures-funding-important-lowcountry-priorities-house-passed-bill,"Cunningham Secures Funding for Important Lowcountry Priorities in House-Passed Bill, Including the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project",2019-06-19,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-01) announced House passage of H.R. 2740, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Legislative Branch, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act of 2020. H.R. 2740 includes $138 million to fully fund the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project and other important Lowcountry priorities. Cunningham played a key role in securing money for the project by formally asking the House Appropriations Committee to fully fund the amount requested for the project by the Army Corps of Engineers. The funding bill is for Fiscal Year 2020, which is October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. The Port of Charleston is a driver of economic development across our entire state and region. The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is of vital importance in making sure it remains a world-class port, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This funding will allow the Port of Charleston to reach its full potential and continue to facilitate economic growth across the Lowcountry. Rep. Cunningham also secured funding for: $30 million in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program to improve community infrastructure surrounding military installations. $53 million increase in funding for NIH Alzheimer's disease research. $10 million in funding for cyber-security institutions at senior military colleges, including the Citadel. A 3.1 percent military pay raise for active duty servicemembers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-joe-cunningham-pete-visclosky-call-attention-negative-impacts-reforms,Reps. Joe Cunningham & Pete Visclosky Call Attention to Negative Impacts of Reforms to the Military Health Care System on House Floor,2019-06-18,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham and Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Pete Visclosky, held a colloquy on the House floor to call attention to the negative impacts recent military health system reforms are having on underserved communities across the country, including in Beaufort county. Naval Hospital Beaufort provides care to 35,000 servicemembers, retirees, and military families in the Lowcountry. In 2017, Congress mandated that military service branches consolidate their medical activities under the Defense Health Agency. Due to these reforms, the Department of Defense eliminated the Naval Hospital's urgent care services and further cuts are possible in the coming year. While these reforms were intended to eliminate redundancies and reduce costs, Rep. Cunningham raised his concern that Lowcountry families are being left behind as a result. Watch the full colloquy here. Highlights from Rep. Cunningham's comments are below: Rep. Cunningham called attention to the fact that, just last month, the Department eliminated the Naval Hospital's urgent care services. And given the Administration's plan to eliminate another 18,000 medical billets nation-wide, I am deeply concerned about the effect further cuts may have on our military and their families. [] As a result, military families in underserved communities face an uncertain future. In Beaufort County, my constituents already face unreasonable wait times to see their doctors. And given the high concentration of veterans in my district, any reduction in services on Naval Hospital Beaufort is certain to further reduce access to care and degrade unit readiness in the Lowcountry. Rep. Cunningham also expressed his apprehension with the Department of Defense's lack of transparency into how they are making these decisions and their failure to provide analysis on how these cuts may impact surrounding communities. Rep. Pete Visclosky, Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, shared Cunningham's concern, saying, The Committee has requested the Department provide details of the analysis used to determine changes to medical services at the military treatment facilities. This analysis would include details on the capacity of the local community, cost, impacts on providers, and risks to the served population. I want to assure the Gentleman that the Committee will continue to monitor these issues closely.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-dems-yank-bill-raise-congressional-pay-after-backlash-politico,ICYMI: Dems to yank bill to raise congressional pay after backlash [POLITICO],2019-06-11,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"The people of the Lowcountry sent me to Congress to ban offshore drilling, help our veterans, and get things done for the First District. One thing they didn't send me up here to do is raise my own salary, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Congress needs to get serious about balancing the budget and tackling our skyrocketing debt. Removing this bill from the larger government funding package, which includes important defense programs, is the right thing to do. -- Politico: Dems to yank bill to raise congressional pay after backlash By Sarah Ferris and Heather Caygle June 10, 2019 House Democratic leaders are postponing consideration of a bill that would include a pay raise for members of Congress, after facing a major backlash from the party's most vulnerable members. Top Democrats agreed in a closed-door meeting Monday night to pull a key section of this week's massive funding bill to avoid escalating a clash within their caucus over whether to hike salaries for lawmakers and staff for the first time in a decade, multiple lawmakers confirmed. At least 15 Democrats mostly freshmen in competitive districts had pushed to freeze pay after some Democratic and Republican leaders quietly agreed to the slight pay increase earlier this month. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) confirmed to POLITICO after the meeting that he ""thinks"" they would pull the bill so that Democrats can resolve the issue of congressional pay raises. [.] Several Democrats in battleground seats have scrambled behind the scenes to convince Democratic leaders, including Hoyer, to backtrack on the decision. Several have personally approached Hoyer to protest the move after he and other party leaders agreed to the cost-of-living-increase. It would amount to an extra $4,500 for members, who currently make $174,000. Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) who sits in a district that Trump carried by more than six points warned Hoyer on the floor last week that the move would be bad politics and bad policy, according to a Democratic aide familiar with the discussion. Cunningham later authored his own amendment to halt the pay increase. [] And even if Congress does approve the pay hike, several vulnerable Democrats, including Cunningham and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), have vowed to send any additional cash back to the Treasury or donate it to charity. READ FULL STORY HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-amendment-restoring-funding-goose-creek-nuclear-power-training,Cunningham Amendment Restoring Funding for Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training School Passes House; Set to Become Law,2019-06-03,2019,2019-06,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Amendment included in H.R. 2157, Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act Washington D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2157, the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, which provides comprehensive disaster recovery funding for communities in the Midwest and across the country that have been ravaged by recent flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. This bipartisan legislation includes an amendment introduced by Rep. Joe Cunningham to restore funding for the Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training School. The disaster relief package was also approved by the Senate, and it will now be sent to the President to be signed into law. Cunningham's amendment provides the Air Force with an additional $270 million in supplemental funding to repair Tyndall and Offutt Air Force Bases, which were damaged by recent hurricanes and flooding. If the Air Force does not receive this funding, they would need to divert funds from 61 projects in 18 states, including the expansion of the nuclear power training school at Joint Base Charleston. The Cunningham amendment would ensure the school has the resources they need to renovate and expand their training facilities. He spoke in favor of his amendment on the House floor last month, which you can watch here. The Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training Unit teaches students the highly-technical skills needed to operate and maintain our nuclear-powered, naval fleet, and will be responsible for training all of the nearly 3,000 new nuclear engineers the Navy requires, starting this year. Bottom line, the Goose Creek Nuclear Power Training School is absolutely fundamental to the operational success and readiness of the United States Navy, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. I am proud that the House and the Senate passed my bipartisan amendment, and I will continue supporting our servicemembers and the Lowcountry military installations that keep our country safe. Rep. Cunningham has made ensuring Lowcountry military installations have the resources they need one of his top priorities in Congress. Last month, after Cunningham wrote a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans' Affairs, the Subcommittee voted to approve an additional $546 million to fund Navy and Marine Corps construction projects that were not included in the President's budget request for Fiscal Year 2020. Among those unfunded projects was the Marine Corps' request for $37.2 million to modernize and improve a live-fire training range aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Cunningham also advocated for Parris Island's range modernization project in his March testimony before the House Committee on Armed Services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-administration-s-decision-sideline-plan-expand-oil-and-gas,Cunningham Statement on Administration’s Decision to Sideline Plan to Expand Oil and Gas Drilling,2019-04-25,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mt. Pleasant, S.C. In response to reports that the Trump Administration's plans to expand offshore oil and gas drilling had been indefinitely postponed, Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement: I welcome this news from Interior Secretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration. This decision is the result of constant pressure from coastal communities, environmental groups, and elected officials who made it abundantly clear that offshore oil and gas drilling is dangerous, unwanted, and a threat to our economy and way of life. I'm glad to see the Administration listened. However, this fight is far from over. We need legislation to permanently ban offshore oil and gas drilling and make sure that no Administration can put our communities at risk. Congress must pass my bipartisan legislation, HR 1941: The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-releases-report-first-100-days-congress,Cunningham Releases Report on First 100+ Days in Congress,2019-04-23,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Ahead of tonight's town hall, Congressman Joe Cunningham released a report on his first 100+ days in Congress serving the people of the Lowcountry. The report summarizes Cunningham's legislative work and accomplishments in the first 100+ days of his first term in Congress. Click here to read the full report. It has been a privilege to represent South Carolina's First Congressional District over these last 100 days and I'm proud of all the work we've accomplished to serve the people of the Lowcountry, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. In a time of unprecedented partisanship and gridlock, I've found ways to work across the aisle to get things done, including closing the Charleston loophole and introducing a bill to ban offshore drilling. There is still much to do. We need to work together to fix our ailing infrastructure, take care of our veterans, lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs, and finally get serious about tackling our spiraling debt.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-statement-release-redacted-mueller-report,Rep. Cunningham Statement on Release of Redacted Mueller Report,2019-04-19,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham released the following statement on the release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's redacted report: One thing is abundantly clear, Russia carried out a coordinated campaign to manipulate the 2016 presidential election and undermine our democracy. It is evident that General Barr mischaracterized material conclusions reached by the special counsel in his summary released to the public on March 24th.As attorney general, his responsibility is to enforce the law and his obligation is to the American people, not the President. His actions in handling the rollout of the special counsel's report do not inspire confidence that he is acting in the best interests of the country. I am also deeply troubled by the multiple occasions detailed in the special counsel's report where the President and his associates attempted to undermine the special counsel's investigation. The American people deserve more from their public officials and Congress has a Constitutional duty to provide oversight and accountability. Going forward, Congress should hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller. Outside of protecting national security or ongoing criminal investigations, Congress and the American public must be given as much information as possible on this matter. The integrity of our democratic institutions is an issue that transcends partisan lines, and Congress should work together to restore faith in our democracy and ensure interference from a hostile state does not happen in future elections.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-statement-in-response-to-special-counsel-muellers-report/,Majority Whip Clyburn Statement in Response to Special Counsel Mueller’s Report,2019-04-18,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to Special Counsel Mueller’s report: “The report released today is a reminder that this is about an attack on our elections by a foreign government and that we need to prevent something like this from happening again. This is bigger than President Trump. Our paramount obligation is to protect our elections and democratic process. Additionally, it’s also clear that Attorney General William Barr has put his thumb on the scale and is acting more like the president’s general counsel than Attorney General of the United States. “Attorney General Barr may have come to the conclusion that ‘no American colluded,’ but the report is full of concerning possible examples to the contrary. For example, a striking piece of information to come out of the report is that in August of 2016, former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort met with his long-time business associate Konstantin Kilimnik, who the FBI believes has ties to Russian intelligence. In this meeting, they discussed the campaign’s strategy to win Midwestern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. According to the report ‘Months before that meeting, Manafort had caused internal polling data to be shared with Kilimnik, and the sharing continued for some period of time after their August meeting.’ “The report also raises more questions than answers on whether or not the President of the United States may have obstructed justice, which Congress needs to explore further. This is all the more reason why we ought to see the full report, with the underlying evidence, and hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller. Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight of this administration and we will continue to exercise our authority to do so.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:23:17Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-statement-response-special-counsel-muellers-report,Majority Whip Clyburn Statement in Response to Special Counsel Mueller's Report,2019-04-18,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement in response to Special Counsel Mueller's report: The report released today is a reminder that this is about an attack on our elections by a foreign government and that we need to prevent something like this from happening again. This is bigger than President Trump. Our paramount obligation is to protect our elections and democratic process. Additionally, it's also clear that Attorney General William Barr has put his thumb on the scale and is acting more like the president's general counsel than Attorney General of the United States. Attorney General Barr may have come to the conclusion that no American colluded,' but the report is full of concerning possible examples to the contrary. For example, a striking piece of information to come out of the report is that in August of 2016, former Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort met with his long-time business associate Konstantin Kilimnik, who the FBI believes has ties to Russian intelligence. In this meeting, they discussed the campaign's strategy to win Midwestern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan. According to the report Months before that meeting, Manafort had caused internal polling data to be shared with Kilimnik, and the sharing continued for some period of time after their August meeting.' The report also raises more questions than answers on whether or not the President of the United States may have obstructed justice, which Congress needs to explore further. This is all the more reason why we ought to see the full report, with the underlying evidence, and hear directly from Special Counsel Mueller. Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight of this administration and we will continue to exercise our authority to do so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/tuesday-congressman-joe-cunningham-hold-town-hall-west-ashley,TUESDAY: Congressman Joe Cunningham to Hold Town Hall in West Ashley,2019-04-18,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Rep. Joe Cunningham announced today that he will be holding a town hall in West Ashley on Tuesday, April 23th from 6:30 7:30 P.M. Members of the public are invited to join to ask questions, share their priorities, and voice their concerns. Doors will open to the public at 6:00 P.M. West Ashley Town Hall Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30-7:30 PM West Ashley Advanced Studies Magnet 1776 William Kennerty Drive Charleston, South Carolina 29407 Town halls are open to the public. Media is requested to RSVP toRebecca.drago@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-statement-senate-confirmation-david-bernhardt-interior-secretary,Cunningham Statement on Senate Confirmation of David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary,2019-04-11,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am disappointed Senators who have expressed concerns about offshore drilling voted to nominate an Interior secretary who will almost certainly attempt to make those concerns a reality, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The American people deserve public servants that are accountable to them, not special interests. The fact that the Senate has allowed a former fossil fuel lobbyist to be the steward of our vital natural resources only makes the need for legislation banning offshore drilling all the more urgent. Background: In March, Congressman Joe Cunningham introduced H.R. 1941, the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that would permanently remove the threat of offshore drilling from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts by eliminating the ability to issue offshore oil and gas leases in those areas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-helps-introduce-keeping-our-promises-act-bipartisan-legislation,"Rep. Cunningham Helps Introduce the Keeping Our Promises Act, Bipartisan Legislation Benefitting Vietnam-Era Veterans",2019-04-10,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham helped introduce the Keeping Our Promises Act, bipartisan legislation led by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) that would aid veterans suffering from long-term illness as a result of Agent Orange exposure. The bill would add to the VA's list of covered illnesses nine medical conditions, which are already recognized by the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) as having evidence of being linked to exposure to Agent Orange. U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Scott Tipton (R-Colo.), Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Brendan Boyle (D-Penn.), Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Ann Kuster (D-N.H.) also joined the bill as cosponsors. Lowcountry veterans who bravely served their country during Vietnam are now suffering debilitating and long-term illnesses because of their exposure to Agent Orange under the government's watch, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. This bipartisan legislation would make sure the men and women exposed to these harmful chemicals receive the care, services, and benefits they are owed. I am proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to advance this important legislation and ensure our veterans receive the treatment they deserve. I've heard from veterans across my district who are suffering from long-term illnesses as a result of Agent Orange exposure but can't receive VA benefits for their ailments. I believe we owe these men and women who served our country much-needed assistance for medical bills and other essentials. This legislation is a bipartisan solution to an imminent need, and I'm grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have put party differences aside to assist veterans, Westerman said. Congress's most solemn obligation is to ensure that our nation's veterans have the care and resources they need. American heroes affected by Agent Orange deserve the peace of mind knowing that the federal government recognizes the existing link between their exposure and illness. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to ensure that those who defended our freedom receive the health care to which they have earned, Fitzpatrick said. Congress has a responsibility to ensure all veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to. VA benefits for thousands of veterans and their children who suffered from detrimental health side effects due to herbicidal agent exposure during the Vietnam War are long overdue. There is sufficient data regarding the locations of Agent Orange storage in Thailand and elsewhere during the war and I am happy to see action taken to compensate our veterans and their families, Tipton said. This long-awaited administrative step would help tens of thousands of veterans get access to the care they need and deserve. We made a promise to our veterans: they served this country, and in return, we'd always have their backs. This bipartisan legislation makes good on that promise by ensuring all service members exposed to these herbicides and chemicals as a part of their military service get the health care they need. Not one more service member should be forced to suffer in this way without the best care our federal government has to offer, Boyle said. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure veterans suffering because of exposure to Agent Orange can access the medical care and other assistance that they need and that they deserve, Thompson said. Too many veterans have faced challenges in accessing the care they need for exposure to toxic chemicals during their service. This is unacceptable. Thousands of U.S, service members were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and for too long they have been denied the support they deserve. I'm pleased to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce this much-needed legislation and I will continue my work to help ensure all our servicemembers receive the benefits they have earned, Kuster said. Background: During the Vietnam War, U.S. Air Force records show that at least 6,542 spraying missions took place, and by 1971, the U.S. had sprayed 12 percent of the total area of South Vietnam with the defoliating chemicals, at an average concentration of 13 times the recommended rate for domestic use. Military personnel involved with the storage and transportation suffered severe rates of exposure to this chemical. Despite constant reassurance that it was safe and harmless to handle during the war, veterans began reporting symptoms of lymphoma, leukemia, respiratory cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, digestive disorders and other diseases. The nine new classifications included in the Keeping Our Promises Act are based on NAM's biennial Veterans and Agent Orange (VAO) Committee's evaluation of epidemiologic literature and reflect the committee members' judgement of the relative certainty of the association between the illness and exposure to the herbicides used in Vietnam.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-mourns-the-passing-of-ernest-aeoefritzae%c2%9d-hollings/,Clyburn Mourns the Passing of Ernest “Fritz” Hollings,2019-04-06,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"“America has lost a one of a kind statesman. Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans. “I have been reflecting on the legacy of my friend Fritz Hollings in recent days as I studied the work he did on hunger and poverty. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his Hunger Tour, in which I was proud to play a small part. In January 1969, Sister Mary Anthony and I accompanied Fritz on a tour of an impoverished area of Charleston so he could see the plight of families who had been ignored by the government for too long. The conditions Fritz saw in Charleston and around the state impacted him so deeply that he challenged this country to change the distribution of food stamps and initiate the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. His actions provided hope and healing in communities in desperate need. “He was a man with courage and conviction, who began his career protecting the status quo but changed as he learned and grew. In requesting the removal of his name from the federal courthouse in Charleston so it could bear the name of Judge Waites Waring, Fritz demonstrated that his service was not about himself but about creating an America that strives to be a more perfect union. “Known for disarming his fiercest critics with his sharp wit and strong intellect, he was an effective leader who sought allies of either party who were willing to help to advance his agenda. His brand of legislating is truly missed in the halls of the Capitol today. “Emily and I send our deepest condolences to the Hollings family, but we are strengthened by knowing that Fritz and his beloved wife, Peatsy, are now reunited. It was a blessed experience to call him a friend and colleague.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:23:17Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-mourns-passing-ernest-%E2%80%9Cfritz%E2%80%9D-hollings,Clyburn Mourns the Passing of Ernest Fritz Hollings,2019-04-06,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"America has lost a one of a kind statesman. Fritz Hollings was an astute politician who was motivated by service. He was truly devoted to advancing the cause of our democracy and bettering the lives all Americans. I have been reflecting on the legacy of my friend Fritz Hollings in recent days as I studied the work he did on hunger and poverty. This year marks the 50th anniversary of his Hunger Tour, in which I was proud to play a small part. In January 1969, Sister Mary Anthony and I accompanied Fritz on a tour of an impoverished area of Charleston so he could see the plight of families who had been ignored by the government for too long. The conditions Fritz saw in Charleston and around the state impacted him so deeply that he challenged this country to change the distribution of food stamps and initiate the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. His actions provided hope and healing in communities in desperate need. He was a man with courage and conviction, who began his career protecting the status quo but changed as he learned and grew. In requesting the removal of his name from the federal courthouse in Charleston so it could bear the name of Judge Waites Waring, Fritz demonstrated that his service was not about himself but about creating an America that strives to be a more perfect union. Known for disarming his fiercest critics with his sharp wit and strong intellect, he was an effective leader who sought allies of either party who were willing to help to advance his agenda. His brand of legislating is truly missed in the halls of the Capitol today. Emily and I send our deepest condolences to the Hollings family, but we are strengthened by knowing that Fritz and his beloved wife, Peatsy, are now reunited. It was a blessed experience to call him a friend and colleague.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-votes-reauthorize-violence-against-women-act,Rep. Cunningham Votes to Reauthorize the Violence against Women Act,2019-04-04,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham voted to pass H.R. 1585, a bipartisan, robust, long-term Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. Since its passage in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has equipped our law enforcement and government to aid and protect victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Since 1994, the rate of domestic violence has declined by over 50 percent. However, the extent of domestic violence remains way too high. Experts estimate that one in three women in the U.S. still experience domestic violence. Today's critical reauthorization will safeguard, strengthen, andbuild upon these life-saving protections for women across the Lowcountry and South Carolina. I am honored to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this vital reauthorization to protect the millions of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. Today, the House stood up for women across America and reaffirmed that every woman, everywhere, has the right to live free from abuse and fear. By passing the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization, Congress is working in a bipartisan way to ensure all women in the Lowcountry and throughout the nation have the resources they need to seek justice, receive care, and rebuild their lives. This reauthorization fulfills Congress's responsibility to protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as including vital improvements to address gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors, and advocates. This bipartisan bill: Improves the services available for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking; Expands the housing protections and financial assistance available for victims and survivors; Invests in tools and resources for law enforcement and evidence-based prevention programs that make our communities safer.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-and-booker-introduce-sweeping-anti-poverty-bill/,Clyburn and Booker Introduce Sweeping Anti-Poverty BIll,2019-04-03,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a sweeping anti-poverty bill to better target federal grant dollars to high-poverty urban, rural, and tribal communities. The bill, titled An Act Targeting Resources into Communities in Need, expands the successful 10-20-30 anti-poverty formula, including a significantly larger group of struggling communities and broader universe of federal accounts by targeting funding into high-poverty census tracts. “While genius is spread equally across zip codes, opportunity is not,” said Senator Booker. “This bill more strategically targets federal resources to where they are needed most, ensuring that families and communities long left behind are given a fair shot. In doing so, we can move to a smarter, more responsive government.” “For far too long, persistent poverty communities have suffered from neglect and indifference, leading to a lack of access to quality schools, affordable quality health care, and adequate job opportunities,” said Majority Whip Clyburn. “This legislation seeks to right this wrong by targeting much needed federal investments to areas that need them the most.” “The quality of life in our urban counterparts is directly linked to the health and vitality of rural America….the majority of our food, fiber and fuel are produced in these areas….this legislation continues to strengthen that link,” said Sam Wade, CEO of the National Rural Water Association. “We would also like to commend our partners at Rural Development, and we believe they are uniquely qualified and experienced to assist these communities, many of which, unfortunately, lack the human capacity and financial resources to move ahead without some assistance. We at NRWA stand ready and able to work with Congress and our partners at Rural Development to further the health and prosperity in these rural communities.” “In the United States, poverty is not equally distributed. It clusters in specific regions, states, towns, and even neighborhoods,” said Minor Sinclair, Director of Oxfam America’s U.S. Domestic Program. “At Oxfam, we’ve seen states in the Gulf Coast working to pull people out of poverty, but struggling against formidable barriers, including a legacy of racism with roots in slavery, exacerbated incarceration rates, and elevated exposure to climate hazards such as hurricanes. The Clyburn-Booker bill is a critical step to ending the injustice of poverty. This bill would target resources in the communities that need it most, helping to mitigate the historical, social, and environmental factors that inhibit communities’ abilities to thrive.” “The Housing Assistance Council has almost 50 years of experience working in persistently poor rural communities across the country,” said David Lipsetz, CEO of the Housing Assistance Council. “We know how challenging it is to direct federal funds to these high-need places. Without increased federal investment in capacity on the ground, high-poverty communities will continue to fall behind. We applaud Congressman Clyburn and Senator Booker for addressing this challenge with An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need, which will direct important federal funding and programs – like those of USDA’s Rural Development and the CDFI Fund – to the nation’s most persistently poor communities.” “In 2017, over 12.8 million children in America lived below the official poverty level — $25,094 for a family of four, and nearly half lived in extreme poverty at below half the poverty level,” said MaryLee Allen, Director of Policy at the Children’s Defense Fund. “More than one in ten children spend at least half their childhoods in poverty and the longer a child is poor, the greater their risk of becoming a poor adult. An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need is an important step toward badly-needed investment in the persistently poor areas so many of our most vulnerable children and families call home.” “Confronting and eradicating areas of persistent poverty will address educational imbalances, health disparities and economic inequities,” said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of National NeighborWorks Association. “National NeighborWorks Association supports instituting the 10-20-30 plan more broadly, as proposed by the Clyburn-Booker Act, which will prioritize and provide necessary resources, while creating impactful leverage and enduring strength in neighborhoods and communities across the country, as NeighborWorks organizations do every day.” “Child poverty is not inevitable – we know firsthand from our work in rural communities across the country that investing in families and community supports can help break the pervasive cycle of poverty and ensure equal opportunity for all,” said Mark Shriver, senior vice president for Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and Advocacy. “Recently, the National Academy of Sciences released a landmark study confirming child poverty in the United States is a solvable problem if there is the political will to address it. I want to thank Congressman Clyburn and Senator Booker for focusing on one of the most pressing issues facing our country today.” “Poverty is deeply related to place,” said Professor Trevon Logan, Economics professor at the Ohio State University. “That means we need solutions that target areas where poverty is entrenched and persistent. This bill expands on a proven policy of targeting federal expenditures to make sure that we do not overlook areas beset by persistent poverty. Bills such as this can move Americans out of poverty and move all of us towards economic prosperity.” The 10-20-30 formula requires that a minimum of ten percent of federal funds of a particular federal program go to communities with “persistent” poverty, defined as a county where the poverty level has been 20 percent or higher over the past thirty years. This formula was successfully applied to three accounts in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 15 accounts in the omnibus appropriations law of 2017, and 14 accounts in the omnibus appropriations law for 2018. This new bill expands this formula so that it applies to a larger universe of federal programs, ensuring that more high poverty communities are reached. In order to ensure federal investment reaches all high-need communities, including pockets of deep poverty and those communities experiencing more recent economic downturns, preventing them from being defined as persistent, the bill would also require certain federal agencies and programs target resources to census tracts with poverty rates currently exceeding 20 percent. Read a summary of the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:23:17Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/cylburn-and-booker-introduce-sweeping-anti-poverty-bill,Clyburn and Booker Introduce Sweeping Anti-Poverty BIll,2019-04-03,2019,2019-04,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a sweeping anti-poverty bill to better target federal grant dollars to high-poverty urban, rural, and tribal communities. The bill, titled An Act Targeting Resources into Communities in Need, expands the successful 10-20-30 anti-poverty formula, including a significantly larger group of struggling communities and broader universe of federal accounts by targeting funding into high-poverty census tracts. While genius is spread equally across zip codes, opportunity is not, said Senator Booker. This bill more strategically targets federal resources to where they are needed most, ensuring that families and communities long left behind are given a fair shot. In doing so, we can move to a smarter, more responsive government. For far too long, persistent poverty communities have suffered from neglect and indifference, leading to a lack of access to quality schools, affordable quality health care, and adequate job opportunities, said Majority Whip Clyburn. This legislation seeks to right this wrong by targeting much needed federal investments to areas that need them the most. The quality of life in our urban counterparts is directly linked to the health and vitality of rural America.the majority of our food, fiber and fuel are produced in these areas.this legislation continues to strengthen that link,said Sam Wade, CEO of the National Rural Water Association. We would also like to commend our partners at Rural Development, and we believe they are uniquely qualified and experienced to assist these communities, many of which, unfortunately, lack the human capacity and financial resources to move ahead without some assistance. We at NRWA stand ready and able to work with Congress and our partners at Rural Development to further the health and prosperity in these rural communities. In the United States, poverty is not equally distributed. It clusters in specific regions, states, towns, and even neighborhoods, said Minor Sinclair, Director of Oxfam America's U.S. Domestic Program. At Oxfam, we've seen states in the Gulf Coast working to pull people out of poverty, but struggling against formidable barriers, including a legacy of racism with roots in slavery, exacerbated incarceration rates, and elevated exposure to climate hazards such as hurricanes. The Clyburn-Booker bill is a critical step to ending the injustice of poverty. This bill would target resources in the communities that need it most, helping to mitigate the historical, social, and environmental factors that inhibit communities' abilities to thrive. The Housing Assistance Council has almost 50 years of experience working in persistently poor rural communities across the country, said David Lipsetz, CEO of the Housing Assistance Council. We know how challenging it is to direct federal funds to these high-need places. Without increased federal investment in capacity on the ground, high-poverty communities will continue to fall behind. We applaud Congressman Clyburn and Senator Booker for addressing this challenge with An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need, which will direct important federal funding and programs like those of USDA's Rural Development and the CDFI Fund to the nation's most persistently poor communities. In 2017, over 12.8 million children in America lived below the official poverty level -- $25,094 for a family of four, and nearly half lived in extreme poverty at below half the poverty level, said MaryLee Allen, Director of Policy at the Children's Defense Fund. More than one in ten children spend at least half their childhoods in poverty and the longer a child is poor, the greater their risk of becoming a poor adult. An Act Targeting Resources to Communities in Need is an important step toward badly-needed investment in the persistently poor areas so many of our most vulnerable children and families call home. Confronting and eradicating areas of persistent poverty will address educational imbalances, health disparities and economic inequities, said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of National NeighborWorks Association. National NeighborWorks Association supports instituting the 10-20-30 plan more broadly, as proposed by the Clyburn-Booker Act, which will prioritize and provide necessary resources, while creating impactful leverage and enduring strength in neighborhoods and communities across the country, as NeighborWorks organizations do every day. Child poverty is not inevitable we know firsthand from our work in rural communities across the country that investing in families and community supports can help break the pervasive cycle of poverty and ensure equal opportunity for all, said Mark Shriver, senior vice president for Save the Children's U.S. Programs and Advocacy. Recently, the National Academy of Sciences released a landmark study confirming child poverty in the United States is a solvable problem if there is the political will to address it. I want to thank Congressman Clyburn and Senator Booker for focusing on one of the most pressing issues facing our country today. Poverty is deeply related to place, said Professor Trevon Logan, Economics professor at the Ohio State University. That means we need solutions that target areas where poverty is entrenched and persistent. This bill expands on a proven policy of targeting federal expenditures to make sure that we do not overlook areas beset by persistent poverty. Bills such as this can move Americans out of poverty and move all of us towards economic prosperity. The 10-20-30 formula requires that a minimum of ten percent of federal funds of a particular federal program go to communities with persistent poverty, defined as a county where the poverty level has been 20 percent or higher over the past thirty years. This formula was successfully applied to three accounts in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, 15 accounts in the omnibus appropriations law of 2017, and 14 accounts in the omnibus appropriations law for 2018. This new bill expands this formula so that it applies to a larger universe of federal programs, ensuring that more high poverty communities are reached. In order to ensure federal investment reaches all high-need communities, including pockets of deep poverty and those communities experiencing more recent economic downturns, preventing them from being defined as persistent, the bill would also require certain federal agencies and programs target resources to census tracts with poverty rates currently exceeding 20 percent. Read a summary of the legislation here. Read the text of the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-and-sanders-introduce-bill-to-expand-community-health-centers/,Clyburn and Sanders Introduce Bill to Expand Community Health Centers,2019-03-28,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, March 28 – House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced legislation Thursday to extend and expand funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. If Congress doesn’t act by September 30th, community health centers will lose the federal funding they need to keep their doors open. Community health centers provide high-quality primary medical, dental, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and low-cost prescription drugs to 28 million people in 11,000 communities in every state in the country. Clyburn and Sanders’ bill would allow 5.4 million more Americans to receive the primary care they need. The National Health Service Corps provides scholarships and loan-repayment to over 10,000 clinicians each year working in underserved communities, often in health centers. ""In the richest country in the world, no American should have to go without basic health care. Community health centers are a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and we must build upon their success by expanding them to everyone who needs them,"" Sanders said. “I have often described the Affordable Care Act as the Civil Rights Act of the 21st Century because it banned many forms of discrimination in the healthcare system. The ACA was a critical piece of legislation that also dramatically expanded the federal funding for community health centers. This legislation builds on the steps taken by the ACA to further expand community health centers by ensuring the millions of Americans who get primary care from community health centers continue to receive care and expands access to more medically-underserved communities,” Clyburn said. Under this bill, community health centers and the National Health Service Corps will see a 10 percent increase in funding each year for five years. The legislation also includes $4.6 billion for capital projects, which will allow community health centers across the nation to modernize their facilities and expand the scope of services they offer to better address the opioid epidemic and to meet the health care needs of an expanding patient base. Each year, community health centers generate more than $24 billion in savings to the entire U.S. healthcare system. Over 220,000 people are employed by community health centers, and they generate nearly $55 billion in total economic activity. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are co-sponsors of the legislation in the Senate and 57 Members in the House are co-sponsoring the legislation. Organizations endorsing the legislation include: National Association for Community Health Centers; The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved; National Medical Association; The National Birth Equity Collaborative; National Black Nurses Association; Mental Health America; Morehouse School of Medicine; National Center for Transgender Equality; The African American Health Alliance; Southeast Asia Resource Center; Black Women’s Health Imperative; National Indian Council on Aging; National Hispanic Council on Aging; Diverse Elders Coalition; Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy; The National LGBTQ Task Force; and The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. Read a summary of the legislation here and here. Read the text of the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:20:25Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/clyburn-and-sanders-introduce-bill-expand-community-health-centers,Clyburn and Sanders Introduce Bill to Expand Community Health Centers,2019-03-28,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, March 28 House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced legislation Thursday to extend and expand funding for community health centers and the National Health Service Corps. If Congress doesn't act by September 30th, community health centers will lose the federal funding they need to keep their doors open. Community health centers provide high-quality primary medical, dental, mental health care, substance use disorder treatment, and low-cost prescription drugs to 28 million people in 11,000 communities in every state in the country. Clyburn and Sanders' bill would allow 5.4 million more Americans to receive the primary care they need. The National Health Service Corps provides scholarships and loan-repayment to over 10,000 clinicians each year working in underserved communities, often in health centers. ""In the richest country in the world, no American should have to go without basic health care. Community health centers are a critical lifeline for millions of Americans, and we must build upon their success by expanding them to everyone who needs them,"" Sanders said. I have often described the Affordable Care Act as the Civil Rights Act of the 21st Century because it banned many forms of discrimination in the healthcare system. The ACA was a critical piece of legislation that also dramatically expanded the federal funding for community health centers. This legislation builds on the steps taken by the ACA to further expand community health centers by ensuring the millions of Americans who get primary care from community health centers continue to receive care and expands access to more medically-underserved communities, Clyburn said. Under this bill, community health centers and the National Health Service Corps will see a 10 percent increase in funding each year for five years. The legislation also includes $4.6 billion for capital projects, which will allow community health centers across the nation to modernize their facilities and expand the scope of services they offer to better address the opioid epidemic and to meet the health care needs of an expanding patient base. Each year, community health centers generate more than $24 billion in savings to the entire U.S. healthcare system. Over 220,000 people are employed by community health centers, and they generate nearly $55 billion in total economic activity. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are co-sponsors of the legislation in the Senate and 57 Members in the House are co-sponsoring the legislation. Organizations endorsing the legislation include: National Association for Community Health Centers; The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved; National Medical Association; The National Birth Equity Collaborative; National Black Nurses Association; Mental Health America; Morehouse School of Medicine; National Center for Transgender Equality; The African American Health Alliance; Southeast Asia Resource Center; Black Women's Health Imperative; National Indian Council on Aging; National Hispanic Council on Aging; Diverse Elders Coalition; Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy; The National LGBTQ Task Force; and The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. Read a summary of the legislation here and here. Read the text of the legislation here. Watch the press conference here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-introduces-bill-banning-offshore-drilling-atlantic-and-pacific,Rep. Cunningham Introduces Bill Banning Offshore Drilling on the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts,2019-03-28,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act would permanently ban oil and gas leasing off the coast of the Pacific and Atlantic Washington, D.C. Keeping his promise to make sure there is never offshore drilling on South Carolina's coastline, today Rep. Joe Cunningham introduced the Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation would permanently ban oil and gas leasing off the coast of the Pacific and Atlantic. I've been clear from the very beginning that our beaches, businesses, and way of life should not be for sale. South Carolinians want nothing to do with offshore drilling and the devastating threat it poses to our vibrant natural resources, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. I am proud to have the support of a bipartisan group of lawmakers, advocates, and organizations up and down South Carolina and across both the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. It's an honor to have the opportunity to lead this bipartisan bill across the finish line to ban offshore drilling off our coast once and for all. The Administration is trying to further oil and gas interests at an alarming rate, including major expansions of offshore drilling in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This is nothing more than a hand-out to the oil and gas industries and runs counter to health, safety, and environmental safeguards we know must be in place to protect our coastlines. These actions also run counter to the will of the citizens in these coastal communities. I am proud to join with my colleagues in making it perfectly clear to this Administration there will be no new drilling off our coasts, said Rep. Alan Lowenthal. The Trump administration's drill-everywhere plan has run into a wave of public opposition. Americans from coast to coast have made it very clear that they do not want to see more oil rigs in their oceans,said Rep. Jared Huffman.The Coastal and Marine Economies Protection Act will halt Trump's oil and gas drilling spree in its tracks, protecting coastal communities and fragile ecosystems from environmental catastrophe. In California, we know that our coastal economies would be placed at unacceptable risk by offshore oil and gas drilling, which threatens the tourism, recreation, and fishing industries. I'm glad to work together with Joe Cunningham on this ongoing effort to block offshore drilling on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and to shield both of our coastlines from dangerous exploitation. ""From Congress to the Governor's mansion to City Council chambers, bipartisan leaders across South Carolina have said time and time again they oppose drilling off our coast. Now Congressman Cunningham is leading the charge in Congress to ensure this threat never comes to be,"" said John Tynan, Executive Director of Conservation Voters of South Carolina. ""Voters in the Palmetto State have told their elected leaders to prevent drilling off our coast, and we're proud to stand beside Congressman Cunningham as he leads the way in the fight to protect our coastline, tourism economy, and quality of life. This smart measure responds to communities and leaders all along our Atlantic and Pacific coasts who strongly oppose offshore drilling. It would protect those coastal waters and wildlife from the risks of another BP-style disaster, as well as industrial ruin and ongoing harm. This bill deserves the support of everyone who cares about healthy oceans, marine life, our coastal economies and all they support, said Alexandra Adams, Legislative Director, Nature Program, Natural Resources Defense Council.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-helps-pass-hr-7-paycheck-fairness-act,"Rep. Cunningham Helps Pass H.R. 7, the Paycheck Fairness Act",2019-03-27,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Landmark legislation would help close the wage gap and support working families Washington, D.C. Congressman Joe Cunningham today voted to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, landmark legislation that would strengthen and close loopholes in the 1963 Equal Pay Act, including providing effective remedies for women who are not being paid equal pay for equal work. The bill would help close the existing pay gap by empowering women to negotiate for equal pay, prevent employers from retaliating against employees who discuss their wages, and prohibit employers from relying on salary history to set wages. Additionally, the legislation would close loopholes that have allowed employers to pay women unfairly. The idea of equal pay for equal work should be common sense in 2019, not partisan politics, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. The economic success of Lowcountry women, children, and families is dependent on the ability of women to receive the entirety of what they've earned. I am honored to help pass this long overdue legislation and support hardworking Lowcountry families by ensuring women aren't shortchanged on the basis of their gender. 56 years after the enactment of the Equal Pay Act, full-time working women in South Carolina still earn just 79 cents, on average, for every dollar a man earns. This discrepancy is even larger for women of color. Equal pay is an economic issue that impacts the financial security of the entire family, especially when women are the primary or sole breadwinner in the household. Bringing home less money each day means less money for everyday needs including groceries, housing, child care, and medical expenses. The Paycheck Fairness Act: Requires employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons and not based on gender alone. Bans retaliation against workers who discuss their wages and limits how employers can use salary history of prospective employees. Removes obstacles in the Equal Pay Act to allow workers to participate in class action lawsuits that challenge systemic pay discrimination. Improves the Department of Labor's tools for enforcing the Equal Pay Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-bluffton,Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in Bluffton,2019-03-26,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in Bluffton Wednesday, March 27, 2019 from 12:00 1:00 PM. Staff will be at the Bluffton Community Library to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Wednesday, March 27, 2019 12:00 1:00 PM Bluffton Community Library 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, SC 29910 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-introduces-legislation-prevent-carbon-monoxide-deaths,Rep. Cunningham Introduces Legislation to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Deaths,2019-03-12,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham introduced legislation with Rep. Chuy Garca (D-IL) to help prevent carbon monoxide-related deaths. The Safe Housing for Families Act would require that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide carbon monoxide detectors in public housing units. In January, two men died in a public housing complex in Columbia, S.C. due to carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 400 residents lost their homes. Carbon monoxide poisoning has led to at least 11 deaths in HUD housing since 2003. This legislation would protect low-income residents from carbon monoxide poisoning and help prevent deaths in millions of homes across the country. Every parent deserves the peace of mind of knowing their children are safe when they tuck them in at night. This bill helps deliver that peace of mind among our most vulnerable by ensuring federally-assisted housing units have carbon monoxide detectors, said Rep. Cunningham. The two senseless deaths atAllenBenedict Court apartments in Columbia, S.C. could have been prevented and we have an urgent obligation to make sure such tragedies never happen again. Housing advocates and public health experts suggest that in spite of the clear dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, HUD has been slow to provide protections for these families. In some cases, the health and safety hazards are so severe that residents in affected areas are forced out of their homes. A majority of the 4.6 million families receiving public housing assistance from HUD are people with disabilities, the elderly, or families with young children, making them especially vulnerable to toxic environments. Companion legislation has also been introduced in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-praises-house-passage-hr1-people-act,"Rep. Cunningham Praises House Passage of H.R.1, the For the People Act",2019-03-08,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"House passes once-in-a-generation government reform legislation Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Cunningham praised the House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act. Cunningham was a co-sponsor of H.R. 1, once-in-a-generation anti-corruption legislation that protects and expands the right to vote, ends the dominance of big money in politics and partisan gerrymandering, and restores ethics and accountability in the federal government by ensuring public servants put public interest above special interest. I made a promise to the Lowcountry that I would fight for fair access to the voting booth in Congress. I am proud that the House just passed H.R. 1, historic legislation that combats the culture of corruption in D.C. and ensures Washington serves the people, said Congressman Joe Cunningham. These are not partisan issues. We all have a vested interest in ensuring clean and fair elections, ending partisan gerrymandering, reining in the influence of special interests in politics, and making sure public servants actually serve the public. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to heed the will of the American people and pass this monumental legislation to protect our democracy. H.R. 1Ensures clean and fair electionsand makes it easier for Americans to exercise their right to vote: Creates automatic voter registration. Expands early voting and targets policies that lead to disenfranchisement and limit voting hours. Restores voting rights to citizens who have served felony sentences. Provides financial support to improve election infrastructure and improves oversight by requiring a national strategy for protecting U.S. democratic institutions. Prohibits voter rolls purges, a tactic used in Texas and Ohio to kick eligible voters off the voting rolls. H.R. 1 Reforms our campaign finance system, ensuring complete transparency and putting in place reasonable limits: Expresses Congress' intent to curb the use of shell companies and other illicit activities that allow foreign money to enter and undermine our democracy. Bans foreign money, ensures disclosure of online political ads, requires all political organizations to disclose their large donors, and prohibits big-money contributors and special interests from hiding the true funding sources of their political spending. Empowers citizens by establishing a matching system for small donations. Restructures the Federal Election Commission to have five commissioners in order to break gridlock, devotes resources to ensure campaign finance laws are enforced, and improves oversight of existing campaign finance laws. H.R. 1 puts in place national redistricting reform: Requires states to adopt independent redistricting commissions for purposes of drawing Congressional districts. H.R. 1 demands accountability and guarantees public officials put the American people first: Prohibits Members of Congress from serving on corporate boards and requires the online linking of Federal Election Commission reports and Lobbying Disclosure Act reports. Prohibits Members of Congress from using taxpayer funds to settle any case of employment discrimination acts by the Members. Requires presidents to disclose ten years of federal tax returns. Strengthens the Office of Government Ethics. Closes loopholes for lobbyists and foreign agents. Addresses conflicts of interest in the Executive Branch. Institutes a code of ethics for the Supreme Court.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-in-support-of-anti-hate-resolution/,Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement in Support of Anti-Hate Resolution,2019-03-07,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Majority Whip James E. Clyburn delivered the following statement on the floor of the House in support of the resolution condemning anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim discrimination, and bigotry against minorities: Click image to watch the full floor statement “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of this resolution condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and bigotry against minorities. This resolution expresses our rejection of all attempts to weaponize words and sow discord and division. “Make no mistake, our Caucus is unified. But unity does not mean unanimity. We are the most diverse Caucus in the history of Congress. We are a true reflection of who and what America is. Each of us brings our own familial backgrounds and personal experiences to this august body. Those experiences help shape our values and our perspectives as we do the work of the American people. “We learn from one another, and we do so following President Lincoln’s declaration, ""with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in.” “The resolution condemns hateful expressions of intolerance, honors the heritages and experiences of all who serve in this august body and commits all of us to the continued search of a ‘more perfect Union.’”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:20:25Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-support-anti-hate-resolution,Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement in Support of Anti-Hate Resolution,2019-03-07,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Majority Whip James E. Clyburn delivered the following statement on the floor of the House in support of the resolution condemning anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim discrimination, and bigotry against minorities: Click image to watch the full floor statement Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of this resolution condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and bigotry against minorities. This resolution expresses our rejection of all attempts to weaponize words and sow discord and division. Make no mistake, our Caucus is unified. But unity does not mean unanimity. We are the most diverse Caucus in the history of Congress. We are a true reflection of who and what America is. Each of us brings our own familial backgrounds and personal experiences to this august body. Those experiences help shape our values and our perspectives as we do the work of the American people. We learn from one another, and we do so following President Lincoln's declaration, ""with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in. The resolution condemns hateful expressions of intolerance, honors the heritages and experiences of all who serve in this august body and commits all of us to the continued search of a more perfect Union.'",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/cunningham-presses-trump-administration-official-disruption-caused-seismic,Cunningham Presses Trump Administration Official on the Disruption Caused by Seismic Airgun Blasting,2019-03-07,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining the threats on the North Atlantic Right Whale, Rep. Joe Cunningham pressed Trump Administration official Chris Oliver on the disruption to marine life caused by seismic airgun blasting. Cunningham used an airhorn to demonstrate how loud seismic airgun blasting is, noting that the sound from a seismic airgun blast is 16,000 times louder, repeated every 10 seconds over a period of months. After the demonstration, Mr. Oliver agreed that it was impactful on marine species. You can watch the exchange here. I'm a former ocean engineer, but it doesn't take an expert to know that seismic airgun blasting is an incredibly disruptive process for marine life that depend on sound to communicate and navigate, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. Let me be perfectly clear, South Carolinians do not want offshore drilling off our coast, and we do not want its disruptive precursor, seismic airgun blasting.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-goose-creek,Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in Goose Creek,2019-03-06,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in Goose Creek Friday, March 8, 2019 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Staff will be at the Goose Creek Library to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Friday, March 8, 2019 1:30 - 2:30 PM Goose Creek Library 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-goose-creek-0,Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in Goose Creek,2019-03-06,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in Goose Creek Friday, March 8, 2019 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM. Staff will be at the Goose Creek Library to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Friday, March 8, 2019 1:30 - 2:30 PM Goose Creek Library 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-helps-pass-burn-pit-bill-after-speaking-house-floor,Rep. Cunningham Helps Pass Burn Pit Bill after Speaking on the House Floor,2019-03-05,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham helped pass H.R. 1381, the Burn Pits Registry Enhancement Act, after urging his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the bill in a speech on the House floor. This important bipartisan legislation improves the burn pits registry by allowing entries to be updated with the cause of death after a registered veteran passes away, improving and expanding the data available for studies related to burn pits. For years, servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan tossed every variety of waste into massive pits to be set on fire, without knowing the harmful chemicals they were likely breathing in as a result, said Rep Joe Cunningham. Now, our veterans are developing debilitating and often fatal illnesses that are likely linked to their exposure to toxic burn pits. Improving and expanding the burn pits registry will help us gather important information to ensure veterans receive the answers they are owed and the treatment they deserve. I am proud that we came together to pass this important legislation and I urge my colleagues to do the same in the Senate. You can watch the floor speech here. Rep. Cunningham serves on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. The Lowcountry has the highest amount of veterans in the state of South Carolina.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-editorial-expanded-background-checks-important-step-post-and-courier,ICYMI: Editorial: Expanded background checks an important step [Post and Courier],2019-03-01,2019,2019-03,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Editorial: Expanded background checks an important step | Post and Courier By the Editorial Board March 1, 2019 The U.S. House vote to expand background checks for gun purchases was a victory for supporters of common-sense gun reform. While the measure faces a steep climb in the Senate and a promised veto from President Donald Trump, Americans should be heartened that more lawmakers are heeding their call for action on the scourge of gun violence. The bill approved Thursday would wisely lengthen the maximum time allowed for FBI background checks for all gun purchases from three days to 10. That longer time period almost certainly would have prevented Dylann Roof, with his criminal record, from buying the gun he used to kill nine parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in 2015. The racially motivated shooting led to the three-day time limit being dubbed the Charleston loophole. The numbers bear out the need for better background checks. From 2010 to 2014, there were an astounding 15,729 gun sales that should have been denied but went forward by default because the three-day window on background checks had closed, according to the Giffords Center. In 2016, over 4,000 guns were sold to people who should not have been able to buy one because of a criminal record, mental illness or other disqualifying issue, according to U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C. Mr. Cunningham introduced the bill along with fellow South Carolina Democrat Jim Clyburn and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y. Today, members of the House of Representatives addressed those who have lost loved ones due to gun violence not just with thoughts and prayers but with action, Rep. Cunningham said. It is long past time we closed the Charleston loophole and gave law enforcement the time necessary to make sure dangerous people don't end up with deadly weapons they are prohibited from obtaining. I am incredibly proud we passed this common-sense, bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same. Nine out of 10 background checks go through quickly. It's not unreasonable to give law enforcement the time to properly do its job and ensure a potential buyer is eligible to purchase a weapon. That's a small inconvenience when weighed against the potential for catastrophe. [] These are welcome actions in response to a nation awash in gun violence. It's impractical and just plain wrong to say we can't do anything about it. There is no doubt that existing laws must be better enforced, but where other safety improvements can be made, we should make them. A majority of Americans favor doing just that with expanded background checks. The vast majority of gun owners are responsible and law abiding, so it's unfortunate that the bad actors make it necessary to put more safeguards in place. But we can't read people's minds or divine their intentions, so we must do what we can to protect ourselves from those who would harm us and protect others from harming themselves. While the House bills may face insurmountable roadblocks going forward, they should be viewed as a hopeful sign. The discussion they generated also is valuable in keeping the issue in the spotlight, rather than waiting for yet another tragedy to bring it into the national consciousness. We encourage other lawmakers to heed the call for common-sense gun reform.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-on-passage-of-the-aeoecharleston-loopholeae%c2%9d/,Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement on Passage of the “Charleston Loophole”,2019-02-28,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1112 The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 today by a vote of 228-198. The bipartisan legislation will fix the so-called “Charleston Loophole” that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Had the FBI background check been completed, the perpetrator of the Emanuel massacre would have been barred from purchasing a firearm. H.R. 1112 extends the initial background check review period from 3 business days to 10 business days. If after 10 business days the background check system has not returned an answer to the gun dealer, the purchaser may request an escalated review. If the additional 10 business days elapse without a response from the background check system, then the licensed gun dealer may sell or transfer the gun to the purchaser. Before the vote this morning, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn gave the following floor statement: Click image to watch the full floor statement “I have a prepared text here that I would like to enter into the record. But let me begin my remarks, first of all, by welcoming to our Capitol today Ms. Jennifer Pinckney and her two daughters. They are wife and children of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who along with eight of his Bible study parishioners, lost his life to a demented white supremacist who said that he was interested in starting a race war. He entered their church, participated in the Bible study, which they welcomed him into, and as they closed their study that evening and prayed for what they had experienced and for their next meeting, this gentleman, while their eyes were closed, opened his and slaughtered them. “I find it interesting my colleague has talked about the inconvenience of waiting longer than three days to purchase a weapon without mentioning those poor souls of Emanuel A.M.E. church. He’s talked about people who might be inconvenienced. He’s talked about something he read in the newspapers, but he has not mentioned them. Well, I’m here today to say that the members of this august body need to think a little bit about the value of those lives. Are they more valuable than the inconvenience a gun purchaser may have by having to wait 10 rather than three days to make a purchase? What would make one so anxious to purchase a gun in the first place? If you've got to have a gun right now, chances are you have no useful purpose, no redeeming value, in the purchase of that gun. And maybe we ought to participate here as members of this body in helping this purchaser with a cooling off period, which is all we are asking to do here. “Charleston, South Carolina is nicknamed the Holy City. Churches and steeples dominate the skyline of this historic city which until recently had an ordinance that no building could be constructed higher than 55 feet, wanting nothing to obstruct the steeples. Faith is fundamental to the Charleston community. However, that faith was rocked in June 2015 when this lone gunman rushed into this bible study after studying the most historic African American churches in the state of South Carolina, developed a list of five churches, one of which was Emmanuel A.M.E. He, by his own admission, selected this church because of its importance to the African American community, being the first organized place of worship in the South for African Americans. He selected this. This was a hate crime of the first order. And we are saying we should not inconvenience him. And we did not inconvenience him. We allowed him to get that gun after three days, when it was around the fifth day they found the glitch in the system and found him to be ineligible to own a gun. “We just had a gunman go into his workplace in Aurora, Illinois. He was ineligible to have a gun. But he was allowed to purchase a gun. When they found out he was ineligible, they sent him a letter saying please bring us a gun back, you are not eligible to have a gun. Give me a break. No, he didn't return the gun because he had no redeeming value in having the gun. He murdered his co-workers. And you're telling me we should not inconvenience him. “Well, my colleague, the chair of the committee has laid out a procedure in this bill, a procedure that makes it a maximum, irrespective of what my colleague may say, a maximum of 20 working days, business days, that one would have in order to purchase a gun. “I would hope as we move forward here today we would think about those poor souls of Emanuel A.M.E. church. We'll think about those 4,000 people, 4,200 people who purchased guns in 2016 using this loophole. The 4,800 people who purchased guns in 2017 using this loophole. Think about their families. Think about their children. And think about what we’re about to do here today. “Let me take this minute to go back to what I had prepared to say here today. In troubling times many of us find solace in the serenity prayer. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And wisdom, wisdom to know the difference. “The Charleston loophole is something all members of Congress should have the courage to change. And by doing so, grant the American people the serenity they deserve in their schools, in their entertainment venues, in their neighborhood streets. And god forbid in their places of worship.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:17:04Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/majority-whip-clyburn-floor-statement-passage-%E2%80%9Ccharleston-loophole%E2%80%9D,Majority Whip Clyburn Floor Statement on Passage of the Charleston Loophole,2019-02-28,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1112 The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 today by a vote of 228-198. The bipartisan legislation will fix the so-called Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Had the FBI background check been completed, the perpetrator of the Emanuel massacre would have been barred from purchasing a firearm. H.R. 1112 extends the initial background check review period from 3 business days to 10 business days. If after 10 business days the background check system has not returned an answer to the gun dealer, the purchaser may request an escalated review. If the additional 10 business days elapse without a response from the background check system, then the licensed gun dealer may sell or transfer the gun to the purchaser. Before the vote this morning, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn gave the following floor statement: Click image to watch the full floor statement I have a prepared text here that I would like to enter into the record. But let me begin my remarks, first of all, by welcoming to our Capitol today Ms. Jennifer Pinckney and her two daughters. They are wife and children of Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who along with eight of his Bible study parishioners, lost his life to a demented white supremacist who said that he was interested in starting a race war. He entered their church, participated in the Bible study, which they welcomed him into, and as they closed their study that evening and prayed for what they had experienced and for their next meeting, this gentleman, while their eyes were closed, opened his and slaughtered them. I find it interesting my colleague has talked about the inconvenience of waiting longer than three days to purchase a weapon without mentioning those poor souls of Emanuel A.M.E. church. He's talked about people who might be inconvenienced. He's talked about something he read in the newspapers, but he has not mentioned them. Well, I'm here today to say that the members of this august body need to think a little bit about the value of those lives. Are they more valuable than the inconvenience a gun purchaser may have by having to wait 10 rather than three days to make a purchase? What would make one so anxious to purchase a gun in the first place? If you've got to have a gun right now, chances are you have no useful purpose, no redeeming value, in the purchase of that gun. And maybe we ought to participate here as members of this body in helping this purchaser with a cooling off period, which is all we are asking to do here. Charleston, South Carolina is nicknamed the Holy City. Churches and steeples dominate the skyline of this historic city which until recently had an ordinance that no building could be constructed higher than 55 feet, wanting nothing to obstruct the steeples. Faith is fundamental to the Charleston community. However, that faith was rocked in June 2015 when this lone gunman rushed into this bible study after studying the most historic African American churches in the state of South Carolina, developed a list of five churches, one of which was Emmanuel A.M.E. He, by his own admission, selected this church because of its importance to the African American community, being the first organized place of worship in the South for African Americans. He selected this. This was a hate crime of the first order. And we are saying we should not inconvenience him. And we did not inconvenience him. We allowed him to get that gun after three days, when it was around the fifth day they found the glitch in the system and found him to be ineligible to own a gun. We just had a gunman go into his workplace in Aurora, Illinois. He was ineligible to have a gun. But he was allowed to purchase a gun. When they found out he was ineligible, they sent him a letter saying please bring us a gun back, you are not eligible to have a gun. Give me a break. No, he didn't return the gun because he had no redeeming value in having the gun. He murdered his co-workers. And you're telling me we should not inconvenience him. Well, my colleague, the chair of the committee has laid out a procedure in this bill, a procedure that makes it a maximum, irrespective of what my colleague may say, a maximum of 20 working days, business days, that one would have in order to purchase a gun. I would hope as we move forward here today we would think about those poor souls of Emanuel A.M.E. church. We'll think about those 4,000 people, 4,200 people who purchased guns in 2016 using this loophole. The 4,800 people who purchased guns in 2017 using this loophole. Think about their families. Think about their children. And think about what we're about to do here today. Let me take this minute to go back to what I had prepared to say here today. In troubling times many of us find solace in the serenity prayer. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And wisdom, wisdom to know the difference. The Charleston loophole is something all members of Congress should have the courage to change. And by doing so, grant the American people the serenity they deserve in their schools, in their entertainment venues, in their neighborhood streets. And god forbid in their places of worship.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-cunningham-praises-passage-hr-1112-enhanced-background-checks,"Representative Cunningham Praises Passage of H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019",2019-02-28,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Joe Cunningham praised the House passage of H.R. 1112, the legislation he introduced with Majority Whip Clyburn and Republican Rep. Peter King. This bipartisan legislation closes the Charleston Loophole' that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed by default if a background check is not completed within three days. The bill, which passed out of the U.S. House today on a bipartisan vote, extends the initial background check review period from three to 10 days. In 2016 alone, more than 4,000 firearms were sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses, or other circumstances that disqualify them from purchasing a firearm under federal law. H.R. 1112 and H.R. 8, which was passed by the House yesterday, are the first pieces of gun safety legislation to pass the House of Representatives in over two decades. Today, members of the House of Representatives addressed those who have lost loved ones due to gun violence not just with thoughts and prayers, but with action, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. It is long past time we closed the Charleston loophole and gave law enforcement the time necessary to make sure dangerous people don't end up with deadly weapons they are prohibited from obtaining. I am incredibly proud we passed this common sense, bipartisan legislation and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the same.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cunningham-praises-reauthorization-lwcf,Congressman Cunningham Praises the Reauthorization of LWCF,2019-02-26,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lands Package includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Joe Cunningham praised the House's passage of the Lands Package, which will now be sent to the President's desk for his signature. The historic Lands Package includes the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF provides access to recreational areas and trails, national parks and wildlife refuges, and historic battlefields and cultural sites across the country, at no cost to taxpayers. I'm proud to champion the permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which enriches countless lives in the Lowcountry by investing in local parks, trails, public lands and outdoors spaces, said Rep. Joe Cunningham. LWCF is the gold standard of conservation programs and has invested more than $294 million in South Carolina to protect its recreation areas and open spaces since 1965. While I believe this important, bipartisan program should never have been allowed to expire, I'm proud we could come together now to ensure future generations enjoy unfettered access to our great outdoors.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-joe-cunningham-announces-staff-office-hours-mcclellanville,Congressman Joe Cunningham Announces Staff Office Hours in McClellanville,2019-02-26,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Staff from Congressman Cunningham's office will be holding office hours in McClellanville on Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Staff will be at the McClellanville Town Hall to assist constituents with issues involving government agencies. If you need some help with a Social Security claim, or a VA issue or would just like to leave a message for Congressman Cunningham, please stop by. Details: Thursday, February 28, 2019 12:00 - 1:00 PM McClellanville Town Hall 405 Pinckney st McClellanville, SC 29458 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-joe-cunningham-congress-should-approve-bill-close-charleston-loophole,ICYMI: Joe Cunningham: Congress should approve bill to close the ‘Charleston loophole’ [Post and Courier],2019-02-26,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Joe Cunningham: Congress should approve bill to close the Charleston loophole' |Post and Courier February 25, 2019 Eyes were closed and heads were bowed in prayer when Dylann Roof opened fire at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. He had been welcomed with open arms into a Bible study class on the evening of June 17, 2015. He left after murdering nine of our neighbors with a .45-caliber handgun he acquired through a fault in our background-check system that would later become known as the Charleston loophole. Today, a firearm can be purchased after three business days even when a background check has not yet been completed. The vast majority of background checks are processed within that three-day time period, usually within minutes. But in 2016, more than 4,000 firearms were sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses, or other circumstances that disqualify them from purchasing a firearm under federal law. In 2017, the numbers were even higher. While a past drug arrest should have prevented Roof from purchasing his gun, the sale proceeded by default because his background check extended past three business days. Hence, the Charleston loophole. But its consequences aren't just limited to Charleston. You may recall the mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, by a man armed with an AR-15. He had a domestic-violence conviction, which should have prevented him from purchasing the weapon. Most recently, five people were murdered at a manufacturing plant in Illinois by a man who falsified his background application to cover up a criminal conviction. There are myriad reasons why a background check may not be completed within three days. Combing through criminal and mental health records kept by 50 states and our military is arduous, further complicated by the fact some convictions have been expunged. In other instances, incorrect information is collected by the seller or provided by the purchaser intentionally or not. Considering all of this, the fact that 96 percent of background checks are processed within 72 hours is quite impressive. But we deserve better. What does it say about our system that a firearm background check can be passed by default, and under what other circumstances would this be acceptable? If the FAA were forced to issue certifications to airplanes even when their inspections have not been completed, would you feel comfortable riding in that plane? The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019, which I introduced with U.S. Reps. James Clyburn, D-S.C., and Peter King, R-N.Y., aims to close the Charleston loophole by extending the deadline to 10 days. If the background check has not been completed in 10 days a potential buyer may petition for an expedited background check, which must be completed within an additional 10 days. It is a pragmatic, bipartisan and commonsense measure to ensure firearms are not sold to criminals or those with mental illness. A former FBI assistant director recently described closing the Charleston loophole to the Wall Street Journal as the single most influential factor that could be changed without affecting the whole integrity of the process. I would just call it commonsense. I believe in the Second Amendment, am a gun owner and have a concealed carry permit. I've said time and time again that we cannot legislate away all evil in this country. But to the extent that rules can be clarified, background checks streamlined and loopholes closed, all while protecting the Second Amendment, it is incumbent upon elected officials to take action. I encourage all of my colleagues in the House to support this piece of legislation and am hopeful the Senate will follow suit. Despite the overwhelming and bipartisan support for this commonsense legislation, there are those who will oppose it. The NRA has defended this loophole, stating that gun owners should not bear the burden of government's inefficiency. Bewilderingly, they can't think of a single reason we should strengthen our background checks system. I can think of nine. U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, a Democrat, represents South Carolina's 1st Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/majority-whip-clyburn-and-congressman-cunningham-praise-passage-lands-package,Majority Whip Clyburn and Congressman Cunningham Praise Passage of Lands Package,2019-02-26,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Package Includes HBCU Historic Preservation Reauthorization and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act WASHIGTON, DC U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) and Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-01) praised the passage of the Lands Package the House passed today which will be sent to the President's desk for his signature. This package includes funding for two bills that Majority Whip Clyburn authored and passed the House in previous Congresses the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Historic Preservation Reauthorization and the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act. Majority Whip Clyburn has championed preservation of historic sites and structures on HBCU campuses his entire career in Congress. In 1998, at the request of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Government Accountability Office conducted a survey of preservation needs at HBCUs that found 712 structures on 103 HBCU campuses in need of historic preservation. The projected cost to preserve and restore those buildings was $755 million. To date, more than 60 buildings on HBCU campuses in 20 states have been renovated through the HBCU Historic Preservation program managed by the National Park Service. The legislation would reauthorize the program at $10 million annually for seven years. Many buildings at HBCUs in South Carolina have been restored by this program, including Chappelle Auditorium and Arnett Hall at Allen University, Ministers and Tingley Halls at Claflin University, and Massachusetts Hall at Voorhees College. The Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Act re-designates and expands the Reconstruction Era National Monument in Beaufort County, South Carolina, which was established in January 2017 by President Obama through the Antiquities Act. This bill includes authority for boundary expansions within the Beaufort National Historic Landmark District, on St. Helena Island, and at the Camp Saxton Site in Port Royal.This bill also creates the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, a program to preserve and promote Reconstruction Era sites around the country, which will be managed by the National Park Service. Majority Whip James E. Clyburn Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have worked to preserve and protect our nation's most treasured historical sites and institutions. These federal designations and investments will bring new life to historic buildings and parks across the country, some of which were built by student labor and designed by unsung Black architects. Even today the history of the Reconstruction Era and the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities is not well understood.This package not only preserves and protects buildings on HBCU campuses and Reconstruction Era sites, but it also documents and promotes the history of Reconstruction which is critical to avoiding past mistakes and guiding our pursuit of a more perfect union. Congressman Joe Cunningham This historic Lands Package will provide much-needed preservation funds for HBCU buildings which have played a pivotal role in educating generations of African American leaders across South Carolina. It also shines a spotlight on the Lowcountry's important Reconstruction History, where the slow process of granting rights and equality to formerly-enslaved African Americans began. Unfortunately, the significance of this time period in American history is often misunderstood and overlooked. Real reconciliation and healing are not possible without education and I am honored to stand with Majority Whip Clyburn and to preserve, protect, and promote Reconstruction history.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/congressmen-clyburn-and-cunningham-join-community-leaders-to-call-for-closing-the-charleston-loophole/,Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham Join Community Leaders To Call For Closing The Charleston Loophole,2019-02-21,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Charleston, S.C. – Next week the U.S. House of Representatives will take the first step to close the so-called “Charleston Loophole” that allowed the perpetrator of the Mother Emanuel massacre to obtain his gun. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and Congressman Joe Cunningham were joined at a press conference today by political, religious and community leaders in support of the passage of the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. The legislation introduced by South Carolina Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham along with their Republican colleague, Rep. Peter King (NY) will extend the initial background check review period from three to 10 days. Next, after that initial 10 business day period, if a background check is not completed, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. If the background check is not resolved after the additional 10 business day escalated review, the purchase may proceed. Under current law, the sale of a firearm can proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. The Enhanced Background Checks Act is designed to ensure that background checks for potential firearms purchases are completed before sales proceed while also protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers to purchase weapons in a timely manner. “It is important for us to do what we can to prevent people who should not purchase a gun from purchasing one,” said Congressman Clyburn. “As the years go by it’s become evident that if we change nothing, nothing will change. This is our step to make a change,” Congressman Cunningham said. “This is a common sense and pragmatic solution to allow law enforcement the time they need to do their job.” Many speakers explained personal connections to gun violence when pledging to support the legislation. “We know that background checks work. And we also know that sometimes they take longer than three days,” said Rabbi Stephanie Alexander from Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. “The vast majority of Americans want to see this loophole closed. Let’s get this done. So that the next time our children come home from school after practicing a code red to prepare for gun violence, we will be able to look them in the eye knowing we have done something to protect them from gun violence as well.” The founder of the Safe School Project and high school English teacher, Patrick Martin, explained that “teachers have a front row seat to the fears of students” and said that this bill is “a common-sense measure to help ease the apprehension of students and reassure parents that the polarization that has led to these senseless killings will end.” The bill is expected to pass the house next week and Congressman Clyburn urged everyone to “talk to as many people as you possibly can. Write as many people as you possibly can. Call as many people as you possibly can. Let’s see what we can do to build support for this on the Senate side.” Speakers included Reverend Eric Manning, minister at Mother Emanuel AME; Mayor John Tecklenburg, Charleston; Former Mayor Joe Riley, Charleston; Rabbi Stephanie Alexander, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim; Ilene Turbow, Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Charleston; Reverend Nelson Rivers, National Action Network; Patrick Martin, High School English Teacher and Founder of The Safe School Project; Jackie Shelley, Charleston Moms Demand Action; Sydney Clinton, Lowcountry Students for Political Action; Thomas Dixon, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; Meghan Alexander, Founder of Arm in Arm.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:17:04Z https://clyburn.house.gov/postmaster-frazier-b-baker-post-office-dedication-announced-new-lake-city-post-office-name-honors-first-african-american-postmaster/,Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office Dedication Announced New Lake City Post Office Name Honors First African-American Postmaster,2019-02-21,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Columbia, S.C. – On Friday, February 22, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn join other elected officials and Baker family representatives at the renaming of the Lake City Post Office in Lake City, South Carolina in honor of Frazier B. Baker. The new name pays tribute to the memory and courage of Frazier Baker, the first African American appointed to serve as postmaster at the Lake City Post Office in 1897, who was lynched for refusing to give up his post. This dedication ceremony takes place exactly 121 years after Baker and his infant daughter were murdered. Congressman Clyburn sponsored legislation, H.R. 7230, designating the post office name change to right a past wrong and acknowledge the sacrifices of Frazier Baker and so many others who stood up against injustice and intolerance. WHO: Congressman James E. Clyburn S.C. Representative Roger K. Kirby S.C. Senator Ronnie A. Saab Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson, Jr. Dr. Fostenia Baker, grand-niece of Frazier Baker WHAT: Dedication of the Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office WHERE: Lake City United Methodist Church 229 West Main Street, Lake City, South Carolina WHEN: Friday, February 22, 2019 11:00 a.m.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:17:04Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/congressmen-clyburn-and-cunningham-join-community-leaders-call-closing-charleston,Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham Join Community Leaders To Call For Closing The Charleston Loophole,2019-02-21,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Charleston, S.C. Next week the U.S. House of Representatives will take the first step to close the so-called Charleston Loophole that allowed the perpetrator of the Mother Emanuel massacre to obtain his gun. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and Congressman Joe Cunningham were joined at a press conference today by political, religious and community leaders in support of the passage of the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. The legislation introduced by South Carolina Congressmen Clyburn and Cunningham along with their Republican colleague, Rep. Peter King (NY) will extend the initial background check review period from three to 10 days.Next, after that initial 10 business day period, if a background check is not completed, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. If the background check is not resolved after the additional 10 business day escalated review, the purchase may proceed. Under current law, the sale of a firearm can proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. The Enhanced Background Checks Act is designed to ensure that background checks for potential firearms purchases are completed before sales proceed while also protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers to purchase weapons in a timely manner. It is important for us to do what we can to prevent people who should not purchase a gun from purchasing one, said Congressman Clyburn. As the years go by it's become evident that if we change nothing, nothing will change. This is our step to make a change, Congressman Cunningham said. This is a common sense and pragmatic solution to allow law enforcement the time they need to do their job. Many speakers explained personal connections to gun violence when pledging to support the legislation. We know that background checks work. And we also know that sometimes they take longer than three days, said Rabbi Stephanie Alexander from Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. The vast majority of Americans want to see this loophole closed. Let's get this done. So that the next time our children come home from school after practicing a code red to prepare for gun violence, we will be able to look them in the eye knowing we have done something to protect them from gun violence as well. The founder of the Safe School Project and high school English teacher, Patrick Martin, explained that teachers have a front row seat to the fears of students and said that this bill is a common-sense measure to help ease the apprehension of students and reassure parents that the polarization that has led to these senseless killings will end. The bill is expected to pass the house next week and Congressman Clyburn urged everyone to talk to as many people as you possibly can. Write as many people as you possibly can. Call as many people as you possibly can. Let's see what we can do to build support for this on the Senate side. Speakers included Reverend Eric Manning, minister at Mother Emanuel AME; Mayor John Tecklenburg, Charleston; Former Mayor Joe Riley, Charleston; Rabbi Stephanie Alexander, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim; Ilene Turbow, Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Charleston; Reverend Nelson Rivers, National Action Network; Patrick Martin, High School English Teacher and Founder of The Safe School Project; Jackie Shelley, Charleston Moms Demand Action; Sydney Clinton, Lowcountry Students for Political Action; Thomas Dixon, Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; Meghan Alexander, Founder of Arm in Arm. Full Text of H.R. 112 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clyburn.house.gov/press-release/postmaster-frazier-b-baker-post-office-dedication-announced-new-lake-city-post-office,Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office Dedication Announced New Lake City Post Office Name Honors First African-American Postmaster,2019-02-21,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,James Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,,,legacy,"Columbia, S.C. On Friday, February 22, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn join other elected officials and Baker family representatives at the renaming of the Lake City Post Office in Lake City, South Carolina in honor of Frazier B. Baker. The new name pays tribute to the memory and courage of Frazier Baker, the first African American appointed to serve as postmaster at the Lake City Post Office in 1897, who was lynched for refusing to give up his post. This dedication ceremony takes place exactly 121 years after Baker and his infant daughter were murdered. Congressman Clyburn sponsored legislation, H.R. 7230, designating the post office name change to right a past wrong and acknowledge the sacrifices of Frazier Baker and so many others who stood up against injustice and intolerance. WHO: Congressman James E. Clyburn S.C. Representative Roger K. Kirby S.C. Senator Ronnie A. Saab Lake City Mayor Lovith Anderson, Jr. Dr. Fostenia Baker, grand-niece of Frazier Baker WHAT: Dedication of the Postmaster Frazier B. Baker Post Office WHERE: Lake City United Methodist Church 229 West Main Street, Lake City, South Carolina WHEN: Friday, February 22, 2019 11:00 a.m. To RSVP and receive additional information related to the event, please email Rachel Stein at rachel.stein@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-s-statement-declaration-national-state-emergency,Rep. Cunningham’s Statement on the Declaration of a National State of Emergency,2019-02-15,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Last Night, Rep. Joe Cunningham voted on a bipartisan government funding bill that prevented another government shutdown and included over $1 billion in border security funding. Following President Trump's declaration of a national state of emergency this morning, Cunningham released the following statement: I join members of both parties in opposing President Trump's decision to declare a state of national emergency to secure border funding. This move by the executive branch represents a gross overreach in presidential authority and circumvents the checks and balances given to Congress by the Constitution. The Framers intended for Congress to have the exclusive power of the purse and I am incredibly concerned by the dangerous precedent this sets. Diverting money from the Department of Defense and critical military construction projects could pose serious consequences for our troops and military infrastructure, potentially making our military and our country less safe. Almost $45 million in military construction initiatives in Beaufort and Parris Island could be at risk. We must continue to work to secure our borders and ports of entry, but the executive branch must go through the proper channels and work with Congress to address these serious concerns.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-statement-1st-anniversary-parkland-shooting,Rep. Cunningham Statement on the 1st Anniversary of the Parkland Shooting,2019-02-14,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"To mark the one-year anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Congressman Joe Cunningham released the following statement: We mourn the 17 lives that were lost to violence one year ago today. The senseless death of students and staff at MSD was tragic and painful for the community of Parkland, Florida and the rest of the nation. We admire the unity and strength of the citizens and survivors who have worked courageously to keep the memory of those 17 alive, and their fight for future episodes of gun violence to be prevented. Alyssa, Martin, Nicholas, Jaime, Luke, Cara, Gina, Joaquin, Alaina, Meadow Helena, Alex, Carmen, Peter, Scott, Aaron, and Chris will never be forgotten. Today, we honor their lives with action and commit ourselves to common sense solutions that will make our schools, our theatres, and our places of worship safer. Background This week, Congressman Joe Cunningham introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 with Majority Whip James Clyburn and Republican Rep. Peter King. The bipartisan legislation will close the so-called Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days.This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cunningham-statement-bipartisan-government-funding-deal,Rep. Cunningham Statement on the Bipartisan Government Funding Deal,2019-02-14,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Joe Cunningham issued the following statement in support of the bipartisan and bicameral government funding deal: Let me be completely clear, another government shutdown is absolutely unacceptable. I have said from the very beginning that both sides would need to come together and compromise and I applaud the bipartisan group for doing just that. While this deal is not perfect, it ensures our borders are secure, the federal government remains open and members of the U.S. Coast Guard are paid. I will vote in support of today's package and am hopeful that we can now swiftly move past this crisis. We must continue to work together to tackle the tough problems facing our country and acknowledge that real governing must mean compromise. I am incredibly concerned by reports that the President will declare a national state of emergency in order to increase border funding, which I believe would set a dangerous precedent. This grave overreach of executive power circumvents the U.S. Constitution and could result in raiding critical funds meant for disaster recovery. I would strongly object to the misappropriation of disaster relief funds designated for the Lowcountry to be used in such a regard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/staff-congressman-cunningham-s-office-will-be-holding-office-hours-goose-creek,Staff from Congressman Cunningham’s office will be holding office hours at the Goose Creek Library,2019-02-13,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"On February 14, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, staff will be at the Goose Creek Library to answer questions and address concerns from constituents of the 1stCongressional District. The Congressman's staff can serve as a resource for issues including Social Security, Medicare, passports, and VA benefits. Details: February 14, 2019 3:00-4:00 PM Goose Creek Library 325 Old Moncks Corner Rd, Goose Creek, SC 29445 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/staff-congressman-cunningham-s-office-will-be-holding-office-hours-beaufort,Staff from Congressman Cunninghams office will be holding office hours at the Beaufort Branch Library,2019-02-12,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"On February 13, 2019 from 10 AM to 11:00 AM, staff will be at the Beaufort Branch Library to answer questions and address concerns from constituents of the 1stCongressional District. The Congressman's staff can serve as a resource for issues including Social Security, Medicare, passports, and VA benefits. Details: February 13, 2019 10:00 AM-11:00 AM 311 Scott Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/staff-congressman-cunningham-s-office-will-be-holding-office-hours-st-helena,Staff from Congressman Cunninghams office will be holding office hours on St Helena Island,2019-02-12,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"On February 13, 2019 from 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM, staff will be at the St Helena Branch Library to answer questions and address concerns from constituents of the 1stCongressional District. The Congressman's staff can serve as a resource for issues including Social Security, Medicare, passports, and VA benefits. Details: February 13, 2019 2:15 PM to 3:15 PM 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Rd., St. Helena, SC 29920 (Congressman Cunningham will not be in attendance)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cunningham.house.gov/media/press-releases/clyburn-king-and-cunningham-introduce-legislation-close-charleston-loophole,"Clyburn, King, and Cunningham Introduce Legislation to Close the Charleston Loophole",2019-02-11,2019,2019-02,Democrat,House,SC,Joe Cunningham,C001122,cunningham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bi-Partisan Bill Creates Process for FBI to Complete Background Checks WASHINGTON, DC U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-6), Congressman Peter King (NY-2) and Congressman Joe Cunningham (SC-1) introduced the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019 in the 116th Congress.The bipartisan legislation will close the so-called Charleston Loophole that currently allows the sale of a firearm to proceed if a background check is not completed within three days. This loophole in the background check system is the reason a gunman was able to obtain the weapon used to murder nine people and wound three others as they participated in a Bible study at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina in June 2015. Had the FBI background check been completed, the perpetrator of the Emanuel massacre would have been barred from purchasing a firearm.In 2016, more than 4,000 guns were sold to people with criminal records, mental illnesses and other circumstances which disqualify them from purchasing a firearm due to the inability to complete background checks within three days. Since 1998, the Charleston Loophole has put 60,000 guns into the hands of prohibited gun owners. This legislation extends the initial background check review period from three to 10 days.Next, after that initial 10 business day period, if a background check is not completed, a purchaser may request an escalated review to spur the FBI to complete its investigation. The bill includes an important protection for law-abiding gun purchasers, that if the escalated review is not completed within the required 10 days, the sale may proceed. This compromise will ensure that background checks for potential firearms purchasers are completed before sales proceed while also protecting the rights of law-abiding gun purchasers to purchase weapons in a timely manner. Click for the full bill text of H.R. 1112 Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019. Majority Whip James Clyburn The real tragedy of the Emanuel Massacre is that it could have been prevented. We need to ensure that background checks are completed before weapons are sold. This legislation seeks to provide, with as much certainty as possible, that guns are not sold to those who ought not have them. Congressman Peter King Very simply, Law Enforcement needs the tools and the time to ensure that those individuals who should not have guns do not get guns. I am proud to work with Congressman Clyburn to prevent another tragedy from happening. Congressman Joe Cunningham Background checks can save lives, and I'm proud to support a bill that ensures dangerous people don't end up with deadly weapons when they shouldn't be allowed to. This common sense bipartisan bill gives law enforcement the time necessary for them to do their job. The tragedy at Mother Emanuel should never have happened, and hopefully by promoting common sense steps like closing the Charleston loophole we can prevent it from ever happening again.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z