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://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-writes-constituents-reflecting-first-year-congress,TIMMONS WRITES TO CONSTITUENTS REFLECTING ON FIRST YEAR IN CONGRESS,2019-12-30,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Greenville, SC-- Congress is, for the most part,gridlockedby partisanship,butI remain optimistic about our nation's future. My team and I worked hard this year to deliver resultsfor the people of the Upstate, but Washington remains dysfunctional. Congress needs members from both sides of the aisleto work together to address our fiscal crisis, continue to grow the economy, secure our borders, foster job growth and innovation, and address the rapidly growing cost of healthcare in our country. Read more about my first year in Congress in the letter below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/duncan-democrats-have-caused-irreparable-harm,Duncan: 'Democrats have caused irreparable harm',2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/huge-pro-life-victory-trump-admin-takes-aim-abortion-surcharge-hidden-some,Huge pro-life victory: Trump admin takes aim at the abortion surcharge hidden in some Obamacare plans,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-joe-wilson-to-attend-ndaa-signing-ceremony,Congressman Joe Wilson to Attend NDAA Signing Ceremony,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 20, Congressman Joe Wilson issued the following statement on plans to attend the National Defense Authorization (NDAA) Signing Ceremony tonight: ""As an NDAA Committee Conferee, I am thankful to be with President Donald Trump as he signs the NDAA into law. I am extraordinarily grateful that this year's NDAA included my legislation with the most co-sponsors of any bill this Congress, 383, to finally AXE the Widow's Tax. This is a big win for military spouses, families, and servicemembers who for years have been victim to this unjust offset."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-leads-house-members-advocating-foster-care-religious-liberty-rule,Timmons Leads House Members in Advocating for Foster Care Religious Liberty Rule Change,2019-12-20,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday, 50 Members of the House of Representatives joined Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar. The letter commends HHS' recent notice of proposed rulemaking which would roll-back harmful Obama Administration regulations which infringed upon the religious liberty of faith-based foster care providers across the United States, including Miracle Hill Ministries in Greenville, SC. I want to thank each of my colleagues in Congress who joined me in advocating on behalf of the many faith-based foster care providers throughout our country, said Congressman Timmons. The faith community has a long and rich history of providing homes for vulnerable children. It was unfortunate that the previous administration chose to punish those willing to serve the least fortunate in our communities because of the very same religious beliefs which inspired their charity. I am thrilled the Trump Administration recognized their predecessors' error and have proposed a remedy, and I look forward to the proposed regulations being finalized. The well-being of foster children across the country depends on it. Click here to view the letter and here to read Congressman Timmons' op-ed on this topic from earlier this year. Notable Reactions We applaud the courageous leadership of Representative Timmons and other Members of Congress defending the religious freedom rights of faith-based child welfare providers, said Reid Lehman, President and CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries. Last year Miracle Hill Ministries served 434 South Carolina foster children, 171 of whom were successfully reunited with their families and 31 of whom were adopted. Although we are grateful for the 2019 HHS waiver allowing us to continue operating, this temporary remedy must become permanent and extend to all faith-based providers caring for our nation's most vulnerable children. Now is the time for HHS to change this burdensome, unlawful regulation. This new regulation from the Trump administration is a welcome signal that the child-welfare system is about the welfare of childrennot proxy culture wars. The previous administration's policy change excluded faith-based organizations with convictions about the need for a child to have both a mother and a father. The children in our foster system are facing a crisis as tens of thousands age out of the program each year, said Russell Moore, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Every American ought to be able to come together to solve this problem. This move is a good start in that direction.",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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/dark-day-america-duncan-reacts-impeachment-vote,Dark Day In America - Duncan reacts to impeachment vote,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-praises-passage-historic-usmca,Duncan Praises Passage of Historic USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan praised the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the House of Representatives: President Trump has secured yet another historic victory for the United States of America. The USMCA will bring our trade policies with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century and implement provisions that put our nation and our workers first. This modernized and generational trade deal will further propel the nation's economic success we are currently experiencing under the Trump Administration. It's sad that we waited over a year for this deal to come to fruition as Speaker Pelosi held it hostage to try and disguise the unpopularity of her party's impeachment sham. The American people see right through it. They know President Trump is the one who secured this win another promise made and a promise kept! See Congressman Jeff Duncan's op-ed from June 2019 on the USMCA HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-joe-wilson-on-passage-of-usmca,Representatives Joe Wilson on Passage of USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Joe Wilson released the following statement after voting in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): ""As we close this year's legislative session, I am grateful that President Trump was able to come to an agreement for the USMCA. This deal will bring North American trade into the 21st century and delivers a huge win for our economy and South Carolina. The USMCA is a major accomplishment of President Trump's that makes good on his promise to fight for American workers and create jobs."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-wilson-kelly-sherrill-luria-and-stivers-introduce-body,"Representatives Wilson, Kelly, Sherrill, Luria, and Stivers Introduce Body Armor for Females Modernization Act",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"On December 19, Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) with Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Steve Stivers (OH-15) along with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the below statements following the introduction of H.R. 5491, the Body Armor for Females Modernization Act (BAFMA):",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representatives-wilson-sherrill-kelly-luria-stefanik-and-stivers,"Representatives Wilson, Sherrill, Kelly, Luria, Stefanik, and Stivers Introduce Body Armor for Females Modernization Act",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 19, Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) with Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Steve Stivers (OH-15) along with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the below statements following the introduction of H.R. 5491, the Body Armor for Females Modernization Act (BAFMA): ""Fort Jackson trains more than 60% of all women entering the Army each year. Women deserve the proper fitting personal protective equipment from the day they enter the military – not just when deploying. Our military's readiness depends on Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors to ‘train like they fight.' This bill will expedite the procuring and fielding of new generation equipment that better protects females,"" said Congressman Joe Wilson. ""I'm grateful to work to reduce injuries to all of our brave servicemembers by ensuring they have the right equipment from day one. This bill will improve overall combat effectiveness while increasing our military's readiness."" ""In the Navy, pilots are required to wear dry suits – waterproof equipment with neck and wrist seals – when the water goes below a certain temperature. I couldn't fly when that happened because the standard wrist seals were too big, and my suit would not have functioned properly,"" said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. ""I am pleased to work with Representative Wilson on this bill that will push DoD to develop personal protective equipment that better fits and protects all servicemembers, particularly women. This bill also directs DoD to collaborate with academia and industry to ensure our nation is on the cutting edge when it comes to keeping our troops safe."" ""I commend Congressman Wilson's efforts to ensure America sends her daughters to war with equipment that unleashes their full potential when facing the nation's enemies in combat,"" said Congressman Trent Kelly. ""Our female service members deserve to be equipped properly from day one of their service in order to prevent injury and so that they can train as they fight."" ""Women who serve in combat capacities in the Armed Forces deserve the protective equipment they need to be effective warfighters,"" Congresswoman Elaine Luria said. ""Proper fitting protective equipment is necessary to protect servicemembers from preventable injuries. That's why I'm championing the Female Armor Modernization Act, which would bring better-fitting protective equipment to the brave women serving our country."" ""I am proud to be an original cosponsor to the Body Armor Modernization for Females Act and have the opportunity to work with a bipartisan team in both the House and the Senate on this important issue,"" said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. ""As women take on more roles within the increasingly diverse Armed Forces, it is important that we equip service members of all shapes and sizes with properly fitting protective gear. This bill aims for every soldier to be outfitted with the right equipment so she can ‘train as she fights.' I'm proud to work with my colleagues to lean forward with the next steps of fielding the next generation of protective equipment."" ""As a Brigadier General, I'm seeing the military evolve before our eyes - there are over 200,000 women in the Armed Forces, and with combat roles now open to women, that number is only going to grow,"" said Congressman Steve Stivers. ""As a Member of a Congress it is my duty to make sure all American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have the tools necessary to be mission capable,"" said Stivers. ""I am glad this legislation recognizes this and will provide our servicewomen with the proper gear they need to protect them and prevent potential injuries."" ""Women continue to make strides in serving in critical roles within our nation's military. As a woman who served in combat and commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and with my own daughter who is going through training right now at West Point, I understand just how important it is for all servicemembers to be properly equipped for the battlefield,"" said Senator Ernst, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. ""Right now, female servicemembers are facing injuries due to ill-fitting equipment. We must do better for our military men and women. This commonsense, bipartisan proposal is a step toward ensuring adequate and proper-fitting equipment is readily available to our female servicemembers to ensure their readiness, survivability, and effectiveness in combat."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=418,U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman Issues Statement on the Passage of the USMCA,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman Issues Statement on the Passage of the USMCA On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman issued the following statement after voting in favor of the USMCA:""Ultimately what the USMCA does is help level the playing field for trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The result will be more than half a million new American jobs, higher wages for our workers, and more opportunities for U.S. businesses. ""Although there are elements of this agreement that I disagree with including and especiallyArticle 19.17, which mirrors CDA Section 230 I believe the overall benefits of the USMCA will nevertheless be substantial to our nation. I thank President Trump and his administration for their work in making this a reality."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=6C5ED383-90BB-4E18-BBF1-DFECAFBDBB2C,Rep. Rice votes to boost economy and create jobs,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.) released the following statement after voting for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The nameplate on my desk says jobs, jobs, jobs and that's exactly what the USMCA will bring. For far too long, America was willing to accept trade agreements that were tilted against American workers. These unfair agreements are one of the primary reasons that the American middle class has stagnated for decades until the election of President Donald Trump. This new agreement will bring new jobs to America, raise wages, and accelerate the growth of our economy. With this agreement, President Trump is doing what is right and what is fair for America. I am proud to have voted in favor of it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/usmca-passes-house-0,USMCA PASSES HOUSE,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.-- Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement after House passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): The passage of USMCA is a huge win for the country and for the Upstate. It is difficult to appreciate the magnitude of today's vote given all the noise surrounding impeachment, but I believe that when we look back on President Trump's time in office 10 or 15 years from now, we may consider negotiating and passing USMCA his signature achievement. Over 170,000 jobs in South Carolina are supported by trade with Canada and Mexico, and USMCA will continue to support those jobs and encourage export growth in South Carolina. South Carolina exports nearly $7 billion worth of products to Canada and Mexico annually. USMCA is crucial to the livelihood and success of individuals and businesses across our state. President Trump made a promise to the American people to put America first. We saw him keep that promise during negotiations, and today we saw it again with passage of the agreement. I was proud to support the deal. Background for USMCA & South Carolina: According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, USMCA will add 176,000 new jobs to the workforce and will provide over $68 billion in new economic growth Canada and Mexico purchase nearly one-fifth of South Carolina's total global manufacturing exports South Carolina's small- and medium-sized businesses comprise 63% of the state's exporters of metals to Canada and Mexico More than 14,000 of South Carolina's manufacturing jobs depend on manufacturing exports to Canada and Mexico South Carolina agricultural exports to Canada total $126 million and $21 million to Mexico",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4454F1D3-EAB6-4ACD-9CE6-117A207176B1,Graham Helps Secure $138 Million for Charleston Harbor Deepening Project,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statements after the Senate voted in support of $138 million for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. This is a giant step forward and great news for the Port of Charleston, said Graham. I'm incredibly appreciative of President Trump, as well as my House and Senate colleagues, for making this happen. The $138 million we secured is one of the most important milestones we have met. It will help keep us on track toward project completion. Graham has been a leader in ensuring the Harbor Deepening Project moves forward. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he was an early and ardent advocate, working with both the Obama and Trump Administrations to gather the necessary support. He has repeatedly secured federal authorizations and funding to move the project forward. Charleston Harbor Deepening is about jobs both today and in the future, said Graham. The Port is the backbone of our state's economy and responsible for over $60 billion in economic activity. Today's news ensures our port will continue to benefit South Carolina and American business in perpetuity. My goal from the start has to been clear: I want Charleston to be a premier port on the East Coast. With today's vote we are on our way to turning that goal into reality. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation into law soon. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F27FC3C5-CFFF-4A47-85A9-A63B4B33F0D4,"Graham: House Democrats Facing 'Buyer's Remorse,' Know Foundation of Impeachment is Shaky",2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made these statements on news Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats will hold the Articles of Impeachment in order to delay a Senate trial and vote. My concern is the precedent we are setting. The Constitution never envisioned the House being able to impeach the president, dictate the terms of the trial in the Senate, and hold the Articles of Impeachment back to be released at a time of their choosing. It creates a constitutional extortion mechanism that is dangerous for the country. I do not know what is driving the idea of holding the Articles of Impeachment. My speculation is buyer's remorse they know the foundation of impeachment is shaky. Whether you agree with impeachment or not, Trump Derangement Syndrome has reached a new level here. House Democrats refusing to send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate because they don't like the way we may do the trial that is just scary. Congressman Jim Clyburn, a very good friend and a very good man, just said if it were up to him they would never send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. That tells me they are embarrassed by what they did the product they generated in the House is not worthy of coming to the Senate. In the Clinton impeachment, I could not imagine, as a House manager, not going to the Senate to make our case. If we had held back the Articles of Impeachment against President Clinton to try to get the Senate to do our bidding the media would have eaten us alive. Speaker Pelosi has no ability to shape the trial. That is the Senate Majority Leader's decision in consultation with the Minority Leader. If you don't like the way we do a trial in the Senate, you take it to the ballot box. Constitutional checks and balances keep us free as a country. This is a destruction of the separation of powers and constitutional checks and balances. That should scare every American. This is uncharted waters constitutionally. We cannot have a system where the House: impeaches the president, tells the Senate how to conduct the trial, and holds Articles of Impeachment over the president's head. That is just absolutely in violation of every concept of separation of powers. The idea of We will withhold the Articles of Impeachment until Mitch McConnell does the bidding of Nancy Pelosi' is a non-starter. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-praises-treasury-departments-final-action-on-opportunity-zones,Senator Scott Praises Treasury Department’s Final Action on Opportunity Zones,2019-12-19,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | December 19, 2019 Senator Scott Praises Treasury Department's Final Action on Opportunity Zones WASHINGTONToday, Senator Tim Scott released the following statement on the Treasury Department's final regulations on Opportunity Zones, one of the nation's most bipartisan initiatives to combat poverty. The past fifty years of fighting poverty through government-led programs has only proved to perpetuate the cycle of generational poverty. My Opportunity Zones initiative gives us a new chance to get it right, said Senator Scott. Finalized guidelines will provide the clarity and certainty necessary for both communities and investors to fully utilize the Opportunity Zones incentive. I've worked hard to ensure that the Treasury Department was able to accomplish this before the end of the year, and am thankful for Secretary Mnuchin and the White House for seeing it through to the finish line. I look forward to implementation and the good work that stems from this remarkable bipartisan law. Click HERE to read the regulations. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/local-lawmakers-weigh-debate-over-articles-impeachment,Local lawmakers weigh in on debate over Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,2229 Rayburn House Office Building,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-democrats-articles-impeachment-mark-dark-day-america,Duncan: Democrats Articles of Impeachment Mark a Dark Day in America,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) blasted House Democrats for their two baseless Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump: Today marks a dark day in the United States of America. The Democrats have taken our nation through a divisive, partisan impeachment lacking evidence, due process, or constitutional basis in order to overturn the results of the 2016 election. They are so blinded by their hatred for the President that they voted to impeach him regardless of facts, rules, or the truth. This will go down as the most partisan and rigged impeachment process in American history and history will not be kind to the Democrats of the 116th Congress. Democrats' hateful vendetta to take down President Trump began the day their candidate, Hillary Clinton, projected to win by a landslide, was defeated by the silent majority the forgotten men and women of America who chose Donald J. Trump to lead the nation. Since that day, Democrats have made calculated moves and outlandish accusations to take him down. Yet through it all, President Trump has worked every day for the American people: draining the swamp, lowering taxes, eliminating costly regulations, removing the U.S. from the Iran Nuclear Deal and Paris Climate Agreement, crafting America first trade policies, nominating constitutionalists to the courts, and working to protect our borders. He has shut out the left's noise and worked for the American people every day, no matter the allegation being made against him. And the results speak for themselves: record unemployment and employment numbers, a booming economy, 10,000-point rise in the Dow Jones, American energy dominance, and a decrease in illegal border crossings. Democrats know this, and they know they can't beat President Trump's record. So, they instead pursue this rash impeachment. Today is a dark day in America. It's dark because Democrats have caused irreparable harm to this institution and the impeachment process. It's dark because Democrats voted to oust a President based on hearsay, and hearsay alone. Our Founding Fathers warned of such abuse and tyranny. I fear for the precedent they have now set our nation is forever changed. Watch Congressman Duncan's floor remarks HERE. Background: The Democrat-led House of Representatives ran rigged impeachment proceedings beginning in the House Intelligence Committee in the basement of the Capitol, away from the visibility of the American people. Democrats leaked bits and pieces of behind-closed-door transcripts to set up the anti-Trump narrative that was quickly published by the mainstream media. In the secret proceedings, Democrats urged witnesses not to answer certain questions by Republicans. In the public House Intelligence Committee hearings, Ambassador Gordon Sondland, the Democrats' star witness, was posed this question by Rep. Mike Turner: Nobody else on this planet told you that Donald Trump was tying aid to these investigations, is that correct? He answered Yes. The House Judiciary Committee Democrats denied Republican subpoena power and fact witness requests in an unprecedented fashion, just as the House Intelligence Committee did. The House Judiciary Committee didn't call any fact witnesses forward only leftist lawyers with a history of anti-Trump bias. Judiciary Democrats blatantly broke House Rules by not allowing a minority hearing for Republicans to call forth real fact witnesses. 71% of Judiciary Democrats supported the impeachment of President Trump before the Ukraine call. Throughout the entire process, both in private and in public, President Trump was denied representation, counsel, and due process which is completely unprecedented. Four indisputable facts have not changed and will never change. These facts are fatal to the allegations against President Trump: The July 25 call summary the best evidence of the conversation shows no conditionality or evidence of pressure. President Zelensky and President Trump have both said there was no pressure on the call. The Ukrainian government was not aware of a hold on U.S. security assistance at the time of the July 25 call. President Trump met with President Zelensky and U.S. security assistance flowed to Ukraine in September 2019 without Ukraine investigating President Trump's political rivals. This has always been a predetermined outcome. The Washington Post published an article on January 20, 2017 at 12:19pm EST entitled, The campaign to impeach President Trump has begun. Previous quote from Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path because it divides the country. Previous quote from Chairman Jerry Nadler: There must never be a narrowly-voted impeachment, or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other. Such an impeachment would lack legitimacy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-joe-wilson-votes-no-on-impeachment,Congressman Joe Wilson Votes NO on Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 18, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement after a vote on two articles of impeachment votes: ""Today, House Democrats shamefully voted alone in a partisan hoax which they have been fixated on since the day President Donald Trump was elected, a vote to impeach. I proudly voted no against both articles of impeachment. This has been their plan even before the President was elected and it is sad that House Democrats have continued this charade. This vote came with no evidence against the President and is only an attempt to divert attention from the President's successes."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=CF5C2545-3164-4998-AC69-FD6686CE9A6E,Rep. Rice rejects the Democrat’s sham-impeachment articles,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C) released the followingstatement after the House of Representatives passed articles of impeachment against President Trump. I voted no on both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.This vote was the culmination of three years of corrupt effort by the Democratic Party and the federal bureaucracy to discredit and remove President Trump. He has been the target of an astounding barrage of lies, deceit, and corruption. Now that we can move past this partisan process that has overtaken the House of Representatives for the past few months,I look forward to getting back to work on bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of hardworking American citizens. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-votes-no-impeachment,Timmons Votes No on Impeachment,2019-12-18,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman William Timmons (R-SC) released the following statement after his votes against the articles of impeachment brought against President Donald J. Trump. Since the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives and gave Nancy Pelosi the Speaker's gavel, it has not been a question of if, but when, they would impeach President Trump. The charges they brought forward illustrate the partisan nature of this process. They accuse the President of abusing the power of his office for political gain, but by doing so without providing sufficient evidence to support their claim, House Democrats are actually abusing power of their own. They accuse President Trump of obstructing Congress, but under the Constitution, complaints such as these should be resolved in our courts. Congress cannot issue blanket subpoenas to the Executive Branch and hope to find something incriminating. Instead, Congressional subpoenas must be supported by a valid legislative purpose. Presidents past, present, and future, are entitled to question whether a Congressional subpoena is backed by sufficient legal authority, or in this case, by a valid legislative purpose. And when they raise such a question, the Constitution says that the outcome should be resolved in the Judicial Branch. So why would the Democrats impeach the President now instead of waiting for the Supreme Court to fulfill their constitutional duty? Because they made up their mind to impeach the President the day they took the House. ""This entire process has reeked of political opportunism from the get-go. Today's vote will forever stain the legacy of this legislative body, and I refuse to be a part of it. ""I voted against both articles of impeachment brought against President Donald Trump.",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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-statement-reckless-spending-bills,Duncan Statement on Reckless Spending Bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) released the following statement after voting no on two reckless spending bills in the House of Representatives: The $1.4 trillion, 2,300-page spending bills were released last night, not even 24 hours before the final vote in the House. The spending bills continue us on a dangerous fiscal trajectory, placing more insurmountable debt on our children and grandchildren. This is no way to govern or legislate, and I strongly voted no. I came to Washington to get our fiscal house in order. We are not $23 trillion in debt because we tax Americans too little; we're in debt because we continually spend too much money and don't root out unnecessary government programs. Funding Constitutional functions of government, like defense, is the right thing to do just like paying the mortgage on your home is the responsible thing to do. But when you constantly use your credit card to make the payment, it is just flat wrong especially when the next generation of American workers will be the ones that pay the debt. The federal government has plenty of money coming in, but if we don't cut spending, no real or lasting change will ever be felt. I refuse to let us keep going down this path. The longer we wait to cut spending, the worse off the next generation of taxpayers will be. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=14C3B178-CF6E-4301-8A54-CC58DFE7DF33,Rep. Rice opposes fiscally irresponsible spending bills,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C) released the followingstatement after the House of Representatives voted on two appropriations bills that would add $1.4 trillion in spending. Fiscal irresponsibility seems to be the status quo in Washington, and I could not in good faith vote for legislation that would continue to increase our country's deficit. We had less than 24 hours to review thousands of pages of bill text and amendments that would cost taxpayers more than $1.4 trillion. We must start operating this country in a way that pays down the national debt and reins in spending. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-applauds-passage-of-fy-2020-ndaa,Scott Applauds Passage of FY 2020 NDAA,2019-12-17,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday | December 17, 2019 Scott Applauds Passage of FY 2020 NDAA WASHINGTONToday, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement upon final passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act: South Carolinianshave a unique bond with our nation's military, and weknow how important it is that weensure that our men and women are equipped with the tools they need to defend and protect this great nation,said Senator Tim Scott. I am proud that Congress was able to secure not only a pay raise for our troops, butalsoincrease funding for military institutions located in South Carolina, createnewopportunitiesat theSavannah River Site, andprovide more resources for the DoD's HBCU Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation program. Provisions that benefit South Carolina are outlined below: $33.3 million for Joint Base Charleston $54 million for Fort Jackson $37.2 millionforParris Island $1.463 billion for Savannah River Site (SRS), included within the total is: $410.5 million for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility Project $50 Million for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative Facility at the Savannah River Site The bill authorizes a 3.1 percent increase in pay for troops, reformsissues with military housing, and establishes strong cybersecurity and 5G provisions. The bill also includes $46.7million in funding for the Department of Defense's HBCU Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation program, an increase in funding from last year,initiated by Senator Scott through a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House and Senate Armed Service Committees. Continuing the senator's efforts on combatting carbon monoxide poisoning, NDAA requires the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors in each unit of military family housing. The report also includes a total of $712 million for the Department of Energy's plutonium sustainment, which includes $410.5 million for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility Project creating the opportunity for SRS to play an integral part in the nation's nuclear stockpile. Full text of the conference reportcan be accessedHERE. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",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://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/uk-caucus-co-chairs-wilson-and-holding-statement-on-british-election,UK Caucus Co-Chairs Wilson and Holding Statement on British Election Results,2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 13, Co-Chairs of the UK Caucus Joe Wilson (SC-02) and George Holding (NC-02) issued the following statement following last night's UK election: ""We extend our warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party. We look forward to working together in the coming months to forge a robust US-UK trade agreement and further enhance our wide-ranging bilateral alliance. ""For over seventy years, the Special Relationship has served as the beating heart of the free world and the cornerstone of our foreign policy. We can confidently say that the Special Relationship is as strong as ever and its best days lie ahead.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412,"U.S. Rep. Norman Announces $775,000 Federal Grant for Lancaster County Partners for Youth",2019-12-13,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Norman Announces $775,000 Federal Grant for Lancaster County Partners for Youth Washington, d.c., December 13, 2019 This grant is from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) at the U.S. Department of Justice. Lancaster County Partners for Youth is one of only nine (9) entities across the nation to receive this particular grant. According to the OJJDP, the funds from this grant will be used to help ""prevent and reduce the incidence of school and community violence through accountability efforts for offenders, address victimization and trauma, and improve school safety and climate."" Lancaster County Partners for Youth is an outstanding non-profit that helps funds scholarships, grants, and other programs that benefit Lancaster County's youth. Additional information about this organization can be found online at lcpartnersforyouth.org.",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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/duncan-speaks-k-love-news,Duncan Speaks with K-LOVE News,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-leads-us-supreme-court-amicus-brief-supporting-atlantic-coast-pipeline,Duncan Leads U.S. Supreme Court Amicus Brief Supporting Atlantic Coast Pipeline,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03), along with 61 Members of Congress, filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to further domestic energy transportation in the United States. Domestic energy production and transportation is critical to ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable energy to consumers around the country. Unfortunately, domestic energy has been under attack by environmental activists with short-sighted, baseless, and false information on pipeline permitting and construction. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline was halted due to this exact activism against the well-established congressional support for domestic energy production and infrastructure. I'm encouraged the Supreme Court agreed to consider this case, and I look forward to hearing the argument presented to the Court in February. You can read the brief HERE. The case is scheduled to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, February 24, 2020. Background: Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, and Southern Company were constructing a $7.5 billion, 600-mile natural gas pipeline, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), from West Virginia to North Carolina until the project was halted in December of 2018. Despite clearing numerous environmental reviews, environmental activist groups challenged every permit. Specifically, these lawsuits included challenges around two rights-of-way at the same location needed to go 700 feet below the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway. The Obama Administration started this approval process, and it was completed by the Trump Administration. The Cowpasture River Preservation Association led the environmental groups challenging the permit. In December 2018, a three-judge panel on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals (one President Clinton appointee and two President Obama appointees) vacated the U.S. Forest Service right-of-way, citing the Lorax in their decisions, someone needs to speak for the trees because the trees can't speak for themselves. The purpose of the brief is to explain to the U.S. Supreme Court that Congress intended the U.S. Forest Service to have authority to grant rights-of-way over the Appalachian Trail when the trail crosses a National Forest. Congress granted heads of agencies with jurisdiction over federal lands the authority to grant rights-of-way for pipelines over those lands (30 U.S.C. 185(a)). The ACP was set to cross over the Appalachian Trial in the George Washington National Forest. There has been no legislation transferring the jurisdiction of the federal lands over which the trail passed. Therefore, the U.S. Forest Service, which administers the George Washington National Forest, is the appropriate agency to grant a right-of-way for the ACP. The brief further expresses the sense that Congress supports domestic energy production, including pipelines like the ACP. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision is a prime example of judicial activism and unsound environmental extremists killing energy products. The decision creates an energy reliability issue for the entire region, the potential for courts to stop pipeline operations, and legal uncertainty for the construction of new pipelines moving forward. The ACP would carry as much as 1.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from the Marcellus shale in West Virginia to customers, saving them $377 million per year. Fifty-six pipelines already cross the trail. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scotts-impact-act-adds-bipartisan-cosponsors,Scott’s IMPACT Act Adds Bipartisan Cosponsors,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | December 12, 2019 Scott's IMPACT Act Adds Bipartisan Cosponsors WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) announced new co-sponsors to his bipartisan Improving and Reinstating the Monitoring, Prevention, Accountability, Certification, and Transparency Provisions of Opportunity Zones or IMPACT Act. Senators Lankford (R-OK) and Sinema (D-AZ) join Sens. Grassley (R-IA), Rubio (R-FL), Capito (R-WV), Young (R-IN), Ernst (R-IA), Cassidy (R-LA), and Gardner (R-CO) as co-sponsors to the legislation. I want to thank Senators Lankford and Sinema for joining my bipartisan IMPACT Act as cosponsors, said Sen. Scott. I look forward to continuing to work to bolster, strengthen and increase transparency of Opportunity Zones as we find new solutions to fight poverty. Background: The IMPACT Act would reinstate and expand reporting requirements to determine the impact of the more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones across the country. Opportunity Zones were initially proposed by Scott's Investing In Opportunity Act, first introduced more than four years ago, which included strong reporting requirements. Procedural rules stripped the reporting requirements out of the Opportunity Zones provisions when they were added into the 2017 tax reform package, and Senator Scott has remained committed to restoring and bolstering reporting requirements ever since. You can read more about the IMPACT Act here. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-secures-another-win-for-hbcus,Senator Tim Scott Secures Another Win for HBCUs,2019-12-12,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | December 12, 2019 Senator Tim Scott Secures Another Win for HBCUs WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tim Scott announced his efforts to secure more than $46 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The $46 million secured will go towards funding the Department of Defense's HBCU and Minority Institutions Program, which is designed to increase the participation of HBCU and minority students in the Department of Defense's research, development, test, and evaluation programs. Sen. Scott has been a strong advocate for securing these funds, and led the bipartisan amendment to the NDAA. He also joined Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in sending a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Committee on Armed Services back in July, asking for the increased funding. Sen. Scott said, HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions are integral education institutions that provide pipelines to opportunity for scores of students, many of whom come from underserved backgrounds. Funding reductions for the HBCU/MI program would run the risk of reducing access to avenues for participation and engagement in rapid-growth and high-return fields such as science, technology, engineering, and math, where communities of color and low-income students have traditionally been underrepresented. Participants in the HBCU/MI program will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in assisting the DoD in countering the emerging threats facing our nation. The NDAA is expected to pass both chambers next week. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-jeff-duncan-s-statement-usmca-deal,Rep. Jeff Duncans Statement on USMCA Deal,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) released the following statement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) deal: President Trump has delivered a huge win for the United States! He and his administration have worked tirelessly to yield 21st century deals that modernize our trade relationships and put our nation and our workers first. But let's be clear Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement today and her party taking credit for USMCA advancement shouldn't fool anyone. She purposely held the deal hostage for over a year as leverage to advance her wildly unpopular plan to impeach a duly elected President in order to appease the radical, left-wing base. She put politics above a win for the country, and it never should have taken this long for consideration. So, who really secured this America first victory for the United States? President Donald J. Trump. Promise made, promise kept. See Congressman Jeff Duncan's op-ed from June 2019 on the USMCA HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-wilson-on-ndaa-grateful-to-finally-axe-the-widow-s-tax,Congressman Wilson on NDAA: Grateful to Finally AXE the “Widow’s Tax”,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 10, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): ""I am thankful to have served on the NDAA Conference Committee for fiscal year 2020. This conference's hard work led to the final bipartisan agreement released last night. I am extraordinarily grateful that this year's NDAA included my legislation with 383 co-sponsors to finally AXE the ‘Widow's Tax.' This is a big win for military spouses, families, and servicemembers who for years have been victim to this unjust offset. Following this win, on average, surviving families will receive an increase of $12,000 per year. ""This year's NDAA supports a 3.1 percent pay raise for servicemembers in addition to working to improve military housing, education, and childcare conditions for military families. This agreement also authorizes full plutonium pit funding at the Savannah River Site (SRS), an additional $25 million for Risk Management Operations at SRS, $50 million for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) to be located at USC-Aiken, and codifies 80 pits per year by 2030. ""As a veteran and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I appreciate these victories for our servicemembers and am committed to continue working for our men and women in uniform and military families. I am grateful to have worked with my colleagues to advance this important, bipartisan legislation."" Congressman Wilson signing the NDAA Conference Report ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=64A4F69A-50E6-487C-AB1D-B652EA785FCF,Rep. Rice applauds agreement on USMCA,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rice released the followingstatement after President Trump and Congress reached an agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): After months of delay Speaker Pelosi has finally agreed to bring USMCA to the floor. USMCA will be a major boost for our economy and a huge win for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers. I commend President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Robert Lighthizer for their relentless determination, patience, and hard work in delivering pro-growth and modern agreement despite Speaker Pelosi's politically motivated obstruction.Once ratified, USMCA means new jobs and a stronger economy for South Carolina and all of America. I look forward to voting in favor of this agreement soon. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C3B745F1-56DB-4104-AC07-0174F1B796BB,Graham on House Articles of Impeachment,2019-12-10,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement in reaction to the House of Representatives' introduction of two articles of impeachment. The people who are guilty of Abuse of Power' are the House Democrats who are pushing impeachment, not President Trump. The desire to impeach President Trump began the day he was sworn in as president. The fix was in. This will be the first impeachment in American history driven by partisan politics and not an outside investigation. I fear House Democrats are turning impeachment into a tool to be used when you don't like a president's policies or style. Future Congresses will inevitably make impeachment a political tool to be used anytime a President of the opposing party occupies the White House. No American would receive a parking ticket under the process House Democrats have employed, much less be impeached. House Democrats used an anonymous source to start the process and even after hearings, almost ninety percent of the testimony from the House would be classified as hearsay. They refused to allow House Republicans to call witnesses, the President's counsel was not allowed to participate in the House Intelligence Committee hearings, and much of the investigation was done behind closed doors away from the eyes and ears of the American people. President Trump and his team made the correct call by not participating in what can only be called a sham process. To have done so would have legitimized it and created a threat to future presidents. Finally, what the Democrats seem intent on doing in this partisan impeachment threatens the office of the presidency itself. This is a sad and dangerous moment for the American political system. #####",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://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-warner-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-hiring-and-retention-of-senior-caregivers-,"SCOTT, WARNER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE HIRING & RETENTION OF SENIOR CAREGIVERS",2019-12-09,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday | December 9, 2019 SCOTT, WARNER INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE HIRING & RETENTION OF SENIOR CAREGIVERS Bill provides senior living facilities access to national background check system when hiring caregivers WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) introduced the Ensuring Seniors Access to Quality Care Act to help senior living facilities caring for aging adults to better screen, hire, and retain quality staff. The Ensuring Seniors Access to Quality Care Act would provide nursing home operators with access to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) an existing national criminal background check system a move that would give employers greater ability to screen and vet potential employees to ensure that caregivers do not have a history that would endanger the seniors under their care. Our senior citizens, and their families, know the importance of having well-qualified, compassionate and trustworthy caregivers in senior living facilities, said Sen. Scott. The Ensuring Seniors Access to Quality Care Act will help these facilities more efficiently hire the best candidates, and, in turn, provide better care for seniors everywhere. Anyone with a loved one in a senior living facility should have the peace of mind of knowing that they are receiving care from compassionate, dependable, and well-qualified staff as they live out their golden years, said Sen. Warner. This bipartisan legislation will help provide these facilities with the tools they need to hire experienced staff and to continue to meet the demands of high quality care without losing staffing levels. Currently, senior living facilities are not authorized to use the NPDB and instead must rely on state-level criminal background checks that can often omit key details about an employee's background. Additionally, the bipartisan legislation amends overly restrictive regulations that bar certain senior living facilities from conducting training programs for in-house Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) individuals who assist patients with their daily activities for a two-year period after a care facility is found to have deficiencies, such as poor conditions or patient safety violations. Under existing regulations by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), senior living facilities that receive a civil monetary penalty (CMP) over $10,000 are automatically prohibited from conducting CNA staff training programs for a period of two years. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the need for nursing assistants to care for the growing aging population is projected to rise 9 percent from 2018 to 2028. With this growing need for caregivers, in-house CNA education at senior living facilities often helps meet the need for CNAs. But with the existing two-year lockout period, it can make it more difficult for senior care facilities to properly train new employees and retrain existing employees. Research by CMS also indicates that there is a direct correlation between facilities that are staffed adequately and the high-quality care they provide. Specifically, the legislation would allow senior living facilities to reinstate its CNA training program if: The facility has corrected the deficiency for which the CMP was assessed; The deficiency for which the CMP was assessed did not result in an immediate risk to patient safety and is not the result of patient harm resulting from abuse or neglect; And the facility has not received a repeat deficiency related to direct patient harm in the preceding two year period. CNAs are essential to the quality care provided in long term care facilities. In addition, the jobs provided by nursing homes and assisted living communities are important to many communities, especially rural areas, where they are often a major employer, said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living. This bill does two important things. First, it will help ensure that long term care providers have the ability to provide training programs for CNAs. Just as important, it will allow skilled nursing facilities access to the National Practitioner Data Bank, providing a better way to conduct background checks on potential employees. We applaud Senator Warner and Senator Scott for taking this important step to address the worker recruitment and retention challenges facing providers. Workforce development is crucial to our members' ability to provide top-notch care. The loss of nurse aide training authority is an obstacle to quality improvement for nursing homes, and particularly when increased staffing levels are needed, said Katie Smith Sloan, President and CEO, LeadingAge. We have for years advocated for changes to the training lockout mandated under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. This legislation, like similar legislation in the House (H.R. 4468), offers a much-needed solution to help alleviate the severe workforce shortage in long term care. CNAs, who provide direct care to residents, are the backbone of every nursing homes' team. LeadingAge Virginia applauds Senators Mark Warner and Tim Scott for introducing legislation that will enable training of certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Under federal law, nursing homes are inspected annually and fines are assessed for any deficiencies in compliance with federal regulations. If these fines exceed a certain level, a nursing home automatically loses its authority to train CNAs for two years, said Melissa Andrews, President and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia. This CNA Training Lockout' runs counter to a nursing home's ability to provide the highest quality of care and we appreciate the Senators for introducing legislation to overcome this barrier. Having started my career in long term care as a nursing assistant, I know how critical they are to providing direct care to thousands of patients and residents every day. Ending the CNA training lockout will have a tremendously positive impact on our ability to train more caregivers to work in our nursing homes, said David Tucker, Chairman of Virginia Health Care Association Virginia Center for Assisted Living (VHCA-VCAL) and President and COO of Commonwealth Care of Roanoke. Westminster Canterbury Richmond believes that a qualified workforce is crucial for the overall success of a nursing home to provide the highest quality of care. The training lockout is an obstacle to achieving this goal, and we believe this legislation is a positive step forward, said John Burns, President and CEO of Westminster Canterbury Richmond, and a member of the LeadingAge Virginia Board of Directors. At a time where we need more individuals to choose the important and meaningful work of service to older adults throughout this country, limiting the ability to train future generations of care workers is not the answer, said Rob Liebreich, President and CEO, Goodwin House Incorporated. Having access to the National Practitioner Data Bank would be extremely beneficial for us. It would help prevent bad actors from hopping from state to state, said Melissa Green, Chief Clinical Officer of Trio Health Care, LLC, Hot Springs, VA and a nursing home operator who has facilities close to neighboring states. She cites an incident when it was revealed that an employee had stolen an identity to work as a nursewithout access to the NPDB there was no way to know the actual nurse's identity was stolen even though the nursing home completed the required background checks. Because of the CNA training lockout, we've reduced the number of qualified CNAs entering in the workforce, which has had a trickle-down effect on a facility the size of ours, said Keith Denson, Administrator, Snyder Nursing Home, Inc., Salem, VA. If we're not training our people to take care of our unique and wonderful residents, who will do it? Training programs in the community lack the continuity of care and the CNA to resident experience that provider programs offer. I am very appreciative of the trust Sen. Warner has in our ability to train our staff to take care of our residents. The text of the Ensuring Seniors Access to Quality Care Act is available here. ### Related Issues:",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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/duncan-jacki-daily-show,Duncan On The Jacki Daily Show,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/graham-and-duncan-release-statements-against-pelosis-articles-impeachment-request,Graham and Duncan release statements against Pelosi's Articles of Impeachment request,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/upstate-congressman-reacts,Upstate Congressman Reacts: Verdict Looking for a Crime,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-wilson-on-november-jobs-report-job-numbers-were-once-again,Congressman Wilson on November Jobs Report: “Job Numbers Were Once Again Strong”,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On December 6, Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement on the November 2019 Jobs Report: ""In the November Jobs Report, job numbers were once again strong. Payrolls surged by 266,000, the unemployment rate remains low at 3.5 percent, and hourly earnings rose by 3.1 percent. By creating jobs, lowering unemployment, and increasing wages, President Trump is continuing his effective record of keeping his promises."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:45:33Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=0A836BE2-2B18-4763-851F-E49320B173D7,Rep. Rice introduces the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act,2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, Representative Tom Rice (R-S.C.) introduced legislation to amend the Clean Water Act (CWA) to streamline the permitting process for infrastructure projects and hold special interest groups accountable for filing frivolous lawsuits. H.R. 5341, the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act will reduce the delays and costscaused when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and special interest groups unnecessarily stall infrastructure projects. Bureaucratic red tape and frivolous lawsuits from obstructionists delay badly-needed infrastructure projects and cost taxpayers millions of dollars, said Congressman Rice. In order to keep unnecessary lawsuits and permit denials from stopping essential projects from moving forward, checks must be implemented. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the lead authority for wetland permitting, but the EPA can deny permits at the last minute. The Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act lowers uncertainty from the application process by removing this veto authority from the EPA. The Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act also creates a loser pays citizen suit structure to pardon prevailing parties from legal and court fees associated with challenging a permit decision and requires the losing partyto pay the costs. This will curb the filing of frivolous lawsuits and hold obstructionists accountable for lengthy court proceedings that cause needless delays. To view a copy of the legislation, please click here ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-grassley-colleagues-introduce-expanded-bill-on-opportunity-zone-reporting-requirements,"Scott, Grassley, Colleagues Introduce Expanded Bill on Opportunity Zone Reporting Requirements",2019-12-06,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Friday | December 6, 2019 Scott, Grassley, Colleagues Introduce Expanded Bill on Opportunity Zone Reporting Requirements WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) was joined today by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Todd Young (R-IN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Cory Gardner (R-CO) in the introduction the IMPACT Act, which would reinstate and expand reporting requirements to determine the impact of the more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones across the country. Opportunity Zones were initially proposed by Scott's Investing In Opportunity Act, first introduced more than four years ago, which included strong reporting requirements. Procedural rules stripped the reporting requirements out of the Opportunity Zones provisions when they were added into the 2017 tax reform package, and Senator Scott has remained committed to restoring and bolstering reporting requirements ever since. The IMPACT, or Improving and Reinstating the Monitoring, Prevention, Accountability, Certification, and Transparency Provisions of Opportunity Zones, Act includes a variety of reporting requirements, fully listed below, to provide for the most robust and granular analysis over time on the targeted impacts of investments in Opportunity Zones. With more than $63 billion already in anticipated investments, it is critical that this analysis is in place. The IMPACT Act's requirements do this while protecting taxpayer privacy laws and preserving the ability of communities to utilize a wide-variety of possible investments without overburdening entrepreneurs and local governments with mountains of unnecessary paperwork. Opportunity Zones provide thousands of low-income communities, both urban and rural, across the country with the potential to transform the future for generations to come, Senator Tim Scott said. The IMPACT Act's reporting requirements will help show communities and investors that the initiative is working, as well as help root out any fraud or abuse. This is an important piece of the puzzle to help the more than 31 million Americans living in Opportunity Zones experience a brighter future. Opportunity Zones have the potential to transform some of the most economically underdeveloped parts of the country and lift millions of Americans out of poverty. Everyone deserves a shot at the American Dream. This legislation will help make sure the federal government has the information it needs to track the success of Opportunity Zones, said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. I was proud to support Opportunity Zones in 2017 with the goal of spurring economic innovation in communities across our nation, giving all Americans thechanceto succeed,Senator Rubio said.The IMPACT Act will increase accountability to ensure Opportunity Zones are having the positive effect on distressed communities that they were created to. This bill would help us monitor and better understand what's working and what's not in the Opportunity Zone program. This program can really be a game-changer for West Virginia because of the chance to leverage investments. Having this information will help the program become more robust and aid the communities that need it the most, said Senator Capito. When we passed tax reform, I was proud to support the creation of Opportunity Zones to incentivize new investment in distressed communities across the country,saidSenator Young.TheIMPACT Actwill help strengthen Opportunity Zones by increasing transparency within the program and creating metrics to measure and improve on its success. As a fifth generation Coloradan who grew up on the Eastern Plains, I know how important it is to attract growth to local communities, and particularly rural communities, in Colorado and throughout the country, said Senator Gardner. The IMPACT Act will provide new data on Opportunity Zones, so we can make them as effective as possible at encouraging investment, inciting growth, and extending opportunities for communities across all four corners of Colorado. Instead of utilizing a Band-Aid method or temporary fix, the Opportunity Zones initiative aims to lift up entire neighborhoods by attracting private investment to areas most in need. With about $6 trillion of capital gains sitting on the sidelines, investors can now take advantage of a tax incentive if they elect to invest resources in the more than 8,700 designated distressed communities across the country. The law is also written in a way that encourages long-term investment by allowing for a step-up approach: There is a greater financial benefit for investing over a 10-year time period, rather than just five years. This type of structure will encourage investors to establish meaningful relationships with the communities they are investing in. Click HERE to read full bill text. What They're Saying Understanding the full scope and impact of Opportunity Funds will ensure the provision fulfills the promise of economic opportunity for distressed communities across the country,said Shay Hawkins, President of the Opportunity Funds Association. Senator Scott is continuing to lead in strengthening Opportunity Zones. The IMPACT Act of 2019 is good policy, introduced in good faith, and OFA's membership is in full support. Counties foster conditions for economic growth and competitiveness, said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. We commend Senator Scott for introducing legislation to incentivize economic development in distressed communities and improve reporting requirements for projects funded through Opportunity Zones. We look forward to working with lawmakers to ensure that all counties have access to potential federal investments in economic opportunities for our residents. Cities, towns and villages commend the work of Senators Scott on The IMPACT Act of 2019, said NLC President Joe Buscaino, councilmember, Los Angeles. This important legislation will make it possible for local leaders to measure and compare the real impact that Opportunity Zones are having in our nation's neighborhoods. Understanding how opportunity funds are being used in properties and businesses will allow local governments to work toward a transparent decision-making process for American communities. The National League of Cities urges every Members of Congress to co-sponsor The IMPACT Act of 2019, which will fill a significant gap in local leaders' economic development toolboxes. Specifically, the IMPACT Act: Codifies requirements for Qualified Opportunity Fundsto report information on the value of total assets held by the fund, the location and value of Opportunity Zone property held by the fund, whether the property is owner or leased, information on disposed investments during the tax year, information on the location and industry classification codes of businesses receiving equity investments as well as the value of those investments. The IMPACT Act also requires reporting on the number of persons employed through OZ investments, thereby providing data on job creation and firm growth without burdening small businesses and funds alike. Codifies requirements for investorsto report critical information on Opportunity Zone investments including funds receiving investments, relevant dates on which investments and dispositions are made, descriptions of Opportunity Zone investments, and measures that will continue to allow IRS to track both the deferral and recognition of gains, the trajectory of OZ investments over time, and compliance more broadly. Adds penaltiesfor both individuals and funds that fail to accurately and appropriately file the required returns or statements and also significantly enhances penalties for any individual who attempts to take advantage of the OZ incentive for fraudulent purposes. Requires that Treasury make public as soon as practicable and annually thereaftertimely, comprehensive information tracking Qualified Opportunity Funds and their corresponding investments into zones. Specifically, Treasury shall make public in the aggregate the total number of funds, the total assets of all funds, the distribution of Opportunity Zone investments across different industry classification codes, the percentage of all Opportunity Zones that have received investment through the incentive, the total amount of Opportunity Fund investments made in each census tract, the distribution of investments in real property and active businesses, data deciphering the sizes of businesses receiving OZ investment, and numbers of jobs created or sustained by those businesses in light of Opportunity Zone investments. In addition to that, this legislation requires the most comprehensive community impact report on Opportunity Zones,which will provide granular data on the real impacts we're seeing in OZ's over time. Specifically, in addition to the annual reporting Treasury is required to produce, in five years and again five years thereafter, Treasury shall work with relevant agencies to provide a comprehensive report on an exhaustive list of economic and demographic data points to provide a holistic view on the impact to each census tract over time. This includes but is not limited to the unemployment rate of the zone, education levels of zone residents, the availability of affordable housing and percentage of income used for rent, impacts to median family income, the presence of specific industries and new business starts that create jobs, home equity impacts for residents, and more. But this IMPACT Act doesn't stop there, it also compares these data points with the time periods before these specific tracts were designated as Opportunity Zones and also compares them against other low income communities that are similarly situated but were not selected for OZ designation. This will ultimately provide us with a holistic understanding of the real impacts to zone residents as well as the benefits and potential of the Opportunity Zones. The IMPACT Act also ensures the protection of private taxpayer informationcurrently safeguarded under federal law, thereby protecting competitive and proprietary information critical to the marketplace. ### Related Issues:",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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/duncan-democrats-shameful-impeachment-quest,Duncan on Democrats Shameful Impeachment Quest,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) released a statement following Speaker Nancy Pelosi's announcement that the Democrat-led House of Representatives will proceed with Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. It's astounding to watch Speaker Pelosi pretend Democrats have taken this process solemnly and seriously, when it has been a predetermined outcome since January 2017. This has been for a long time a verdict looking for a crime. The facts remain on President Trump's side. If the supposed crimes are beyond a reasonable doubt, why do you need to bring in liberal law professors, with a history of anti-Trump bias, to discuss what exactly the crimes are? Democrats' quest to impeach the President over the Russian collusion hoax failed. The Mueller investigation only resulted in convictions of crimes unrelated to candidate Trump, or, President Trump. The Democrats' narrative crumbled after 22 months of investigating, 2,800 subpoenas issued, 500 witnesses interviewed, and over $25 million tax dollars spent. So, they had to move on to the next shiny object Ukraine. The House Intelligence Committee's investigation led by Chairman Adam Schiff in the Capitol basement provided no material facts, just hearsay, conjecture, opinions differing from the President on foreign policy, and personal biases. This is a sham and the American people know it. There is no evidence and there is no case. All that exists is an enormous hatred for the man in the White House. The Democrats are setting a horrible precedent by attempting to impeach a President, without evidence, over disagreements in policies and personal dislike for the person holding the Office of the President of the United States. Background: 4 indisputable facts that will never change and are fatal to every Democrat allegation against President Trump: The July 25 call summarythe best evidence of the conversationshows no conditionality or evidence of pressure. President Zelensky and President Trump have both said there was no pressure on the call. The Ukrainian government was not aware of a hold on U.S. security assistance at the time of the July 25 call. President Trump met with President Zelensky and U.S. security assistance flowed to Ukraine in September 2019without Ukraine investigating President Trump's political rivals. Regarding the predetermined outcome, The Washington Post published an article on January 20, 2017 at 12:19pm EST entitled, The campaign to impeach President Trump has begun. Previous quote from Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Impeachment is so divisive to the country that unless there's something so compelling and overwhelming and bipartisan, I don't think we should go down that path because it divides the country. Previous quote from Chairman Jerry Nadler: There must never be a narrowly-voted impeachment, or an impeachment substantially supported by one of our major political parties and largely opposed by the other. Such an impeachment would lack legitimacy. The only bipartisan vote on impeachment was against opening the inquiry. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=5AA4B76F-959B-42F2-927C-F8CDCEA58DBE,Rep. Rice opposes the Democrat’s plans to draft articles of impeachment,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.) released the followingstatement following Speaker Pelosi's announcement that Democrats will draft articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. Today, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the Democrats are proceeding to draft articles of impeachment against President Trump. This is not news. We have known since November 2018 that the Democrats would be focused on impeaching President Trump. Throughout this process, Democrats have failed to show the evidence to corroborate their allegations against President Trump, instead, they have put politics above country and set aside the needs of the American people. It is time to get back to business and focus on the American people and the work they sent us to Washington to do. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F41F6CB-F3BB-43CB-A514-D54176B19507,Graham on House Impeachment Inquiry,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made these statements on news the Speaker of the House of Representatives has instructed committee chairmen to begin drafting Articles of Impeachment against President Trump. Three liberal law professors testifying they believe President Trump did something wrong has not dramatically shifted public opinion in favor of impeachment. Liberal law professors wanted to impeach Trump on Inauguration Day. The American people are smart enough to see through this sham. I'm glad to see Speaker Pelosi is keeping her word to be thoughtful and prayerful about impeachment. One day after hearings involving law professors giving their opinions, she is directing the House to draft Articles of Impeachment. Salem witches got better deals than this. Speaker Pelosi is the conductor of the impeachment train in name only. The American people understand Pelosi has two choices: drive the train, or be run over by it. She is living in fear of The Squad. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EC082488-C42D-4446-8B50-5172D14B843C,Graham Statement on Confirmation of Lydon to be Federal District Court Judge for South Carolina,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the confirmation of Sherri Lydon to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina. I'm very pleased that Sherri Lydon has been confirmed in a bipartisan vote to serve as a federal district court judge for South Carolina, said Graham. She is one of our state's most talented lawyers and has served us well as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina. She enjoys broad support from the South Carolina legal community. I know she will be fair to all who come before her in court and will make our state proud in the years to come. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-bipartisan-passage-of-the-future-act-help-students,Scott Leads Bipartisan Passage of the FUTURE Act Help Students,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | December 5, 2019 Scott Leads Bipartisan Passage of the FUTURE Act Help Students Legislation provides $255 millionannuallyfor HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions,cutsup to 22 questionsfromthefederal studentaid applicationform,and eliminatesbureaucratic verification nightmarefor most students WASHINGTON The United States Senate today passed a bipartisan amendment to the House-passed FUTURE Act sponsored by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Senate Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI),simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA)for 20 million American families, and streamline income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers. It is critical we ensure that every American family has access to a high-quality education, and today's action is a big step in that direction,Senator Scott said.Our HBCUs will have more certainty in their financial planning, and millions of students will benefit from a streamlined FAFSA form. I'm thankful we were able to reach a bipartisan, common sense solution to help students across the country. It's hard to think of a piece of legislation that would have more of a lasting impact on minority students and their families than this bill,Chairman Alexander said.First, it provides permanent funding for HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions attended by over 2 million minority students. Second, it takes a big first step in simplifying the FAFSA for 20 million American families, including 8 million minority students, and eliminating the bureaucratic nightmare created by requiring students to givethe federal government the same information twice. While this funding should never have lapsed in the first place, I'm glad that we were able to reach a deal that provides minority-serving institutions with the certainty of funding they deserveand I truly appreciate the work done on both sides of the aisle to get us to this point,Ranking Member Murray said.By permanently extending funding for these valuable institutions and streamlining our student aid system, this deal is a win-win. Now, I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican colleagues on efforts to overhaul the Higher Education Act in a comprehensive, bipartisan way that does right by all students. Background on theAmendment: Permanently reauthorizes and provides $255 million in annual mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions Is fully paid for by including the FAFSA Act which passed the Senate unanimously last year and which: Allows Providing Tax Information only OnceStudents do not have to give their tax information to the federal government twice Eliminates up to 22 QuestionsStudents give permission to the Department of Education to request tax return data already given to the Internal Revenue Service, which reduces the 108 questions on the FAFSA by up to 22 questions Eliminates Verification NightmareFor most students, eliminates so-called verification which is a bureaucratic nightmare that 5.5 million students go through annually to make sure the information they gave to the Department of Education is exactly the same as they gave to the IRS Eliminates $6 Billion in MistakesAccording to the Department of Education, helps taxpayers by eliminating up to $6 billion each year in mistakes (both overpayments and underpayments) in Pell grants and student loans Enables 7 million applicants who are currently unable to access their IRS data for their FAFSA to verify that they do not file taxes without requesting separate documentation from the IRS Streamlines income driven repayment by eliminating burdensome annual paperwork for 7.7 million federal student loan borrowers on income-driven plans According to the Congressional Budget Office, the FAFSA Act saves taxpayers $2.8 billion over ten years which will be used to pay for the permanent funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-bipartisan-passage-of-the-future-act-to-help-students,Scott Leads Bipartisan Passage of the FUTURE Act To Help Students,2019-12-05,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | December 5, 2019 Scott Leads Bipartisan Passage of the FUTURE Act To Help Students Legislation provides $255 millionannuallyfor HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions,cutsup to 22 questionsfromthefederal studentaid applicationform,and eliminatesbureaucratic verification nightmarefor most students WASHINGTON The United States Senate today passed a bipartisan amendment to the House-passed FUTURE Act sponsored by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Senate Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI),simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA)for 20 million American families, and streamline income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers. It is critical we ensure that every American family has access to a high-quality education, and today's action is a big step in that direction,Senator Scott said.Our HBCUs will have more certainty in their financial planning, and millions of students will benefit from a streamlined FAFSA form. I'm thankful we were able to reach a bipartisan, common sense solution to help students across the country. It's hard to think of a piece of legislation that would have more of a lasting impact on minority students and their families than this bill,Chairman Alexander said.First, it provides permanent funding for HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions attended by over 2 million minority students. Second, it takes a big first step in simplifying the FAFSA for 20 million American families, including 8 million minority students, and eliminating the bureaucratic nightmare created by requiring students to givethe federal government the same information twice. While this funding should never have lapsed in the first place, I'm glad that we were able to reach a deal that provides minority-serving institutions with the certainty of funding they deserveand I truly appreciate the work done on both sides of the aisle to get us to this point,Ranking Member Murray said.By permanently extending funding for these valuable institutions and streamlining our student aid system, this deal is a win-win. Now, I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican colleagues on efforts to overhaul the Higher Education Act in a comprehensive, bipartisan way that does right by all students. Background on theAmendment: Permanently reauthorizes and provides $255 million in annual mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions Is fully paid for by including the FAFSA Act which passed the Senate unanimously last year and which: Allows Providing Tax Information only OnceStudents do not have to give their tax information to the federal government twice Eliminates up to 22 QuestionsStudents give permission to the Department of Education to request tax return data already given to the Internal Revenue Service, which reduces the 108 questions on the FAFSA by up to 22 questions Eliminates Verification NightmareFor most students, eliminates so-called verification which is a bureaucratic nightmare that 5.5 million students go through annually to make sure the information they gave to the Department of Education is exactly the same as they gave to the IRS Eliminates $6 Billion in MistakesAccording to the Department of Education, helps taxpayers by eliminating up to $6 billion each year in mistakes (both overpayments and underpayments) in Pell grants and student loans Enables 7 million applicants who are currently unable to access their IRS data for their FAFSA to verify that they do not file taxes without requesting separate documentation from the IRS Streamlines income driven repayment by eliminating burdensome annual paperwork for 7.7 million federal student loan borrowers on income-driven plans According to the Congressional Budget Office, the FAFSA Act saves taxpayers $2.8 billion over ten years which will be used to pay for the permanent funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-blackburn-introduce-modern-worker-empowerment-act-to-enhance-gig-economy-workers,"Scott, Blackburn Introduce Modern Worker Empowerment Act to Enhance Gig Economy Workers",2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday | December 4, 2019 Scott, Blackburn Introduce Modern Worker Empowerment Act to Enhance Gig Economy Workers WASHINGTONToday, Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which would ensure that government regulation matches 21st century workforce advances. The American economy has fundamentally transformed with the introduction of new technology lowering barriers to entry for independent entrepreneurship, yet the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from the 1930s has not been updated to match. One of the many jobs I have the privilege of doing in Washington is ensuring that government keeps up with the amazing ingenuity of the American economy, said Senator Tim Scott. My Modern Worker Empowerment Act makes certain that federal statute is clarified to enhance American workers and our booming economy. Twenty-first century entrepreneurs have access to countless platforms and technologies that enable them to conduct business in a modern way. Laws defining employment ought to be up to date so that they adequately serve today's creators and businesses in a way that enables them to live out the American Dream, said Senator Marsha Blackburn. The Modern Worker Empowerment would modernize the outdated definition of employee, found in the FLSA, which was passed in 1938. The current ambiguity in the law discourages companies from doing business with independent entrepreneurs, such as ride-sharing drivers. This, in turn, limits the opportunities available to these entrepreneurs. The bill would also reconcile the FLSA with recent United States Supreme Court decisions that ruled that a common-law test is the proper test for the term employee. Click here to read full bill text. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-propose-bipartisan-solution-to_permanently-fund-hbcus,"Scott, Colleagues Propose Bipartisan Solution to Permanently Fund HBCUs",2019-12-04,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday | December 4, 2019 Scott, Colleagues Propose Bipartisan Solution to Permanently Fund HBCUs Legislation provides $255 million annually for HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Education Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Senators Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) to release a bipartisan amendment to the House-passed FUTURE Act to make permanent $255 million in annual funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions, simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 20 million American families, and streamline income-driven repayment for nearly 8 million borrowers. The FUTURE Act will provide much-needed long-term financial stability to our nation's HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions, Senator Scott said. I am proud to support this bipartisan solution, which reauthorizes HBCU and MSI funding without putting taxpayers on the hook, and which takes a vital first step towards streamlining and simplifying the FAFSA form. This bill is a win for students, families, and taxpayers. It's hard to think of a piece of legislation that would have more of a lasting impact on minority students and their families than this bill, Senator Alexander said. First, it provides permanent funding for HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions attended by over 2 million minority students. Second, it takes a big first step in simplifying the FAFSA for 20 million American families, including 8 million minority students, and eliminating the bureaucratic nightmare created by requiring students to give the federal government the same information twice. While this funding should never have lapsed in the first place, I'm glad that we were able to reach a deal that provides minority-serving institutions with the certainty of funding they deserveand I truly appreciate the work done on both sides of the aisle to get us to this point, Senator Murray said. By permanently extending funding for these valuable institutions and streamlining our student aid system, this deal is a win-win. Now, I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican colleagues on efforts to overhaul the Higher Education Act in a comprehensive, bipartisan way that does right by all students. Background on the Amendment: Permanently reauthorizes and provides $255 million in annual mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions Is fully paid for by including the FAFSA Act which passed the Senate unanimously last year and which: Allows Providing Tax Information only OnceStudents do not have to give their tax information to the federal government twice Eliminates up to 22 QuestionsStudents give permission to the Department of Education to request tax return data already given to the Internal Revenue Service, which reduces the 108 questions on the FAFSA by up to 22 questions Eliminates Verification NightmareFor most students, eliminates so-called verification which is a bureaucratic nightmare that 5.5 million students go through annually to make sure the information they gave to the Department of Education is exactly the same as they gave to the IRS Eliminates $6 Billion in MistakesAccording to the Department of Education, helps taxpayers by eliminating up to $6 billion each year in mistakes (both overpayments and underpayments) in Pell grants and student loans Enables 7 million applicants who are currently unable to access their IRS data for their FAFSA to verify that they do not file taxes without requesting separate documentation from the IRS Streamlines student loan repayment by eliminating burdensome annual paperwork for 7.7 million federal student loan borrowers on income-driven plans According to the Congressional Budget Office, the FAFSA Act saves taxpayers $2.8 billion over ten years which will be used to pay for the permanent funding for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402,"U.S. Rep. Norman Announces $573,000 in Federal Grants to Entities in Chester and Newberry Counties",2019-12-03,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) is pleased to announce that federal grants have been awarded to two entities in South Carolina's 5th Congressional District. The grants, totaling $573,000, were received by the Town of Whitmire located in Newberry County, along with the Hazel Pittman Center in Chester County.Newberry County, Town of Whitmire: Improvements to Drinking Water Quality and Wastewater Management The United States Department of Agriculture has awarded loans and grants to the Town of Whitmire in Newberry County to help improve drinking water quality and wastewater management. In total, the town received a federal grant worth $448,000 plus a loan for $1,219,000. According to the USDA, this investment ""will be used to provide replacement water pumps and to make improvements to the existing water waste system. The primary purpose of the investment will place the existing raw water pumps station back into full operation. The investment will improve water quality for roughly 2,534 individuals. Without Rural Developments assistance, the town would be unable to finance this project."" Chester County, Hazel Pittman Center: Prevention of Youth Substance Abuse The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has awarded a $125,000 federal grant to the Hazel Pittman Center to help support local efforts to prevent youth substance abuse. (The Hazel Pittman Center was originally known as the Chester County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.) The Hazel Pittman Center intends to use the funds from this grant to help the Chester County ECHO DUI Task Force Coalition reduce alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among youth ages 9 - 20. Objectives for this project include: - education programs; - saturation patrols; - party dispersals; - public safety checkpoints; - compliance checks and merchant education classes to reduce the ease of access",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-cbs-sports-highlights-opportunity-zones-initiative,ICYMI: CBS Sports Highlights Opportunity Zones Initiative,2019-12-02,2019,2019-12,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Monday | December 2, 2019 ICYMI: CBS Sports Highlights Opportunity Zones Initiative CBS Sports: Derrick Morgan: NFL Today Feature Story Full videohere. On Thanksgiving Day, CBS Sports aired a special feature on former NFL Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan. The feature, part of the NFL Today series, caught up with Morgan since his retirement over the summer. The feature starts with a montage of Morgan's hometown: Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The steel mill that used to be the economic driver of the area is empty and desolate, out of use for decades. Some locals quip how many sports players who make it big never return to their small hometowns, but Morgan is doing just that and is hoping to make a big impact. With the help of his childhood friends and community, Morgan is striving to make an example of economic revitalization right in Coatesville. He is currently managing partner of the Kingdom Impact Fund, a network of investors and developers hoping to create change in struggling areas. The turnkey behind Morgan's goal involves Sen. Tim Scott's Opportunity Zones initiative. Through the use of the initiative, Morgan bought 25 acres of land and is planning to develop a health and wellness community center. His long-term goal is to see the legislation help to transform the entire area, and bring back hope and opportunity back into his hometown. You can watch the entire featurehereor read more about Morgan's journeyhere. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressmen-wilson-and-malinowski-introduce-iraq-human-rights-and,Congressmen Wilson and Malinowski Introduce Iraq Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019,2019-11-27,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On November 26, Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) introduced H.R. 5276, The Iraq Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019 in response to the ongoing attacks targeting Iraqi protesters which started this year in early October: ""The people of Iraq deserve meaningful government reform to put an end to the rampant corruption and Iranian influence that have paralyzed their country,"" said Congressman Wilson. ""The Iraq Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019 sends a clear, bipartisan message of support from Congress to the Iraqi people by requiring a measure of accountability for those individuals whose human rights have been violated."" ""The violence inflicted against Iraqis peacefully protesting for their rights must stop. With this bill, Congress is sending a clear signal that the United States stands with the Iraqi people in their fight against corruption and malign foreign influence, and their struggle for justice,"" said Congressman Tom Malinowski. The Iraq Human Rights and Accountability Act of 2019: Supports democracy and human rights in Iraq, including the right to free speech and assembly guaranteed in the Iraqi constitution. Supports calls for meaningful government reform to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law and transparency in Iraq. Condemns attacks against peaceful protesters and demands accountability for those, directly and indirectly, involved in perpetrating human rights violations against protesters in Iraq. Requires a State Department review to determine if senior Iraqi officials involved in the attacks on protesters, including senior leaders in the Popular Mobilization Forces, meet criteria for the imposition of sanctions pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:43:09Z 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://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/yucca-mountain-bill-advanced-house-energy-commerce-panel,"Yucca Mountain bill advanced by House energy, commerce panel",2019-11-22,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=317416E8-8841-43B0-BB76-1511F82468D6,Rep. Rice announces December Mobile Office Hours,2019-11-22,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.) today announced his staff will be hosting mobile office hours throughout South Carolina's 7th Congressional District. During these meetings, constituents can meet with members of Congressman Rice's staff for help with issues involving federal agencies, including claims processing at the VA, Social Security benefits, the IRS, obtaining passports and more. For directions or additional details regarding mobile office hours, please contact the Pee Dee District Office at (843) 679-9781 or the Grand Strand District Office at (843) 445-6459. Tuesday, December 3, 2019 10:00 am 12:00 pm Johnsonville City Hall 111 W. Broadway Street Johnsonville, SC 29555 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Pamplico Public Library 100 East Main Street Pamplico, SC 29583 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 10:00 am 12:00 pm Coward City Hall - Court Room 3720 US-52 Coward, SC 29530 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Timmonsville Library - Meeting Room 298 W Smith Street Timmonsville, SC 29161 Thursday, December 5, 2019 10:00 am 12:00 pm Hartsville City Hall, Upstairs 100 E. Carolina Avenue Hartsville, SC 29550 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Darlington City Municipal Court Building Old City Hall Council Chamber 400 Pearl Street Darlington, SC 29532 Wednesday, December 11, 2019 12:00 pm 2:00 pm Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments 1230 Highmarket Street Georgetown, SC 29440 ###",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://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398,Congressman Norman Issues Statement on the “SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act of 2019”,2019-11-21,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Norman Issues Statement on the SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act of 2019 Washington, D.C., November 21, 2019 | Austin Livingston (803-833-0030) U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) issued the following statement on theSFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act of 2019 (H.R. 2422): Every member of our military is entitled to well-defined benefits should an injury or death occur while serving our nation. This is true regardless of the circumstances or if someone else was at fault. If we give trial lawyers the ability to sue our military for non-combat medical malpractice, those awards will inevitably be valued higher than, for example, the benefits paid to someone who was severely injured or killed in combat. This would be highly inappropriate, and I will oppose any legislation that enables this type of inequity. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399,U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman Introduces Legislation to Help Control Needless Spending,2019-11-21,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) introduced the ""AFTER Appropriations Act,"" which would require Congress to vote on Presidential rescission requests within an expedited time frame. Under current law, the President can submit recommended rescissions to Congress to eliminate unnecessary or wasteful spending.Congress, however, is not required to act on those requests.The AFTER Act would ensure that the House or Senate majority leader, or a designee, introduce an approval bill with the President's rescissions.It would also require a fast-tracked, up-or-down vote on that approval bill with no amendments, filibusters, or motions to reconsider. The AFTER Act will ensure that Congress retains its ""power of the purse"" and all legislative authority by either approving or disapproving of these Presidential rescission requests. Additionally, this bill does not allow for an executive line-item veto, which was deemed unconstitutional in Clinton v. City of New York in 1998.Instead, this legislation simply requires the House and Senate vote on the proposed rescissions, while maintaining the balance of power between the President and Congress. Rep. Norman released the following statement: ""Our federal government has an enormous spending problem.Presidential rescission requests are a valuable tool to help control needless spending, because it can be easier for the Executive Branch to identify waste than those of us in Congress. ""However, a major flaw in the President's rescission authority is that Congress is under no obligation to formally consider the recommendations provided by the President.This bill would change that, and would be a small but important step in getting our federal spending under control."" ""I've said this many times, but it always bears repeating: the $23 trillion debt is an existential threat to our nation's security.While there are many things we can do to return to the path of fiscal sanity, the AFTER Act is one excellent starting point.The premise behind this bill is simple: if the President identifies money the government isn't using, Congress should have the right to vote expeditiously to claw back these funds. ""I encourage all my colleagues to support this common sense legislation.The sooner we are able to find budgetary savingsbig and small the more quickly we can crawl out of the fiscal pit we're in."" ""With soaring deficits, it's clear that Washington has a serious spending problem. Put simply, our government spends too many precious taxpayer dollars on wasteful projects and programs that don't work. Thankfully, the AFTER Act would give federal policymakers an invaluable tool to fight inefficient spending and prioritize fiscal responsibility.""- National Taxpayers Union",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-joined-by-colleagues-to-lead-senate-effort-to-protect-health-services-for-mothers-and-babies,Senator Scott Joined By Colleagues to Lead Senate Effort To Protect Health Services For Mothers & Babies,2019-11-21,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | November 21, 2019 Senator Scott Joined By Colleagues to Lead Senate Effort To Protect Health Services For Mothers & Babies WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), David Perdue (R-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced bipartisan legislation to allow March of Dimes to continue its lifesaving work on behalf of all moms and babies. The Protecting Critical Services for Mothers and Babies Actallows March of Dimes to qualify for the same pension funding rules as many other charities and non-profit organizations. Specifically, the bill would designate March of Dimes as a Cooperative and Small Employer Charity (CSEC) pension sponsor to provide it with more predictable and affordable pension funding options. The change would have no impact on retirees or other participants, and it would come at no cost to taxpayers. The March of Dimes organization provides some of our most vulnerable citizens, mothers and infants, with crucial support as they face the challenges of raising a child,said Senator Scott.March of Dimes shouldn't have to choose between providing a reasonable legacy pension program to its employees or continuing their organizational mission. I am proud to support legislation that will allow March of Dimes to continue its mission of lifesaving research, educational resources, and advocacy efforts. March of Dimes does incredible work to support mothers and children,said Senator Perdue.Through research, education, and advocacy, March of Dimes helps address the unique challenges that come with growing a family. Our bill simply allows March of Dimes to qualify for the same pension program as other non-profit organizations. Ultimately, this small change ensures March of Dimes can continue lifesaving medical research and programming. March of Dimes has played a critical role in serving mothers and babies for more than eight decades,said Senator Kaine.I'm thrilled they decided to move their headquarters to Crystal City, and I'm pleased to support their important work with bipartisan legislation that will ensure they are subject to the same pension funding rules as many other non-profits and charities. This bill will allow March of Dimes to continue fulfilling its lifesaving mission fighting for the health of moms and babies in communities across the country and the globe,said Senator Warner. March of Dimes extends its deep appreciation to Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA), Rep. Rob Woodall (R-GA), Sen. David Perdue (R-GA), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) for their leadership on bipartisan legislation introduced today that will help us continue to fight for the health of all moms and babies,said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. The legislation allows March of Dimes to have the same predictable and consistent pension funding rules as many other non-profits and charities with legacy pensions. That will ensure we can continue to fund cutting edge research to prevent pre-term birth, implement education and support programs for pregnant women and their families, and work on policy solutions to address our nation's maternal and infant health crisis. We look forward to working with Congress to enact this commonsense legislation as soon as possible. Clickhereto view text of the bill. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-coons-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-designating-november-as-national-college-application-month,"Scott, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Designating November as National College Application Month",2019-11-20,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday | November 20, 2019 Scott, Coons Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Designating November as National College Application Month WASHINGTON, D.C. The Senate has now adopted a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) designating November 2019 as National College Application Month. This National College Application Month, I encourage all students to spend time considering their goals for the future, and I applaud those who are taking steps to apply to institutes of higher education, said Senator Scott. Education is a sure path to opportunity, and I wish every student who has dreams of continuing their education the very best of luck during this busy season of life. As seniors in Delaware and across the country start to think about graduation and the adventures that come nextwhether it's heading to college, kickstarting a career, or participating in a national service programI want to encourage them to dream big, said Senator Coons. For those interested in attending college, now is the time to apply. I encourage all students to talk to teachers and guidance counselors about opportunities for scholarships, grants, or financial aidand to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. While college can be expensive, there are resources that can help students should that be the path they choose. The resolution urges public officials, educators, parents, students, and communities to observe National College Application Month with activities and programs designed to encourage students to consider, research, and apply to college and for financial aid. It also commends those who support students throughout the college application process and who work to eliminate barriers to higher education. To view the resolution, click here. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",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://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=DA1FE252-BEE4-4618-8FB8-BC438B1D4DC8,Rep. Rice voices concern and frustration over cancelled I-73 contract,2019-11-19,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Rice released the followingstatement following the Horry County Council's decision to cancel their contract with the South Carolina Department of Transportation. All I can say is that it is an awful shame. Completion of I-73 would lead to thousands of more jobs in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee. It would bring more industry and higher pay. I-73 will do more to lift the people of Horry County, Marion County, Dillon County and Marlboro County than anything else. I fight for I-73 every day. Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott are fighting for I-73. Governor McMaster is fighting for I-73. We have all asked our local leaders to resolve their differences.And at this critical time our local leaders are willing to turn their back on it. It is an awful shame. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=10344999-73F8-4D2F-A8FA-3DAE6101F18F,"Graham Applauds Trump Administration Announcement on Israel, Iran",2019-11-18,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's announcement that the Trump administration would reverse policies that deemed Israeli settlement of the West Bank illegal and that the United States will eliminate Iran's civil nuclear cooperation waiver. I support the announcement on Israeli settlements made today by Secretary Pompeo. This announcement is a repudiation of President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry's ill-informed efforts to target Israeli presence in the West Bank. While I strongly support a two-state solution, I believe the Trump administration's announcement today will ultimately advance the cause of peace over time. In addition, the cancellation of the civil nuclear cooperation waiver regarding the Iran nuclear program is welcome news. Iran's behavior in the Middle East, in particular the attack on the Saudi oil field, does not justify continued waivers for their nuclear program. These decisions by President Trump show a firm resolve to stand with our friends in Israel and stand up to the Ayatollah's rogue regime. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=391,"U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman Co-Sponsors Two Bills to Address Federal Budget, Debt, and Spending",2019-11-15,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,,,legacy,"This week, U.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-5) co-sponsored two bills in the House of Representatives to help address our national debt, federal spending, and Congress' inability to pass a budget: 1. Budget Process Enhancement Act (A) If Congress fails to pass an annual budget, the salaries of every Member would be held in escrow until such time as they fulfilled this obligation. (B) Federal departments and agencies would be required to justify new spending, instead of using automatic increases in their lump sums from Congress for those purposes. 2. Debt Ceiling Alternative Act The second bill co-sponsored by Rep. Norman is titled the Debt Ceiling Alternative Act. It would require the Treasury Secretary to issue trill bonds to service our nation's debt in the event that our debt ceiling is reached.These bonds would be linked to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). During an economic downturn, tax revenues often decline sharply while the amount of money needed to cover principal and interest on our nation's debt does not.As a result, government faces pressure to either raise taxes, incur even more debt, or cut spending at the most inopportune times. Being tied to GDP, trill bonds would reduce bondholder payouts when GDP was lower (e.g. during economic downturns) helping the government service its debt obligations while tax revenues are lower.During times of economic prosperity, investors would benefit with higher dividends as GDP rises. Media inquires for Rep. Norman can be directed to Austin Livingston at (803) 833-0030. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/photo-release-senator-scott-congratulates-2019-angels-in-adoption-recipient-becky-donovan,PHOTO RELEASE: Senator Scott Congratulates 2019 Angels in Adoption Recipient Becky Donovan,2019-11-14,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | November 14, 2019 PHOTO RELEASE: Senator Scott Congratulates 2019 Angels in Adoption Recipient Becky Donovan WASHINGTON Today, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) met 2019 Angels in Adoption recipient, Ms. Becky Donovan of Rock Hill, S.C. Sen. Scott offered his congratulations and expressed his appreciation for the important work Ms. Donovan does. Ms. Donovan is an outstanding example of a committed and courageous South Carolinian whose work on adoption education as a compassionate choice has saved many lives,said Senator Scott. I congratulate her on this well-deserved accomplishment and hope her work continues to serve as an inspiration to others. Senator Scott poses with Ms. Donovan holding her award. Ms. Donovan has worked with the Palmetto Women's Center in various positions for over 21 years, including as a client advocate, administrative assistant, volunteer and Executive Director. Palmetto Women's Center is a faith-based non-profit organization that helps women across the state by offering support and information during pregnancies, often unplanned. Ms. Donovan has been an instrumental part of the PWC team, teaching that adoption is one way for a woman in an unplanned pregnancy to take charge and help plan her baby's life when parenting is not an option. Through her years of service, Ms. Donovan has served as a strong voice for the unborn and for all those who stand up for life. Even though she celebrated her retirement earlier this year, she leaves behind a stronger organization that is committed to continue saving lives every day. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-commends-treasury-decision-preserving-state-based-insurance-systems,Scott Commends Treasury Decision Preserving State-Based Insurance Systems,2019-11-14,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | November 14, 2019 Scott Commends Treasury Decision Preserving State-Based Insurance Systems Washington U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the statement below following the U.S. Treasury Department's decision to continue protecting the United States insurance regulatory system and resisting efforts to shift to a European-modeled Insurance Capital Standard (ICS). Scott discussed the matter with Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin by phone earlier this week, and recently led a letter to Treasury on the matter that was signed by 30 Senators. Scott said, It is clear that the ICS is not fit for purpose in the United States and would never be adopted here. Our insurance commissioners should be leading our regulatory approach, and the Treasury Department has now taken the important step of protecting that state-based approach. Thank you to Secretary Mnuchin and his team for their tireless efforts to negotiate an outcome that reflects a clear pathway to comparability for the United States, as well as the Federal Reserve and National Association of Insurance Commissioners for their work on this issue. Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=42299C41-8359-4707-96FE-4427DFD1F0A6,Graham on White House Meeting,2019-11-13,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after a meeting with President Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. I appreciate being invited to meet with President Trump and the President of Turkey to discuss Turkey's purchase of the S-400 missile system and Turkey's military incursion into Syria. The meeting today at the White House was frank, candid, and I hope, over time, will prove to be productive. I realize Turkey has legitimate national security concerns regarding certain Kurdish elements of the U.S.-led counter-ISIS coalition, but Turkey's incursion into Syria has been incredibly disruptive. I believe it is possible to deal with Turkey's national security concerns by creating a Safe Zone, but Turkey cannot do it through force of arms. The United States cannot and will not abandon our Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) allies, as that will undermine our ability to protect our nation going forward. We can achieve a win-win Safe Zone, but Turkey's military incursion must end. As to Turkey's purchase of the S-400 Russian missile system: it is almost a universally held position in Congress that the S-400 is incompatible with the F-35 fighter. Turkey's activation of the Russian S-400 will require the U.S. to keep Turkey from the F-35 program and issue sanctions. I'm hopeful we can find a way forward with the S-400 where Turkey's national security needs can be met without compromising the F-35 program. Turkey has been a valuable ally and member of NATO. I'm hoping to salvage this relationship, but only time will tell if that is possible. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-responds-to-democrat-efforts-to-destroy-opportunity,Scott Responds to Democrat Efforts to Destroy Opportunity,2019-11-13,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday | November 13, 2019 Scott Responds to Democrat Efforts to Destroy Opportunity WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the statement below following the introduction of two Democratic bills, introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC), that would hurt low-income communities across the country by limiting the effectiveness of Opportunity Zones. Senator Scott said, This is the second misguided attempt by Congressional Democrats in the last two weeks to wreck the Opportunity Zone initiative under the guise of improvement.' Make no mistake, Congressman Clyburn's legislation, which is very similar to a bill introduced by Senator Wyden in the Senate last week, will needlessly punish low-income communities who are hoping to use Opportunity Zones to transform areas left behind. Estimates show as high as $63 billion can already be expected to be utilized in zones across the country; with a poverty rate averaging 29 percent in the 8,700 zones across the nation, the potential these dollars hold for these communities is clear in terms of jobs, technology, infrastructure and so many other possible uses. From our initial research, we can already tell these two bills would at the very least sunset: Multiple zones with a child poverty rate above 30 percent Multiple zones with general poverty rates above 25 percent, some where the poverty rate is double their statewide average At least one zone with a senior poverty rate above 40 percent A zone where African-Americans compromise 20 percent of the community and have median household income of $16,000 a year While certain, mainly Democratic, Governors across the country chose their states zones in a way I do not agree with, taking a broad brush and sunsetting opportunity for hundreds of communities across the country at once is unacceptable. More than 96 percent of the total zones did not show any signs of gentrification at the time they were nominated, yet Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Wyden and their Democratic colleagues seem keen to ignore this fact. This shows that my colleagues across the aisle have failed to truly study and understand Opportunity Zones as a whole, and are seeking to damage the program for purely partisan reasons. Another example of the failures of their bills is they would list health centers' as a sin business, which excludes them from eligibility in the initiative. What does that mean? It could ban any sort of workout facility, which potentially means YMCAs or after-school programs based around physical education. This is absolutely egregious, as we should be looking for ways to help improve the health of folks living in zones, where the average life expectancy is three years shorter than the national average and the average obesity rate is significantly higher than the national average. Yet again, we are left with the impression that those writing these bills simply have failed to understand both the complexities of improving opportunity in low-income communities and the goals of the Opportunity Zones initiative in the first place. I stand ready to improve the Opportunity Zones initiative in a positive way with anyone who wants to work together. Senator Booker and I have already introduced a bill that would include important reporting requirements; the legislation introduced today does not even mention reporting requirements once. Instead of trying to take down Opportunity Zones because of their distaste for President Trump and our successful tax reform package, I invite Democrats to come to the table and work together on a path forward. A bipartisan group of mayors from across the country, including Columbia's Steve Benjamin, have come out in full-throated support of Opportunity Zones, because they know the potential they hold for their communities. The past 50 years of fighting poverty through government-led programs has been largely ineffective, so let's make sure the next 50 are powered by efforts that will work. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",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://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-leads-letter-to-treasury-regarding-international-insurance-capital-standard-negotiations,Scott Leads Letter to Treasury Regarding International Insurance Capital Standard Negotiations,2019-11-12,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Tuesday | November 12, 2019 Scott Leads Letter to Treasury Regarding International Insurance Capital Standard Negotiations WASHINGTONToday, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), along with Senator Mike Rounds, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, and 27 Senators lead a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin, urging members of Team USA to seek a clear pathway to formal recognition of the U.S. insurance regulatory system as comparable or outcome equivalent to the ICS. Additionally, they call on members of Team USA to oppose adoption of the reference International Capital Standard (ICS), if the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) fails to formally and publicly accept changes with respect to the ICS that reflect these parameters. This letter is in response to the Senate Banking Committee hearing in September on Developments in Global Insurance Regulatory and Supervisory Forums. We appreciate your [Sec. Mnuchin] public statements about the importance of a clear path to comparability prior to the formal vote on adoption of the Insurance Capital Standard (ICS 2.0) at the IAIS annual conference in Abu Dhabi in November. The parameters provided by Team USA should provide permanent guardrails and guarantee a clear pathway to formal recognition of the U.S. insurance regulatory system as comparable or outcome equivalent to the ICS. Given the fundamental differences that exist between the U.S. state-based approach and that of the ICS, the determination of whether the U.S. approach is outcome equivalent to the reference ICS must necessarily be a principle-based or even a political determination, and not the result of a quantitative assessment. We are opposed to delaying that determination to the end of the five year monitoring period: delay leaves too much to chance. That is why your continued strong support is so critical to an acceptable outcome."" Scott was joined on the letter by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Patty Murray (D-WA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), David Perdue (R-GA), Angus King (I-ME), John Hoeven (R-ND), Margaret Hassan (D-NH), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), James Inhofe (R-OK), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Boozman (R-AR), John Barrasso (R-WY), Todd Young (R-IN), John Boozman (R-AR), John Kennedy (R-LA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Mike Braun (R-IN), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Roger Wicker (R-MI), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Jeanna Shaheen (D-NH). Click HERE to read full letter. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://joewilson.house.gov/media-center/Op-eds/serving-our-veterans,Serving Our Veterans,2019-11-11,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who sacrifice so much for our freedom. The recent operation in Syria to capture the murderous leader of ISIS shows the continued resolve our servicemembers have when protecting this country. We must honor these sacrifices, although this is a debt that cannot be repaid. While representing South Carolina's Second District in Congress, I will continue fighting to promote efforts that help and protect America's veterans. This Congress, I co-sponsored important legislation to support our veterans and their families. This includes theVA Hiring Enhancement Act, which enforces federal law that already establishes minimum requirements for VA physicians and theHomeless Veterans Families Act,which increases money for services to homeless veterans including money for minor dependents. American veterans deserve our support and I am grateful to fight for them. I also co-sponsored theImprove Well-Being for Veterans Actthat required the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance in support of veteran suicide prevention services. Additionally, I am supportive of efforts to cut red tape for military spouses when transferring professional licensing between states due to required moves. I recently met with representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of South Carolina during their September visit. We know we must do better to combat veteran suicide and I am committed to working with the Veterans Administration to ensure access to care. This is a frightening trend and I urge my fellow South Carolinians to reach this Veteran's Day to any veteran experiencing hardship. My team was honored to host Veteran's Hiring Fairs for four consecutive years. We are seeing the dividends of those efforts now in a strong economy and a decrease in veterans unemployment rate. The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce cited data showing the state's annual unemployment rate for veterans declined to 3.3 percent in 2018, down from 3.9 percent in 2017. This is a 15.4 percent drop in the rate year-over-year, and a considerable decrease from the 5 percent unemployment rate in 2016. This is good news for our veterans, our economy, and our state. Thank you to our small businesses and industry partners who value the work ethic of our veterans. I am grateful to be named as a Conferee for the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) where House and Senate members will adjudicate their respective National Defense Authorization Acts to send to the President. I will continue to fight for inclusion of the Widow's Tax reform in the final bill; I am determined for the surviving spouses to receive the benefits they deserve either through the NDAA or with a stand-alone vote onThe Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. I first introduced this Act to repeal the Widow's Tax in 2011. Since then, my team partnered with Veterans Service Organizations and advocates who dedicate countless hours to fight for repeal of this unfair offset. I am grateful that my office is participating in the Veterans History Project, an ongoing effort by the Library of Congress to collect and preserve personal accounts of American war veterans. These narratives keep history alive and allow these important experiences to be accessible for future generations to know first-hand of wartime realities. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please reach out to our office. I also want to highlight the work of Kassy Alia of Serve & Connect and our first responders. Many veterans return to service as a first responder after separating from the military. As your member of congress, as a veteran, and as a father of four sons who have served in the South Carolina Army National Guard and the Navy overseas, I will continue to fight for and support our nation's veterans and their families. Read this article in the New Irmo News here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rice.house.gov/press-releases?ID=829991AA-60B6-4D13-9975-2D57C3621D39,Rep. Rice announces November Mobile Office Hours,2019-11-08,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tom Rice,R000597,rice.house.gov,,,legacy,"SOUTH CAROLINA Congressman Tom Rice (R-S.C.) today announced his staff will be hosting mobile office hours throughout South Carolina's 7th Congressional District. During these meetings, constituents can meet with members of Congressman Rice's staff for help with issues involving federal agencies, including claims processing at the VA, Social Security benefits, the IRS, obtaining passports and more.For directions or additional details regarding mobile office hours, please contact the Pee Dee District Office at(843) 679-9781or the Grand Strand District Office at(843) 445-6459. Wednesday, November 13th 12:00 pm 2:00 pm Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments 1230 Highmarket St. Georgetown, SC 29440 ? Wednesday, November 27th 12:00 pm 2:00 pm Horry County Government and Justice Center 1301 2ndAvenue Conway, SC 29526 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=81ECEA22-E7F2-4E75-B207-80D16F0D3D4F,Graham Statement on Committee Advancing Lydon Nomination to be Federal District Court Judge for South Carolina,2019-11-07,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the Committee advancing the nomination of Sherri Lydon to be a U.S. District Judge for the District of South Carolina. Her nomination now awaits a vote by the full Senate. I'm very pleased that the Judiciary Committee reported Sherri Lydon out favorably to be a district court judge, said Graham. Sherri has done an outstanding job as our U.S. Attorney, and she is one of the most qualified people in the state of South Carolina to serve as a district court judge. I look forward to working with Senator Scott to make sure she gets confirmed as quickly as possible. In addition to Lydon, the Committee also advanced five other judicial nominees. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-speaks-on-importance-of-co-alerts-act-in-senate-banking-hearing,Scott Speaks on Importance of CO ALERTS Act in Senate Banking Hearing,2019-11-07,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Thursday | November 7, 2019 Scott Speaks on Importance of CO ALERTS Act in Senate Banking Hearing WASHINGTON This morning, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spoke at the Senate Banking Committee hearing Examining Bipartisan Bills to Promote Affordable Housing Access and Safety. Sen. Scott questioned Ms. Ivory N. Mathews, Interim Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Columbia, after she gave witness testimony regarding the January 2019 Carbon Monoxide deaths of Calvin Witherspoon Jr. and Derrick Caldwell Roper in a Columbia, SC public housing complex. This tragedy only galvanized my need to ensure that we are committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens, like Calvin and Derek, and the 239 other families at Allen Benedict Court Public Housing Community in Columbia, South Carolina, said Senator Tim Scott. There have been over 14 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths in public housing across this country since 200314 too many. Sen. Scott reiterated the importance of his Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident to Safety Act (CO ALERTS Act), which would ensure that more than 1.3 million highly vulnerable Americans in federally assisted housing are protected from this silent killer. This bill aims to curb the over 50,000 people visiting the emergency room every year due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. At the most risk are children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Even one preventable death in our public housing facilities is too many, and this important amendment will help put an end to the threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning for families across the nation, especially as we go into the higher-risk winter season, said Senator Tim Scott. In addition to Ms. Mathews' testimony, the committee also received letters of support from Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, the South Carolina Association of Housing Authority Executive Directors, the Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment and Codes officials, and the National Association of State Fire Marshalls. You can watch Sen. Scott's full remarks here. Background: Last month, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) today introduced his CO ALERTS Act as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill. This move came on the heels of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) announcement that $5 million in grants are now available to housing authorities for the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors. Senator Scott has worked diligently with HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Senator Menendez since this past January, when two men died of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in a public housing complex in Columbia, South Carolina. This comes on the heels of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) announcement that $5 million in grants are now available to housing authorities for the installation of Carbon Monoxide detectors. This past January, two men died of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in a public housing complex in Columbia, South Carolina. Senator Scott has worked diligently with HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Senator Menendez to prevent this sort of tragedy from happening again. Bill text for the CO ALERTS Act can be found here, and the HUD Manufactured Housing Modernization Act can be found here. ### Related Issues: Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/annual-principal-day-event-welcomes-legislators-lcsd-55,Annual Principal for the Day event welcomes legislators to LCSD 55,2019-11-06,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6568E6E7-00B4-48A1-A7A4-B734AD840066,Graham Speaks at White House on Confirming Conservative Judges,2019-11-06,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today spoke at an event at the White House celebrating the confirmation of more than 150 conservative federal judges. GRAHAM: Brett Kavanaugh lived a life we should all be proud of. He worked hard and the way he was treated was the worst experience I have had in politics. A lot of people would have pulled the plug on him. Mr. President, thank you for not pulling the plug. https://youtu.be/tI2P64SsOuc?t=150 GRAHAM: The Judiciary Committee is not for the faint of heart. Our Democratic friends are tough, they believe in their causes, and we have to fight hard for our causes. But one thing I want to say about President Trump: the defining moment in your presidency for me was the Kavanaugh hearing. This room would be empty if we failed Brett Kavanaugh. https://youtu.be/tI2P64SsOuc?t=128 Click here to watch Graham's full remarks #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A009197F-C969-482A-B810-147872C68F33,Graham Announces DOT Grant for Ashley River Crossing,2019-11-06,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award the City of Charleston a $18.149 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant. The grant will help construct a standalone bridge adjacent to the Ashley River Bridge connecting West Ashley and the Charleston peninsula. The new bridge would primarily provide bicycle and pedestrian access. It will also provide a safer travel option for non-motorized commuters and help relieve traffic congestion. Graham wrote to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in July 2019 encouraging DOT to make this important investment in the City of Charleston. A copy of the letter is attached. Graham made the following statement after a phone call with Secretary Chao on Wednesday. I very much appreciate Secretary Chao for awarding this grant to construct a bike and pedestrian bridge. This project will improve the quality of life and safety of all those who live in and around one of the greatest cities in the nation: Charleston, South Carolina. This is a big enhancement when it comes quality of life. I was proud to be a partner in the efforts to get this done. #####",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/press-releases/heat-chairs-applaud-formal-us-withdrawal-paris-climate-agreement,HEAT Chairs Applaud Formal U.S. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement,2019-11-05,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Energy Action Team co-chairs Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) joined House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) to applaud President Trump for beginning the process to formally withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. I applaud President Trump for putting American families and workers first by officially withdrawing from the unworkable and reckless United Nations Paris Climate Accord. The unrealistic, liberal policies that make up this agreement hit low-income Americans the hardest by increasing energy costs and killing American jobs. Estimates show that the reduction in manufacturing necessary to comply with Paris Accord mandates would destroy up to 2.7 million jobs in the U.S. by 2025. Those jobs would go to exempt countries like China and India, who emit significantly more carbon than us now, and are allowed to increase their emissions through 2030 under the flawed terms of the agreement. America is already reducing carbon emissions through innovative technology coupled with strong environmental standards. The United States will continue to advance smart strategies that promote energy dominance and protect American jobs especially the energy jobs that are so critical to our economy in Louisiana, said Whip Scalise. The Trump Administration should be commended for putting America first and removing the United States from the flawed and misguided Paris Climate Accord. This accord placed burdensome and costly regulations on the United States that would halt all the free-market and technological advances that have helped our nation reduce total emissions by 68% since 1970 a feat no other country has accomplished. This accord also placed strict, job-killing requirements on the United States while doing nothing to hold the biggest offenders of emissions accountable China and Russia. Our nation will continue to lead the world in emission reduction through free-market advances, without tying the hands of American innovators through the ill-advised Paris Climate Accord, said Rep. Duncan. Withdrawing from the job-killing Paris Climate Agreement is great news for the American people and I applaud President Trump for making this decision. The United States is already leading the world in reducing CO2 emissions and the Agreement does nothing to hold China and Russia, who are already some of the world's largest polluters, accountable. We cannot have an effective climate policy that puts the United States at a disadvantage with our economic competitors, said Rep. Mullin. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases/timmons-statement-hhs-religious-liberty-announcement,Timmons Statement on HHS Religious Liberty Announcement,2019-11-05,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,William Timmons,T000480,timmons.house.gov,,,legacy,"Greenville, SC Congressman William Timmons released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services announced their decision Friday to roll back a regulation which had threatened the religious liberty of faith-based foster care providers across the country, including Miracle Hill Ministries in Greenville. Faith-based child placing agencies have long been a crucial partner in providing homes for foster children, especially in South Carolina. But because of an ill-advised and hastily implemented regulation from the Obama Administration, faith-based agencies were forced into the impossible situation of having to choose between continuing to adhere to their religious beliefs or continuing to provide homes for vulnerable children,"" said Congressman Timmons. ""With this news from HHS, faith-based foster care providers such as Miracle Hill Ministries will no longer be faced with this choice. I am glad the Trump Administration has taken this important step and look forward to this new rule being finalized in the months ahead. You can view HHS's notice of proposed rulemaking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressman-jeff-duncan-reacts-house-vote-impeachment-inquiry,Congressman Jeff Duncan reacts to House vote on impeachment inquiry,2019-11-01,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://jeffduncan.house.gov/media/in-the-news/impeachment-resolution-passed-duncan-calls-it-illegitimate,Impeachment Resolution Passed: Duncan calls it illegitimate,2019-11-01,2019,2019-11,Republican,House,SC,Jeffrey Duncan,D000615,jeffduncan.house.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z